Master of Physician Assistant Studies - MPAS

St. Catherine University 1 Master of Physician Assistant Studies - MPAS Program Description Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) The MPAS Program at St. Catherine University is an entry-level, graduate education program that prepares students to be physician assistants. Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed health professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. They evaluate patients by taking histories, performing physical exams, and ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic studies. PAs also prescribe medication, counsel patients, make referrals to specialists, and certify health status. This program educates students for general practice in primary care. Students will earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree upon successful completion of the Program and will be prepared to take the National Certification Examination required for licensure and clinical practice. After 40 years of professional presence, PAs are well respected, valuable contributors to the health care team. The roles and responsibilities delegated to PAs can vary, depending upon the state license, experience and ongoing training of the PA, the needs and preferences of the supervising physicians, and the patient populations served. PAs are certified on a national level, but their scope of practice and legal oversight is regulated at the state level. The America Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA) has issued advisory opinions to state regulatory boards for PA practice standards. Variance of practice regulation still exists among states, ranging from the degree of oversight required to prescriptive authority. PAs are dependant practitioners of medicine. Regulation of physician assistant practice occurs through supervisory agreements; whereby physicians delegate scope of practice to a PA. This MD-PA supervisory agreement allows for flux in PA responsibility according to differing physician delegation of responsibility. PAs must also practice medicine within the scope of practice of their supervising physicians. Primary care has been the main practice area for PAs, but as physician specialty practice has increased, so has specialty practice increased for PAs as well. Given the advanced knowledge required for practice in a specialty, PAs who practice in specialty settings may have different roles and levels of responsibility than do their family practice PA colleagues. Degree Program St. Catherine's Master of Physician Assistant Studies program is a full time, focused course of study that consists of 110 credits and over 2,000 clinical hours. Courses run full time during fall semester, J-term, spring semester, and summer session. The full-time curriculum takes 29 months to complete and is divided into three sections: 14 months of academic courses, 14 months of supervised clinical experiences and a concluding senior seminar. The 14-month academic phase of the program covers traditional medical content that is organized around body systems, patient populations and practice settings with an integrated approach incorporating many traditional stand-alone medical courses such as anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, patient evaluation and management. The academic phase is followed by 14 months of clinical clerkships. The 14 months of clinical experience time is divided into clinical clerkships of various lengths in the areas of: family medicine, pediatrics, women s health, general surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine and mental health. Several weeks of elective time allow St. Kate's students the opportunity to customize their own learning with a focus toward specific areas of interest, global perspectives or strengthening areas of selfassessed weakness. Clinical clerkships take place at several practice locations and students will use an electronic database to log patient encounters during their supervised clinical experiences. The program concludes with a senior seminar designed to polish and present student portfolios and enhance a student s preparedness for the national certification exam and for employment as a physician assistant. Program Goals The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program strives to: 1. Graduate students who have obtained the foundational knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary for physician assistant certification and practice. 2. Provide an innovative curriculum and resources within a supportive learning community. 3. Emphasize evidence-based primary care practice, highlighting a holistic, patient-centered approach to health and wellness. 4. Promote effective and professional communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with patients, their families, peers, consultants and healthcare team members. 5. Incorporate the critical thinking, clinical reasoning and medical decision-making skills reflective of quality patient care. 6. Emphasize inter-professional and team relationships across disciplines and health professions. 7. Value the highest standards of professionalism and the fundamental importance of ethical practice and social justice, thereby reflecting principals of Catholic social teaching and intellectual inquiry. 8. Align with the Liberal Arts Goals of St. Catherine University. 9. Promote leadership skills and abilities. 10. Foster an appreciation for research and participate in the generation of new knowledge. 11. Advance understanding of diversity, global responsibility and competence in providing effective medical care in diverse settings. 12. Collaborate with clinical and community partners for reciprocal benefits. 13. Recruit, retain and support the development of a highly qualified faculty. 14. Remain responsive to the healthcare needs of the community within the context of healthcare reform. Student Learning Outcomes Students will attain the breadth and depth of curricular and co-curricular content necessary for fulfillment of the MPAS program mission, for firstattempt passing of the NCCPA certification exam, and for successful practice as a physician assistant. The Learning Outcomes reflect the competencies of many professional sources, to include: the NCCPA blueprint, the Physician Assistant Professional Competencies, and the ARC-PA Accreditation Standards within the foundational mission,

2 Master of Physician Assistant Studies - MPAS values and liberal arts goals of St. Catherine University. Students will be expected to demonstrate competency in eight core learning outcome categories. Graduates of the MPAS Program will: Medical Care Comprehend a wealth of medical knowledge including an understanding of basic and biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, patient presentation, differential diagnosis, patient management, surgical principals, health promotion and disease prevention. Demonstrate core knowledge and skills in researching established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care. Patient Care: Evaluation, Assessment and Management Attain knowledge and skills in the area of patient care including ageappropriate assessment, evaluation and management of disease and wellness. Demonstrate care that is effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness. Healthcare Systems Based Practice Attain the knowledge and understanding of healthcare systemsbased practice, which encompasses the societal, organizational and economic environments in which health care is delivered. Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide optimal patient care and improvements to community and health care systems. Interpersonal Skills and Communication (Leadership, Collaboration & Team Based Care) Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills for effective information exchange with patients, their patients families, physicians, professional associates, and the health care system. Possess interpersonal and communication skills that encompasses verbal, nonverbal and written exchange of information. Attain the skills and attributes necessary to participate in team-based care, work in collaboration with others and take on leadership roles in their community, clinic or profession. PA Practice/Professionalism; Ethics, Social Justice and Catholic Intellectual Teaching Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, responsibility, sensitivity to a diverse patient population and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate a solid understanding of Physician Assistant practice, which includes an understanding of professional and personal limitations. Explain commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, Intellectual Inquiry and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services of respect for life, service and advocacy; contribute to common good, and stewardship of resources. Practice Based Learning Apply practice-based learning skills that include critical analysis of self learning, mentorship, analysis of medical resources and literature, and use of technology and resources for implementation of the electronic health record, management of health information, and practice of evidence-based medicine. Cultural Competence: Patient Populations, Diversity and Global Perspectives Demonstrate the knowledge, professional attitude and skills related to cultural competence, its relationship to health, health disparities, disease incidence and prevalence for specific communities and diverse patients. Clinical Reasoning through Critical Thinking and Creative Inquiry Demonstrate effective clinical reasoning skills through critical thinking and creative inquiry. Demonstrate an investigatory and analytic thinking approach to clinical situations. Accreditation The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is the national accrediting agency of Physician Assistant Programs. The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation - Provisional to the St. Catherine University Physician Assistant Program. This status indicates that the plans and resource allocation for the proposed program appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC- PA Standards, if fully implemented as planned. Accreditation - Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status and is limited to no more than three years for any program. The next accreditation site visit is scheduled to take place between February 1 st to June 31 st, 2015. Degree Requirements Completion of 110 graduate credits with an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Must pass summative exam at the conclusion of the Program. Years to Complete the Program Students typically complete the program within 2.5 academic years of initial enrollment. Progression Policy General Progression and Remediation Requirement In addition to fulfilling University requirements and following all University policies for graduate program standing and progression, students enrolled in the MPAS Program must observe the following progression requirements: 1. Adherence to all course prerequisites 2. Adherence, as developmentally appropriate, to codes and standards of the physician assistant profession, and demonstration of generic abilities in professional behavior 3. Maintenance of good program standing, as defined by the University 4. Students must successfully complete the didactic phase of the Program and the cumulative formative evaluation for entrance into the clinical year of the curriculum 5. Demonstration, as is developmentally appropriate, of progress toward graduation competencies of the MPAS curriculum 6. Students must successfully complete all core clinical clerkship courses prior to taking the Program summative written exam

St. Catherine University 3 7. Students must successfully complete the research sequence, clinical quality improvement projects, professional phase courses and summative exams for conclusion of the Program 8. Approval for graduation through completion of a graduate exit interview with positive recommendation from Program principal faculty Academic Standards and Progression Successful academic progression through the Program requires a student receive an 80% or above for every course, or successfully remediates that course. Multiple modalities of assessments are utilized within each of the courses. It is the cumulative score of these assessment measures that must be # 80% to pass. Students with scores less than 80% must remediate the course according to the devised academic mentoring plan. In addition, students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0. Performance on Course Assessment Components Students who fail a component of assessment within a course, but do not fail the course, must communicate with their advisor and/or course coordinator to establish an Academic Mentoring Plan. Advisors who identify weaknesses at mid-term advising or consistently low assessment components of a course may use the AMP form for guiding student learning. Didactic Phase Progression Students who fail a course in the didactic phase must discuss their performance with the course coordinator and/or faculty advisor who will guide the plan for reassessment by establishing an academic mentoring plan. This immediate remediation may include directed study and/or tutoring. Students who require remediation and course reassessment will retake course assessments within four academic days, which is usually the Thursday after the failed course concluded. If a student does not pass the course reassessment, they are placed on academic probation and this is considered a course failure. The student must meet with their advisor who will determine and oversee the student s remediation through an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP). The AIP may require a student to participate in an extended learning activity at the conclusion of the term. Students with a failed course, and a failed first reassessment of that course, will complete a second and final reassessment of the failed course at the conclusion of the term. Failure to pass the second reassessment may result in academic dismissal. Successful completion of the second reassessment allows for continued progression in the Program but does not replace the failed course grade. Successful completion of the second remediation and the formative cumulative at the end of the didactic phase ensures the student has the foundation necessary in the course material to successfully progress in the Program. Failure of two courses within the didactic phase may result in academic dismissal from the Program. Students must pass every course or successfully remediate every course in the didactic phase before progressing to the clinical phase. Students who fail and successfully remediate a course will be assigned a grade no greater than 80%. Students who fail the remediation will receive a failing grade for the course. Clinical Phase Progression Students who fail a course in the clinical phase will be placed on academic probation and are required to repeat both the supervised clinical clerkship and the coursework associated with the failed clinical course. Students must discuss their performance with the course coordinator and/or faculty advisor who will guide the plan for remediation through the Academic Improvement Plan (AIP). If the student fails to remediate and pass the clinical clerkship reassessment, they are at risk for academic dismissal. In addition to the ongoing evaluation and discussion of student progress at regular faculty meetings, the overall academic standing of each student will be reviewed at the end of each academic semester. Academic Probation A student with a failed course and subsequent failed first reassessment shall be placed on academic probation and receive a letter from the Program Director stating such. Students are also expected to maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students will receive a letter of probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. Students will have one semester to raise their cumulative GPA above 3.0. Program probationary status may remain in effect for up to two consecutive academic terms, defined as two semesters, or two clinical clerkships. Upon completion of each academic term, a student on academic probation will receive in writing, from the Program Director, a notice of his/her current standing. Academic Dismissal Each student s academic status will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and at the end of each academic semester. Each student s cumulative GPA will be determined. A student whose GPA falls below a B average as defined by the Program requirements, for two consecutive academic semesters, may be dismissed from the Program. Evaluations Student Evaluation of Clerkship: During the clinical year, students are required to evaluate each clerkship and complete the evaluation at the end of each rotation. The information from these evaluations will be used to update the data on each clinical site, correct deficiencies if present, and as a resource for placing future students in that site. These data will be entered on E*VALUE. Preceptor Mid-Rotation and Final Evaluation of Student Performance: The student is to remind and encourage the preceptor to perform a midrotation evaluation to point out strengths and weaknesses that the student has demonstrated during the first-half of the rotation. In this way, students are able to work on those areas of weakness for the remainder of the rotation. The preceptor is responsible for evaluating student performance during the clerkship at the end of the clerkship as well, and is encouraged (but not required) to discuss this evaluation with the student prior to the completion of the rotation. Students are evaluated on their basic medical knowledge, ability to obtain a medical history, and to perform an appropriate physical examination. In addition, students are evaluated on interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and systems-based learning. Grading: Students are expected to maintain their overall GPA minimum of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing in the MPAS Program. If a student receives a final grade that is below 80%, the student must repeat that clinical clerkship course. The final grade of each rotation is determined by multiple factors including the preceptor evaluations; the oral presentation, attendance, professionalism, completion of required electronic entries, and the end-of-rotation exam grade (see individual syllabi). The Clinical Coordinator will determine the final grade for each rotation. All required clinical rotations must be satisfactorily completed as judged by the Clinical Coordinator before the student can be recommended

4 Master of Physician Assistant Studies - MPAS for graduation from the Program. If the student is not performing at an acceptable clinical and professional level at the rotation site, and is either removed or dismissed from the site prior to the end of the rotation due to poor performance or unprofessional behavior, an investigatory process will be completed by the Clinical Coordinator. If it is determined that the student earned a less than satisfactory grade for that rotation, that student will have to repeat the rotation in its entirety. Once again, depending on the academic standing status of that student, he/she may be subject to dismissal from the Program. Students are expected to behave in a professional manner consistent with the Professionalism Guidelines for the PA Student. At the end of the first year, a formative evaluation of each student will be completed. At the end of the second year, a summative evaluation of each student will be completed. Students must achieve competency in all areas of professional behavior, and have an Exit Interview with the Program Director in order to receive a recommendation to graduate from the Program Director. Behaviors indicating difficulty in displaying responsible learning, such as failure to attend class regularly, chronic tardiness, unsatisfactory work, reticence to interact in class, difficulty with interpersonal communication, etc., normally require the student to delineate professional development goals and strategies as a part of the plan for professional development to resolve these problems. Failure to improve or achieve competency in professional behavior may lead to sanctions. Students will be closely monitored throughout their clinical year. Preceptors are required to notify the Clinical Coordinator immediately upon having concerns about a student in order that necessary remedial work can begin as soon as possible. Sanctions Students who fail to meet the academic standards outlined may be subject to academic sanctions including academic probation, suspension, establishment of an Academic Mentoring Plan or an Academic Improvement Plan, and/or dismissal. Program Probation Grounds for being placed on academic probation include, but are not limited to: 1. Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0 2. Course failure 3. Lapses in professionalism Program Suspension All courses in the MPAS Program are offered only once an academic year and serve as prerequisites for subsequent courses. In the event of course failure, a student may be suspended from taking subsequent courses until the failed course is successfully retaken. In the event that a student is found to pose a danger to themselves, faculty, staff, or patients at clinical sites, the student may be suspended until the situation is investigated or the student is dismissed from the Program. The Academic Mentoring Plan (AMP) or the Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) are documents employed by the Program in cases in which a student s performance fails to meet expected standards. Both describe how a student s performance has been deficient and outlines steps that should be taken to remediate a deficiency or improve performance. These plans may be established independently of or in addition to one of the above sanctions. Failure to comply with the conditions established in an AMP or AIP constitutes grounds for further disciplinary action, including dismissal. Program Dismissal Grounds for Program dismissal include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Failure to raise the cumulative GPA above 3.0 at the completion of two academic Program semesters of probation (this includes the summer session) 2. Two course failures 3. Failure to meet conditions established in an AMP or AIP 4. Lapses in professionalism that are not corrected on an improvement plan, or are so severe that the patient is placed in jeopardy Physician Assistant Program Specific Guidelines Credits for graduation will be granted only for those courses in which a passing grade is earned as described in that course s syllabus. In order to progress in the Program, students must achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average equivalent to a 3.0. Students failing a test should consult the course syllabus and instructor for direction. If a student fails a course within the MPAS curriculum, the student will not be allowed to continue into the next semester, nor can he/she enroll in any other PA courses until the failed course has been retaken and successfully completed. Students may not progress to the clinical phase of the MPAS Program without successful completion of all didactic courses. Academic Difficulties and Progression The academic progress of students enrolled in the didactic phase of the Program will be evaluated in terms of successful completion of courses as determined by the standards established by each respective course instructors. The MPAS Program curriculum is highly integrated and develops sequentially from coursework done in previous semesters. If a student fails a course within the curriculum, the student will not be allowed to continue in the next semester until the failed course has been successfully remediated. Students who do not successfully remediate the failed course or who fail a second course within the PA curriculum are subject to dismissal. Failure to complete all course requirements will result in a failing grade for the course. Grade-point-average calculation will be based only on courses taken in the MPAS Program Professional Phase. Thus, in the first year of the Program, GPA will be based on grades in PA courses. Remediation The MPAS Program curriculum is a rigorous process that requires full commitment from both the students and the faculty. As described earlier, each student is assigned a faculty advisor. During regular faculty meetings, faculty are informed of all student grades across the curriculum. Faculty also share reports on how their advisees are doing throughout the curriculum. Students who are identified as having academic difficulty will be contacted by their advisor who will meet with them to identify problems and offer solutions. Further, faculty will complete a Student Academic Mentoring Form with the student detailing what remediation efforts have been suggested, and will follow the student s progress carefully thereafter. Major Requirements First Year

St. Catherine University 5 PA 6000 Foundations: Medicine and Meaning 1 PA 6010 Dermatology 3 PA 6020 Musculoskeletal 4 PA 6030 Neurology 3 PA 6040 Eyes Ears Nose Throat Infectious Disease 3 PA 6050 Cardiovascular 5 PA 6060 Pulmonary 4 PA 6070 Gastroenterology 3 PA 6080 Genitourinary 2 PA 6090 Hematology and Oncology 2 PA 6110 Endocrine 2 PA 6120 Mental Health 2 PA 6200 Women's Health 2 PA 6300 Pediatrics 2 PA 6400 Aging and Elderly 2 PA 6500 Special Populations 2 PA 6600 Primary Care 2 PA 8010 Research I 2 PA 8020 Research II: Research Methodology, Analysis and Proposal Writing and ICE PA 8030 Research III: Research Application I 2 Second Year PA 6700 Surgical and Hospital Care 2 PA 6800 Urgent and Emergency Care 2 PA 7250 Transitions: Community or Clinical Quality Improvement PA 8040 Research IV 1 PA 8050 Research V: Research Application - Dissemination 1 Clinical clerkships: 1 PA 7100 Family Medicine Clerkship 8 PA 7200 Pediatrics Clerkship 4 PA 7300 Women's Health Clinical Clerkship 2 PA 7400 Internal Medicine Clerkship 6 PA 7500 General Surgery Clerkship 4 PA 7600 Emergency Medicine Clerkship 6 PA 7700 Mental Health Clinical Clerkship 4 PA 7800 Elective I Clerkship 4 PA 7850 Elective II Clerkship 4 Third Year PA XXXX Remaining Four Clinical Clerkship Credits PA 7900 Senior Clerkship I 4 PA 7950 Senior Clerkship II 4 PA 7999 Senior Seminar-Capstone 1 Total Credits 110 2 3 PA 6000 Foundations: Medicine and Meaning 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. 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. PA 6020 Musculoskeletal 4 credits The Musculoskeletal course provides an integrative approach 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 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. 1 Clinical Clerkships: Students will register for clerkships in varying order from each other. Any of the following will occur in the second year. All of these, with the exception of 4 credits of a course will occur in the third year. Clerkship courses will be assigned at the conclusion of the first spring term.

6 Master of Physician Assistant Studies - MPAS PA 6030 Neurology 3 credits The Neurology course provides an integrative approach incorporating 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 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. 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. PA 6050 Cardiovascular 5 credits The Cardiovascular course provides an integrative approach incorporating 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 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. PA 6060 Pulmonary 4 credits The Pulmonary course provides an integrative approach incorporating 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 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. PA 6070 Gastroenterology 3 credits The Gastroenterology course provides an integrative approach 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. PA 6080 Genitourinary 2 credits The Genitourinary course provides an integrative approach incorporating 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.

St. Catherine University 7 PA 6090 Hematology and Oncology 2 credits The Hematology and Oncology course provides an integrative approach 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. PA 6110 Endocrine 2 credits The Endocrine course provides an integrative approach incorporating 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 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. PA 6120 Mental Health 2 credits The Mental health course provides an integrative approach incorporating 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 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. PA 6200 Women's Health 2 credits The Women's Health course provides an integrative approach 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 6110, PA 6120. PA 6300 Pediatrics 2 credits The Pediatrics health course provides an integrative approach 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 6110, PA 6120. PA 6400 Aging and Elderly 2 credits The Aging and Elderly course provides an integrative approach 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 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 6110, PA 6120.

8 Master of Physician Assistant Studies - MPAS 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 6110, PA 6120. PA 6600 Primary Care 2 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 6110, 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 6200, PA 6300, PA 6400, PA 6500, PA 6600. 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 6200, PA 6300, PA 6400, PA 6500, PA 6600. PA 6953 Independent Study 3 credits PA 6972 Topics 2 credits PA 6982 Topics 2 credits PA 6993 Topics 3 credits PA 6994 Topics 4 credits PA 7100 Family Medicine Clerkship 8 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 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 7300 Women's Health Clinical Clerkship 2 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.

St. Catherine University 9 PA 7400 Internal Medicine Clerkship 6 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 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 7600 Emergency Medicine Clerkship 6 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.

10 Master of Physician Assistant Studies - MPAS 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 7991 Topics 1 credit 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 Research I 2 credits This course addresses medical information literacy and the basics of research through location, evaluation, interpreting, critical analysis and utilization of current research within medical literature and databases. It emphasizes skills in literature searching, understanding APA writing style, and applying basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods to critique research evidence in guiding evidence-based practice. The course emphasizes research as a tool in physician assistant practice to expand clinical knowledge base, inform quality improvement in the practice setting and enhance patient care and management outcomes. It provides a broad overview of epidemiology, reviewing primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention as they relate to preventative medicine and public health. PA 8020 Research II: Research Methodology, Analysis and Proposal Writing and ICE 2 credits Research II introduces the students to clinical research methodology and data analysis as it relates to medicine and physician assistant practice. Students will be introduced to both quantitative and qualitative tool development and analysis. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program will be utilized as a platform for providing students with hands-on practical application of quantitative data analysis. Students will learn to define, enter, and transform data for quantitative data analysis. Using simulated data sets, students will learn descriptive and graphical procedures to describe data and evaluate assumptions necessary for advanced statistical data analysis. Students will develop qualitative interview and focus group guides, conduct interviews, and learn to conduct preliminary qualitative analysis. Students will continue to develop their critical reading and writing skills through discussions of scientific literature. As a requirement of the course, students will develop a research question and write a research proposal in groups with the guidance of a faculty research advisor and their instructor. This course is closely tied to the St. Catherine University s graduate school strategic direction for research and draws on the mission statements of the University and the Physician Assistant Program for direction. Learning activities will be split between classroom instruction, research, individual and small group exercises. Prerequisite: PA 8010. PA 8030 Research III: Research Application I 2 credits This is a profession and practice oriented research course which involves research projects in small groups with faculty advisors as is relevant in medicine and physician assistant practice. Students will further develop their skills in survey tool and interview guide development, the ethical practice of research, and peer critique of research proposal designs. Students will finalize research proposals, practice peer evaluations, initiate communication and coordination of their research projects and submit proposals to the IRB for ethical research approval as appropriate. At the end of the session, each student group will engage in a "teach in" session related to their research. The "teach in" topic and learning objectives will be defined by each research team, exploring either a content area or methodological lessons learned or research dilemmas. Prerequisite: PA 8020. PA 8040 Research IV - Research Application II 1 credit This is an applied research course relevant to medicine and physician assistant practice that builds on students' previously designed research proposals. The primary activities are data collection and analysis in close consultation with the student's faculty research mentor, field preceptor (as appropriate) and the research faculty. This course is designed so that each research team can function relatively independently with their faculty mentor. Students will set their own timeline for deadlines with the exception of the assignments described in this syllabus. Students will identify what resources they need to complete their project successfully; supplemental resources are available on the course D2L page. Prerequisite: PA 8030. PA 8050 Research V: Research Application - Dissemination 1 credit The Research V course is an applied research course in research dissemination relevant to medicine and physician assistant practice. The course builds on the students' previously designed and implemented research in PA 8040. Students will produce two dissemination products of their research and make a public presentation before graduation. Prerequisite: PA 8040.