The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PHAS 200 Introduction to Physician Assistant —1 Cr.

Focuses on the history, present practices, and future trends of the profession.

PHAS 201 Medical Terminology —1 Cr.

Designed in a programmed format to introduce the learner to a systematic approach to mastering medical and scientific vocabulary.

PHAS 300 Advanced Anatomy —3 Cr.

An in-depth study of the structure of the entire human body, utilizing lectures, cadaver dissection, and clinical correlation for the medical practitioner. Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Program

PHAS 301 Physiology —3 Cr.

An examination of the mechanisms involved in control of body functions. Basic chemical and physical principles of human function will be discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Program.

PHAS 302 Clinical Chemistry —3 Cr.

Examines the chemical and molecular control and reactions in the human body. Clinical correlations of various biochemical parameters measured in body fluids under a variety of abnormal conditions are considered. Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Program.

PHAS 303 Clinical Laboratory Procedure —2 Cr.

Applies scientific laboratory methods to diagnostic and therapeutic problems of clinical medicine. Enhancement of the diagnostic accuracy as well as how to monitor a patient's response to therapy, and order lab tests in a timely, appropriate, and cost effective manner are explored. Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Program.

PHAS 304 Clinical Medicine I —3 Cr.

A systematic analysis of major diseases encountered in primary care medicine. Utilizes an organ systems approach. Emphasis on etiology, Pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of diseases is provided. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Anatomy and Advanced Physiology.

PHAS 305 Clinical Medicine II —3 Cr.

This course is continuation of Clinical Medicine I.

PHAS 306 Clinical Medicine III —3 Cr.

The course addresses the etiology presentation, diagnosis, and management of diseases most prevalent in Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Geriatric subspecialties. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinical Medicine I and II. 

PHAS 307 Clinical Medicine IV —3 Cr.

The course addresses the etiology presentation, diagnosis, and management of diseases most prevalent in surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinical Medicine III.

PHAS 308 Community Health & Epidemiology— 2 Cr.

Students will review epidemiological factors affecting health maintenance and develop programs of disease prevention, intervention, and health promotion.

PHAS 309 Health Care Ethics and Law —2 Cr.

A focused review of current philosophies, policies, and ethical issues in contemporary health care targeted at the Physician Assistant profession.

PHAS 310 Nutrition —2 Cr.

The process of nutritional assessment and intervention for healthy living and maintenance are explored.

PHAS 311 Pathophysiology —3 Cr.

This course analyzes the abnormal human structure or function responsible for disease. It is concerned with the etiology, clinical manifestation and progress of human disease.

PHAS 312 Pharmacology I —3 Cr.

This course explores the general principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, classes of therapeutic agents, mechanisms of action, proper routes of administration, common side effects, drug interactions and contraindications. Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Phase.

PHAS 313 Pharmacology II —3 Cr.

This is a continuation of Pharmacology I. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pharmacology I.

PHAS 314 Physician Assistant Role —1 Cr.

Discussions of issues relevant to the Physician Assistant practice are explored for application of principles pertinent to the Physician Assistant Role.

PHAS 315 Physical Diagnosis I —2 Cr.

The student will elicit and perform a comprehensive history and physical examination, as well as how to properly document and present findings. Prerequisite: Admission to the Professional Phase.

PHAS 316 Physical Diagnosis II —2 Cr.

The student will perform a history and physical examination directed toward specific age groups throughout the life cycle. Differentiation of abnormal physical findings will be explored on an organ systems approach. Development of differential diagnoses and management plans will be performed. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Diagnosis I.

PHAS 317 Physical Diagnosis III —2 Cr.

This course covers the indications, contraindications, step-by-step procedures, and complications of hands-on clinical skills, which are commonly performed in medical practice, such as phlebotomy, injections, IV therapy, urethral and nasogastric catheterization, pulmonary function testing, suturing, casting and splinting, various ENT procedures, electrocardiogram, and use of various types of monitoring devices. Students will be required to complete an Advanced Cardiac Life Support Course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Diagnosis I and II.

PHAS 400 Clerkship I —15 Cr.

Clinical Rotations of five weeks each, in various medical and surgical disciplines, provides practical clinical experience in a community based or institutional setting. Students will be provided clinical exposure in the areas of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice, and Elective. The Clinical Transition component prepares students for the National Certification Examination and work place issues (15 weeks). Prerequisite: Successful completion of didactic curriculum.

PHAS 401 Clerkship II —15 Cr.

This course is a continuation of Clerkship I (15 weeks).

PHAS 402 Clerkship III —15 Cr.

This course is a continuation of Clerkships I and II (20 weeks).

PHAS 403 Clinical Transition I —1 Cr.

Students participate in activities for transition to the workforce such as National Certification Examination preparation, resume writing, contract negotiations and clinical skills refinement.

PHAS 404 Clinical Transition II —1 Cr.

This course is a continuation of Clinical Transition I.

PHAS 405 Clinical Transition III —1 Cr.

This course is a continuation of Clinical Transition I and II.

Department of Physician Assistant Index

The University | Academics | The School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences | The School of the Arts and Professions | The School of Business and Technology | Courses | Faculty | Appendix