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 primary care practice with emphasis placed on service to medically underserved populations and the team approach to the delivery of health care. 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 Program's mission statement, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistants (ARCPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Competencies for New Physician Assistant Graduates, the Program's Mission Statement, and the needs of the PA profession. Knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professionalism 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 primary care-oriented PAs who provide high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care in diverse settings.
PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
The program has adopted the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Core Competencies for New Physician Assistant Graduates.
- Patient-Centered Practice Knowledge
Graduates will be able to recognize healthy versus ill patients in the context of the patients’ lives and determine the stage of illness — acute, at risk of illness (emerging), or chronic. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to utilize up-todate scientific evidence to inform clinical reasoning and clinical judgment. - Society and Population Health
Graduates will be able to recognize and understand that the influences of the larger community may affect the health of patients and integrate knowledge of social determinants of health into care decisions. - Health Literacy and Communication
Graduates will be able to communicate with patients as partners who engage in shared decision-making and who communicate, interpret, and express themselves as individuals with unique personal, cultural, and social values. - Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Leadership
Graduates will be able to recognize that the patient is at the center of all health care decisions and to partner with the patient to define the patient’s health care goals. - Professional and Legal Aspects of Health Care
Graduates will be able to practice medicine in a beneficent manner, recognizing and adhering to standards of care while attuned to advancing
social justice. - Health Care Finance and Systems
Graduates will be able to articulate the essential aspects of value-based health care and apply this understanding to the delivery of safe and quality care.
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