Physician Assistant (PHAS)

PHAS 5101. Studies in the Physician Assistant Profession. 1 Hour.

Students develop a foundational understanding of the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, examining its historical development, current trends, and essential aspects of professional practice. Students also explore current policies and regulations that impact PA practice, as well as the state and national organizations that advocate for the profession’s growth and development. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on personal wellness and professionalism as vital components of a successful and sustainable career in healthcare.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5102. Introduction to Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics. 1 Hour.

Students build a foundational understanding of the principles of pharmacology, their application in clinical practice, and explore a detailed study of mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects, and contraindications of commonly prescribed medications. Areas of focus include drug classifications, pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination), pharmacodynamics, and drug interactions.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5103. Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare. 1 Hour.

Students explore medical jurisprudence and licensing, gaining an understanding of how the legal system and ethical issues influence healthcare practice, professional responsibilities, and interactions between providers, patients, and institutions.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program.

PHAS 5104. Research and Statistical Methods. 1 Hour.

Students learn to search, interpret, and critically evaluate medical literature to support patient care. Topics covered include the basics of research, sampling methods, and fundamental biostatistical techniques. Students receive training on how to utilize professional medical databases to access relevant medical literature.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program.

PHAS 5105. Health Policy and Health Management. 1 Hour.

Students examine the structure and function of the U.S. healthcare delivery system with a focus on economic and policy challenges that influence clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on the issues that directly impact practicing physician assistants. Students conduct a thorough review of managed care, reimbursement, and other relevant topics.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program.

PHAS 5106. Clinical Radiology. 1 Hour.

Students build a foundational knowledge of diagnostic imaging used in patient evaluation, diagnosis, and clinical monitoring. Through the exploration of key radiologic studies, students learn skills in identifying both normal and abnormal findings. Students are introduced to the structure and workflow of the radiology department.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5111. Clinical Reasoning I. 1 Hour.

Students build clinical reasoning, problem solving, and medical decision-making skills necessary for effective Physician Assistant training. Through case-based discussions and problem-solving exercises students integrate clinical data, patient preferences, and evidence-based medicine to develop and understand patient care management plans. Students collaborate to formulate differential diagnoses, a primary/working diagnosis, and develop effective management plans.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5112. Clinical Lab Methods. 1 Hour.

Students develop a foundational understanding of key laboratory studies used in evaluating, diagnosing, and monitoring patient conditions. Students examine the role of the medical laboratory in clinical decision-making, emphasizing essential tests, appropriate sample collection methods, transport, use and storage considerations, as well as the interpretation of normal and abnormal findings. Through evidence-based learning, students learn laboratory techniques and safety.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5113. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Seminar. 1 Hour.

Students build a foundational understanding of electrocardiography the principles of cardiac electrophysiology and anatomy of the heart. Students learn a structured, step-by-step approach to interpreting 12-lead ECG’s and gain skills to connect EGC findings to clinical scenarios. Through guided practice and case-based learning, students develop the confidence and competence to analyze cardiac rhythms and apply their knowledge in patient care scenarios.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5121. Clinical Reasoning II. 1 Hour.

Students actively develop clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and medical decision-making skills that are essential for effective Physician Assistant practice. Students are provided with a comprehensive examination of clinical medicine that utilizes a systems-based approach, integrating foundational medical science with diagnostic reasoning and clinical management. Utilizing a blend of problem-based and team-based learning, students collaboratively develop differential diagnoses, establish primary or working diagnoses, and create effective management plans. Case study topics are aligned with the PHAS 5411 Clinical Medicine I course.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5111 and PHAS 5411.

PHAS 5131. Clinical Reasoning III. 1 Hour.

Students actively develop clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and medical decision-making skills that are essential for effective Physician Assistant practice. Utilizing a blend of problem-based and team-based learning, students collaboratively develop differential diagnoses, establish primary or working diagnoses, and create effective management plans.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5111 and PHAS 5121.

PHAS 5201. Patient Encounter I. 2 Hours.

Students develop the foundational skills necessary for effective patient encounters by learning principles and techniques of comprehensive medical interviewing. Emphasis is placed on medical history-taking, documentation of patient information, confidentiality, and cultural competency. Student learning progresses to include a patient-centered approach to health communication, with a focus on the normal adult patient. Students learn basic principles of documenting and presenting subjective and objective clinical findings in professional healthcare settings. Through laboratory sessions involving clinical scenarios, case studies, simulated patients, and role-playing, students practice and refine their skills.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5202. Biomedical Science and Genetics. 2 Hours.

Students explore key concepts in biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology, and learn how they relate to human health and disease. Through case-based learning, you will develop and refine your critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, preparing you for future medical decision-making and research.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5203. Preventive and Community Health. 2 Hours.

Students explore key public issues at the national, state, and local levels. Emphasis will be placed on foundational knowledge in health prevention, community health education, and care across the lifespan—from prenatal care to elderly health—and exploring potential solutions to local community health problems.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5221. Clinical Clerkship. 2 Hours.

This course examines the indications, contraindications, detailed procedures, and possible complications related to various hands-on skills commonly performed by physician assistants in clinical practice. Emphasizing patient safety and procedural competency, the course offers supervised opportunities to develop proficiency in entry-level procedures such as wound care, suturing, injections, venipuncture, catheterization, and other core skills.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5232. Behavioral, Social, & Mental Healthcare. 2 Hours.

Students engage in a comprehensive review of both normal and abnormal aspects of human psychological development and behavior. Students explore topics in the detection and treatment of substance abuse, human sexuality, death, dying, and loss, as well as responses to illness, injury, and stress. Students address the identification and prevention of violence and explore various psychiatric and behavioral conditions. Students gain the skills necessary for clinical evaluation and assessment of psychiatric and behavioral disorders across all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Instruction will prepare students to deliver a full spectrum of care, including preventative, emergent, acute, chronic, rehabilitative, palliative, and end-of-life care for patients with psychiatric disorders.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5233. Clinical Preparation. 2 Hours.

: Students prepare for upcoming clinical rotations through an introduction to emergency, pediatric, surgery, and rehabilitative care. The course emphasizes foundational knowledge, clinical expectations, and the roles of physician assistants and other healthcare team members. Students develop competency in preoperative assessment, sterile technique, and intraoperative support while applying evidence-based decision making in acute, pediatric, and emergent care settings. Emphasis is placed on developing patient-centered care plans and strengthening communication skills through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5311. Medical Physiology and Pathophysiology I. 3 Hours.

Students explore the core physiological mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in a healthy human body and examine how disruptions in these systems contribute to the development of disease. By studying key pathophysiological changes, students build a foundational understanding of how various health conditions develop.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5312. Patient Encounter II. 3 Hours.

Students learn the foundational techniques of physical examination while refining their medical history-taking skills. Using a patient-centered approach to health communication, they will focus on evaluating the normal adult patient. A systematic framework guides the development of examination skills, which are applied and reinforced through clinical scenarios, case studies, simulated patients, and role-playing exercises. These experiences help students build confidence and competence in conducting thorough, respectful, and effective patient assessment.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5201.

PHAS 5313. Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics I. 3 Hours.

Students explore the foundational principles of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of drug action, and potential toxicities and interactions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how pharmacologic agents are used in medical therapeutics, with attention to the physiological bases and clinical features of disease states that influence drug therapy.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5102.

PHAS 5321. Medical Physiology and Pathophysiology II. 3 Hours.

Students explore the core physiological processes that maintain homeostasis and examine how imbalances in these systems contribute to the development of disease. Through a body-system approach, students will discuss how disruptions in normal function lead to specific pathophysiological changes. By evaluating key pathophysiological changes, students will gain a. foundational understanding of how health conditions develop and how the body responds to disruption.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5311.

PHAS 5322. Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics II. 3 Hours.

Students explore core principles of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanism of action, toxicities, and drug interactions. Through a body system-based framework, students examine how pharmacologic therapies are applied to disease states and influenced by physiological factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding how drugs are selected and used to manage conditions across major organ systems.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5313.

PHAS 5331. Medical Physiology and Pathophysiology III. 3 Hours.

Students explore the physiological processes that maintain homeostasis and examine how imbalances in these systems contribute to the development of disease. Through a body system-based approach, students will discuss how disruptions in normal function lead to specific pathophysiological changes. By examining these changes, students will gain a foundational understanding of how common health conditions develop and evolve.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5321 and PHAS 5322.

PHAS 5332. Patient Encounter III. 3 Hours.

Students build the foundational skills needed to effectively communicate and educate patients about their health, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on a patient-centered approach, medical interviewing skills, documentation skills, and physical examination techniques will be reinforced. Students learn strategies to assess patient understanding, promote adherence, and tailor education to meet the needs of diverse populations. Practice scenarios and clinical simulations will build confidence in delivering accurate, respectful, and culturally competent patient education.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5201 and PHAS 5312.

PHAS 5333. Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics III. 3 Hours.

Students explore the foundational principles of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of drug action, potential toxicities, and interactions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how pharmacological agents are used in medical therapeutics, with attention to the physiological basis and clinical features of disease states, as well as the influence of drug therapy.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5313 and PHAS 5322.

PHAS 5411. Clinical Medicine I. 4 Hours.

Students explore the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of diseases across the human lifespan, organized by organ systems. Students will actively engage with core medical concepts and begin developing the skills essential for clinical decision making.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

PHAS 5421. Clinical Medicine II. 4 Hours.

Students focus on the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of disease. Students will actively engage with core medical concepts and begin developing the skills essential for clinical decision making.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5411.

PHAS 5431. Clinical Medicine III. 4 Hours.

Students explore core concepts related to etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of disease. Students actively engage with core medical concepts and develop the skills essential for clinical decision making.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5411 and PHAS 5421.

PHAS 6141. Capstone I. 1 Hour.

Students continue to explore the core principles and methods of evidence-based practice, focusing on the development and application of well-structured clinical questions using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) framework. Students will learn how to formulate precise clinical questions to guide their search for relevant research and evidence. Students learn the process of crafting effective PICO questions to search for the best available evidence, critically appraise research, synthesize findings, and make informed clinical decisions.
Prerequisite: PHAS 5104.

PHAS 6142. Capstone II. 1 Hour.

Students develop a scholarly research paper using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework as part of the Capstone experience. The course encompasses the entire process, from formulating effective Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) questions to finding the most reliable evidence, critically evaluating research, synthesizing results, and making well-informed clinical decisions.
Prerequisite: PHAS 6141.

PHAS 6151. Capstone III. 1 Hour.

Students engage in the research process by learning to formulate clear and focused clinical questions that guide their search for relevant evidence. Students explore advanced methods for identifying high-quality research, critically evaluating studies, synthesizing findings, and applying evidence to inform clinical decisions. This capstone experience consolidates knowledge and prepares students for professional decision-making in healthcare settings.
Prerequisite: PHAS 6141 and PHAS 6142.

PHAS 6301. PANCE Prep. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a structured review that integrates didactic and clinical knowledge in alignment with the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) blueprint, as outlined by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Test-taking strategies, including critical thinking, time management, and analyzing multiple-choice questions, are emphasized. The experience enhances confidence and preparedness for national certification and professional practice.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6410. Family Medicine Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students gain hands-on experience with the core principles and practices of family medicine. Under supervision, students will assess and manage patients ranging from infants to older adults in an outpatient primary care setting. The rotation is designed to refine skills in history-taking and physical examination tailored to the diverse needs of the family medicine patient population. Students are exposed to a variety of conditions and injuries unique to family medicine, preparing them to deliver competent, entry-level care as a physician assistant.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6411. Internal Medicine Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students engage in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of adult patients with a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions commonly encountered in internal medicine. Emphasis will be placed on developing clinical reasoning, performing focused histories and physical exams, interpreting diagnostic studies, and formulating evidence-based treatment plans. Students work collaboratively with healthcare teams in inpatient and outpatient settings to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care to adult and elderly patients. The rotation offers an opportunity to refine skills in history-taking and physical examination, tailored to the internal medicine patient population. Additionally, students will gain exposure to diseases and conditions specific to internal medicine.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6412. Emergency Medicine Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students engage in supervised clinical practice across diverse emergency encounters focusing on developing skills in triage, patient assessment, and the management of acutely ill individuals. Students evaluate patient acuity, understanding a wide range of medical conditions, and applying appropriate management strategies in urgent medical situations. Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6413. Surgery Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students explore the core principles and practices of surgery through supervised clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation and management of patients with surgically treatable conditions, particularly adults and older adults, in both operating room and outpatient settings. Students develop proficiency in surgical history taking and physical examination. Preoperative assessment, intraoperative participation, and postoperative wound management and assessment will be taught and practiced throughout the rotation.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6414. Women’s Health Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students explore the core principles and practices of women’s health, including obstetrics and gynecology. Emphasis will be placed on the management of common health concerns, disease prevention, and conditions affecting women across the lifespan. Clinical experiences focus on the evaluation and care of adult and elderly female patients, addressing key stages such as menarche, family planning, childbearing, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. The curriculum also includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of prenatal conditions, gynecologic disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive cancers.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6415. Pediatric Medicine Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students engage in outpatient pediatric care under clinical supervision, applying and refining their understanding of core principles and practices. Students develop an understanding of the evaluation and management of common pediatric conditions, preventive care, developmental assessment, and communicating effectively across age groups. The curriculum develops proficiency in pediatric pharmacology, immunization schedules, and child protection, promoting compassionate and collaborative care from infancy through adolescence.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6416. Mental and Behavioral Health Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students engage in clinical experiences across diverse psychiatric settings, including outpatient, emergency, and consultation services, where they will apply evidence-based approaches to assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of mental health conditions as part of a multidisciplinary team. The curriculum enhances understanding of psychiatric disorders, therapeutic interventions, and patient care strategies.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6417. Clinical Elective Rotation. 4 Hours.

Students gain additional clinical experience in one of the foundational core rotations or within a subspecialty/discipline of medicine. Students are given the opportunity to understand and manage problems within the chosen discipline. This clinical experience will enable students to provide care as entry-level physician assistants.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic PHAS professional curriculum.

PHAS 6510. Anatomy. 5 Hours.

Students explore an in-depth study of human gross anatomy, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. Additionally, students study embryology and the development of the human body across the lifespan. Along with didactic lectures, laboratory experiences include anatomical models and cadaver dissection to establish a strong anatomical foundation.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.