PROGRAM OVERVIEW | Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Lecture/lab course covering tissue, organ, and body systems structure, including dissection of human cadavers with an emphasis on structure and function. 

Synchronous and asynchronous lecture course covering the normal physiology of cell, tissue, organ, and body systems with emphasis on physiological changes associated with select pathological conditions

Lecture/lab course for in-depth instruction in medical history-taking. Learners will practice soliciting, organizing, and interpreting the entire medical history from patients of all ages, cultures, socioeconomic levels, and disabilities

A primarily online study course that introduces students to the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, including its history, development, and future trends. The course also provides a foundational review of key healthcare principles such as social determinants of health, patient education, and interprofessional interactions. Occasional in-person classroom activities will supplement online learning to enhance engagement and application of course concepts.

This lab course introduces students to the fundamentals of critical thinking and the application of medical knowledge and skills. Emphasis is placed on developing a focused medical history and formulating differential diagnoses across diverse patient populations. The course incorporates case-based learning to enhance problem-solving abilities and prepares students for advanced clinical decision-making.

This comprehensive lecture, laboratory, and independent study course is designed to equip Physician Assistant students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to proficiently order, perform, and interpret a wide range of diagnostic tests. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate utilization of diagnostic modalities in the context of evidence-based clinical decision-making. Students will engage with case-based learning and hands-on experiences to strengthen their understanding of laboratory studies, imaging techniques, and point-of-care diagnostics, preparing them for effective integration of diagnostic data into patient assessment and management within diverse healthcare settings.

Lecture/lab/independent study course that provides students with the foundational knowledge needed to evaluate patients in a clinical role. The course reinforces medical interviewing and patient communication skills. It also teaches general physical exam techniques to perform on an age-appropriate and diverse population. 

Lecture course that covers the principles of pathophysiology and evaluation and management of general medical conditions in a systems-based approach. Discussions incorporate prerequisite patient evaluation, and co-requisite knowledge of clinical diagnostics and physical diagnosis to reach appropriate patient assessments. 

Building upon the foundations established in Clinical Reasoning I, this lab course focuses on the integration of critical thinking skills with physical examination technique and diagnostic tests. The course utilizes simulated patient encounters to reinforce physical exam and diagnostic reasoning and prepare students for clinical rotations.

Lecture/independent study course providing a continuation of Clinical Medicine I. The principles of evaluation and management of general medical conditions are studied in a systems-based approach. Discussions incorporate prerequisite and co-requisite knowledge of pathophysiology, history taking and physical exam skills, and diagnostic medicine. 

Lecture and activity-based course that covers the basic pharmacology principles with an emphasis on drug classification, mechanism of action, utilization, medication selection, and adverse effects present in the treatment of disease processes.

A primarily online course with a few in class presentations that introduces Physician Assistant students to key clinical practice issues, including healthcare delivery systems, legal and ethical considerations, telemedicine, and patient safety. Emphasis is placed on Louisiana law, documentation, quality improvement, and effective interprofessional communication. Students will also engage in community service, OR training, and preparation for clinical rotations.

This lab course advances students’ application of critical thinking to the treatment and management of diseases. Emphasis is placed on developing evidence-based therapeutic plans, considering pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The course utilizes simulated patient encounters to reinforce diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning. Students will engage in case discussions and collaborative learning to enhance their ability to formulate comprehensive management strategies tailored to individual patient needs.

Students will complete 12 clinical rotations, each lasting four weeks, for a total of 36 credit hours during the clinical year. These externships are designed to reinforce and integrate the didactic curriculum from year one, helping students develop the clinical competencies expected of program graduates.

Externships provide experience across a variety of clinical settings and disciplines, including:

• Primary Care (3 rotations to include family medicine and internal medicine)

• Pediatrics

• Women’s Health/Obstetrics & Gynecology

• General Surgery

• Emergency Medicine

• Psychiatry/Behavioral Medicine

• Radiology

• Three Electives (allowing students to explore subspecialty areas of interest)

• One Wellness Rotation, which promotes the PA profession, encourages community service, and fosters physical and mental wellness.

Students will gain hands-on experience in ambulatory care, inpatient settings, emergency departments, and operating rooms. Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes healthcare finance, medico-legal issues, professionalism, and effective interpersonal communication.

The program arranges all clinical rotation sites. While students may express interest in specific sites, they are not responsible for securing their own rotations. Clinical sites are located throughout Louisiana, with most in North Louisiana. Students are placed in areas where housing is either available or provided; however, they may be required to commute up to 60 miles one way to attend certain rotations.

Seminar I: This discussion-based course fosters clinical reasoning and professional growth through reflective journaling, pediatric preventative health case analysis, and peer engagement. Students will present preventative health cases, reflect on clinical experiences and critical incidents, and develop and understanding of cultural impacts on patient encounters.  

Seminar II: This practical skills-based course will equip students with essential counseling tools and techniques to navigate a wide range of challenging clinical scenarios. Students will learn effective communication strategies for breaking bad news and managing difficult patient encounters. The course will cover the intricacies of Medicare and Medicaid, as well as inpatient billing and coding. Emphasis will be placed on addressing sexual health, substance abuse (both provider and patient), and adhering to the rules set by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME). Additionally, the course will prepare students to handle sensitive issues related to death, dying, and end-of-life care with empathy and cultural competence. 

Seminar III: The spring seminar course is a practical skills-based course for students to learn the non-clinical aspects of health care. Emphasis is on rules and regulations of PA practice in Louisiana, applying for a Louisiana license, NCCPA certification and recertification, job preparation, and PANCE preparation. 

An online course that offers physician assistant students an in-depth exploration of key medical ethical issues they are likely to encounter in clinical practice. Building upon foundational concepts introduced in the PA Professions course, it emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making in real-world healthcare scenarios. Through case studies, discussions, and ethical frameworks, students will develop the skills necessary to navigate complex moral dilemmas with professionalism and compassion.

Research Methods I is a 1-credit hour course designed to increase student proficiency in searching and interpreting medical literature in preparation for Research II, III, and Masters Project.

Research Methods II is a 2-credit hour course for learners to become proficient at analyzing literature and developing an evidence-based practice for the evaluation and management of disease processes.

Research Methods III is a 2-credit hour course for learners to become proficient at analyzing literature, formulating conclusions and recommendations for the evidence-based practice of evaluation and management of disease processes, and effectively communicating that information to other healthcare providers.

The Master’s Project is the capstone of the Master’s Degree. It is a 3-credit hour course designed for completing the learner’s project that was initiated in Research Methods II & III. The conclusion of the project will evaluate the sum of the literature to make recommendations regarding the application and utility of the information in an evidence-based practice. The project must be presented to the faculty and peers orally. 

The Preceptorship consists of a clinical experience selected by the student and is designed to provide clinical reinforcement of the didactic and clinical curricula presented throughout the student’s education. It serves as a capstone practicum in which students are expected to integrate their didactic knowledge and clinical experience to demonstrate the clinical competencies expected of program graduates. Additionally, students gain exposure to healthcare finance, medico-legal issues, and the broader principles governing the patient-healthcare provider relationship.