Physician Assistant Studies

The St. Kate's Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) educates women and men to think like clinicians from the start. St. Kate's provides the building blocks of critical thinking by incorporating medical decision-making, ethical principles, and collaborative practice into every course. The program has a primary care focus, but is comprehensive and includes opportunities for students to pursue individual interests and practice in a wide variety of settings.

Learning in state-of-the-art facilities

Classroom and laboratory learning take place on St. Catherine University's campus. St. Kate’s is home to the second largest collegiate anatomy lab in the state. The new 3,600-square-foot human anatomy lab brings healthcare education to a higher level and opens avenues for new partnerships with medical professionals.

St. Kate's is located in the heart of a busy metropolitan area. Our campus offers updated classroom, library, dining, and athletic facilities surrounded by acres of beautiful grounds and a safe residential neighborhood. Graduate student housing is available.

Connecting to healthcare communities

The MPAS program is part of the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, a regionally respected home for St. Catherine's healthcare programs. This environment fosters opportunities for inter-professional experiences among students and faculty from a variety of healthcare disciplines. PA students have access to community experts, quality clinical sites and strong support systems with dedicated, well-connected faculty.


MISSION STATEMENT

Influenced by Catholic intellectual tradition, the MPAS program is committed to preparing competent and compassionate Physician Assistant scholar practitioners who possess the knowledge, clinical acumen and critical thinking skills necessary to practice exemplary, ethical, patient-centered care, and who will lead and influence with grace emphasizing global responsibility, social justice and the preservation of human dignity.

PA 6000 Foundations — 1 credit

The first MPAS course, Foundations introduces PA students to the MPAS Program and orients them to the principles of the Program and the PA profession. Students are first introduced to critical observation, clinical reasoning, collaboration within a group and self assessment of learning styles. The foundations course also starts PA students’ first contact with the clinical setting, patient care and inter-professional experiences.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MPAS Program or permission of the program director.

PA 6010 Dermatology — 3 credits

The Dermatology course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam taking skills, patient management, pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of the curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills and professionalism are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common and serious disorders in the area of dermatology and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. In addition, this course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the dermatologic system. It is delivered in lecture, independent study modules, collaborative learning, laboratory and practical models of study.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MPAS Program or permission of the program director.

PA 6020 Musculoskeletal — 4 credits

The Musculoskeletal course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the musculoskeletal system and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the musculoskeletal system and pain management. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MPAS Program or permission of the program director.

PA 6030 Neurology — 3 credits

The Neurology course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience, as well as scholar practitioner skills. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients in the areas of the neurologic system. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in neurology system and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the neurologic disorders. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MPAS Program or permission of the program director.

PA 6040 Eyes Ears Nose Throat Infectious Disease — 3 credits

The eye, ear, nose, throat and infectious disease course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management, pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills essential in the practice of medicine. Preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the area of otolaryngology and ophthalmology and builds upon associated foundational concepts within immunology, infectious disease, anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the otolaryngologic system, infectious diseases, and the eye. It is delivered in lecture, collaborative learning, laboratory and practical application models of study.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MPAS Program or permission of the program director.

PA 6050 Cardiovascular — 5 credits

The Cardiovascular course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the area of cardiology and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the cardiovascular system. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory, and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6000, PA 6010, PA 6020, PA 6030, PA 6040.

PA 6060 Pulmonary — 4 credits

The Pulmonary course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the area of pulmonology and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the respiratory system, including advanced infectious disease. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6000, PA 6010, PA 6020, PA 6030, PA 6040.

PA 6070 Gastroenterology — 3 credits

The Gastroenterology course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience, as well as scholar practitioner skills. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the gastroenterology system and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the gastrointestinal system. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6000, PA 6010, PA 6020, PA 6030, PA 6040.

PA 6080 Genitourinary — 2 credits

The Genitourinary course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience, as well as scholar practitioner skills. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the genitourinary system and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the renal and urologic systems. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6000, PA 6010, PA 6020, PA 6030, PA 6040.

PA 6090 Hematology and Oncology — 2 credits

The Hematology and Oncology course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience, as well as scholar practitioner skills. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in both the hematology system and oncology and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the hematological system and chemotherapy management. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6000, PA 6010, PA 6020, PA 6030, PA 6040.

PA 6115 Endocrine — 3 credits

The Endocrine course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the area of endocrinonology and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of the endocrine system, including advanced infectious disease. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6000, PA 6010, PA 6020, PA 6030, PA 6040.

PA 6120 Mental Health — 2 credits

The Mental health course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the area of mental health and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes of mental health, including advanced disease. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6000, PA 6010, PA 6020, PA 6030, PA 6040.

PA 6205 Women's Health — 3 credits

The Women's Health course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of common and serious disorders in female patients and builds upon foundational concepts within anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes and well-being in women’s health. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, case-based learning, and hands-on laboratory formats.
Prerequisites: PA 6050, PA 6060, PA 6070, PA 6080, PA 6090, PA 6115, PA 6120.

PA 6305 Pediatrics — 3 credits

The Pediatrics health course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Well child care, genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in pediatric patients and builds upon foundational concepts within anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, case-based learning, team-based learning, independent study, and hands-on laboratory formats.
Prerequisites: PA 6050, PA 6060, PA 6070, PA 6080, PA 6090, PA 6115, PA 6120.

PA 6400 Geriatrics — 2 credits

The Aging and Elderly course provides an integrative approach incorporating basic medical sciences, history and physical exam skills, patient management including pharmacotherapy, clinical medicine and clinical experience components of curriculum. Scholar practitioner skills are woven throughout. Students will learn, demonstrate and apply techniques and skills, essential in the interview and physical exam of patients. Genetics and preventative health measures will be addressed. This course includes background in the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common and serious disorders in the aging and elderly and builds upon associated foundational concepts within anatomy and pathophysiology. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes and well-being in aging and the elderly. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6050, PA 6060, PA 6070, PA 6080, PA 6090, PA 6115, PA 6120.

PA 6500 Special Populations — 2 credits

The Special Populations course provides an integrative approach through a review of all clinical medicine areas, allowing students to become familiar with the healthcare needs of special population groups, gain insight into the issues of healthcare disparity, global health and cultural competence in healthcare delivery. This course covers holistic patient management, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy related to disease processes in special populations. It is delivered in lecture, cooperative learning, laboratory models of study and practical application models of study.
Prerequisites: PA 6050, PA 6060, PA 6070, PA 6080, PA 6090, PA 6115, PA 6120.

PA 6605 Primary Care — 3 credits

The Primary Care course provides an integrative approach through a review of all clinical medicine areas, allowing students to become familiar with the healthcare needs of in the setting of primary, chronic care. Integrated clinical experience is incorporated into this course. Students learn advanced clinical reasoning, as they revisit clinical material through the lens of patients, their families and inter-professional healthcare team members in primary care settings.
Prerequisites: PA 6050, PA 6060, PA 6070, PA 6080, PA 6090, PA 6115, PA 6120.

PA 6700 Surgical and Hospital Care — 2 credits

The Surgical and Hospital Care course provides an integrative approach through a review of all clinical medicine areas, allowing students to become familiar with the health care needs of patients in the setting of surgical and hospital based care. An integrated clinical experience in this healthcare setting is incorporated into this course. Students learn advanced clinical reasoning, as they revisit clinical material through the lens of patients, their families and inter-professional healthcare team members in surgical and hospital settings.
Prerequisites: PA 6205, PA 6305, PA 6400, PA 6500, PA 6605.

PA 6800 Urgent and Emergency Care — 2 credits

The Urgent and Emergency Care course provides an integrative approach through a review of all clinical medicine areas, allowing students to become familiar with the healthcare needs in the setting of urgent and emergency care. Students learn advanced clinical reasoning, as they revisit clinical material through the lens of patients, their families and inter-professional healthcare team members in urgent and emergency healthcare settings.
Prerequisites: PA 6205, PA 6305, PA 6400, PA 6500, PA 6605.

PA 7050 Primary Care Clerkship — 4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in Primary Care course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of one of the Primary Care disciplines. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as Clinical Instructor evaluations.

PA 7150 Family Medicine Clerkship — 4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in Family Medicine course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of Family Medicine. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as Clinical Instructor evaluations.

PA 7200 Pediatrics Clerkship — 2,4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in Pediatrics course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of pediatric medicine. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as clinical instructor evaluations.

PA 7255 Community of Clinical Quality Improvement — 4 credits

This seminar is structured after a clerkship delivery model and occurs after students have completed their clinical rotations and senior clerkships. This course introduces students to a variety of tools used in community and clinical quality improvement (CCQI) projects and reviews critical guidance to assist them in designing and conducting a CCQI project. The goal is to develop skills in systems-based assessment tools that can lead to improved patient care, increased efficiencies in organizational systems, reduced costs for patients and providers, and contribute to reductions in health care disparities.
Prerequisites: All previous MPAS coursework. Learning agreement with preceptor approved by course instructor prior to September 15.

PA 7350 Women's Health Clerkship — 4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in Women’s Health emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of Women’s Health. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as clinical instructor evaluations.

PA 7450 Internal Medicine Clerkship — 4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in Internal Medicine course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of internal medicine. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as clinical instructor evaluations.

PA 7500 General Surgery Clerkship — 2,4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in General Surgery course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of general surgical medicine. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as preceptor evaluations.

PA 7650 Emergency Medicine Clerkship — 4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in Emergency Medicine course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of emergency medicine. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as clinical instructor evaluations.

PA 7700 Mental Health Clinical Clerkship — 4 credits

The Clinical Practice Clerkship in Mental Health course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice of mental health. Comprehensive and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care setting and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, case studies, practical cases, as well as clinical instructor evaluations.

PA 7800 Elective I Clerkship — 4 credits

The Elective I clerkship is a required clerkship in an area of medicine chosen by the student with the approval of the student’s advisor and clinical coordinator. This course is a focused study and practical clinical experience in a core clerkship area of study or in a subspecialty of medicine. Students, as a component of the curriculum, will develop course learning objectives. The course is delivered through a clinical practice experience and assessment is largely focused around the student’s development of a focused topic area, presentation of this data, as well as clinical instructor assessments and evaluations.

PA 7850 Elective II Clerkship — 4 credits

The Elective II clerkship is a required clerkship in an area of medicine chosen by the student with the approval of the student’s advisor and clinical coordinator. This course is a focused study and practical clinical experience in a core clerkship area of study or in a subspecialty of medicine. Students, as a component of the curriculum, will develop course learning objectives. The course is delivered through a clinical practice experience and assessment is largely focused around the student’s development of a focused topic area, presentation of this data, as well as clinical instructor assessments and evaluations.

PA 7900 Senior Clerkship I — 4 credits

The Senior Clerkship I course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice chosen by the student (or appointed by the Clinical Coordinators) and approved by the Clinical Coordinators and site Preceptors. Advanced comprehension and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care settings and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, SOAP notes with analysis, online cases studies, as well as preceptor assessments and evaluations.

PA 7950 Senior Clerkship II — 4 credits

The Senior Clerkship II course emphasizes the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions unique in the practice chosen by the student (or appointed by the Clinical Coordinators) and approved by the Clinical Coordinators and site Preceptors. Advanced comprehension and accurate data collection through patient history, physical exam, laboratory and diagnostic studies, as well as formulation of differential diagnosis through clinical fund of knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking are expected. Students will strengthen their skills in patient management, emphasizing preventative medicine and including patient education, counseling, making referrals, pharmaceutical management and holistic approaches to health and wellness. The clinical experience of this course supports opportunities for patient evaluation, care and management, which include procedures and technical skills, as well as an understanding of practice settings, collaborative practice and communication common in medical settings. It is delivered through clinical practical experiences in various health care settings and evaluated through modalities such as written exams, SOAP notes with analysis, online cases studies, as well as preceptor assessments and evaluations.

PA 7980 Senior Seminar — 3 credits

The Senior Seminar Capstone course is a required course that spans the final semester, overlaps Senior Clerkships I and II and convenes for a concentrated final on-campus weeks to conclude program content, just prior to graduation. Carefully targeted lectures, activities, and assignments assist students in preparing for the National Certification Examination, obtaining licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant, seeking and obtaining employment as a PA, maintaining PA certification, and planning for professional development and life-long learning. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible to take the MPAS Program Summative Knowledge Assessments, the final evaluation of eligibility and readiness for graduation.

PA 7985 Senior Seminar-Capstone — 2 credits

The Senior Seminar Capstone course is a required course that spans the final semester, overlaps Senior Clerkships I and II and convenes for a concentrated final on-campus weeks to conclude program content, just prior to graduation. Carefully targeted lectures, activities, and assignments assist students in preparing for the National Certification Examination, obtaining licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant, seeking and obtaining employment as a PA, maintaining PA certification, and planning for professional development and life-long learning. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible to take the MPAS Program Summative Knowledge Assessments, the final evaluation of eligibility and readiness for graduation.

PA 7999 Senior Seminar-Capstone — 1 credit

The Senior Seminar/Capstone is a required course that spans the final semester Senior Clerkships and convenes for a concentrated final program week just prior to graduation. Carefully targeted lectures, activities, and assignments assist students in preparing for the National Certification Examination, obtaining licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant, seeking and obtaining employment as a PA, maintaining PA certification, and planning for professional development and life-long learning. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible to take the MPAS Program Summative Knowledge Assessments, the final evaluation of eligibility and readiness for graduation.

PA 8010 Evidence-based Medicine I: Search for Justice — 2 credits

Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) I: Search for Justice is one of two consecutive integrated courses in which students learn about the social determinants of health, population health, epidemiology, and critically applying the medical literature to individual patient care. Students will develop skills in searching medical databases and assessing the quality and relevance of the evidence using knowledge in bio-statistics and study design. Problem based learning exercises will require the integration of the medical literature with cultural fluency, health communications and professional ethics.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the MPAS Program or permission of the program director.

PA 8012 Evidence-Based Medicine II: Search for Equity — 2 credits

Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) II: Search for Equity is the second of two consecutive integrated courses. In this course, students build on their skills in critiquing the medical literature and clinical guidelines, application of the social determinants of health to patient care and health literacy. During EBM II, students will also learn about the structure of major health care systems and services in the US, and insurance, quality of care, risk management and health economics associated with each.
Prerequisite: PA 8010.

PA 8015 Evidence-based Medicine II: Search for Equity — 3 credits

Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) II: Search for Equity is the second of two consecutive integrated courses. In this course, students build on their skills in critiquing the medical literature and clinical guidelines, application of the social determinants of health to patient care and health literacy. During EBM II, students will also learn about the structure of major health care systems and services in the US, and insurance, quality of care, risk management and health economics associated with each.
Prerequisite: PA 8010.