2. Graduate Competencies

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Clinical and Technical Skills

Gather and document essential and accurate patient information. (PCPK1)
Competently perform physical examination and basic diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures on patients across the lifespan. (PCPK2)
Differentiate between normal and abnormal signs, symptoms, and diagnostic studies results. (PCPK3)
Interpret, assess, and integrate history and physical exam findings and diagnostic study results in the diagnosis and management of common medical and psychiatric conditions. (PCPK4)

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-solving Abilities

Integrate and apply basic science and clinical medicine knowledge to the care of patients. (PCPK5)
Understand the psychological, socioeconomic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the patient’s experience of health and disease and utilize the information in the development of appropriate plans of care. (SPH1)
Apply the principles of clinical reasoning and evidence-based medicine to critically evaluate and manage clinical problems. (PCPK6)

Interpersonal Skills

Promote healthy living behaviors through patient education and counseling. (HLC1)
Communicate and collaborate with patients, their families/caregivers, and members of the health care team to provide competent comprehensive patient- centered care across the lifespan. (ICPL1)
Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to the patient’s values, culture, age, gender, and abilities. (SPH2)
Create and sustain sound professional and ethical relationships with patients and members of the health care team. (ICPL2)

Medical Knowledge

Keep abreast of the evolving practice of medicine through a dedication to life-long learning and enhancement of one’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes as a PA. (PLH1)
Demonstrate knowledge of basic sciences and clinical medicine. (PCPK7)
Identify the appropriate interventions for treatment and prevention of medical and mental health conditions. (PCPK8)
Recognize and understand the financial implications to the provision of healthcare through encouragement of team-based practice, high-quality cost-effective healthcare and resource allocation, and understanding of health systems and payment. (HFS1)

Professional Behaviors

Continually assess and demonstrate self-reflective practice and an awareness of one’s own implicit bias and recognize its potential effect on the care of patients. (PLH2)
Effectively advocate for patients and the PA profession with understanding of laws and regulations that govern the delivery of healthcare and practice as a PA. (PLH3)
Demonstrate respect, compassion, and accountability to patients and society. (HLC2)
Demonstrate emotional resilience and flexibility with an awareness of the importance of maintaining one’s own well-being. (HLC3)