Physician Assistant Studies

Program Competencies

Appendix 1

Medical Knowledge (MK)(ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 d)
MK1- Determine the normal and the abnormal in anatomy, physiology, laboratory findings, and other diagnostic data and apply the information to recognize normal and abnormal health states. 
MK2 - Discern among acute, chronic, and emerging disease states.
MK3 - Determine the etiologies, risk factors, and epidemiology for medical conditions.
MK4 - Identify signs and symptoms of medical conditions.
MK5 - Elicit a detailed medical history, perform appropriate physical examination, and accurately record all pertinent data.
MK6 - Identify and formulate an appropriate assessment and management plan.
MK7 - Select and interpret appropriate screening and diagnostic studies.
MK8 - Identify pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities as they relate to general medical conditions to include understanding the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse reactions.

Society and Population Health (SPH)
SPH1 - Recognize the principles of social-behavioral sciences as it relates to patient care, including assessing the impact of psychosocial and cultural influences on health and disease.
SPH2 - Understand and apply the fundamental principles of epidemiology.
SPH3 - Identify the value of quality improvement initiatives.
SPH4 - Recognize the social determinants of health and understand how they apply to patient care.
SPH5 - Understand the principles of preventative medicine and how they apply to clinical practice.
SPH6 - Engage members of the health care team in the surveillance of community
resources to sustain and improve health
SPH7 - Use evidence-based medicine to care for individuals, families, and communities if various backgrounds.
SPH8 - Exercise cultural humility

Interpersonal and Communication (IC)(ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 c)
IC1 - Use effective interviewing skills to elicit a detailed history.
IC2 - Accurately document medical information.
IC3 - Effectively complete oral presentations.
IC4 - Provide appropriate referrals.
IC5 - Participate in difficult conversations.
IC6 - Use effective basic counseling and patient education skills with patients and their families to empower them to participate in their care and enable shared decision-making.
IC7 - Develop relationships and effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and other members of the care team
IC8 - Demonstrate understanding of diverse health care needs

Professional Behaviors (PB) (ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 e)
PB1 - Demonstrate empathetic and respectful behaviors.
PB2 - Exhibits reliability, accountability and dependability.
PB 3 - Exhibits an understanding of the physician assistant profession and the role of a PA.
PB4 - Demonstrates and identifies appropriate ethical behavior and attitudes.
PB5 - Exhibits an understanding of the laws and regulations of PA Practice.
PB6 - Demonstrate accountability to patients, society, and the profession

Clinical Reasoning and problem-solving ability (CRPSA) (ARC-PA Standard - B4.03 b)
CRPSA1 - Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and manage medical conditions.
CRPSA2 -Synthesize and analyze clinical data correctly.
CRPSA3 -Locate, appraise, and apply evidence from scientific studies to enhance patient care.
CRPSA4 -Demonstrate care that is effective, safe, equitable, and high quality

Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS) (ARC-PA Standard B4.03 a)
CTS1 - Performs procedures safely and at an appropriate skill level
CTS2 - Identifies the indications for and contraindications of technical procedures