Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

Program Goals

The program goals of the Pfeiffer University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies with respective measurements of success are as follows:

Program GoalsMeasurement of SuccessOutcomes
To recruit, retain and successfully graduate highly qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.Admissions Data;
Graduation Data		Published upon availability
To deliver an intellectually challenging and creative curriculum through innovative teaching strategies, that facilitates the successful achievement of established learning outcomes and expected competencies.Annual Curriculum AnalysisPublished upon availability
To adhere to the highest standards of student performance and achievement of the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession resulting in successful entrance into the profession with National Commission of Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) first time pass rates at or above the national average.NCCPA PANCE; Pass Rate DataPublished upon availability
To provide opportunities for students to interact with patients from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, which prepares and inspires graduates to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive, patient-centered, evidence-based health care in medically underserved communities locally, nationally and globally.Ongoing programmatic analysis;
Graduate surveys;
Employer surveys		Published upon availability
To foster a scholarly setting where students will appropriately conduct critical appraisal of research resulting in improved patient outcomes and effective communication of their findings through medical writing.Graduate capstone project data;
Graduate surveys		Published upon availability
To afford students opportunities to participate in state and national professional organizations as advocates for the physician assistant profession resulting in continued participation throughout their careers.Graduate surveysPublished upon availability

Learning Outcomes & Expected Competencies

The Pfeiffer University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is committed to providing students with a learner-centered educational environment where they will receive the requisite knowledge to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive, patient-centered, evidence-based healthcare in an inter-professional healthcare team.

Student success in achieving the program defined learning outcomes and expectations will be evaluated through a variety of assessment tools such as: multiple choice examinations, inter-professional collaborative group projects, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), reflection journals, clinical performance evaluations and a capstone graduate research project.

The Pfeiffer University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program’s defined learning outcomes and expectations are based on the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession as developed jointly by the National Commission on Accreditation of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the Accreditation Review Commission for Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). 

Upon completion of the Pfeiffer University Master Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, students will demonstrate entry-level proficiency as physician assistants in the following domains:

The core competencies of Medical Knowledge seek to ensure that the Physician Assistant student continually investigates, questions, and pursues new knowledge.

Competency Outcomes
Domain
MK1 Demonstrate core knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care KNWG
MK2 Demonstrate an investigative and analytic thinking approach to clinical situations KNWG
MK3 Correlate, integrate and apply the following to common emergent and non-emergent medical, surgical, and behavioral scenarios across the lifespan:

  • History and physical findings and diagnostic studies to formulate differential diagnoses
  • Management of general medical and surgical conditions to include pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities
  • Interventions for surveillance geared to prevention of disease and health promotion/maintenance
 KNWG
CRP

*Key for Outcome Domains: Knowledge (KNWG), Clinical Reasoning Problem Solving (CRP), Interpersonal Skills (IS), Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS), Professionalism (PFLM)

The Interpersonal and Communication Skills core competencies enables the Physician Assistant student to successfully receive and share information; establishing and maintaining a foundation of trust with all parties so that the environment is open and encouraging for honest dialogue.

Competency Outcomes
Domain
ICS1 Demonstrate interpersonal and communication (verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic) skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, patients’ families, physicians, professional associates, and other individuals within the health care system IS
ICS2 Accurately and adequately document information regarding care for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes IS

*Key for Outcome Domains: Knowledge (KNWG), Clinical Reasoning Problem Solving (CRP), Interpersonal Skills (IS), Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS), Professionalism (PFLM)

The core competencies of Patient Care seek to ensure that the Physician Assistant Student develops the ability to actively listen and attain medical histories, diagnose, properly inform and educate, and prescribe and perform necessary procedures in a way that maximizes patient comfort.

Competency Outcomes
Domain
PC1 Obtain an accurate history and perform a comprehensive physical exam CTS
PC2 Accurately diagnose and formulate appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment plans CRP
PC3 Appropriately select and perform medical and surgical procedures common to primary care CTS
CRP
PC4 Provide health care services and education aimed at disease prevention and health maintenance CTS

*Key for Outcome Domains: Knowledge (KNWG), Clinical Reasoning Problem Solving (CRP), Interpersonal Skills (IS), Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS), Professionalism (PFLM)

The Professionalism core competencies enables the Physician Assistant student to treat all people with respect, compassion, and dignity.

Competency Outcomes
Domain
P1 Demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements PFLM
P2 Demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse patient population by identifying the socio-cultural, familial, psychological, economic, environmental, and spiritual factors impacting health care and health care delivery; and responding to these factors by planning and advocating the appropriate course of action at both the individual and the community level PFLM

*Key for Outcome Domains: Knowledge (KNWG), Clinical Reasoning Problem Solving (CRP), Interpersonal Skills (IS), Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS), Professionalism (PFLM)

The core competencies in Practice-Based Learning and Improvement seeks to ensure that the Physician Assistant student becomes a life-long learner, develops the skills necessary to evaluate medical research and its appropriate application to the practice of medicine.

Competency Outcomes
Domain
PBLI1 Critically appraise the medical literature in order to use current practice guidelines and apply the principles of evidence-based medicine to patient care KNWG
CRP

*Key for Outcome Domains: Knowledge (KNWG), Clinical Reasoning Problem Solving (CRP), Interpersonal Skills (IS), Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS), Professionalism (PFLM)

The Systems-based Practice core competencies focus on the Physician Assistant student’s ability to effectively perform their role as clinicians in diverse healthcare systems.

Competency Outcomes
Domain
SBP1 Provide advocacy and support geared to assist patients in obtaining quality care as they navigate the complexities of health care delivery systems PFLM
SBP2 Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that balances quality and cost, while maintaining the primacy of the individual patient PFLM

*Key for Outcome Domains: Knowledge (KNWG), Clinical Reasoning Problem Solving (CRP), Interpersonal Skills (IS), Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS), Professionalism (PFLM)