MISSION, GOALS & PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
| Master of Physician Assistant Studies
The mission of the PA Program is to provide a primary care curriculum to prepare competent, professionally engaged Physician Assistants to provide health care for Louisiana citizens.
Goal #1
Graduate competent PAs who exhibit lifelong learning skills.
This goal is measured by the following:
- Having a PANCE (PA National Certification Exam) First Time Take pass rate of >94. For the Class of 2025, the first-time pass rate was 100%. The five-year first-time taker average pass rate for the program is 98%. Download the First-time Pass Rate report for the last 5 years and the Exam Performance Summary for the last five years.
- Having graduates who remain certified PAs for at least 10 years after graduation at a rate of >95%. Recertification requires that a PA continue to learn new information regarding patient care thus demonstrating lifelong learning skills. Certification maintenance also requires that the PA comply with all applicable laws and standards related to their professional role while upholding appropriate standards of professionalism and ethics. The certification rate does not account for why a PA is no longer certified (such as change in profession, retirement or death). For graduates from the past 10 years (2015– 2025), 99.7% remain certified.
First Time PANCE Pass Rate
| Class of 2023 |
Class of 2024 |
Class of 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 95% | 97% | 100% |
10 Year Recertification
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 99.5% | 99.7% | 99.7% |
Goal #2
Facilitate faculty and student involvement in local, state, and national organizations.
This goal is measured by the following:
- Having a membership rate of >75% for LAPA and AAPA among faculty members who are PAs.
- Having a membership rate of >50% for LAPA and AAPA among LSUHSC-Shreveport PA students.
| Date Checked | Faculty AAPA | Faculty LAPA | Student AAPA | Student LAPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2023 | 100% | 100% | 77% | 78% |
| December 2024 |
100% | 100% | 78% | 80% |
| October 2025 |
100% | 100% | 95% | 90% |
Goal #3
Increase the number of healthcare providers (PAs) in Louisiana
This goal is measured by the following:
- Having >50% of the most recent graduating class obtain a PA license in the state of Louisiana. For the class of 2025, 72% of graduates are licensed to practice in Louisiana.
| Cohort | Number of providers with LA Licensure |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 71% |
| 2024 | 67% |
| 2025 | 72% |
PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
Upon completion of the PA Program, graduates should be able to:
Medical Knowledge
- MK 1: Apply principles of basic and clinical science to recognize normal and abnormal health states that demonstrate an understanding of current, evidence-based clinical medicine
- MK 2: Identify epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, and presentations of acute, chronic, and emergent medical conditions in diverse patient populations
- MK 3: Develop differential diagnoses and select appropriate diagnostic studies and procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage disease
- MK 4: Integrate a holistic, patient-centered approach to promote health, wellness, and disease prevention
Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS)
- ICS 1: Organize and communicate information effectively and appropriately to patients and health care team members.
- ICS 2: Demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors (including cultural considerations) when interacting with others.
- ICS 3: Foster professional, respectful, and effective working relationships with all members of the healthcare team
Professionalism and Professional Practice (PPP)
- PPP 1: Recognize the legal and regulatory requirements for professional practice
- PPP 2: Demonstrate accountability, self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous improvement by recognizing personal limitations, accepting constructive feedback, and refining professional skills.
- PPP 3: Describe the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of all patients in the delivery of care.
- PPP 4: Provide high-quality, patient-centered care while considering financial impact, safety, and cost-effective resource utilization.
- PPP 5: Utilize a team-approach to optimize health and patient care
Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving (CRPS)
- CRPS 1: Synthesize clinical data from patient encounters and evidence-based medicine to develop accurate differential diagnoses for acute, chronic, and emergent medical conditions
- CRPS 2: Develop comprehensive health management plans that incorporate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, patient education, and preventive care strategies.
- CRPS 3: Use appropriate literature to make evidence-based decisions in healthcare settings.
- CRPS 4: Recognize the potential impact of social determinants of health and genetics on patients and incorporate them into decisions of care
Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
- CTS 1: Perform patient-centered history-taking and physical examinations tailored to comprehensive and problem-focused visits.
- CTS 2: Accurately document and communicate patient encounters to healthcare team members in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
- CTS 3: Demonstrate the ability to provide patient-centered education and counseling that promotes health and wellness
- CTS 4: Interpret screening and diagnostic studies
- CTS 5: Perform procedural and clinical skills considered essential for entry into PA practice.
