Program Competencies
Upon completion of the Physician Assistant program, graduates will demonstrate competence in each domain.
PRACTICE KNOWLEDGE
- Learn and apply foundational knowledge in pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, epidemiology, signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnostic work-up, patient management, surgical principles, health promotion, and disease prevention for a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in social determinants of health.
CLINICAL REASONING
- Formulate a differential diagnosis for a presenting problem based on an appropriate history, physical examination and diagnostic workup.
- Locate, appraise, and integrate information from evidence-based studies related to patients’ health.
- Determine the appropriate interventions and plan for disease management.
CLINICAL SKILLS
- Select and perform accurate physical and behavioral health examinations appropriate to the patient presentation.
- Demonstrate basic common medical and surgical procedures skills within their supervised clinical setting.
PATIENT CENTERED CARE
- Recognize the importance of coordinating patient care effectively with the health care team.
- Incorporate patient preferences when determining diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
- Advocate for equitable, accessible, high-quality patient care.
- Apply the concepts of population health to patient care.
COMMUNICATION
- Effectively communicate with other members of the healthcare team including accurately and adequately documenting information regarding care for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes.
- Elicit information from patients in an organized, efficient manner based on an appropriate differential diagnosis.
- Educate patients about medical conditions and health promotion and disease prevention principles.
- Apply the concepts of health literacy.
PROFESSIONALISM
- Demonstrate accountability and integrity in actions and decision making in regards to patients, the profession, the public, and oneself.
- Recognize and work within personal and professional limitations.
- Center shared-decision making with patients and advocate for equitable access to effective healthcare.
- Commit to lifelong learning and practice improvement.
- Intentionally collaborate with all members of the healthcare team.
- Endorse the value of positionality.
- Contribute to an environment that is safe and free from harassment.
SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY
- Apply the principles of social justice and equity.
- Recognize and work against systemic structures that contribute to health care disparities.
SYSTEMS BASED PRACTICE
- Apply foundational knowledge of health care systems.
- Differentiate among types of medical practices and delivery systems.
- Understand the funding sources and payment systems that provide coverage for patient care.
- Demonstrate stewardship of resources by utilizing cost-effective health care options within high-quality patient care.
- Identify areas in which the delivery and effectiveness of health care can be improved.
- Promote a safe environment for patient care and recognize systems-based factors that negatively impact patient care.