Introduction
Physician assistants (PAs) are medical providers who are nationally certified and state licensed to practice medicine as a member of a team with other healthcare professionals. Their specific tasks vary widely due to differences among state laws, hospital policies and utilization preferences of supervising physicians.
Generally, PAs are qualified to obtain patient histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, prepare a diagnosis, implement a treatment plan for common illnesses, deliver patient education and counseling, perform certain surgical procedures, and provide emergency care. PAs may assist in surgery and deliver pre-operative and post-operative care. Physician Assistants may deliver patient care in any setting in which the physician works.
Program Description
The Physician Assistant Department at the Ruskin Campus is offering a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree available through a post-baccalaureate curriculum. The curriculum is predominantly clinical during the final year of the program. Adjunct regional medical faculty, in conjunction with various health care institutions, introduces the students to professional physician assistant training. Clinical sites are offered primarily in Florida.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Physician Assistant Program the student
will be able to:
- Perform a complete and accurate history and physical
examination; identify abnormal findings and develop an appropriate
differential diagnosis
- Develop a plan of evaluation in support of the differential
diagnosis, including specialized diagnostic imaging, and pathologic
modalities
- Develop a treatment plan consisting of surgical and medical
interventions including non-pharmacological modalities such as
physical therapy, counseling and patient education through analysis
of clinical and laboratory data
- Accurately relate the clinical data to the other members of the
health care team, forming a collaborative effort to assure maximal
patient benefit through a multiple disciplinary approach
- Show proficiency in performing clinical skills
- Identify characteristics of professional and
ethical conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession
- Synthesize theory and research in order to
provide advanced care to patients
What Makes Us Different
- Program features a curriculum designed to provide didactic classroom experiences through traditional and online instruction.
- Opportunities for interprofessional interactions with Gannon’s other allied health programs
- Diverse clinical education experiences around the region provide experiential learning and hands-on experiences
- Collaborate with a variety of health care professionals in diverse patient care setting
- Faculty engage in scholarly activity and service to the University, profession and community.