PA Program Competencies

By the end the the program, Physician Assistant students are expected to have developed the below skills for entry level practice.

Expectations

  1. Medical Knowledge (MK)
    1. Recognize etiologies, risk factors, underlying pathologic process, and epidemiology associated with medical conditions. 
    2. Demonstrate fundamental medical knowledge and its application through evidence-based medicine, current guidelines and standards, and informed clinical judgement.
    3. Apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities in the management of medical conditions.
  2. Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
    1. Elicit comprehensive and focused patient histories and perform general and problem focused physical examinations.
    2. Interpret laboratory data, radiologic studies, electrophysiology studies, and other diagnostic tests essential for patient evaluation.
    3. Perform medical and surgical procedures essential to their area of practice.
  3. Clinical Reasoning and Problem-solving Abilities (CRPS)
    1. Integrate patient history, physical findings and diagnostic studies to formulate differential diagnoses and appropriate clinical intervention.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise clinical and research literature to inform evidence-based practice.
  4. Interpersonal Skills (IS)
    1. Provide counseling and health education aimed at disease prevention and health maintenance.
    2. Demonstrate professional and effective communication with peers, faculty, patients, and medical team members.
    3. Demonstrate emotional competence and honesty in difficult conversations with peers, faculty, patients and colleagues.
    4. Demonstrate respect, empathy, and humility when interacting with patients and their families.
  5. Professional Behaviors (PB)
    1. Demonstrate principles of ethical integrity in all aspects of education and practice.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with peers, faculty and health professionals in a climate of mutual respect, dignity, and trust.
    3. Describe the healthcare funding sources and payment systems that affect patient care.
    4. Advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in navigating healthcare system complexities.
    5. Accurately and comprehensively document information regarding care for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes.
    6. Define legal and regulatory requirements governing PA practice and the role of the PA.
  6. Society, Community and Population Health (SCPH)
    1. Recognize the various factors that influence the health of individuals, communities, and populations.
    2. Explain the need for community engagement and multi-sector collaboration in achieving health.

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