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PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCIENCE
Physician Assistant Science
Department Chair: Michele M. Kauffman, JD, MPAS, PA-C
INTRODUCTION
Physician Assistants are skilled, dependent health practitioners who are academically and
clinically prepared to provide patient care services under the supervision of a physician.
Their specific tasks vary widely due to differences among state laws, hospital policies and
utilization preferences of supervising physicians.
Generally, PAs are qualified to obtain patient histories, perform comprehensive physical
examinations, order and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, prepare a diagnosis, implement
a treatment plan for common illnesses, deliver patient education and counseling, perform certain
surgical procedures, and provide emergency care. PAs may assist in surgery and deliver
pre-operative and post-operative care. Physician Assistants may deliver patient care in any
setting in which the physician works.
The Physician Assistant Department offers a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree
available through either a five-year undergraduate admission program or a two-year post
baccalaureate curriculum. The curriculum is predominantly clinical during the final year
of the program. Adjunct regional medical faculty, in conjunction with various health care
institutions, introduce the students to professional physician assistant training. Clinical
sites are offered primarily in northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York, as well as
some locations farther a field. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation
to and from clinical sites.
The professional phase of the Gannon University Physician Assistant Program is
accredited by the Accreditation Review commission on Education for the Physician
Assistant, Inc.
OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the Physician Assistant Program the student will be able to:
- Perform a complete and accurate history and physical examination; identify abnormal
findings and develop an appropriate differential diagnosis
- Develop a plan of evaluation in support of the differential diagnosis, including hematology,
chemistry, imaging, and pathologic modalities
- Develop a treatment plan consisting of surgical and medical interventions through analysis
of the clinical and laboratory data
- Accurately relate the clinical data to the other members of the health care team, forming a
collaborative effort to assure maximal patient benefit through a multiple disciplinary approach
- Show proficiency in performing clinical skills
- Identify limits to professional conduct as delineated by the State of Pennsylvania Rules and
Regulations Governing Physician Assistants
- Synthesize theory and research in order to provide advanced care to patients
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must posses a baccalaureate degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required from
previous professional education and prerequisites must have been completed within the last
five years. As part of the application process, applicants must submit
recommendation forms from three evaluators and complete a personal interview. In addition,
applicants must submit the following: official transcripts, curriculum vitae, evidence of
computer literacy, statement of goals, and 30 hours of documented volunteer/paid medical
experience or 30 hours of shadowing a Physician Assistant. All international students must
take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) exams.
A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer-based test) and a minimum TSE score
of 50 are required for application. The application deadline is January 15. Applications
received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space availability basis.
PREREQUISITES
Following are prerequisites for the two-year Post-Baccalaureate Option and must be completed
prior to enrolling:
8 Credits Major Level Biology
8 Credits Chemistry
3 Credits Medical Terminology (or demonstrated competency)
3 Credits Psychology
3 Credits Statistics
3 Credits Research Methods
Advanced standing is not granted in the graduate phase of the program. No
credits are awarded for experiential learning.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
A candidate for admission to the PA Program must have the use of certain sensory and motor
functions to permit them to carry out the activities described in the sections that follow.
Graduation from the program signifies that the individual is prepared for entry into clinical
practice or into postgraduate training programs. Therefore, it follows that graduates must
have the knowledge and skills needed to function in a broad variety of clinical situations
and to render a wide spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic care. The candidate and student
must be able consistently, quickly and accurately to integrate all information received by
whatever sense(s) are employed. Also, they must have the intellectual ability to learn,
integrate, analyze and synthesize data.
A candidate for the PA Program ordinarily must have the following abilities and skills as
explained below: observation; communication; motor; intellectual, conceptual, integrative,
and quantitative; and behavioral and social. Where technological assistance is available
in the program, it may be permitted for disabilities in certain areas. Under all circumstances,
a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner:
- Observation: Candidates and students ordinarily must have sufficient vision to be able
to observe demonstrations, experiments, and laboratory exercises. They must be able to
observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand.
- Communication: Candidates and students ordinarily must be able to communicate with
patients and colleagues. They should be able to hear, but if technological compensation
is available, it may be permitted for some handicaps in this area. Candidates and students
must be able to read, write, and speak English.
- Motor: Candidates and students ordinarily should have sufficient motor function such that
they are able to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency
treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of physician
assistants is cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medication,
the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the
suturing of simple wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. These
actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and
functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
- Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include
measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical
intellectual skill demanded of a physician assistant, requires all of these intellectual
abilities. In addition, candidates and students should be able to comprehend
three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures.
- Behavioral and Social Abilities: Candidates and students must possess the emotional
health required for full utilization of the intellectual abilities, the exercise of good
judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the assessment and
care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships
with patients. Candidates and students must be able to tolerate physically taxing
workloads, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function
in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.
Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation
are all personal qualities to be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.
The PA Department is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with an
identifiable disability as defined by the Americans with Disability Act. In doing so, however,
the PA Department must maintain the integrity of its curriculum and preserve those elements
deemed essential to educating candidates to become effective physician assistants.
Employment Policy
Employment during the fourth year of the PA Program is not recommended. Demanding courses and
time constraints are to be expected. Employment during the fifth year of the PA Program is
strongly discouraged. Students will spend an average of 40 hours on clinical site, plus
computer reading assignments in order to prepare for end of rotation exams. Students may
need to relocate every six weeks, precluding steady employment. Students who choose to work
may jeopardize performance and continuation in the program.
MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCIENCE CURRICULUM
5 YEAR OPTION
Graduate Phase Only (See the undergraduate catalog for the complete curriculum.)
Summer (start of Graduate phase)
5 GPHAS 601 Pre-Rot Lec Series
5 GPHAS 614 General Surgery Rotation
2 GPHAS 602 Bus Prac and Cur Iss for PAs
Total 12
Fifth Year
Fall
4 GPHAS 616 Clinical Research
5 GPHAS 617 Family Medicine Rotation I
5 GPHAS 618 Family Medicine Rotation II
Total 14
Spring
5 GPHAS 619 Family Medicine Rotation III
5 GPHAS 621 Emergency Med Rotation
5 GPHAS 622 Fam Med Rotation IV
Total 15
Summer
5 GPHAS 623 Elective Rotation I
5 GPHAS 624 Elective Rotation II
2 GPHAS 631 Research/ Project Guidance
Total 12
2 YEAR POST BACCALAUREATE OPTION
Undergraduate Courses
3 BIOL 365 Human Anatomy
1 BIOL 366 Human Anatomy Lab
3 BIOL 368 Human Physiology
1 BIOL 369 Human Physiology Lab
3 PSYC 232 Psychopathology
3 BIOL 378 Medical Microbiology
1 BIOL 379 Medical Microbiology Lab
3 BIOL 232 Human Genetics
Total 18
Fall Semester
5 GPHAS 511 Physical Diagnosis I
1 GPHAS 513 Physical Diag Lab II
3 GPHAS 514 Medical Lecture Series I
3 GPHAS 524 Pharmacotherapeutics I
3 GPHAS 531 Lab Diagnosis I
3 GRADS 541 Intro to Radiology
Total 18
Spring Semester
6 GPHAS 515 Medical Lecture Series II
1 GPHAS 516 Physical Diag Lab III
3 GPHAS 525 Pharmacotherapeutics II
2 GPHAS 532 Lab Diagnosis II
4 GPHAS 538 PEDS/OB/GYN Lec Series
2 GPHAS 545 Problem Based Medicine
Total 18
Summer Semester
5 GPHAS 601 Pre-Rot Lec
2 GPHAS 602 Bus Prac and Cur Iss for PAs
5 GPHAS 614 General Surgery Rotation
Total 12
Fall Semester
4 GPHAS 616 Clinical Research
5 GPHAS 617 Family Medicine Rotation I
5 GPHAS 618 Family Medicine Rotation II
Total 14
Spring Semester
5 GPHAS 619 Family Medicine Rotation III
5 GPHAS 621 Emergency Medicine Rotation
5 GPHAS 622 Family Medicine Rotation IV
Total 15
Summer Semester
5 GPHAS 623 Elective Rotation I
5 GPHAS 624 Elective Rotation II
2 GPHAS 631 Research/ Project Guidance
Total 12
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GPHAS 511 Physical Diagnosis I
5 credits
The techniques of history-taking, discussion and demonstration of normal physical findings
with various organ systems and alteration of physical signs in disease states are introduced
to the student. The relationship of physical signs to altered physiology is emphasized.
GPHAS 513 Physical Diagnosis Lab II
1 credit
Designed to complement the physical diagnosis lectures, this course enables students to develop
skills in performing histories and physical examinations on fellow students.
GPHAS 514 Medical Lecture Series I
3 credits
Symptoms, signs and abnormal body function are taught in a problem-oriented manner, including
a logical method, relevant diagnostic maneuvers, possible therapeutic intervention and patient
education. The lectures complement the knowledge acquired in Physical Diagnosis, and is
correlated with the Pharmacology and Laboratory Diagnosis courses.
GPHAS 515 Medical Lecture Series II
6 credits
Prerequisite: GPHAS 514
A continuation of GPHAS 514
GPHAS 516 Physical Diagnosis Lab III
1 credit
Prerequisites: GPHAS 511; and GPHAS 513
In addition to performing histories and physical examination on hospitalized or nursing home
patients, the student is exposed to a wide variety of frequently encountered medical problems
and begins to develop a basic understanding of pathophysiology. In addition the student will
develop a methodology for approaching any medical complaint.
GPHAS 524 Pharmacotherapeutics I
3 credits
This course is designed to provide both basic information regarding the pharmacology of many
commonly used medications coupled with a practical and systematic approach to the selection
of appropriate drug therapy for patients. Two major areas of focus are a review of the
principles of therapeutics (e.g., pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) and a review of
recommended drug therapy for common medical disorders (e.g., hypertension, peptic ulcer
disease). Students will be instructed on a process through which they will think
pharmacotherapeutically – that is, to identify a disease, review the drugs available to
treat that disease, select treatment based upon goals of therapy and specific patient
parameters and how to adjust therapy if required. Also, all lectures are coordinated with
Medical Lecture Series such that medications are reviewed in close proximity to lectures on
pathophysiology in order to enhance the learning experience for students.
GPHAS 525 Pharmacotherapeutics II
3 credits
Prerequisite: GPHAS 524
A continuation of GPHAS 524
GPHAS 531 Laboratory Diagnosis I
3 credits
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of laboratory testing involved in the
evaluation of disease processes discussed in Medical Lecture Series. Emphasis is placed on
understanding the pathophysiology, interpretation and application of laboratory testing for
diagnostic/therapeutic purposes.
GPHAS 532 Laboratory Diagnosis II
2 credits
Prerequisite: GPHAS 531
A continuation of GPHAS 531
GPHAS 538 Pediatrics/Obstetrics/Gynecology Lecture Series
4 credits
Prerequisite: GPHAS 514
This course will discuss common disease process in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Pediatrics in a
problem oriented manner to enable the student to incorporate knowledge of pathogenesis,
clinical findings, appropriate laboratory and diagnostic testing and create a treatment
plan for each disease process.
GRADS 541 Introduction to Radiology
3 credits
This course is designed to introduce the Physician Assistant student to radiology,
computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The focus of the
class will include technical, anatomical and pathologic considerations.
GPHAS 545 Problem Based Medicine
2 credits
Prerequisite: GPHAS 515
This course offers the student an introduction to evidence based medicine. Emphasis will be
placed on clinical problem solving through a case study approach. The student will be
instructed to incorporate knowledge of pathogenesis, clinical findings, laboratory and other
diagnostics to develop a differential diagnosis. This approach is designed to initiate
critical thinking about medical problems and incorporation of treatment plans.
GPHAS 590 Special Topics
3 credits
This is an elective course which will cover topics of special interest.
GPHAS 601 Pre-Rotation Lectures and Skills
5 credits
This capstone course is designed to complement and integrate the Liberal Studies academic
experience and didactics of the preprofessional phase of the Physician Assistant Program.
Students are expected to demonstrate their capacity to utilize concepts and methodologies
presented in previous Liberal Studies courses as we explore the issues related to medical
ethics. Issues explored will include but not be limited to the patient and health care provider
relationship, human experimentation, reproductive and dying technology. Topics in the areas of
Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, and Surgery will be discussed utilizing the foundation of
information previously presented in the didactic pre-professional phase. Workshops will
supplement many of the lectures and afford students hands-on opportunities to practice
clinical skills such as IVs, venipunctures, casting and suturing.
GPHAS 602 Business Practices and Current Issues for Physician Assistants
2 credits
This course is designed to introduce the Physician Assistant student to practice
management in the clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on understanding heath
insurance coverage, cost containment and the quality of health care. Diagnosis
and procedure coding will be introduced and legal issues related to the clinical
setting are addressed.
GPHAS 614 General Surgery Rotation
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to allow the student exposure to a wide variety
of acute surgical problems. Under supervision, the student is expected to participate in
preoperative and postoperative patient care. This experience will include taking histories,
performing physical examinations, and assisting in the emergency department and operating room.
GPHAS 616 Clinical Research
4 credits
This is a four week rotation in which students participate in medical research under the
direction of a preceptor or develop a community health project. This project may involve
reviewing charts, interviewing patients, reviewing existing data, collecting data and/or
participating in ongoing clinical trials or educating the public. Students are required to
complete a project outline and will begin to compose a research or project paper of publishable
quality. The students will begin to develop a power point presentation in order to illustrate
their research or project.
GPHAS 617 Family Medicine Rotation I
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to familiarize the student with all aspects of
Family Practice in ambulatory, inpatient and long-term care settings. The student, through the
collection and acquisition of historical, physical and laboratory data, develops an
understanding of patient evaluation and treatment under the supervision of physicians or
mid-level practitioners. This clinical rotation will emphasize aspects of Internal Medicine
and the unique characteristics of the care of the geriatric patient.
GPHAS 618 Family Medicine Rotation II
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to familiarize the student with all aspects of
Family Practice in ambulatory, inpatient and long-term care settings. The student, through
the collection and acquisition of historical, physical and laboratory data, develops an
understanding of patient evaluation and treatment under the supervision of physicians or
mid-level practitioners. This clinical rotation will emphasize normal variations of growth
and development of children from infancy to adolescence, as well as, exposure to acute and
chronic illnesses of childhood.
GPHAS 619 Family Medicine Rotation III
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to familiarize the student with all aspects of
Family Practice in ambulatory, inpatient and long-term care settings. The student, through
the collection and acquisition of historical, physical and laboratory data, develops an
understanding of patient evaluation and treatment under the supervision of physicians or
mid-level practitioners. This clinical rotation will emphasize routine gynecologic care
and common complaints as well as prenatal care of the female patient. This experience will
also focus on common behavioral health disorders encountered in primary care.
GPHAS 621 Emergency Medicine Rotation
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to stress the evaluation and management of
both medical and surgical problems of the ambulatory patient in an acute care situation.
Students gain experience in the initial evaluation of patients in the emergency setting,
perform problem specific examinations, practice minor surgery skills, and participate in
the management of orthopedic problems.
GPHAS 622 Family Medicine Rotation IV
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to familiarize the student with all aspects of
Family Practice in ambulatory, inpatient and long-term care settings. The student, through
the collection and acquisition of historical, physical and laboratory data, develops an
understanding of patient evaluation and treatment under the supervision of physicians or
mid-level practitioners. This clinical rotation will emphasize the evaluation and treatment
of conditions common at the primary care level and the appropriate health maintenance measures
for different age groups from infancy to geriatrics.
GPHAS 623 Elective Rotation I
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to acquaint the student with the role of the
physician assistant in practice. Students train under the supervision of a physician or
mid-level provider in an office/or hospital setting. Through this clinical rotation the
student will gain an in-depth exposure to a wide-spectrum of acute and chronic patient
problems. This experience can occur in a clinical area that has already been experienced
by the student or a specialty area of the student’s choosing.
GPHAS 624 Elective Rotation II
5 credits
This six week clinical experience is designed to acquaint the student with the role of the
physician assistant in practice. Students train under the supervision of a physician or
mid-level provider in an office/or hospital setting. Through this clinical rotation the
student will gain an in-depth exposure to a wide-spectrum of acute and chronic patient
problems. This experience can occur in a clinical area that has already been experienced
by the student or a specialty area of the student’s choosing.
GPHAS 631Research/Project Guidance
2 credits
Students complete a research project (including analysis of data and reporting results) using
the scientific method to answer a question in clinical practice, under the direction of a
research/project advisor. Projects may use a variety of methodologies. Students will
finalize a power point presentation and/or poster for presentation or display at the annual
research symposium
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