PA Program: Overview

Summer I

Fall I

Spring I

Summer II

Fall II

Spring II

Summer III

Degree Conferred and Certification

Those students who have successfully completed the Professional Phase of the PA Program will be awarded a Master's of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies and are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Once a candidate passes the examination, he/she is certified to perform a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services as a PA-C, under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Accreditation and Memberships

The Marywood University Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The most recent accreditation is dated March 2012. The next review will take place in 2016.

Course Descriptions

PA 310/510 CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS I

(3.0 credits)

This course is designed to provide students with the background and skills needed to make accurate assessments and diagnoses using detailed history taking and an appropriate and thorough physical exam. The course will be taught using a system based approach incorporating lecture, audio-visual aids, teaching models, and clinical laboratory sessions. Practical experience and the supervision of a physician will enable the student to become more proficient in the technique of history-taking and physical findings in such a way that a supervising physician will determine the next appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic step.

PA 320A/520A PATHOPHYSIOLOGY I

(2.0 credits)

Brief review of the anatomy and physiology of the organ system will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on the essential aspects of anatomy, physiology and histology as applied in the understanding of pathology. Disease processes will be presented with regard to definition or description of the disease, etiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical features, therapy and prognosis.

PA 322/522 MEDICAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I

(4.0 credits)

Human Structure and Function is an eight week intense course, that will take the student through the anatomical and physiological aspects of the human body via a systems based approach.  The instructional material will be presented in a multidisciplinary format to foster the integration of the basic disciplines of Gross Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Clinical Anatomy, and Physiology.  The integration of these disciplines requires lectures, tutorials and clinical case lectures as well as active learning with dissection experiences in the Gross Anatomy Laboratory.

PA 340/540 DIAGNOSTIC METHODS I

(2.0 credits)

This course is composed of a component of laboratory analysis and medical microbiology component. Selection and interpretation of appropriate routine and special diagnostic, monitoring and screening laboratory tests. This is the first semester of a two semester course.  This semester will instruct in the development of the understanding of varioud laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of disease of the cardiac, renal, endoctrine systems as well as electrolyte. Medical microbiology will review the basics of bacteriology and virology. It will also instruct the student in common infectious agents in each of the systems of the human body. There will be a review of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

PA 370/570 DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE I

(1.0 credit)

An introduction to geriatric medicine, including changes associated with aging, considering physical, social and emotional impact.

PA 580 RESEARCH METHODS/EPIDEMIOLOGY

(3.0 Graduate credits)

Introduction to research methodology and statistical analysis with emphasis on the epidemiology of infectious disease and preventive medicine. This course is intended to provide physician assistant students the basic concepts of epidemiology and preventive medicine and a methodical approach of reviewing and interpreting health science research literature. The student will thereto be able to demonstrate how to evaluate the quality and content of a research article and command a thorough knowledge of epidemiological principles, and their relationship to morbidity and mortality, disease surveillance, and preventive medicine.

 PA 311/511 CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS II

(3.0 credits)

A continuation of PA 310/510. The PA student will further develop and refine skills in history taking and physical examination. This course will include systems not covered in PA 310/510, and signs and symptoms of disease processes relevant to these systems. Clinical skills will continue to be developed, and the student will participate in clinical laboratory sessions both on and off campus.

PA 341/541 DIAGNOSTIC METHODS II

(4.0 credits)

Developing the understanding of various laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of disease including disturbances of acid-base, electrolyte disorders, renal disorders and disorders of the endocrine system. EKG interpretations including: electro-physiology, axis, rate and rhythm, as well as differential diagnosis of arrhythmias.

This course includes components in lab medicine (2 hours per week), EKG interpretation (1.5 hours per week), and radiology (1.5 hours per week).

PA 330/530 CLINICAL MEDICINE I

(4.0 credits)

Includes disease processes, orthopedics, dermatology and psychiatry. A comprehensive study of disease processes as they relate to specific organ systems, EENT and cardiopulmonary systems. Significance of: signs and symptoms of various disease diagnosis procedures and therapeutic measures used in treating diseases. Instruction in common disorders of the skeletal system. Recognition of: dermatological diseases, treatment and referral. Recognition, diagnosis, treatment and referral of patients with behavioral and mental disorders encountered in primary care settings. The course includes components in clinical medicine (4 hours per week) and orthopedics (1 1/2 hours per week)

PA 330/550 BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE I (Pharmacology I)

(2.0 credits)

Introduction to pharmacology including: pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic use, adverse effects of major drug classes and prescription rationale. This is the first semester of a two semester course.

PA 371/571 DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE (Pediatrics I)

(2.0 credits)

This is the first semester of a two semester course that will teach the PA student the basics of pediatric medicine including normal development throughout the adolescent lifespan, nutritional status, common childhood diseases and immunizations.

PA 390/590 SEMINAR I

(1.0 credit)

Case studies, readings and group discussions will be used to focus on issues of concern to physician assistants. The students will be instructed on proper documentation of medical information. Mini rotations in a variety of clinical settings will be assigned in conjunction with the seminar. The students will go to local nursing homes and perform history and physical examinations on residents. Guest speakers will present various topics.  Cultural diversity and awareness will be applied to patient care. Medical skills will be introduced and practiced to gain proficiency.

PA 331/531 CLINICAL MEDICINE II

(6.0 credits)

A continuation of PA 330/530. This course is comprised of clinical medicine, dermatology, critical care, pediatrics II, and genomic medicine components.  This course will focus on disease states of all organ systems of the human body as well as diagnosis and treatment. Dermatology will instruct the student in common dermatological diseases, diagnosis, treatment and referral.  Critical care will instruct the student in the care of the critically ill patient, including respirator use, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease and acutely ill post-operative patients and trauma patients. .  Genomic medicine will instruct the student in the basics of human genetics.  The student will learn the presentation, diagnostic methods and treatment of many genetic linked diseases. Consequences of medical intervention is discussed based on the theories of pathogenesis.

PA 351/551 BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE II

(5.0 credits)

Continuation of PA 550. This course includes pharmacology II, general surgery, emergency medicine, and medical nutrition. Pharmacology will instruct the student in therapeutic  regimens related to additional classes of drugs not covered in pharmacology I.  Surgery will provide a comprehensive overview of the most commonly encountered surgical diseases with emphasis on surgical anatomy, pre and post-operative care, operative approaches and surgical considerations.  Emergency medicine provides an introduction to emergency medicine, assessment and recognition of common emergency complaints, differential diagnosis and management. Medical nutrition will cover the basics of the food pyramid, nutritional needs and issues throughout the lifespan, and caloric and nutritional needs for the ill patient.

PA 360/560 BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

(1.0 credit)

This course is comprised of a component in Issues in Health and Psychiatric Component Focus on issues in health care as related to the PA profession, including history of profession, changes in the health care system, women's health and legal issues pertaining to the delivery of health care. Advanced topics of ethical issues will be discussed. A combination of lecture and practical applications will be employed to teach medical interviewing. Psychiatry will introduce the recognition, diagnosis, treatment and referral of patients with behavioral and mental disorders encountered in a primary care setting. This course includes components in Issues in Health Care (1 1/2 hours per week) and Psychiatry (1 1/2 hours per week)

PA 372/572 DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE III

(2.0 credits)

This course will cover obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry.  Ob/gyn will provide an introduction to basic knowledge of obstetrics and gynecology, including life cycle changes, pregnancy and delivery. The second semester of a two semester Pediatrics course will review basic systems, disease process, and treatment of infants, children and adolescents. This course includes components of OB/GYN (2 hours per week) and Pediatrics (1 1/2 hours per week).

PA 591 SEMINAR II

(1.0 credit)

Case studies, readings and group discussions will be used to focus on issues of concern to physician assistants. Mini rotations in a variety of clinical settings will be assigned in conjunction with the seminar. A basic understanding of the dimensions of human sexuality will be provided including historical and cross cultural perspectives of sexuality, developmental sexuality and social issues. Guest speakers will present various topics.