Physician Assistant Studies

About the Program

INTRODUCTION

This prospectus is designed to provide the potential student and matriculated student with information about the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Physician Assistant Program. For current students, it should be viewed as an adjunct to The University of Toledo's College of Graduate Studies Bulletin and the College of Graduate Studies Handbook, both of which contain specific information regarding the College of Graduate Studies and related policies. The information herein is subject to periodic revision and these changes will be relayed to current students promptly. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to be aware of all degree requirements and to work closely with an advisor to ensure that these requirements are fulfilled.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROFESSION AND PROGRAM

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health professionals, prepared to practice medicine with physician supervision. Within the physician/PA relationship, PAs exercise autonomy in decision-making and provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The role of the PA includes provision of primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practices located in rural, urban, or suburban areas. Physician Assistant practice is patient care centered but may include education, research, and administrative duties.

The University of Toledo (UToledo) Physician Assistant Program is a graduate entry-level professional course of study enabling individuals who hold baccalaureate degrees to become PAs. The program is designed to prepare graduates for patient-centered, team-based medical practice. The program integrates graduate-level critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving, scientific inquiry, self-directed learning, and the effective use of modern technology for a professional practice that includes elements of research, leadership, education, and continued professionalization of the physician assistant occupation.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the UToledo Physician Assistant Program is to graduate competent professionals who are well-prepared for the demands of professional practice in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. The curriculum goals were developed based on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistants (ARCPA), the Program's Mission Statement, and the needs of the PA profession. Knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors are essential elements of professional practice and are addressed in the program competencies delineated below.    

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the UToledo Physician Assistant Program is to provide comprehensive student-centered education to develop competent and compassionate PAs, as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team to provide high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered health care in diverse settings.

PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

The program has adopted the ARC-PA competencies required for entering clinical practice.

1. Clinical and technical skills
2. Clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities
3. Interpersonal skills
4. Medical knowledge
5. Professional behaviors

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Development of a medical knowledge fund that includes anatomy, etiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, genetics, clinical presentation, and treatment of common illnesses, injuries, and disease states.
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform a thorough history and physical exam that leads to the acquisition of data to formulate accurate differential diagnoses.
3. Demonstrate the understanding of how to order and interpret laboratory, imaging, and ancillary studies that will supplement the history and physical exam and improve diagnostic accuracy.
4. Effectively document and communicate medical information in oral, written, and electronic formats to enhance communication between healthcare providers.
5. Apply clinical decision-making skills needed to thoroughly evaluate patient information and preferences and to create and perform therapeutic interventions that meet patient needs.
6. Establish communication skills and the ability to form interpersonal relationships with patients and their families based on honesty, trust, compassion, and patient-centered care.
7. Demonstrate the professionalism expected of a trusted healthcare provider and the practice of ethical and legal standards that demonstrate respect for the patient and society.
8. Apply knowledge and skills necessary to care for people of all age groups, cultures and genders, and socio-economic backgrounds, as well as those who have emergent, acute or chronic physical and mental health conditions in a variety of settings.
9. Promote disease prevention and health promotion measures that will sustain the health of individuals and communities.
10. Provide  compassionate and culturally sensitive patient education and counseling that enhances understanding and adherence to therapeutic regimens and reduces morbidity.
11. Utilize and apply principles of evidence-based practice by appraising and assimilating scientific evidence and value ongoing learning and improvement.
12. Demonstrate the capacity to work effectively in an interprofessional collaborative practice as a member of a healthcare team and system that appreciates the strengths of each contributor and uses those strengths in a synergistic way to deliver the best outcomes for the patient.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The University of Toledo does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, the presence of a disability, genetic information, familial status, political affiliation, or participation in protected activities in its provision of employment and educational opportunities.

Discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on any of those bases is strictly prohibited. Upon notice of possible discrimination, the University takes prompt and appropriate steps to determine what occurred, end a discriminatory practice or hostile environment if one has been created, and prevent its recurrence. Retaliation against anyone because he or she has made a complaint or served as a witness or otherwise engaged in activity protected by this policy is also strictly prohibited by this policy 3364-50-02.pdf (utoledo.edu).

Additional resources:

Title IX Information - Discrimination Resources

College of Medicine Diversity Website