Program Goals
The program goals of the Pfeiffer University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies with respective measurements of success are as follows:
Learning Competencies & Learning Outcomes
Competencies:
- Medical Knowledge (MK)
- Interpersonal Skills (IS)
- Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
- Professional Behaviors (PB)
- Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPSA)
| LEARNING OUTCOMES | DESCRIPTION | ALIGNED/SUPPORTED COMPETENCY |
|---|---|---|
| PLO1 | Demonstrate core knowledge of biomedical and clinical sciences across the lifespan. | Medical Knowledge |
| PLO2 | Demonstrate the application of core knowledge of biomedical and clinical sciences to the practice of medicine. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical and Technical Skills, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO3 | Accurately obtain and document complete and problem-focused medical histories. | Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal Skills, Clinical and Technical Skills |
| PLO4 | Appropriately perform complete and problem-focused physical exams. | Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal Skills, Clinical and Technical Skills, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO5 | Appropriately select and interpret laboratory and diagnostic studies common to general practice. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical and Technical Skills, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO6 | Accurately generate differential diagnoses through investigative and critical thinking. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO7 | Differentiate preventive, chronic, acute, emergent, and rehabilitative medical encounters and psychiatric/behavioral conditions. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical and Technical Skills, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO8 | Formulate appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical and Technical Skills, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO9 | Provide health care services and education aimed at disease prevention and health maintenance. | Interpersonal Skills, Medical Knowledge, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO10 | Demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles pertaining to the provision of care. | Interpersonal Skills, Professional Behaviors |
| PLO11 | Demonstrate sensitivity to a patient’s unique identity which may include age, race, culture, disabilities, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, gender identity, sexual orientation, and social determinants of health. | Interpersonal Skills, Professional Behaviors |
| PLO12 | Demonstrate the ability to appraise the medical literature and apply the principles of evidence-based literature to patient care. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO13 | Effectively leverage the team approach in collaboration with members of the interprofessional healthcare team to provide patient-centered care. | Interpersonal Skills, Professional Behaviors |
| PLO14 | Communicate effectively with patients, families, communities, and other healthcare professionals. | Interpersonal Skills, Professional Behaviors |
| PLO15 | Apply understanding of the business of healthcare to individual patient care needs. | Medical Knowledge, Professional Behaviors, Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities |
| PLO16 | Recognize implicit and systemic biases and social determinants of health that contribute to healthcare disparities. | Interpersonal Skills, Professional Behaviors |
| PLO17 | Perform procedures commonly encountered in professional practice. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical and Technical Skills |
| PLO18 | Promote a safe environment for patient care that incorporates prevention of medical errors. | Medical Knowledge, Clinical and Technical Skills, Professional Behaviors |