Physician Assistant (MSPA)
Courses
MSPA 6100. Foundations of Clinical Medicine. Units: 4
Semester Prerequisite: Admission to the MSPA Program
This integrated course provides a foundational knowledge of physiology, microbiology, and the genetics of health and disease across all organ systems. It emphasizes the scientific principles essential for the Clinical Medicine course series, advanced clinical courses, and professional practice. Learners will explore the intricate workings of the human body, including cellular processes, organ function, and the interplay between systems for homeostasis. The course examines the impact of infectious diseases, including microorganisms, pathogenic mechanisms, transmission, and host responses. It also delves into human genetics, inheritance patterns, gene expression, and factors contributing to disease development. Through lectures, interactive discussions, and case studies, learners develop critical thinking skills for applying knowledge to clinical scenarios. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6110. Medical Anatomy. Units: 4
Semester Prerequisite: Admission to the MSPA Program
This course provides a regionally focused study of human anatomy, combining didactic and laboratory instruction. It emphasizes clinical applications by correlating virtual dissection, diagnostic studies, and physical examination with anatomical concepts to prepare learners for advanced clinical courses and professional practice. Through interactive activities and a regionally based approach, learners will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. State-of-the-art computer-based learning and imaging techniques enhance spatial ability and promote three-dimensional thinking. Topics covered include integumentary, muscular, skeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, vascular/lymphatic, respiratory, neurological, and gonadal systems. Three hours lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6120. Communication in Healthcare. Units: 2
Semester Prerequisite: Admission to the MSPA Program
This course establishes a strong basis for future healthcare providers to communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and members of the interprofessional team. Learners will gain a foundation for patient-centered communication, adapting to evolving healthcare communication needs. Learners will also develop strategies to foster rapport, active listening, and empathy in patient and caregiver interactions, while seamlessly integrating cultural competency and cultural humility training. The course covers vital topics in medical interviewing, written documentation, oral presentation, and telemedicine, with emphasis on patient privacy and confidentiality. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6130. Laboratory Medicine and Diagnostics. Units: 2
Semester Prerequisite: Admission to the MSPA Program
This course equips learners with comprehensive knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic medicine, including the essential skills needed to select and interpret basic clinical tests and diagnostic imaging procedures. Through interactive lectures and case-based discussions, learners will develop critical thinking skills to effectively utilize laboratory tests in the diagnostic process. Learners will examine the reference ranges, typical findings, and critical thresholds for various laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging. The course also examines the ethical and legal considerations of informed consent related to laboratory and diagnostic studies. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6140. Evidence Based Medicine. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: Admission to the MSPA Program
The course equips learners to critically evaluate and apply scientific evidence, employ biostatistical methods, and navigate ethical considerations in clinical decision-making. Through interactive lectures, case discussions, and practical exercises, learners will explore the fundamental principles of evidence-based medicine, including study design, research methodology, critical appraisal, and application of findings to patient care. Emphasis will be on integrating research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to deliver optimal, culturally sensitive, patient-centered care. The course serves as a foundation for Evidence Based Medicine and builds upon foundational knowledge of research methods and biostatistics. It is designed to prepare physician assistant (PA) learners for advanced clinical courses and professional practice. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6150. Community Health and Service. Units: 2
Semester Prerequisite: Admission to the MSPA Program
This course introduces concepts of public and community health through didactic instruction and community service projects. Critical topics to be covered include health disparities, cultural competency/humility, and health literacy, as well as the basics of patient education and counseling. To complement classroom instruction, learners are provided service opportunities within the community. The course focuses on addressing the local community's needs and reducing health disparities while developing cultural sensitivity to care for diverse populations. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6160. Professional Development and Practice I. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: Admission to the MSPA Program
This first course in a four-part series covers topics related to PA professional practice, including the profession's historical development, PA professional organizations, practice laws and regulations, medical ethics, and the business of healthcare. The course series also promotes professional development through the growth of professional behaviors and leadership skills essential for effective teamwork and collaboration as an interprofessional team. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6161. Professional Development and Practice II. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6160
This second course in a four-part series covers topics related to PA professional practice, including the profession's historical development, PA professional organizations, practice laws and regulations, medical ethics, and the business of healthcare. The course series also promotes professional development through the growth of professional behaviors and leadership skills essential for effective teamwork and collaboration as an interprofessional team. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6162. Professional Development and Practice III. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6161
This third course in a four-part series covers topics related to PA professional practice, including the profession's historical development, PA professional organizations, practice laws and regulations, medical ethics, and the business of healthcare. The course series also promotes professional development through the growth of professional behaviors and leadership skills essential for effective teamwork and collaboration as an interprofessional team. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6163. Professional Development and Practice IV. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6162
This final course in a four-part series covers topics related to PA professional practice, including the profession's historical development, PA professional organizations, practice laws and regulations, medical ethics, and the business of healthcare. The course series also promotes professional development through the growth of professional behaviors and leadership skills essential for effective teamwork and collaboration as an interprofessional team. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6200. Clinical Medicine I. Units: 6
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6100
This first course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to foundational clinical medicine across the lifespan by exploring human diseases, clinical conditions, and pathophysiology. Learners will integrate basic science into etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and follow up. Learners will also consider the social determinants of health and other patient factors when developing care plans for diverse populations. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6201. Clinical Medicine II. Units: 6
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6200
This second course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to foundational clinical medicine across the lifespan by exploring human diseases, clinical conditions, and pathophysiology. Learners will integrate basic science into etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and follow up. Learners will also consider the social determinants of health and other patient factors when developing care plans for diverse populations. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6202. Clinical Medicine III. Units: 6
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6201
This final course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to foundational clinical medicine across the lifespan by exploring human diseases, clinical conditions, and pathophysiology. Learners will integrate basic science into etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and follow up. Learners will also consider the social determinants of health and other patient factors when developing care plans for diverse populations. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6210. Pharmacotherapeutics I. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6100
This first course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to pharmacotherapeutic management with a core focus on patient-centered care and a thoughtful consideration of the social determinants of health. The Pharmacotherapeutics course series parallels the Clinical Medicine course series by covering the major pharmacotherapeutic agents vital to each system. In addition to a systems-based approach, this first course introduces pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, pharmacogenomics, and prescription writing. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6211. Pharmacotherapeutics II. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6210
This second course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to pharmacotherapeutic management with a core focus on patient-centered care and a thoughtful consideration of the social determinants of health. The Pharmacotherapeutics course series parallels the Clinical Medicine course series by covering the major pharmacotherapeutic agents vital to each system. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6212. Pharmacotherapeutics III. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6211
This final course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to pharmacotherapeutic management with a core focus on patient-centered care and a thoughtful consideration of the social determinants of health. The Pharmacotherapeutics course series parallels the Clinical Medicine course series by covering the major pharmacotherapeutic agents vital to each system. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6220. Patient Assessment and Communication I. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6120
This first course of a three-part course series combines a systems-based approach to physical examination with continued development of communication skills. The Patient Assessment and Communication course series works in conjunction with the Clinical Medicine course series to cover the physical examination techniques used for each system. This course will expand upon the written documentation and oral presentation presented in MSPA 6120 to enable learners to continue honing their communication skills. Learners will also adapt physical exam techniques as they apply to telemedicine visits. Two hours lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6221. Patient Assessment and Communication II. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6220
This second course of a three-part course series combines a systems-based approach to physical examination with continued development of communication skills. The Patient Assessment and Communication course series works in conjunction with the Clinical Medicine course series to cover the physical examination techniques used for each system. This course will expand upon the written documentation and oral presentation presented in MSPA 6120 to enable learners to continue honing their communication skills. Learners will also adapt physical exam techniques as they apply to telemedicine visits. Two hours lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6222. Patient Assessment and Communication III. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6221
This final course of a three-part course series combines a systems-based approach to physical examination with continued development of communication skills. The Patient Assessment and Communication course series works in conjunction with the Clinical Medicine course series to cover the physical examination techniques used for each system. This course will expand upon the written documentation and oral presentation presented in MSPA 6120 to enable learners to continue honing their communication skills. Learners will also adapt physical exam techniques as they apply to telemedicine visits. Two hours lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6230. Clinical and Diagnostic Skills I. Units: 4
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6130
This first course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to laboratory medicine, diagnostic studies, and clinical procedures. The course series includes a laboratory component for learners to develop their clinical and technical skills for performing common clinical procedures. The course series integrates pillars of patient and provider safety with best practices to ensure that learners are not only skilled, but also compassionate and accountable. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) will also be implemented throughout the course series within applicable systems. Three hours lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6231. Clinical and Diagnostic Skills II. Units: 4
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6230
This second course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to laboratory medicine, diagnostic studies, and clinical procedures. The course series includes a laboratory component for learners to develop their clinical and technical skills for performing common clinical procedures. The course series integrates pillars of patient and provider safety with best practices to ensure that learners are not only skilled, but also compassionate and accountable. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) will also be implemented throughout the course series within applicable systems. Three hours lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6232. Clinical and Diagnostic Skills III. Units: 4
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6231
This final course in a three-part course series provides a systems-based approach to laboratory medicine, diagnostic studies, and clinical procedures. The course series includes a laboratory component for learners to develop their clinical and technical skills for performing common clinical procedures. The course series integrates pillars of patient and provider safety with best practices to ensure that learners are not only skilled, but also compassionate and accountable. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) will also be implemented throughout the course series within applicable systems. Two hours lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6240. Clinical Reasoning I. Unit: 1
This first course in a three-part course series promotes the integration of clinical knowledge, technical skills, and evidence-based medicine for effective and cohesive patient care. The course series advances the learner's clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills through interprofessional education, case-based learning, and simulated patient encounters. By integrating theory and practice, this course series prepares learners to make informed clinical decisions and work collaboratively within the interprofessional team. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6241. Clinical Reasoning II. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6240
This second course in a three-part course series promotes the integration of clinical knowledge, technical skills, and evidence-based medicine for effective and cohesive patient care. The course series advances the learner's clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills through interprofessional education, case-based learning, and simulated patient encounters. By integrating theory and practice, this course series prepares learners to make informed clinical decisions and work collaboratively within the interprofessional team. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6242. Clinical Reasoning III. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6241
This final course in a three-part course series promotes the integration of clinical knowledge, technical skills, and evidence-based medicine for effective and cohesive patient care. The course series advances the learner's clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills through interprofessional education, case-based learning, and simulated patient encounters. By integrating theory and practice, this course series prepares learners to make informed clinical decisions and work collaboratively within the interprofessional team. Graded A, B, C, F. Department consent required.
MSPA 6250. Applied Community and Behavioral Health I. Units: 2
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6150
This first course in a three-part series further explores public and community health concepts, including topics related to social issues, behavioral health, and mental wellness. To complement classroom instruction, learners are provided clinical experiences within the community. By the conclusion of the course series, learners will develop foundation skills to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health in preparation for clinical rotations. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6251. Applied Community and Behavioral Health II. Units: 2
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6250
This second course in a three-part series further explores public and community health concepts, including topics related to social issues, behavioral health, and mental wellness. To complement classroom instruction, learners are provided clinical experiences within the community. By the conclusion of the course series, learners will develop foundation skills to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health in preparation for clinical rotations. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6252. Applied Community and Behavioral Health III. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6251
This final course in a three-part series further explores public and community health concepts, including topics related to social issues, behavioral health, and mental wellness. To complement classroom instruction, learners are provided clinical experiences within the community. By the conclusion of the course series, learners will develop foundation skills to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health in preparation for clinical rotations. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6400. Principles of Emergency Medicine and Surgery. Units: 2
The Principles of Emergency Medicine and Surgery course offers an intensive and comprehensive training program that integrates both emergency medicine and surgical skills. Learners will gain expertise in emergency triage and executing acute intervention, including basic and advanced life support. The course will explore pre-, intra-, and post-operative care for diverse surgical scenarios to hone critical thinking skills in a high-stress environment. This course combines didactic instruction, simulations, and dynamic discussions to support active learning and collaboration. One hour lecture and three hours lab. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6500. Transition to Practice I. Unit: 1
This first course in a three-part series prepares learners for the transition from learner to clinical practice through informative sessions, summative examination preparation activities, and a comprehensive PANCE review. Session topics include job interview preparation, contract negotiation, financial planning, and advanced PA professional practice issues. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6501. Transition to Practice II. Unit: 1
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6500
This second course in a three-part series prepares learners for the transition from learner to clinical practice through informative sessions, summative examination preparation activities, and a comprehensive PANCE review. Session topics include job interview preparation, contract negotiation, financial planning, and advanced PA professional practice issues. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6502. Transition to Practice III. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: MSPA 6501
This final course in a three-part series prepares learners for the transition from learner to clinical practice through informative sessions, summative examination preparation activities, and a comprehensive PANCE review. Session topics include job interview preparation, contract negotiation, financial planning, and advanced PA professional practice issues. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6800. Family Medicine Clinical Rotation. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of Family Medicine practice. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Family Medicine SCPE prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and a consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6801. Emergency Medicine Clinical Rotation. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of Emergency Medicine practice. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Emergency Medicine SCPE prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and a consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6802. Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of Internal Medicine practice. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Internal Medicine SCPE prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and a consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6803. Surgery Clinical Rotation. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of Surgery. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Surgery SCPE prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6804. Pediatrics Clinical Rotation. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of Pediatric practice. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Pediatrics SCPE prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6805. Women's Health Clinical Rotation. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of Women's Health. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Women's Health SCPE prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Consent required.
MSPA 6806. Behavioral and Mental Health Clinical Rotation. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of Behavioral and Mental Health. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Behavioral and Mental Health SCPE prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6807. Clinical Rotation Elective I. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of selected Clinical Elective practice. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Clinical Elective SCPE I prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6808. Clinical Rotation Elective II. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of selected Clinical Elective practice. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Clinical Elective SCPE II prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6809. Clinical Rotation Elective III. Units: 4
This four-week supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), or clinical rotation, provides a comprehensive overview of selected Clinical Elective practice. Building upon the didactic phase curriculum, learners will advance their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem solving, and clinical and technical skills within a supervised clinical setting. Learners will also refine their interpersonal and communication skills to create effective rapport with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team. The Clinical Elective SCPE III prepares learners to provide equitable care by fostering professional behaviors, cultural humility, and consideration of the social determinants of health. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.
MSPA 6980. Comprehensive Examination. Units: 0
This culminating course is designed to assess the clinical and technical skills, medical knowledge, clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors acquired throughout the physician assistant (PA) program. This comprehensive and integrative written and practical examination evaluates the competency and preparedness of learners to function effectively as competent and compassionate healthcare providers ready to enter clinical practice. Graded A, B, C, F. Departmental consent required.