Physician Assistant Program Courses
Didactic Courses
PHA 5000 MEDICAL ETHICS (2 credits)
The purpose of this seminar is to integrate the learning of medical ethics, morality and the legal issues surrounding medical ethics, beginning with the didactic phase of PA education through the clinical phase of PA education. The goal is to provide topics relevant to the PA student’s area of training and expand those topics as the student’s understanding and experience in medicine matures.
PHA 5010 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT ORIENTATION (1 credit)
In this course, students will trace the history of medicine and the development of various medical professionals to include physicians, nurses, allied health workers, and the physician assistant. The student will be introduced to the development of medical education in the United States and become familiar with issues challenging the PA profession today. Students will also be introduced to the various roles in which Physician Assistants practice to include rural health, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and the military PA. Several topics such as sponsoring and governing professional organizations, state licensing, national accrediting board, and North Carolina laws governing physician assistants will be examined. Students will also learn how to gain access to medical literature and resources to include books, computer software, on-line programs, and medical periodicals. The course also explores learning styles, stress management, time management, PA organizations (AAPA, NCCPA, PAEA, and NCAPA), and the PA as a life-long learner.
PHA 5070 HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION I (3 credits)
PHA 5070, presented in lecture and small group format, is designed to provide students with didactic and “hands on” instruction to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to elicit a comprehensive history and perform a complete physical examination. Discussions and demonstrations will introduce the appropriate use of diagnostic equipment, interviewing techniques, cultural awareness, patient rights and confidentiality. The student will be introduced to the concept of the patient / clinician relationship. The course will cover each organ system concentrating on the historical questions and examination techniques that are specific to each. The student will be taught to recognize and differentiate normal from abnormal physical examination findings and to record and orally present their findings in an organized manner. Skills in constructing both comprehensive and focused encounter notes will be developed. Students will have ample time to practice the techniques on their classmates.
PHA 5080 HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION II (3 credits)
This course is designed to continue in the development of skills and techniques needed to perform both problem focused and complete medical histories and examinations. Physical examinations will be performed under the supervision of the clinical staff. Students will continue to develop their skills in critical thinking and patient care assessment, applying them to obtaining and documenting focused and comprehensive history and physical exams. Students will be expected to spend additional time outside of class practicing physical examination skills and conducting assigned history and physical exams in the clinical setting. The focus of this course will be on special examinations and on the integration of physical exam skills into their expanding knowledge of clinical medicine.
PHA 5090 INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY MEDICINE I (2 credits)
This course will introduce the student to the techniques and procedures used in the medical laboratory. Emphasis will be placed on the tests and procedures performed by the various departments within the laboratory (hematology, chemistry, pathology, etc.). Student will learn to apply the clinical laboratory in the assessment of a wide range of medical problems, expanding their ability to formulate and test clinical hypotheses.
PHA 5100 PHARMACOLOGY I (2 credits)
This course is designed to present the fundamental mechanisms of action of the various classes of drugs, physiology and biochemical foundations of pharmacology, bioactive agents and structure-activity relations, and drug and food interactions. The physiological actions of drugs on the major organ systems will be covered along with the properties and uses of antibiotics and related therapeutic agents. PHA 5100 is designed to provide an introduction to pharmacy and to integrate pharmacological agents used in the treatment of disease processes and disorders taught in Clinical Medicine. Pharmacology courses are taught by a board certified Doctor of Pharmacy.
PHA 5110 PHARMACOLOGY II (2 credits)
This course is a continuation of PHA 5100 and provides integration into the body systems being taught in Clinical Medicine.
PHA 5120 PHARMACOTHERAPY (2 credits)
This course is a continuation of PHA 5110 and provides integration into the body systems being taught in Clinical Medicine. This course is presented in case format and is designed to provide an understanding of the mechanism of drug action and the therapeutic process. The course provides students with an understanding of basic pharmacokinetic principles that will enable students to apply general pharmacologic principles to the problems of therapeutics. Clinical application of drug classes to diseases and organ systems is stressed.
PHA 5130 LABORATORY MEDICINE II (2 credits)
This course is a continuation of PHA 5090 with special emphasis on laboratory studies of body systems and their interpretation. A pathophysiological basis for laboratory medicine data interpretation will be testing for genetic diseases will be addressed.
PHA 5140 PHYSIOLOGY (4 credits)
The course is intended to give the physician assistant student the opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge with which to understand the physiological processes involved in treating various medical and surgical conditions and correlate these processes with information learned in anatomy, pharmacology, laboratory medicine & clinical medicine courses.
PHA 5150 EMERGENCY MEDICINE I (2 credits)
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of various acute care situations the student might encounter to include life-threatening illnesses and injuries and those illness/injuries which have high mortality or morbidity. The course will be presented as a series of lectures and discussion. The course will be primarily taught by a board certified Emergency Medicine physician.
PHA 5160 EMERGENCY MEDICINE II (2 credits)
This course is a continuation of PHA 5150.
PHA 5190 FUNDAMENTALS OF SURGERY (2 credits)
This course is designed to improve student skills in analysis and treatment of common surgical problems. The students will be instructed in specific areas of surgical intervention, in both trauma and medical cases. Students will receive instruction in specific disease entities and topics which stress the evaluation, treatment and monitoring of the surgical patient both pre-operatively and post-operatively. Surgical courses are taught by board certified surgeons.
PHA 5201 HUMAN ANATOMY I (4 credits)
This is the first course in a two-course series which provides an in-depth study of human anatomy, including an introduction to anatomical and medical terminology, and foundational information on human development and structure fundamental to considerations of function, physical diagnosis, trauma, and disease. Using a regional approach, this course places emphasis on obtaining functional knowledge of normal human gross anatomy. This course will focus on the anatomy and anatomical relationships of the head, cervical region, thoracic region, and upper extremities as a basis for solving clinical problems related to these body regions
PHA 5210 HEALTH PROMOTION/DISEASE PREVENTION (2 credits)
This course is designed to familiarize the student with methods and concepts of community and public health issues and the principles and guidelines of preventive health practices. A wide range of variables will be discussed to include lifestyles, nutrition, cultural diversity, genetics, and socioeconomic factors. In addition, students will be provided basic skills and knowledge in epidemiology and health care policy. Students will also become familiar with the department of Health and Human Services population health initiatives. The course will emphasize the role of the physician assistant as a health educator.
PHA 5220 BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE (2 credits)
This course, taught in lecture format, will give the student a foundation in the understanding of mental illness, including affective disorders, psychotic illness, anxiety, dementia, personality disorders, substance abuse and dependence and eating disorders. Normal and abnormal development will be addressed as will manifestations of human sexuality. Board certified psychiatrists and clinical psychologists teach the course.
PHA 5221 HUMAN ANATOMY II (2 credits)
This is the second course of the two-course series which provides an in-depth study of human anatomy, including an introduction to anatomical and medical terminology and foundational information on human development and structure fundamental to considerations of function, physical diagnosis, trauma and disease. Using a regional approach, this course places emphasis on obtaining functional knowledge of normal human gross anatomy. This course will focus 63 | Page MU Graduate Catalog 2020 – 2021 on the anatomy and anatomical relationships of the abdominal region, pelvic region and lower extremities as a basis for solving clinical problems related to these body regions.
PHA 5240 CLINICAL SKILLS I (2 credits)
Presented in laboratory, workshop, video demonstration, and lecture formats, this course focuses on acquiring the skills necessary to function as a Physician Assistant in diverse medical settings. Various skills will be taught, including those needed for sterile technique, giving injections, performing and interpreting electrocardiograms, performing phlebotomy, and other diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures required in the office and hospital settings.
PHA 5250 CLINICAL SKILLS II (1 credit)
This course is a continuation of PHA 5240, but is expanded to include the reading and interpretation of various imaging studies, and performing such functions as establishing and maintaining a sterile field, suturing, wound care, scrubbing, gowning and gloving for surgery, endotracheal intubation, ACLS, etc. A module on ordering and interpreting radiologic and other imaging studies will be included.
PHA 5280 GERIATRICS (2 credits)
This course concentrates on diseases and disorders of older patients with an emphasis on health maintenance and preventive measures. The course is further designed to help the student distinguish normal physiological changes from pathology as it presents in the elderly population. In addition the student will be able to understand the atypical presentation of common disorders in the elderly.
PHA 5300 PEDIATRICS (2 credits)
This course is designed to provide physician assistant students with an understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic processes as they relate to the specialty area of pediatric medicine. Each major system is presented individually, with a review of its embryonic development, anatomy and physiology. The curriculum will provide physician assistant students with an understanding of the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, clinical presentations, diagnostics, and treatment of common pediatric diseases. Special emphasis will be placed on primary prevention, screening, immunizations, well-child check-ups, and the early recognition and intervention of suspected child abuse.
PHA 5410 RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS (2 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of research. The student will learn the basic skills required to complete a Clinical Research Project, including data searching, reviewing medical literature and being able to apply basic statistical analysis. The student will begin work on their Clinical Research Project by developing and narrowing a clinically relevant topic and completing the introduction.
PHA 5710 CLINICAL RESEARCH PROJECT (3 credits)
This course requires that students complete a clinical research project and/or a research paper in a selected aspect of primary care medicine. The project and paper topic must be pre-approved by the instructor and be consistent with the guidelines as directed by the program. For this purpose, students are assigned to a core faculty member, or to a clinician, who will mentor them during the preparation and completion of their clinical research project.
PHA 5720 ENDOCRINOLOGY (2 credits)
This section consists of lectures complemented by textbooks readings focusing on the most common diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. Emphasis is placed on the most clinically relevant aspects of each disorder including clinical presentation, most appropriate laboratory and imaging evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Pertinent anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology are also briefly reviewed for each disorder.
PHA 5730 GASTROENTEROLOGY (2 credits)
This course teaches the PA student about the structure and function of the GI tract, GI tract pathology and recognition of key signs and symptoms of GI disease. The student will learn the appropriate physical exam and laboratory tests needed to evaluate and treat GI disease. The application of specific treatment modalities will also be taught.
PHA 5740 CARDIOLOGY (3 credits)
Presented in lecture format Cardiology is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study selected diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular system. Emphasis is placed on review of the pertinent anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostics, management, treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease. Sessions on EKG and cardiac physical examination are included. Risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease as well as preventive measures are covered.
PHA 5750 ORTHOPEDICS (2 credits)
Orthopedics is designed to present an overview of musculoskeletal medicine. The skeletal system and joints are presented with a review of the anatomy and physiology. The course will examine the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, laboratory findings, diagnostic imaging evaluation, diagnostic criteria, current treatment methods, prognosis, and preventive protocols for common orthopedic problems. Lectures are organized by anatomic region.
PHA 5760 UROLOGY/NEPHROLOGY (2 credits)
This course consists of lectures complemented by textbook readings focused on the most common renal and urologic diseases encountered in primary care. Emphasis is placed on the most clinically relevant aspect of each disorder including clinical presentation, appropriate laboratory and imaging evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Pertinent anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology are briefly reviewed for each disorder. Male sexual dysfunction is also addressed in this course.
PHA 5770 OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY (2 credits)
This course, presented as a series of lectures, will introduce students to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions related to medical and surgical conditions of the female reproductive tract and breasts. Issues relating to human sexuality will be addressed and preventive measures will be emphasized. Female reproductive anatomy and physiology as they relate to pregnancy will be reviewed and students will learn the essentials of prenatal care, labor and delivery.
PHA 5780 OPHTHALMOLOGY (1 credit)
Presented in lecture format ophthalmology is designed to provide an introduction to the structure and function of the eye. Examination techniques, diagnostic studies, and therapeutic modalities in primary care are covered. Focus is on the clinical presentation and management of common ocular disorders seen in primary care.
PHA 5790 OTOLARYNGOLOGY (1 credit)
The purpose of this course is to define the specialty of otolaryngology, enhance the PA student’s ability to diagnose and treat pathology of the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) system, to critically analyze the approach to diagnosis ENT disorders, and to develop logical and meaningful approaches to the treatment of ENT pathological conditions.
PHA 5800 PULMONOLOGY (2 credits)
Presented in lecture format. Pulmonology is designed to provide the PA student with an understanding of the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, patient history, clinical findings, laboratory/diagnostic criteria, current treatment methods, prognosis, and preventive protocols for common diseases of the pulmonary system using real clinical scenarios. A review of anatomy and physiology will be presented. Interpretation of ABG’s and PFT’s will also be covered.
PHA 5810 DERMATOLOGY (1 credit)
Presented in lecture format this course is designed to provide an understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic process involved in caring for patients with dermatologic diseases and disorders. The course will present the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, patient history, clinical findings, laboratory/diagnostic criteria, current treatment methods, prognosis, and preventive protocols for common diseases of the skin. Emphasis will be placed on recognition and initial management of dermatologic conditions likely to be encountered in primary care practice. Extensive use of images will expose the student to the visual diagnosis of dermatological disease.
PHA 5820 NEUROLOGY (2 credits)
Presented in lecture format this course is designed to provide an understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic process as applied in the practice of neurology. The course will review pertinent anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the nervous system. Emphasis will be placed on performing appropriate patient evaluations and recognition of the presentations of common disorders of the nervous system.
PHA 5830 HEMATOLOGY (1 credit)
Presented in lecture format this course is designed to provide the PA student with the basic concepts of Hematology from a primary care standpoint. The basic science of hematopoiesis will be reviewed. Normal and abnormal lab studies and values will be discussed. The diagnosis and treatment of common hematological disorders and diseases will be covered. The biology of cancer will be reviewed. Epidemiology, screening, presentations, symptoms and diagnosis of cancers commonly seen in primary care will be discussed. The treatment of malignancy will be discussed in general terms with a focus on the primary care provider’s role in recognizing and managing treatment complications.
PHA 5840 ONCOLOGY (1 credit)
Presented in lecture format this course is designed to provide the PA student with the basic concepts of Oncology. The biology of cancer will be reviewed. Epidemiology, screening, presentations, symptoms and diagnosis of cancers commonly seen in primary care will be discussed. The treatment of malignancy will be discussed in general terms with a focus on the primary care provider’s role in recognizing and managing treatment complications.
PHA 5850 CRITICAL THINKING (2 credits)
Taught in a case development and discussion format, this course is designed to apply information students have learned in clinical medicine courses to hypothetical clinical cases. Students will be given a presenting complaint and will develop skills in acquiring a history, completing a focal physical exam, generating a differential diagnosis, ordering appropriate labs and studies and generating a treatment plan. The course is intended to develop critical thinking skills and confidence in managing clinical problems.
PHA 5860 CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASE (2 credits)
Presented in lecture format this course is designed to provide an introduction to the medical aspects of immunology. The course presents an overview of commonly encountered infectious diseases covered in detail by organism and by system. The etiology and prevention of infectious diseases is also presented. Pathophysiology, laboratory evaluation, and clinical diagnostic techniques are stressed. Drug therapy and public health measures for the treatment and prevention of these diseases are also covered.
PHA 5870 CLINICAL PREPARATION (4 credits)
This course will instruct and refresh skills that will be used during clinical rotations such as suturing, EKG reading, radiology, etc. In addition, the students will review professionalism, dispensing laws, and HIPAA/OSHA standards. Students are also oriented to the rules and policies of both MUPAP and the institutions where they will be learning during the clinical year.
PHA 5880 EMERGING CLINICAL ISSUES (2 credits)
Presented in lecture/discussion; workshop/seminar format this course is a continuation of PA Orientation I and may vary in content from year to year. Areas of medicine such as nutrition and genetics in clinical practice will be addressed. In addition, this course introduces students to and encourages the exploration of medical practice issues, the legal ramifications of the practice of medicine and major “hot topics” in healthcare, managed care, health insurance, medical reimbursement, billing and coding, malpractice and legal issues and the impaired practitioner.
PHA 5900 HISTORY AND PHYSICAL III (2 credits)
PHA 5900 continues with the practice of medical interviewing and history taking, medical information documentation, record-keeping, and patient-care skill building as presented in PHA 5070 and PHA 5080. Presented in lecture and small group format, this course is designed to provide students with didactic and “hands-on” instruction to continue to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform comprehensive physical examination. Students will also continue to present their findings orally and in written form. Within small group sessions, students will practice physical examination skills on each other to continue to gain familiarity with “normal”, but emphasis will be placed on using a critical thinking process to develop differential diagnosis and formulate treatment plans based on given abnormalities.
Clinical Courses
PHA 5510 INTERNAL MEDICINE (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in an inpatient or an outpatient internal medicine setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical internal medicine practice. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for written examinations at the end of the rotation.
PHA 5520 OBSTETRICS-GYNECOLOGY (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in an obstetrics and gynecology setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, assisting with deliveries and gynecologic surgery, and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical OB/GYN practice. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for written examinations at the end of the rotation.
PHA 5530 PEDIATRICS (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation allows students to have an intense exposure to the problems encountered in pediatrics. The rotation concentrates on developing skills in well child preventive care, assessment of growth and development, common pediatric illnesses, recognition of symptomatology of the abused child, and care of the newborn. It also allows students to become familiar with ancillary professional services providing overall care and evaluation of children. Students may accompany the pediatrician on inpatient rounds the primary emphasis is in the outpatient setting.
PHA 5540 FAMILY MEDICINE I (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in broad, primary care and/or urgent care setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical family medicine practice. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for written examinations at the end of the rotation.
PHA 5570 EMERGENCY MEDICINE (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in an emergency medicine setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical emergency medicine practice. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for written examinations at the end of the rotation.
PHA 5580 PSYCHIATRY (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in a psychiatry setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical psychiatric practice. Psychiatry will also be experienced in family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine rotations. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for written examinations at the end of the rotation.
PHA 5590 ORTHOPEDICS (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in an orthopedic surgery setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, assisting in surgery and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical orthopedic surgery practice. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for written examinations at the end of the rotation.
PHA 5600 GENERAL SURGERY (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in a general surgery setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, assisting with surgery and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical general surgery practice. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for written examinations at the end of the rotation.
PHA 5640 CLINICAL SEMINAR (4 credits)
The clinical seminar will occur within four months of graduation. This seminar gives students the opportunity to demonstrate that they are ready to take on the responsibility of a practicing physician assistant. It also supports the physician assistant student in their transition to clinical practice through lectures, activities and independent study.
PHA 5650 ELECTIVE I (4 credits)
During this 4-week elective rotation, students will be able to select from various medical specialties and subspecialties.
PHA 5680 ELECTIVE II (4 credits)
During this 4-week elective rotation, students will be able to select from the following medical specialties and subspecialties, to include: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Hematology-Oncology, Infectious Disease, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, and Urology. Additional specialties may be selected for approval by the Program.
PHA 5690 PRIMARY CARE (4 credits)
This 4-week rotation provides students with clinical experience in a primary care (family medicine, pediatrics, or outpatient internal medicine) setting during which students refine their skills in performing the history and physical exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans for the diversity of patients in a typical primary care practice. Where possible, students participate in grand rounds, noon conferences and other clinically relevant didactic presentations. A set of cognitive objectives guides student reading in preparation for a written examination at the end of the rotation.