Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program

The second year is devoted to core clinical rotations, elective rotations, and seminars. Providing our PA students with these opportunities is integral to the basic foundation of their clinical skills. The start date for clinical rotations will be the fifth trimester. Clinical assignments are, at minimum, 32 hours per week. Students are expected to fully participate in all clinical activities (e.g., “call,” grand rounds, journal club). Each student will complete one, 4-week rotation in each of the required core clinical experiences. Elective time of up to 8 weeks may be available to students in good standing.

CORE CLINICAL ROTATIONS (MUST COMPLETE ALL)

Internal Medicine: You will be assigned to an approved Internal Medicine practice and learn how to provide care for a variety of presenting conditions in adult patients, with particular emphasis on acute, chronic, geriatric, and preventative care.

Pediatrics: You will be assigned to an approved Pediatric practice and learn how to provide care across the lifespan, with an emphasis on infants, children, and adolescents. You will gain an understanding of a diverse patient population from newborn to adolescent, with a variety of medical circumstances. You will also develop the necessary skills for interacting with parents and guardians.

Family Medicine: You will acquire a basic comprehension of health care delivery in Family Medicine. You will be assigned to an approved Family Medicine practice and learn how to provide care for a variety of presenting conditions in adult and pediatric patients, with particular emphasis on acute, chronic, and preventative care across the lifespan. You will have a better understanding of various medical conditions from simple to complex and will be able to synthesize and apply knowledge to clinical encounters.

Women’s Health: You will be assigned to an approved Women’s Health practice and learn to provide care for a variety of presenting conditions, with a particular emphasis on prenatal and gynecological care. You will gain an increased awareness of the importance of prenatal care, preventative cancer screening, and issues of menopause. You will also acquire practical experience in the discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology. You will have a better understanding of various medical conditions from simple to complex and will be able to synthesize and apply knowledge to clinical encounters.

Surgery: You will gain a basic comprehension of health care delivery in Surgery. You will be assigned to an approved surgical practice and learn how to provide surgical assessment and operative management for a variety of surgical conditions, with particular emphasis on pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care.

Behavioral and Mental Health: You will be assigned to an approved Psychiatric/Mental Health practice. At the conclusion of the 4-week rotation in Behavioral and Mental Health, you will have a solid understanding of common psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. You will also learn about community resources that are available to patients dealing with psychiatric illness.

Emergency Medicine: You will gain a basic comprehension of health care delivery in Emergency Medicine. You will be assigned to an approved hospital-based emergency room to gain exposure to emergency medicine with particular emphasis on diverse, acute, and emergent care across the lifespan. Upon completion of this 4-week emergency medicine rotation, you will be able to perform a methodical, rapid, and accurate assessment of patients presenting to the Emergency Department and formulate a management plan. You will also gain experience working with patients and families in high stress, emergency situations.

Integrative Health: You will gain a basic comprehension of health care delivery in Integrative Health. You will be assigned to an approved Integrative Health medical practice and learn how to provide care for a variety of presenting conditions, with particular emphasis on alternative health delivery systems and working as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team. At the conclusion of the 4-week Integrative Health rotation, you will have a better understanding of various non-traditional treatment modalities and be able to apply those to patient care situations.

Elective Clinical Rotations (Must complete two)

Course Name
Cardiology
Dermatology
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Nephrology
Orthopedics/Sports Medicine
Neurosurgery
Gastroenterology
Hematology Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Pain Management
Plastic Surgery
Pediatric Neurology
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Home Health
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Endocrinology
Interventional Radiology
Pediatric Allergy/Immunology
Critical Care
Urgent Care