Physician Assistant Studies Courses

This course is designed to aid the student in the transition into the medical profession and serves as an introduction to professional practice issues. Areas of discussion include the history of the physician assistant profession, the PA-Physician team, professional organizations, licensing and credentialing, malpractice, professionalism, health care delivery systems and health policy, and reimbursement issues (including Medicaid and Medicare).

Offered: Spring
Credits: 1

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, genetics, pathologic, and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system, and clinical anatomy with an emphasis on important anatomical landmarks required in physical evaluation of patients’ anatomical relationships of structures to each other, and anatomical components of body systems.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 5

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, pathologic, and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system, and clinical anatomy with an emphasis on important anatomical landmarks required in physical evaluation of patients, anatomical relationships of structures to each other, and anatomical components of body systems. A Genetics module will also be included in this semester course.

Offered: Summer
Credits: 5

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, genetics, pathologic, and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system, and clinical anatomy with an emphasis on important anatomical landmarks required in physical evaluation of patients, anatomical relationships of structures to each other, and anatomical components of body systems.

Offered: Fall
Credits: 5

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use of appropriate equipment, proper techniques, and accurate medical terminology to document findings. This course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping and oral presentation skills. Skills will be developed through lecture and structured laboratory exercises.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 3

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use of appropriate equipment, proper techniques, and accurate medical terminology to document findings. This course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping and oral presentation skills. Skills will be developed through lecture and structured laboratory exercises.

Offered: Summer
Credits: 3

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use of appropriate equipment, proper techniques, and accurate medical terminology to document findings. This course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping and oral presentation skills. Skills will be developed through lecture and structured laboratory exercises.

Offered: Fall
Credits: 3

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription, and non-prescription medications. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects, and toxicities.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 3

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription, and non-prescription medications. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects, and toxicities.

Offered: Summer
Credits: 3

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription, and non-prescription medications. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects, and toxicities.

Offered: Fall
Credits: 3

This is the first in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine, imaging, and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices and the emergency department following the NCCPA Blueprint, and the development of differential diagnoses and plans based upon the patient's clinical presentation. This course will be facilitated through lecture, learner-centered activities and problem-based learning.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 8

This is the second in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine, imaging, and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices and the emergency department following the NCCPA Blueprint, and the development of differential diagnoses and plans based upon the patient's clinical presentation. This course will be facilitated through lecture and problem-based learning.

Offered: Summer
Credits: 8

This is the third in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine, imaging, and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices and the emergency department following the NCCPA Blueprint, and the development of differential diagnoses and plans based upon the patient's clinical presentation. This course will be facilitated through lecture and problem-based learning.

Offered: Fall
Credits: 8

This is the first in a series of three courses designed to develop skill in the areas of interpersonal communication, professionalism, patient counseling and education, cross cultural healthcare delivery, end-of-life care, healthcare delivery systems, health policy, reimbursement issues (including Medicare and Medicaid), medical ethics and health literacy. Topics include professionalism, hospice/palliative care, treatment of “difficult” patients, public and environmental health, medical errors, substance abuse in healthcare providers, communication, cultural competence, patient and provider stressors, and individualized healthcare related topics.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 1

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop skills in the area of patient communication, patient counseling, patient education, cultural diversity and how they influence all aspects of medical practice. The emphasis of PA 514 is biomedical ethics, emotional intelligence, health literacy, diversity issues, professionalism and patient counseling and education. The interpretation and lessons learned from The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down will run through the course.

Offered: Summer
Credits: 1

This is the last in a series of courses designed to develop skills in the area of patient communication, patient counseling, patient education, and cultural diversity and how they influence all aspects of medical practice. Instruction this semester is focused on the detection and application of preventive measures and treatment of health risk behaviors including stress, abuse and violence, substance abuse, sexuality, end of life issues, medical and reaction to illness. We will introduce patient billing, coding and documentation along with the concepts of quality, safety, risk management, medical intervention and health care delivery systems. This course will emphasize many of the social aspects of patient care.

Offered: Fall
Credits: 1

This course will provide an overview of research for physician assistants and introduce the fundamental skills required for research in the health professions. More specifically, the course will provide an introduction to research. Students will gain an understanding of the concepts of searching medical literature. Students will be prepared to critically read published reports of clinical research and identify strengths and weaknesses. The course will also provide instruction on evidence based medicine. It will include relevant statistical analysis tools. An introduction to the art of medical writing is included.

This course is the beginning course leading to successful completion of the Master’s Project PA 610/611/612.

At the conclusion of PA 516, students should have acquired the basic skills to start a Research Project.

Offered: Summer
Credits: 1

The clinical procedures course is designed to provide initial exposure to procedures that students may encounter and perform during clinical rotations. This course will focus on the basic techniques needed to be successful. Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors and will build on the procedures discussed and demonstrated during this course. Emphasis will be placed on common procedures seen in multiple settings of clinical practice. The student will be given the opportunity to practice hands-on clinical procedures in preparation for clinical rotation. The course will also serve as orientation for the clinical year and will ensure students’ readiness for the clinical phase.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 4

The Family Medicine rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of adult and pediatric patients in the outpatient setting. This course will focus on the evaluation and treatment of all age patients with focus on preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness, and patient education. Focus should be placed on history and physical techniques, along with a greater understanding of economic and social factors relating to primary care. The student will act as a member of the primary team in assessment and care of office patients. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by primary care physician assistants. Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors, and at no time will students replace the licensed clinicians for history, physical, or procedural intervention. Emphasis will be placed on exposure to common procedures seen in the primary care office. The student will be given the opportunity to practice hands-on clinical procedures.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

The Internal Medicine rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of adult patients in the inpatient setting. This course will focus on the evaluation and treatment of patients with a focus on multiple disease states and conditions that require hospitalization. Focus should be placed on history and physical techniques, along with a greater understanding of economic and social factors relating to hospitalized patients. The student will act as a member of the primary team in assessment and care of patients. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by hospitalist physician assistants. Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors, and at no time will students replace the licensed clinicians for history, physical, or procedural intervention. Emphasis will be placed on exposure to common procedures along with management of patients over multiple days. This will include admissions notes, medical orders, problem lists and treatment plans, and discharge plans during the daily care of the patient.

Students are encouraged to practice skills and take advantage of the resources provided, these skills are essential to success as a practicing physician assistant.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

The Pediatric Medicine rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of pediatric patients in the outpatient/inpatient setting. This course will focus on the evaluation and treatment of patients with a focus on well child exams, problem oriented exams, pediatric illness, and care of neonates, infants, children and adolescents. Focus should be placed on history and physical techniques, along with a greater understanding of economic and social factors relating to pediatric patient care and parental education and guidance, appropriate milestone recognition, illness, injury, and accident prevention. The student will act as a member of the primary team in assessment and care of office patients. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by pediatric physician assistants. Emphasis will be placed on exposure to common procedures and primary pediatric care.

Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors, and at no time will students replace the licensed clinicians for history, physical, or procedural intervention.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

The Emergency Medicine rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of adult and pediatric patients with emergencies. This course will focus on the triage, stabilization, diagnosis, and management of acute, life-threatening injuries and illness as well as the care of less threatening conditions. The student will act as a member of the emergency team in assessment and care of emergencies. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by emergency medicine physician assistants. Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors, and at no time will students replace the licensed clinicians for history, physical, or procedural intervention. Emphasis will be placed on exposure to common procedures seen in the emergency department. The student will be given ample opportunity to practice hands-on clinical procedures. They will be encouraged to take full advantage of those opportunities. These skills are essential to success as a practicing PA.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

The Surgical rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of patients with surgical problems. This course will focus on the preoperative, surgery, and postoperative care. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by surgical physician assistants. Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors, and at no time will students replace the licensed clinicians for history, physical, or procedural intervention. Emphasis will be placed on exposure to common procedures seen in the surgical practice. The student will be given the opportunity to practice hands-on clinical procedures. This is your chance as a student to practice skills so take advantage of it and of the resources provided, these skills are essential to success as a practicing physician assistant.

Offered: Fall
Credits: 5

The Women’s Health rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of gynecological disorders in the outpatient/inpatient setting. This course will focus on the evaluation and treatment of patients with a focus on gynecological and obstetric care and procedures, family planning, recognition and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, cancer detection and treatment, and prenatal care. Focus should be placed on history and physical techniques, along with a greater understanding of economic and social factors relating to women’s health. Rotation will include labor and delivery when possible. The student will act as a member of the primary team in assessment and care of office patients. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by women’s health physician assistants.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

The Behavioral Health rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of ambulatory and/or hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders. This course will focus on the evaluation and treatment of patients with a focus basic psychiatric evaluations, monitor medications, and support of clinical management plans. Focus should be placed on history and physical techniques, along with a greater understanding of economic and social factors relating to behavioral health. The student will act as a member of the primary team in assessment and care of patients. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by behavioral health physician assistants.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

The elective rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of clinical settings that each student determines of clinical relevance to their future practice. This course will focus on the evaluation and treatment of patients with one of the electives listed below. Focus should be placed on history and physical techniques, along with a greater understanding of economic and social factors relating to each specialty. The student will act as a member of the primary team in assessment and care of patients. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by physician assistants.

This is your chance as a student to practice skills so take advantage of it and of the resources provided, these skills are essential to success as a practicing physician assistant.

Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors, and at no time will students replace the licensed clinicians for history, physical, or procedural intervention.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

The elective rotation is designed to provide the exposure to management of clinical settings that each student determines of clinical relevance to their future practice. This course will focus on the evaluation and treatment of patients with one of the electives listed below. Focus should be placed on history and physical techniques, along with a greater understanding of economic and social factors relating to each specialty. The student will act as a member of the primary team in assessment and care of patients. Contained within this course is the chance for physician assistant students to determine the job description practiced by physician assistants.

This is your chance as a student to practice skills so take advantage of it and of the resources provided, these skills are essential to success as a practicing physician assistant.

Procedures during clinical rotations will be supervised by preceptors, and at no time will students replace the licensed clinicians for history, physical, or procedural intervention.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 5

This is the second in the series of courses which will result in a completed Master’s Research Project. The purpose of this course is to design and propose a study which could be reasonably completed in the time allowed within the program and develop a proposal to be presented to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and receive approval prior to the start of PA 611 Master’s Research Data Collection.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 1

This course is a follow-up to Medical Informatics and the Master’s Data Collection course. It is designed to allow the PA student to complete a Master's Project under the guidance of a St. Bonaventure faculty adviser. Students may identify an area of medicine, disease process or condition, conduct research, and produce a paper worthy of publication. The student will prepare and present an oral and poster presentation on their topic at the conclusion of the year.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 2

This course, presented near the end of the clinical year, will include intensive board review in preparation for the PANCE, review for clinical skills testing, CV preparation, and interviewing skills. It also includes a final clinical skills exam as well as a cumulative written test, both of which must be successfully passed to graduate from the program.

Offered: Spring
Credits: 3

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PA Studies Courses