https://medschool.creighton.edu/program/physician-assistant-mpas
Program Director: Stephane P. VanderMeulen, MPAS, PA-C
Program Office: Hixson-Lied Science Building, Suite 202
Program Contact: 402-280-4531 or 800-325-4405; pa.admissions@creighton.edu
Mission
The physician assistant program mission is to foster a tradition of excellence by transforming learners into compassionate physician assistants who are dedicated to exemplary patient care. Rooted in our Ignatian heritage, we empower students to realize their full potential through a commitment to professional growth and service to humanity.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Creighton University Physician Assistant Program, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas of medical practice:
- Patient Care: Provide patient-centered care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.
- Medical knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and social-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.
- Practice-Based Learning and Improvement: Demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate their care of patients, to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and to continuously improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and lifelong learning.
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.
- Professionalism: Demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and an adherence to ethical principles.
- Systems-Based Practice: Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care, as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.
Program Goals
Goal 1: Admit qualified applicants who will successfully complete the physician assistant curriculum.
Our admissions process selects for qualified applicants who possess the attributes that will prepare them for success in a rigorous physician assistant program. The measures used will include; undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and number of hours spent in direct patient care and service to others prior to attending PA school. The outcomes used to measure success in this goal will include student academic achievement, attrition data, and PANCE pass rate.
Goal 2: Support a culture of service to others and to community.
Consistent with our mission, service to humanity will be emphasized throughout the program. The admissions process will select for applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to service to others. Service activities will be incorporated into the curriculum and students will be encouraged to seek extracurricular service opportunities. Outcomes will be measured by students' service hours acquired prior to PA school, the number of service activities available to students during the program and the average number of service hours completed during the students' time in the program.
Goal 3: Foster the personal and professional development of students as medical providers.
A commitment to personal and professional growth is a program priority. Students will participate in a dynamic curriculum that integrates ethical and professional principles throughout, allowing for student growth and a better understanding of one's own biases and beliefs. This process will involve instruction, mentoring and feedback as well as self-reflection activities. Professional behaviors will be evaluated by faculty and clinical preceptors using professionalism evaluations. Feedback and mentoring will be provided on an ongoing basis. Students will be asked to reflect on their professional behaviors and to explore their own personal set of values and beliefs. This goal will be assessed by measuring the percentage of students who achieve 100% satisfactory ratings on their professionalism evaluations by graduation and the assessment of student perceptions of personal and professional growth as measured by the student exit data survey.
Goal 4: Deliver an educational experience that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level practice as physician assistants.
Students will participate in an integrated curriculum and a broad array of clinical experiences that will prepare them to enter the workforce in a wide variety of practice settings. Students will develop skills to effectively elicit a complete history and perform differential diagnosis based physical exams. Students will learn to diagnose, develop and implement treatment plans by utilizing critical thinking and medical decision-making skills. In addition, students will learn to communicate effectively to elicit information, provide patient education, and collaborate in interprofessional teams. Students will develop the skills to provide care to patients across the life span and from diverse populations. Students will apply this knowledge in a multitude of practice settings to refine their skills. Success in this goal will be demonstrated by assessing student academic achievement, PANCE pass rate, and measures of knowledge and skills as evaluated on the student exit survey, graduate survey, and employer survey.
Goal 5: Achieve a first time PANCE pass rate that is above the national average.
This goal will be measured annually with the NCCPA provided data on program first time pass rate as compared to the national average.
Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Degree requirements (126 credits)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| IPE 500 | Introduction to Collaborative Care | 0-0.5 |
| PAS 601 | Foundations for Clinical Medicine | 5 |
| PAS 603 | Clinical Medicine: Musculoskeletal /Rheumatology | 6 |
| PAS 605 | Clinical Medicine: HEENT/Dermatology | 7 |
| PAS 614 | Clinical Practice Skills I | 3 |
| PAS 616 | PA Profession and the Health System I | 1 |
| Term Credits | 22-22.5 | |
| Spring | ||
| PAS 607 | Clinical Medicine: Neurology/Psychology | 6 |
| PAS 611 | Clinical Medicine: Cardiology/Pulmonology | 10 |
| PAS 613 | Clinical Medicine: Gastrointestinal/Nutrition | 4 |
| PAS 624 | Clinical Practice Skills II | 2 |
| Term Credits | 22 | |
| Summer | ||
| PAS 615 | Clinical Medicine: Endocrinology/Renal | 4 |
| PAS 617 | Clinical Medicine: Reproductive/Hematology/Oncology | 8 |
| PAS 626 | PA Profession and Health System II | 1 |
| PAS 628 | Research Applications in Medicine | 1 |
| PAS 634 | Clinical Practice Skills III | 2 |
| PAS 680 | Preparation for Clinical Practice | 2 |
| Term Credits | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PAS 721 | Family Practice Rotation | 8 |
| PAS 723 | Ambulatory Internal Medicine Rotation | 4 |
| PAS 725 | Inpatient Internal Medicine Rotation | 4 |
| PAS 727 | Pediatrics Rotation | 4 |
| PAS 729 | Women's Health Rotation | 4 |
| PAS 731 | Behavioral Health Rotation | 8 |
| PAS 733 | Emergency Medicine Rotation | 4 |
| PAS 735 | Surgery Rotation | 8 |
| Term Credits | 44 | |
| Spring | ||
| PAS 741 | Medically Underserved Rotation | 4 |
| Select 12 credits from the following list: | 12 | |
| PAS 751 | Cardiology | 4 |
| PAS 753 | Orthopedic Surgery | 4 |
| PAS 755 | Urology | 4 |
| PAS 757 | Dermatology | 4 |
| PAS 759 | Otolaryngology | 4 |
| PAS 761 | Hematology/Oncology | 4 |
| PAS 763 | Cardiothoracic Surgery | 4 |
| PAS 765 | Gastroenterology | 4 |
| PAS 767 | Neurosurgery | 4 |
| PAS 769 | Geriatrics | 4 |
| PAS 771 | Critical Care | 4 |
| PAS 773 | Neurology | 4 |
| PAS 775 | Edocrinology | 4 |
| PAS 777 | Pulmonology | 4 |
| PAS 779 | PlasticReconstructve Srgry | 4 |
| PAS 781 | Nephrology | 4 |
| PAS 783 | Primary Care Elective | 4 |
| Term Credits | 84 | |
| Summer | ||
| Clinical Phase Seminar Series | ||
| PAS 726 Seminar Series I | 1 | |
| PAS 736 Seminar Series II | 1 | |
| PAS 746 Seminar Series III | 1 | |
| PAS 756 Seminar Series IV | 1 | |
| Term Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits: | 194-194.5 | |
Courses
PAS 601. Foundations for Clinical Medicine. 5 credits.
This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, concepts, and principles that are essential to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and ethics. This course provides the necessary framework for the study of clinical medicine.
PAS 603. Clinical Medicine: Musculoskeletal /Rheumatology. 6 credits.
This course uses an integrated approach to the study of musculoskeletal and rheumatologic diseases across the life span. Students will study basic science and its application to clinical medicine, epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the medical management of common conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and rheumatologic systems. In addition, ethical content pertaining to these systems will be addressed. Content synthesis is accomplished by integrating classroom lectures, team-based learning, problem-based learning, and other learning modalities.
PAS 605. Clinical Medicine: HEENT/Dermatology. 7 credits.
This course uses an integrated approach to the study of head and neck, ear, eye, nose, throat, and dermatologic diseases across the life span. Students will study basic science and its application to clinical medicine, epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the medical management of common conditions affecting these systems. In addition, ethical content pertaining to these systems will be addressed. Content synthesis is accomplished by integrating classroom lectures, team-based learning, problem-based learning, and other learning modalities.
PAS 607. Clinical Medicine: Neurology/Psychology. 6 credits.
This course uses an integrated approach to the study of neurologic and psychiatric diseases across the life span. Students will study basic science and its application to clinical medicine, epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the medical management of common conditions affecting the neurologic system and mental health. In addition, ethical content pertaining to these systems will be addressed. Content synthesis is accomplished by integrating classroom lectures, team-based learning, problem-based learning, and other learning modalities.
PAS 611. Clinical Medicine: Cardiology/Pulmonology. 9 credits.
This course uses an integrated approach to the study of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases across the life span. Students will study basic science and its application to clinical medicine, epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the medical management of common conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. In addition, ethical content pertaining to this system will be addressed. Content synthesis is accomplished by integrating classroom lectures, team-based learning, problem-based learning, and other learning modalities.
PAS 613. Clinical Medicine: Gastrointestinal/Nutrition. 4 credits.
This course uses an integrated approach to the study of gastrointestinal diseases and nutrition across the life span. Students will study basic science and its application to clinical medicine, epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the medical management of common conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system and nutrition. In addition, ethical content pertaining to these systems will be addressed. Content synthesis is accomplished by integrating classroom lectures, team-based learning, problem-based learning, and other learning modalities.
PAS 614. Clinical Practice Skills I. 3 credits.
This is the first semester of a three-semester series of courses that provides students with instruction and practice in physical examination, procedural skills, and written and interpersonal communication which will provide students with the skills necessary for effective clinical practice. Through this course the student will gain understanding and practice of the physical examination, procedures, documentation, and interpersonal skills relevant to aligned clinical medicine topics.
PAS 615. Clinical Medicine: Endocrinology/Renal. 4 credits.
This course uses an integrated approach to the study of endocrine, nephrologic, and genitourinary diseases across the life span. Students will study basic science and its application to clinical medicine, epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the medical management of common conditions affecting these systems. In addition, ethical content pertaining to this system will be addressed. Content synthesis is accomplished by integrating classroom lectures, team-based learning, problem-based learning, and other learning modalities.
PAS 616. PA Profession and the Health System I. 1 credit.
This is part one of a two-semester course that is designed to introduce the student to the physician assistant profession including concepts related to the history and future of the PA profession, professional organizations, challenges, professionalism, and professional lifestyle management. In addition, this course will address issues related to the healthcare delivery system to include but not limited to public health, access to care, health equity, risk management, reimbursement, health reform, and the role of the PA in the health care system.
PAS 617. Clinical Medicine: Reproductive/Hematology/Oncology. 8 credits.
This course uses an integrated approach to the study of reproductive, hematologic, and oncologic diseases across the life span. Students will study basic science and its application to clinical medicine, epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and the medical management of common conditions affecting the nephrologic and genitourinary systems. In addition, ethical content pertaining to these systems will be addressed. Content synthesis is accomplished by integrating classroom lectures, team-based learning, problem-based learning, and other learning modalities.
PAS 624. Clinical Practice Skills II. 2 credits.
This is the second semester of a three-semester series of courses that provides students with instruction and practice in physical examination, procedural skills, and written and interpersonal communication which will provide students with the skills necessary for effective clinical practice. This course builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in Clinical Practice Skills I. Through this course the student will gain understanding and practice of the physical examination, procedures, documentation, and interpersonal skills relevant to aligned clinical medicine topics.
PAS 626. PA Profession and Health System II. 1 credit.
This is part two of two-semester course is designed to introduce the student to the physician assistant profession including concepts related to the history and future of the PA profession, professional challenges, and professional lifestyle management. In addition, this course will address issues related to the healthcare delivery system to include but not limited to public health, access to care, health equity, risk management, reimbursement, health reform, and the role of the PA in the health care system.
PAS 628. Research Applications in Medicine. 1 credit.
This course is designed to introduce the student to clinical research. Concepts covered include the critical appraisal of scientific research and medical literature, study design and methodology, and statistical analysis and its application to the evidence-based medical decision-making process. As part of this course, students will formulate a clinical question utilizing medical literature and complete a research project.
PAS 634. Clinical Practice Skills III. 2 credits.
This is the third semester of a three-semester series of courses that provides students with instruction and practice in physical examination, procedural skills, and written and interpersonal communication, which will provide students with the skills necessary for effective clinical practice. This course builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in Clinical Practice Skills I and II. Through this course the student will gain understanding and practice of the physical examination, procedures, documentation, and interpersonal skills relevant to aligned clinical medicine topics. P: PAS 614 and PAS 624.
PAS 680. Preparation for Clinical Practice. 2 credits.
This course is designed to prepare the student for the transition into the clinical phase of the program. Instruction will focus on a higher level of critical thinking and medical decision-making skills which will further prepare students to apply knowledge to patient management.This course will include summative evaluation of knowledge and skills required for clinical practice.
PAS 721. Family Practice Rotation. 8 credits.
The family practice medicine rotation is an eight-week clinical experience in which the student will have many learning opportunities in the outpatient clinic and/or inpatient setting under the supervision of a physician and/or PA. The student will gain experience in preventative medicine, management of acute and chronic diseases across the life span, procedures, and aspects unique to the family practice setting. This rotation also provides the student an opportunity to participate in the team practice concept of health care.
PAS 723. Ambulatory Internal Medicine Rotation. 4 credits.
The outpatient internal medicine rotation is a four-week clinical experience in which the student will have many learning opportunities in the outpatient clinic and/or inpatient setting under the supervision of a physician and/or PA. The student will gain experience in preventative medicine, management of acute and chronic diseases in adult and geriatric patients, procedures, and aspects unique to outpatient internal medicine practice. This rotation also provides the student an opportunity to participate in the team practice concept of health care.
PAS 725. Inpatient Internal Medicine Rotation. 4 credits.
The inpatient internal medicine rotation is a four-week clinical experience in which the student will have many learning opportunities in the inpatient setting under the supervision of a physician and/or PA. The student will gain experience in the evaluation and management of acute and chronic diseases in adult and geriatric patients, procedures, and aspects unique to inpatient internal medicine practice. This rotation also provides the student an opportunity to participate in the team practice concept of health care.
PAS 726. Seminar Series I. 1 credit.
This course series includes advanced clinical skills instruction, practice-specific topic presentations, professional development, clinical assessments, and other activities.
PAS 727. Pediatrics Rotation. 4 credits.
The pediatric medicine rotation is a four-week clinical experience in which the student will have many learning opportunities in the outpatient clinic and/or inpatient setting under the supervision of a physician and/or PA. The student will gain experience in preventative medicine, management of acute and chronic diseases in pediatric patients, procedures, and aspects unique to pediatric medicine. This rotation also provides the student an opportunity to participate in the team practice concept of health care.
PAS 729. Women's Health Rotation. 4 credits.
The women’s health rotation is a four-week clinical experience in which the student will have many learning opportunities in the outpatient clinic and/or inpatient setting under the supervision of a physician and/or PA. The student will gain experience in preventative medicine, management of acute and chronic diseases in women, prenatal care, pregnancy and delivery, procedures, and aspects unique to women’s health. This rotation also provides the student an opportunity to participate in the team practice concept of health care.
PAS 731. Behavioral Health Rotation. 8 credits.
The behavioral health rotation is an eight-week clinical experience in which the student will have many learning opportunities in the outpatient clinic and/or inpatient setting under the supervision of a physician and/or PA. The student will gain experience in psychiatric evaluation, assessment of mental status, management of acute and chronic psychiatric diseases, and aspects unique to behavioral health. This rotation also provides the student an opportunity to participate in the team practice concept of health care.