Physician Assistant Studies

This intense course covers advanced study of the structure and development of the human body. Structural features are studied by gross dissection using whole body donors, demonstration, anatomical models, and cross section. Emphasis is placed on structure and the relationship of anatomic configuration to diagnosis clinical problems. Student evaluation is accomplished through written practical examinations.

This course provides instruction in the pathological processes affecting the body’s organ systems. Students will examine the mechanical, biochemical, cellular, and physiological mechanisms underlying human disease, with emphasis on their clinical relevance. Topics include epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology/pathogenesis, and the resulting clinical presentations of various disease states. Instruction will integrate links to course content, videos, lectures, discussions, and formative assignments to reinforce learning. The course begins with foundational concepts in cell injury, death, and tissue repair, then proceeds through a system-based approach. Content serves as the essential framework for subsequent Clinical Medicine II and Clinical Medicine III courses.

This is an entry level course designed to provide the student with a logical and systematic approach to clinical reasoning and patient interaction skills.  The process of clinical reasoning involves multiple steps beginning with understanding the PA’s role in the current healthcare system.  From there the components of the clinical encounter. This would include history gathering, patient interview, generating hypotheses for the patient’s problem, testing the hypotheses, working diagnosis, planning the diagnostic and treatment strategy and record keeping. Progressing forward the students learning experience will include patient general inspection, common and concerning symptoms, vital signs, and an introduction to the dermatologic and musculoskeletal exams.

This course is designed to develop and strengthen problem-solving skills essential to effective medical decision-making. Students will engage in an in-depth study of diseases/disorders using a body systems approach. Medical knowledge includes epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and patient education for conditions commonly encountered in primary care. Instruction includes the provision of care in preventive, emergent, acute, chronic, adolescent, and adult populations as it applies to disease processes. The course content supports program learning outcomes by fostering patient-centered knowledge for practice, integrating clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making to promote safe, effective, and compassionate care across diverse patient populations. The skills and knowledge gained will directly support performance in supervised clinical rotations and long-term competence in primary care and other medical settings.

CCRS Lab II builds on core clinical communication and reasoning skills, with a focus on written and oral medical documentation. Students will practice writing History and Physicals (H&Ps), SOAP notes, and prescriptions, as well as additional documentation skills like pre-operative H&Ps, operative notes, and discharge summaries. The course emphasizes evidence-based decision-making through the use of credible medical resources. Students engage in problem-based learning, simulation activities, and hands-on practice with the NJM Healer platform. Focus areas include body system approaches and the top 10 ICD-10 codes to prepare for real-world clinical documentation.

This course provides physician assistant students with focused instruction in the appropriate selection and interpretation of clinical diagnostic testing with emphasis on evidence-based decision-making. The course will also address appropriate referral to specialists for advanced diagnostic evaluation and consultation when care needs extend beyond the scope of primary practice. Course delivery includes assigned readings, online materials, instructional videos, weekly lectures, and class discussions. Formative in-class activities will reinforce critical thinking skills to integrate learned material into clinical decision making. Instruction begins with an introduction to evidence-based medicine concepts and diagnostic testing before progressing to in depth clinical diagnostic in system-based format. Content will be complementary and help reinforce skills and competencies in Clinical Medicine II and Clinical Skills establishing a strong foundation for advanced coursework, clinical rotations, and evidence-based patient care.

The Clinical Skills & Physical Diagnosis Lab I course provides students with hands-on training in essential physical examination techniques and core clinical procedures routinely performed by physician assistants. Emphasizing a systems-based approach, students will develop competence in conducting comprehensive and focused medical exams, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. In addition, students will learn and practice a variety of procedural skills. This course fosters the integration of clinical reasoning, patient communication, and professionalism while ensuring students meet the technical proficiency expected in clinical rotations and future practice. Through a combination of demonstration, simulation, peer practice, and faculty-guided instruction, students will gain confidence and accuracy in clinical performance. Skills covered include, but are not limited to, sterile technique, suturing, injections, venipuncture, splinting and casting and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to integrate these skills into clinical rotations and future practice.

Clinical Medicine III is the final course in the series, focusing on more advanced and specialized areas of medicine. Students will explore topics such as neurology, nephrology, rheumatology, dermatology, and hematology/oncology. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of diagnostic techniques, therapeutic interventions, and the management of complex or multisystem conditions. The course continues to promote evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning, preparing students for real-world application in clinical settings and strengthening their readiness for clinical rotations and future patient care.

CCRS Lab III is an advanced, hands-on course designed to help students refine and master clinical decision-making and reasoning skills. This lab-based course focuses on simulation, problem-based learning (PBL), and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), enabling students to integrate knowledge from previous coursework. Through immersive clinical scenarios, students will develop their ability to apply critical thinking, diagnose complex conditions, and formulate treatment plans. The course prepares students for real-world patient interactions by strengthening their clinical reasoning and communication skills in diverse clinical settings.

The Clinical Skills & Physical Diagnosis Lab II course continues to provide students with hands-on training in essential physical examination techniques and core clinical procedures routinely performed by physician assistants. Emphasizing a systems-based approach, students will develop competence in conducting comprehensive and focused medical exams, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. In addition, students will learn and practice a variety of procedural skills. This course fosters the integration of clinical reasoning, patient communication, and professionalism while ensuring students meet the technical proficiency expected in clinical rotations and future practice. Through a combination of demonstration, simulation, peer practice, and faculty-guided instruction, students will gain confidence and accuracy in clinical performance. Skills covered include, but are not limited to, sterile technique, suturing, injections, venipuncture, splinting and casting and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to integrate these skills into clinical rotations and future practice.