All physician assistant studies courses are limited to physician assistant studies students, unless permission is obtained from the program director.

The curriculum is a 24 month (85 semester credits) professional course of study leading to the MPAS degree. Basic medical sciences, research, clinical methods, and clinical experiences are integrated from the beginning of the program and continued throughout the course of study.

The program produces physician assistants capable of providing primary medical care in an ethical, legal, safe, and caring manner. To achieve this, students must acquire knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge in the practice of medicine. Students are expected to consistently retrieve and apply their knowledge appropriately in the area of their patients and reason effectively. Self-directed learning skills are necessary in order to keep their knowledge current. Self-knowledge, knowledge and understanding of others and continued professional development beyond the degree are necessary for success.

Chatham University utilizes hybrid model of Problem-Based Learning, lecture, and on-line activity that challenges students to be self-directed and prepares students for the evidence-based, problem-oriented world of clinical medicine. Through actual patient cases, students develop learning issues and research topics using the most up to date resources, work in teams and receive feedback on knowledge base as well as professionalism to prepare them for primary care, problem-focused clinical practice.

The MPAS program is competency-based, requiring all students to master the required material. The grading system is pass/fail. Individual course syllabi provides specific pass/fail criteria. Upon entrance to the PA Studies Department students agree to the electronic release of grades and academic information within departmental faculty and staff for academic standing and advising reviews.

A student in the MPAS program must be in good academic standing to remain enrolled in the program. To be eligible for graduation, students must be in good academic standing and successfully complete all required courses. Upon completion of all required courses, students must also meet the requirements of a summative evaluation which includes: medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, patient care skills, and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Applying to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program

Chatham University’s Physician Assistant Studies program is a member of the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). All applications must be submitted through CASPA with all relevant materials (transcripts, PA shadowing information and recommendations) at https://caspa.liaisoncas.com. Refer to the MPAS website for all Admission requirements, deadlines, and questions.

For specific questions about the Program, please reach out to the Graduate Admissions Recruiter at 412-365-1825 or at graduate@chatham.edu.

Technical Standards

The student must possess the mental, physical, and emotional capacities essential to attaining the competencies required to function as a physician assistant. All PA students will be expected to have abilities in five categories: observation, communication, motor, intellectual and social. These abilities enable the student to perform tasks required to meet graduation and professional requirements as measured by state and national certification, licensure and registration processes. Candidates who posses any disability that would potentially interfere with the attainment of such competencies are encouraged to contact the Graduate Admission Recruiter or the Director of the MPAS program to discuss and identify possible accommodations. Chatham University and/or affiliated sites may arrange to enable the candidate to demonstrate the necessary physical, mental, and emotional capacities.

Observation: Candidates must have sufficient sensory capacity to observe in the problem-based learning and lecture settings, the laboratory, and the health care or community setting. Sensory abilities must be adequate to perform appropriate examination or assessments including functional vision, hearing, and tactile sensation to observe a patient's condition, and to elicit information appropriate to a physician assistant.

Communication: Students must be able to communicate effectively and professionally in academic, community, educational, and health care settings, and be able to demonstrate proficiency in both verbal and written English.

Motor: Students must have the ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures. Students must be able to negotiate patient care environments, and be able to move between settings such as the classroom, health care facility, educational, or community setting. Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. Long periods of sitting, standing or moving are required in a variety of learning sites. Students must be proficient in typing skills.

Intellectual: Students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and integrate information as well as be able to comprehend temporal and spatial relationships.

Social: Students must exercise good judgment and be able to function, appropriately and effectively, in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice, and must maintain mature, sensitive and effective professional relationships with faculty, students, patients, and other members of the health care and/or educational team. Students are expected to fully participate in physical examination courses as both examiners and patients. Students should be comfortable with modest exposure of the body to allow for adequate examination (donning of sports bra or tank top for women, males will remove shirt; and shorts for both males and females). Students must also be able to be comfortable with donning surgical scrub clothing that expose the arms above the elbows, the neck and upper chest areas.

Students should be completely comfortable working in small groups for Problem Based Learning, including, but not limited to: verbal discussion of knowledge and limitations of knowledge, scribing of information via handwritten transmission in front of a group of students and a faculty member, or typing via use of smart board technology in front of a group of students and a faculty member.

In lab settings, students should be comfortable with and prepared to work with different students, both male and female, with regard to physical examination and/or procedures in a large room with other students present. No genital, breast, or rectal examinations are performed on fellow students.

Learning Outcomes

Chatham University MPAS Program-Defined Competencies

1.     Apply knowledge of basic sciences with a focus on clinical application across the lifespan.

2.     Perform an appropriate history and physical examination to determine a differential diagnosis and plan of action.

3.     Manage general medical and surgical conditions to include understanding the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents and other appropriate treatments.

4.     Competently perform clinical procedures considered essential in primary and surgical care.

5.     Students will develop the skills necessary to become lifelong learners and demonstrate commitment to stay current with medical knowledge through critical evaluation of medical literature.

6.     Exercises cultural humility by recognizing the cultural norms, needs, influences, and socioeconomic, environmental, and other population-level determinants affecting the community and individual being served.

7.     Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate across the continuum (verbally, non-verbally, and in writing), with patients, families, and the healthcare team.

8.     Respect the dignity and privacy of patients across the lifespan including consideration for legal and ethical matters.

9.     Demonstrates emotional resilience, adaptability, self-awareness, and understands the importance of wellness and self-care.

10.  Identify risk factors, screening, and interventions for the prevention of diseases across the lifespan.

11.  Understand the legal aspects of the healthcare system including the regulatory environment, funding and payment sources, PA scope of practice, and PA/physician relationship.

Curriculum

+Degree Requirements

Completion of 85 credits in physician assistant studies courses. All courses are pass/fail grading only. The PAS 640-648 Clinical Rotation courses consist of the seven core required clinical rotations in the following areas: Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry/Behavioral Health, Women’s Health, Surgery along with two elective rotations in other fields of medicine.

PAS600	Essentials for the Physician Assistant I Essentials for the Physician Assistant I is a problem-oriented approach to primary and specialty care medicine. This course incorporates medical diagnosis and treatment; pharmacotherapeutics; psychosocial assessment and management; patient education; management of patients with chronic illness; clinical decision making; and prevention of disability and disease through detection, education, and prevention. The course is divided into three segments, Units 1, 2, and 3.	9
PAS601	Essentials for the Physician Assistant II Essentials for the Physician Assistant II is a problem-oriented approach to primary and specialty care medicine. This course incorporates medical diagnosis and treatment; pharmacotherapeutics; psychosocial assessment and management; patient education; management of patients with chronic illness; clinical decision making; and prevention of disability and disease through detection, education, and prevention. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PAS600 Essentials for the Physician Assistant I	9
PAS602	Clinical Application of Basic Sciences I An in-depth study of topics in gross human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, supporting the instruction in the Essentials for the Physician Assistant courses. Instruction will involve basic sciences with an emphasis on the clinical application of the material, utilizing a systems approach.	4
PAS603	Clinical Application of Basic Sciences II This course is a continuation of PAS 602. An in-depth study of topics in gross human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, supporting the instruction in the Essentials for the Physician Assistant courses. Instruction will involve basic sciences with an emphasis on the clinical application of the material, utilizing a systems approach. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PAS602 Clinical Application of Basic Sciences I	4
PAS604	Critical Reading of the Literature I Students critically evaluate medical literature and resources used in the Essentials for the Physician Assistant courses, including research design, data collection, and statistical analysis.	1
PAS605	Critical Reading of the Literature II This course is a continuation of PAS 604. Students critically evaluate medical literature and resources used in the Essentials for the Physician Assistant courses, including research design, data collection, and statistical analysis.	1
PAS606	Clinical Pharmacology I This clinically oriented course provides students with knowledge required for the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical agents in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases through an understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Topics selected will support the body systems covered in the Essentials for the Physician Assistant courses.	2
PAS607	Clinical Pharmacology II This course is a continuation of PAS 606. This clinically oriented course provides students with knowledge required for the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical agents in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases through an understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Topics selected will support the body systems covered in the Essentials for the Physician Assistant courses. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PAS606 Clinical Pharmacology I	2
PAS610	Introduction to Clinical Experience I This course will introduce the student to various types of medical documentation and medical terminology. It will address HIPAA and OSHA regulations, as well as Universal Precautions. Professional comportment while on rotations will also be introduced.	2
PAS611	Introduction to Clinical Experience II This is a continuation of PAS 610. Students will continue to explore various types of medical documentation, and issues surrounding cultural sensitivity in medicine. Professional comportment and communication skills will be addressed. Students will be introduced to billing and coding. Policies and procedures for clinical rotations will also be introduced.	2
PAS612	Introduction to the PA Profession This course introduces the students to the physician assistant profession and their role in the American healthcare system. Topics of discussion include history of the profession, national and state organizations, federal and state laws affecting practice, education, and the future of the profession.	1
PAS614	Medical Ethics Contemporary professional medical ethics issues are discussed and debated. Instruction is provided through classroom discussions, guest lectures, and small group discussions/presentations.	1
PAS617	Clinical Procedures Laboratory course covering theory and application of common clinical procedures that a physician assistant will encounter during practice. Students demonstrate competence through practical evaluations.	2
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PAS625	Clinical Decision Making I Problem-oriented cases present the student with opportunities to use clinical reasoning to formulate differential diagnoses and emphasize development of treatment and care plans. These courses run concurrently with the clinical experiences I-IX.	1
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PAS651	Advanced Clinical Medicine I This course enhances student knowledge and proficiency in topics related to patient-centered care in PA practice. Professional issues and DEI topics introduced in the first year of the program will be addressed with increased complexity. This course runs concurrently with supervised clinical practice experiences.	1
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PAS626	Clinical Decision Making II Problem-oriented cases present the student with opportunities to use clinical reasoning to formulate differential diagnoses and emphasize development of treatment and care plans. These courses run concurrently with the clinical experiences I-IX.	1
PAS627I	Clinical Decision Making III Part One Problem-oriented cases present the student with opportunities to use clinical reasoning to formulate differential diagnoses and emphasize development of treatment and care plans. These courses run concurrently with the clinical experiences I-IX.	1
PAS627II	Clinical Decision Making III Part Two Genetic based case presents the student with opportunities to use clinical reasoning to formulate differential diagnoses and emphasize development of treatment and care plans. Introduction to MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) is also covered.	1
PAS628	Clinical Decision Making IV Drawing on skills acquired in PAS 625, 626 & 627, as well as knowledge that has been acquired throughout the curriculum, students develop case presentations which include history, physical examination, diagnostics, treatment, and patient education, based on specific disease entities. Additionally, students complete summative program evaluations related to medical knowledge base and clinical assessment skills.	1
PAS630	Topics in Clinical Medicine An intensive review in preparation for entering practice as a physician assistant. A series of special seminars and presentations that provides the student with a topical approach to medicine.	3
PAS635	Healthcare Policy Students explore relevant health-care law and policy issues that impact the Physician Assistant profession and health-care delivery systems. Instruction is provided through classroom discussions, guest lectures, and small group problem-based learning.	1
PAS636	Program to Practice This course assists students with the transition of becoming a clinically practicing physician assistant. The course will provide information on how to prepare for the new career, including obtaining certification, licensure, malpractice insurance, and other essential items needed before they begin practicing.	1
PAS637	Clinical Skills for the Physician Assistant I This skills-based course will cover history, physical examination, documentation of patient data and diagnostic aspects of the head and neck, integumentary, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, pulmonary and cardiac systems. History taking will also be introduced. Course format will include lectures, demonstrations, online simulation modules, and high-fidelity simulation.	4
PAS638	Clinical Skills for the Physician Assistant II This skills-based course will cover history, physical examination, and documentation of patient data and diagnostic aspects of the abdominal, genitourinary, and neurologic examinations. The comprehensive patient examination will also be covered. Course format will include lectures, demonstrations, online simulation modules, and high-fidelity simulation. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PAS637 Clinical Skills for the Physician Assistant I	4
PAS640	Clinical Experience I These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS641	Clinical Experience II These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS642	Clinical Experience III These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS643	Clinical Experience IV These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS644	Clinical Experience V These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS645	Clinical Experience VI These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS646	Clinical Experience VII These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS647	Clinical Experience VIII These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3
PAS648	Clinical Experience IX These are clinical courses designed to provide students with supervised medical and surgical clinical practice experiences enabling them to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice.	3