This course will introduce foundational concepts, structure, and function of the human body. Students will have the opportunity to learn through didactic lecture, interactive anatomy learning modalities, and demonstration. This course will run concurrently with physiology and pathophysiology to provide a better understanding of the structures of the body and how the systems work together. Additionally, there will be a focus on clinical application of anatomy throughout the course.

This course covers foundational, systems-based physiology and regulatory mechanisms. Healthy state function as well as maintenance of homeostasis will be explored. Content progression will start from the cellular level and advance towards understanding the functioning of entire organ systems as they relate to the whole person. Additionally, this course will examine common pathological conditions and their secondary effects.

This course covers various aspects of the Physician Assistant’s role within healthcare systems. It includes the profession's historical background, scope of practice, collaboration with physicians, state practice laws, and effective techniques for interprofessional practice.

This course is designed to prepare students to integrate principles of Christian faith with the practice of medicine, emphasizing compassionate and holistic patient care within the context of Christian values and ethics. This course aims to equip students provide care to patients of diverse backgrounds while incorporating spiritual care and ethical considerations rooted in Christian principles.

This course introduces the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug mechanisms and interactions, classes of medications, and drug administration. Through a combination of didactic instruction, case-based learning, and interactive discussions, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to safely and effectively manage medications as part of patient care.

This course is a combination of learning new material in ultrasound and utilizing what was learned in anatomy, pharmacology, physiology and pathophysiology. Students will be introduced to the basics of ultrasound. The ultrasound section will include lectures and hands-on application opportunities. This course will also include an interprofessional educational activity required for all students.

This course introduces diagnostic studies and medical imaging techniques commonly utilized in clinical practice. Through this course students will learn the basics of diagnostic testing, how to interpret findings, and the basis of selection of which studies and imaging are best for diagnosing patients based on patient findings. Through a combination of didactic lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, and clinical case discussions, students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively interpret and apply various diagnostic modalities in patient care.

The first course of a three-part series will focus primarily on Pulmonology, Cardiology, Infectious Disease, and Dermatology. Each discussion on these topics will include a similar configuration including coverage of the disease-specific etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic factors. Disease process discussions will also be presented in conjunction with therapeutic options. Therapeutic characteristics will build upon principles discussed in the prior term Intro to Pharmacology course.

This course introduces the foundations of medical interviewing, history taking, physical exam, and proper documentation of the patient encounter. This includes an introduction to the head-to-toe physical exam and special tests for different focused examinations. Additionally, students will learn how to communicate effectively and empathetically with different patient populations, how to approach patient counseling, and how to communicate with supervisors and colleagues. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, efficiency, and patient sensitivity.

This course is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to critically evaluate and interpret medical literature and apply evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles in clinical practice. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, students will learn how to evaluate research studies, understand statistical methods, and integrate evidence into clinical decision-making processes.

The Lifestyle Medicine courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to approach patients from a perspective of promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and preventing chronic diseases through evidence-based interventions. This course emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections in optimizing patient health and well-being. Through a combination of didactic lectures, case-based discussions, experiential learning activities, and practical skill-building exercises, students will learn to integrate lifestyle medicine principles into clinical practice to address the root causes of disease and improve patient outcomes.

This is the first course of a three-part series that will utilize problem-based learning techniques to facilitate the application of previously covered topics into clinical scenarios. This course will parallel Clinical Medicine and Pharmacotherapeutics I. This application-type course will utilize a team approach and will foster the dynamic decision-making process of clinical practice as it relates to a patient encounter.

This is the second course of a three-part series. This course will focus primarily on the following systems: Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Reproductive, Endocrine, and Renal. Course content will include a similar configuration including coverage of the disease-specific etiology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic factors. Disease process discussions will also be presented in conjunction with therapeutic options. Therapeutic characteristics will build upon principles discussed in the prior term Pharmacology course.

This course is a continuation of PAS 536, History and Physical I. This course will include more detailed exams and refinement of the skills acquired in History and Physical Exam I, with an emphasis on the application of the material learned in the first course. This includes a focus on various age groups, different clinical settings, and levels of care. Advanced communication with patients related to more complex and difficult topics is addressed, including approaching sensitive topics, death and dying, culture-sensitive situations, and addressing extreme age groups. 

This course is designed to provide comprehensive education and training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice. Students will also learn how to effectively integrate principles of social and behavioral medicine into clinical practice to address the diverse needs of patients across the lifespan. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, clinical simulations, and practical experiences, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver competent and compassionate care to individuals with mental health concerns. Students will also gain a deeper appreciation of social determinants of health and their impact on patient outcomes as well as cultural sensitivity.

This course will focus on beginning-of-life care issues. This is a special population that has unique physiological, developmental, and psychosocial aspects of care important to recognize in any specialty of medicine. Areas highlighted in this course are congenital disorders, genetic disorders, normal aging, and milestones. This population requires effective communication with patients and family members while discussing sensitive topics.

This is the second course of a three-part series that will utilize problem-based learning techniques to facilitate the application of previously covered topics into clinical scenarios. This course will parallel Clinical Medicine and Pharmacotherapeutics 2. This application-type course will utilize a team approach and will foster the dynamic decision-making process of clinical practice as it relates to a patient encounter.

This is the final course of a three-part series. This course will focus primarily on the following systems: Hematologic, Musculoskeletal, and Neurologic. Also covered will be Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat, and Oncology. Course content will include a similar configuration including coverage of the disease-specific etiology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic factors. Disease process discussions will also be presented in conjunction with therapeutic options. Therapeutic characteristics will build upon principles discussed in the prior term Pharmacology course. This course will explore specific drug interactions, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and adverse effects.

This course emphasizes the assessment, diagnosis, management, and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries commonly encountered in clinical practice. This will build on prior clinical knowledge as this course will discuss more complex management, decision making, and management within the acute care setting. Students will learn the differences between emergency and acute illnesses versus chronic and non-emergent conditions. 

This course introduces the foundational clinical and technical skills necessary for competent and compassionate medical care. A variety of common primary care procedures and skills are presented through lectures, simulations, and hands-on practice sessions. Students will become proficient in a wide range of clinical procedures and technical tasks essential for successful practice in various healthcare settings.

This is the final course of a three-part series that will utilize problem-based learning techniques to facilitate the application of previously covered topics into clinical scenarios. This course will parallel Clinical Medicine and Pharmacotherapeutics 3. This application-type course will utilize a team approach and will foster the dynamic decision-making process of clinical practice as it relates to a patient encounter.

This course will explore common ethical issues in clinical practice. It will provide a platform to apply Biblically founded critical thinking skills to challenging ethical situations. There will be opportunities to debate and disagree with civility.  Opposing viewpoints will be discussed and considered. Also, there will be activities designed to highlight every person’s dignity and value even if they hold a different ethical perspective.

This course is designed to assess the student’s progression in meeting program competencies and preparedness to enter clinical rotations. Students will be assessed (P/F) on all program competencies through knowledge tests, OSCEs, and skill stations. Students must demonstrate a minimum competency in all domains to pass the course, however, the primary focus is to identify each student’s areas of strength and weakness to allow remediation activities to occur prior to entering the clinical phase of the program. Additionally, this course will include clinical year orientation activities and preparation for entering the clinical rotation phase of the program.

The Core Content course is designed as a longitudinal course to be delivered over the course of 3 semesters during the clinical phase of the PA Program. The in-person delivery of the course is conducted during scheduled end-of-rotation days on campus with some components delivered virtually. The material in these courses will be delivered by a variety of lecturers and activities throughout the year.

Over the course of the clinical year, instructors and guest lecturers will deliver topics relevant to clinical medicine, professional practice, and PANCE preparation. In addition, course content will be directed to ensure students maintain proficiency in skills and core medical knowledge during the clinical year, given the variety of experiences that will be encountered by students during clinical rotations in an array of settings and disciplines. A variety of topics will be covered. Content will also be offered to provide the student with an introduction to guide their entry into professional practice and current trends of the PA profession. This may include, but is not limited to topics such as networking, interview techniques, resume development, contract negotiation, certification, and prescriptive practice.

The Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) in Mental Health is designed to provide hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders, psychosocial factors, and behavioral health concerns. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors, students will engage in clinical rotations within diverse mental health settings to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to deliver high-quality care to individuals with psychiatric and behavioral health needs.

The Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide students with intensive training and supervised clinical exposure in the fast-paced and dynamic environment of emergency medicine. Through immersive clinical experiences in emergency departments (ED) and urgent care settings, students will develop proficiency in the assessment, stabilization, and management of a wide range of acute and emergent medical conditions. Under the guidance of experienced emergency medicine preceptors, students will refine their clinical skills, enhance their diagnostic reasoning abilities, and strengthen their communication and teamwork skills.

The Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide students with hands-on training and supervised clinical exposure in the primary care setting. Through immersion in a family medicine practice, students will gain practical experience in diagnosing, managing, and preventing a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions across the lifespan. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors, students will develop essential clinical skills, enhance their diagnostic reasoning abilities, and refine their patient communication and management skills.

The Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide students with hands-on training and supervised clinical exposure in the field of internal medicine. Through immersive clinical experiences in inpatient and outpatient settings, students will develop proficiency in diagnosing, managing, and preventing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions encountered in adult patients. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors, students will refine their clinical skills, enhance their diagnostic reasoning abilities, and strengthen their communication and collaboration skills.

The Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide students with practical training and supervised clinical exposure in the field of pediatric medicine. Through hands-on experiences in various pediatric healthcare settings, students will develop proficiency in assessing, diagnosing, and managing common pediatric conditions in prenatal, infant, child, and adolescent patients. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors, students will refine their clinical skills, enhance their pediatric-specific knowledge base, and strengthen their communication and collaboration skills within a pediatric healthcare team.

The Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide physician assistant students with specialized training and supervised clinical exposure in surgical specialties. Through immersive clinical experiences in operating rooms, outpatient clinics, and inpatient settings, students will develop proficiency in assisting in surgical procedures, managing preoperative and postoperative care, and collaborating within multidisciplinary surgical teams. Under the guidance of experienced surgical preceptors, students will refine their clinical skills, enhance their diagnostic reasoning abilities, and strengthen their communication and collaboration skills.

The Women's Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide students with specialized training and supervised clinical exposure in the field of women's health. Through immersive clinical experiences in both outpatient and inpatient settings, students will develop proficiency in providing comprehensive care to women across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of gynecological, obstetric, and reproductive health needs. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors, students will refine their clinical skills, enhance their diagnostic reasoning abilities, and strengthen their communication and collaboration skills.

The Elective Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) offers physician assistant students the opportunity to tailor their clinical training to their individual interests, career goals, and professional development needs. This elective rotation allows students to gain hands-on experience in a specialized area of medicine or healthcare practice under the supervision and mentorship of experienced preceptors. Through immersion in the elective setting, students will deepen their clinical knowledge, refine their procedural skills, and explore advanced topics in their chosen specialty.

This course is designed to assess the student’s progression in meeting program competencies and preparedness to sit for the National board exam (PANCE) and enter clinical practice.  Students will be assessed (P/F) on all program competencies through knowledge tests, OSCEs, and skill stations. Students must demonstrate a minimum competency in all domains to pass the course. This course is an accreditation requirement for program endorsement of students and must be passed to be eligible to sit for the PANCE exam.

This course will also mark the culmination of a longitudinal capstone research project. Students will choose a topic of their choice in the first semester of the program, with approval from a faculty member, and work with a faculty mentor to prepare a paper or presentation. This is not intended to be original research, but can be a literature review or in-depth research project on a topic relevant to clinical practice or the field of healthcare. Projects will be presented in the last month of the program and evaluated by peers and faculty.