Competencies

Physician Assistant Program Competencies and Outcomes

Knowledge

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic medical sciences.
2. Integrate and apply acquired medical knowledge to the care of patients across the life span in a variety of clinical settings.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills in the care of patients across the lifespan.
4. Differentiate between the normal and abnormal in patient presentation and diagnostic evaluation.
5. Discuss the impact of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and spiritual factors that lead to health and wellness.
6. Identify appropriate interventions for preventive, emergent, acute, chronic, rehabilitative, palliative, and end-of-life care.

Skills

1. Perform an accurate and thorough history and physical exam to be able to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
2. Perform basic primary care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
3. Interpret basic primary care diagnostic laboratory and radiographic tests.
4. Develop differential diagnosis and treatment plans that include pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
5. Critically review literature using evidence-based medicine to make practice based improvements.
6. Demonstrate effective communication which results in exchange of information and collaboration with patients, families, caregivers, and other health professionals.

Professionalism

1. Practice patient-centered care within the role of the physician assistant within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
2. Perform continuous self-assessment for the prevention of medical errors and risk management.
3. Demonstrate respect, empathy, compassion, and sensitivity to a patient’s culture, race, age, gender, and socioeconomic status while addressing any health disparities that may exist.
4. Exhibit professional behaviors of integrity and accountability to patients and society.
5. Possess an understanding of licensure, credentialing, reimbursement, advocacy, laws, and regulations regarding medical practice.