Physician Assistant
Academics > Courses
| Name | Title | Credits | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHAS 601 | Advanced Anatomy | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course provides a comprehensive approach to anatomy through a clinical lens, integrating foundational anatomical knowledge with practical applications. Students learn to analyze patients' normal and abnormal anatomy, correlate it with medical conditions or mechanisms of injury, and associate surface landmarks with underlying anatomical structures. Clinical correlations and case-based learning emphasize anatomical form and function from a clinical perspective, equipping students with essential skills for medical practice. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program. Corequisites: PHAS 602 |
|||
| PHAS 602 | Advanced Physiology | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course emphasizes an integrated understanding of human physiology with direct application to clinical practice. Students will explore fundamental physiological processes to understand how the human body functions in health and disease. Through clinical case correlations, learners will examine how alterations in normal physiology give rise to abnormal findings and clinical presentations, highlighting the essential connection between physiology and the manifestations of disease. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program. Corequisites: PHAS 601. |
|||
| PHAS 606 | Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology | 2.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course introduces physician assistant students to the mechanisms by which disruptions in normal physiology lead to disease. Emphasis is placed on the molecular, genetic, and cellular basis of pathologic processes and their clinical manifestations. Students will explore how altered homeostatic regulation contributes to disease development and progression, building a foundation for clinical reasoning and application in future coursework. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 602, Matriculation in MSPA program. |
|||
| PHAS 610 | Clinical Medicine I | 5.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This is the first of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced to utilizing an organ-systems-based approach to disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Formulating a differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem-solving will be a central focus. The curriculum seamlessly integrates radiology, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, and referral practices within each system. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program |
|||
| PHAS 611 | Clinical Medicine II | 5.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This is the second of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced to utilizing an organ-systems-based approach to disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Formulating a differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem-solving will be a central focus. The curriculum integrates radiology, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, and referral practices within each system. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 610, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program |
|||
| PHAS 613 | Clinical Medicine III | 4.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This is the third of three Clinical Medicine courses. Students will be introduced to utilizing an organ-system-based approach to disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Formulating a differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem-solving will be a central focus. The curriculum integrates radiology, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, and referral practices within each system. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 611, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program |
|||
| PHAS 614 | Musculoskeletal Medicine | 2.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
Students will be introduced to Orthopedics and Rheumatology utilizing an organ-systems-based approach from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis. Formulating a differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem-solving will be a central focus. Radiology, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, and referral are integrated into each system. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 610, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program |
|||
| PHAS 615 | Surgery | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
Common surgical problems in general surgery, thoracic, cardiovascular, and ophthalmology will be discussed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care issues will be presented utilizing a lecture and case-based approach. Students will develop a core knowledge base of common surgical procedures and their indications as well as contraindications. The recognition of common complications and their prevention will be emphasized. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 611, Matriculation in the MSPA program |
|||
| PHAS 617 | Pediatrics | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course provides an overview of primary care pediatrics from birth through adolescence. Topics include well-child care, immunizations, developmental screening, nutrition, common medical and behavioral conditions, and the evaluation of developmental disabilities. Emphasis is placed on formulating differential diagnoses and diagnostic reasoning. Pathophysiology, radiology, pharmacology, preventive medicine, and referral practices are integrated throughout the course to support a comprehensive approach to pediatric patient care Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 613, Matriculation in the MSPA program |
|||
| PHAS 620 | Pharmacology I | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course is the first of a two-course series designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. The course outline is designed to coincide with the organ systems covered in the clinical medicine courses. The student will learn medical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and pharmacogenomics with an emphasis on clinical therapeutics. Students will gain foundational knowledge with the categorizations, mechanisms of action, interactions, adverse reactions, therapeutic indications, contraindications, and precautions for the pharmacological agents. Students will learn the basic principles of prescription writing and the laws governing this privilege in New York State. Emphasis is placed on applying evidence-based practice and patient education regarding drug administration, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 602, Matriculation in MSPA program. |
|||
| PHAS 621 | Pharmacology II | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course is a continuation of Pharmacology I and is designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. The course outline is designed to coincide with the organ systems covered in the clinical medicine courses. The student will learn medical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and pharmacogenomics with an emphasis on clinical therapeutics. Students will become familiar with the categorizations, mechanisms of action, interactions, adverse reactions, therapeutic indications, contraindications, and precautions for the pharmacological agents listed in the course outline. Students will learn the basic principles of prescription writing and the laws governing this privilege in New York State. Emphasis is placed on applying evidence-based practice and patient education regarding drug administration, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 620, Matriculation in the MSPA program |
|||
| PHAS 622 | Clinical Skills I | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This is the first of two courses in which students learn to conduct and document a medical interview, perform a physical examination of selected body systems, and deliver person-centered care. The course introduces the components of the medical record and emphasizes the development of essential communication, oral presentation, and writing skills needed for effective documentation and patient care. Physical examination techniques are taught through structured laboratory sessions, while case-based activities foster clinical reasoning and medical decision-making. Throughout the course, students are guided in building effective interpersonal and communication skills to establish rapport, elicit accurate information, and build patient trust during the history and physical examination Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 601. Corequisites: Matriculation in the MSPA program. |
|||
| PHAS 623 | Clinical Skills II | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This is the second of two courses designed to advance students' medical interviewing and physical examination skills. Students build upon the foundational skills acquired in Clinical Skills I by learning to evaluate additional body systems not previously covered. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing and integrating skills across systems to support a structured and thorough clinical approach. Clinical reasoning, communication, and documentation skills are further developed through hands-on practice in structured laboratory sessions Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: PHAS 622, Matriculation in MSPA program |
|||
| PHAS 627 | Clinical Skills III | 2.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
In this course students will develop, practice, and assess selected diagnostic and therapeutic skills including: suturing, Foley catheter insertion, phlebotomy, casting, invasive monitoring, starting IV's, injections, nasogastric tubes, and intubations prior to entry into their clinical clerkships. The acquisition of knowledge regarding indications, contraindications, and complications associated with each procedure will be emphasized. Students will perform appropriate diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions on models, classmates, or computer simulations. |
|||
| PHAS 630 | Clinical Laboratory Medicine | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course provides an in-depth study of clinical laboratory medicine with an emphasis on the ordering, interpretation, and evaluation of laboratory tests. The course examines the role of laboratory tests in both diagnosing disease and monitoring patient health. Learners will analyze and correlate laboratory findings with diseases, applying results directly to clinical practice. Case-based learning and application exercises reinforce the integration of findings with clinical presentations, helping students develop clinical reasoning skills. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 602, Matriculation in MSPA Program. Corequisites: PHAS 611 |
|||
| PHAS 635 | Behavioral Medicine | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course explores how clinicians can effectively address emotional disorders and navigate challenging patient interactions commonly encountered in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on a proactive, patient-centered approach to disease management and education. Topics include behavioral health principles related to clinical interviewing, active listening, communication strategies, defense mechanisms, and cultural influences on care. Additional areas of focus include psychosocial history-taking, stress and coping, human sexuality, substance use disorders, chronic illness, personality development, domestic violence, care of underserved populations, and end-of-life issues. Students will learn to recognize and respond to behavioral health needs across diverse patient populations. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program |
|||
| PHAS 650 | Research I | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course will provide students with an introduction to research methodology. Topics such as identifying a thesis topic, avoiding logical fallacies, presenting and defending an argument, critically assessing ideas using a set of valid criteria, selecting and integrating references to scholarly literature, employing relevant examples to illustrate key points, using citations appropriately to avoid plagiarism, and complying with APA guidelines will be covered. |
|||
| PHAS 651 | Research II | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
Participants in this course will continue to further explore research methodology and expand upon ideas and concepts presented in PHAS 650. Students will further refine their research project and carry out a review of the literature in preparation for formulating topic, methodology, and IRB approval. Faculty mentorship will provide support in refining the topic and methodology for IRB submission. |
|||
| PHAS 655 | Epidemiology and Interpretation of the Medical Literature | 2.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
In this advanced level course, foundation strategies for the study of epidemiology and interpretation of the medical literature are pursued. This course is specifically oriented towards life-long learning and appropriate integration of rapidly changing and divergent original source literature. Epidemiological trends in incidence and prevalence rates of diseases are examined. A critical understanding of research and biostatistical methods in the medical literature is a focus allowing physician assistant students to develop advanced-level skills in the critical evaluation of research methodology, study design, results and conclusions. |
|||
| PHAS 660 | Physician Assistant Professional Issues | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
The course will include various aspects of the hsci history, political and legal issues, inter-professional issue, biomedical ethics, and certification. The role of the physician assistant in the health care delivery system and opportunities for the physician assistant graduate is also discussed. |
|||
| PHAS 665 | Emergency Medicine | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course focuses on the evaluation and management of patients with emergent and urgent health conditions in all disciplines of medicine. Students will apply knowledge in the clinical topics learned earlier in the curriculum, focusing on emergent presentations. An emphasis is placed on identifying life-threatening illnesses or events, emergent interventions, acute management of emergent conditions, and determining the need for hospitalization, emergent referral, or surgical intervention. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 611, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program |
|||
| PHAS 670 | Family Practice | 2.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course prepares physician assistant (PA) students to provide comprehensive, evidence-based primary care across the lifespan, with a focus on the PA’s role in outpatient and longitudinal care. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, patient-centered communication, referral to other healthcare providers, and accurate documentation for coding and billing. The course prepares students to manage common conditions in pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations while integrating public health principles, healthcare delivery systems, and approaches to patient safety, risk management, and quality improvement. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 613. |
|||
| PHAS 675 | Medical Informatics and Diagnostic Imaging | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course will focus on both medical informatics and diagnostic imaging. Module I: Students will be exposed to both theoretical and practical approaches in the acquisition, representation, processing, and management of knowledge and data within healthcare. Applications centering on varied computer platforms will be reviewed for their applicability to medical care and improvement in the delivery of quality healthcare. Exposure will be provided to participants regarding evaluation of lnternet-based resources for both patients and practitioners. Module II: Techniques of radiologic assessments will be emphasized in the diagnostic imaging module. Principles of radiologic examination will be provided with a focus on identifying normal variants and common pathologies in various diagnostic imaging modalities such as x-ray, CT, Ultrasound, MRI, and nuclear studies. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program |
|||
| PHAS 680 | Clinical Decision Making | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course will use a problem-based learning format and focus on a student-centered approach in which students apply their knowledge and learn about a subject by working in small groups to solve an open ended problem. This problem based learning approach will develop students' abilities to extend and improve their knowledge to keep up in the ever-expanding field of medicine and to learn how to provide care for new illnesses they encounter. The emphasis will be in developing independent critical reasoning skills and applying them towards the evaluation of pertinent patient data in formulating a list of potential diagnoses. The course will educate and train students to become self-directed learners with the desire to know and learn, the ability to formulate their needs as learners, and the ability to select and use the best available resources to satisfy these needs. |
|||
| PHAS 690 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Strategies | 2.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
In this course, students learn to evaluate community health care needs as they relate to a changing demographic population, economic variables, and individual lifestyle influences. Development of health promotion and disease prevention strategies is explored through assessment of an actual and actuarial data. Students develop a counseling template that can be broadly applied to such problems as maternal and infant health, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Identifying and interfacing with community resources is a key component of this course leading to refinement of a research concept. |
|||
| PHAS 695 | Women's Health | 2.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to obstetrics and gynecology. It is designed to provide students with the foundation needed for practicing gender-inclusive reproductive medicine across the lifespan. Students will learn about the epidemiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of various diseases and conditions. Formulating a differential diagnosis and diagnostic problem-solving will be a central focus. The curriculum seamlessly integrates radiology, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, and referral practices. Emphasis will be placed on compassionate, patient-centered care and ensuring that all individuals receive equitable and comprehensive healthcare. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisites: PHAS 613, Matriculation in the MSPA program |
|||
| PHAS 701 | Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 6.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of internal medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess adult and geriatric patients in the outpatient and inpatient medical setting. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of internal medicine through exposure to a wide array of medical conditions and diverse patient populations. By actively engaging in assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings, students will develop the clinical acumen necessary to address the complex healthcare needs of patients across the lifespan essential to providing care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 702 | Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 6.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of surgery. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess patients seeking medical care across the lifespan with an emphasis on caring for adults and geriatric patients with surgically manageable diseases and conditions. Students will gain exposure to pre-operative evaluation and preparation of patients for surgery, assisting during the intra-operative period and post-operative care of the surgical patient. This clinical rotation will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 703 | Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of emergency medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess patients seeking medical care in the emergency department across the lifespan, emphasizing caring for acutely ill patients. Students will gain exposure to the triage, evaluation, and management of patients in the emergent medical setting. Emphasis is on students assessing patient acuity, disease state, and appropriate management within the emergency medicine department. This clinical experience will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 704 | Women's Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of women's health, specifically prenatal and gynecologic care. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to evaluate female patients across the lifespan, emphasizing key milestones such as menarche, family planning, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Additionally, it provides students with experience in women's health prevention and managing common diseases. This clinical rotation will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 705 | Orthopedics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) provides students with clinical exposure to the evaluation and management of orthopedic conditions, including orthopedic emergencies, across both adult and pediatric patient populations. Students will work alongside a specialized interdisciplinary team, gaining hands-on experience and developing the skills necessary to provide comprehensive care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 706 | Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of pediatric medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess infants, children, and adolescent patients seeking medical care in the pediatric medical setting. This rotation is intended to refine techniques of history-taking and physical examination, diagnostic testing, management, and counseling strategies specific to the pediatric population. It aims to expose students to illnesses and injuries that are unique to the pediatric patient. This clinical rotation will enable the student to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 707 | Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This core clinical rotation exposes students to the principles and practice of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess and manage patients seeking medical care across the lifespan, with an emphasis on caring for adult and geriatric patients with behavioral or mental health disorders. Students engage in direct patient care, including assessing, diagnosing, and managing various behavioral and mental health disorders. This clinical experience prepares students to address the complex mental health needs of diverse patient populations necessary to provide care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 708 | Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This core clinical rotation provides students with exposure to the principles and practice of family medicine. This supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) enables students to assess patients seeking medical care across the lifespan, emphasizing caring for acutely and chronically ill patients in an outpatient primary care medical setting. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of family medicine through exposure to a wide array of medical conditions and diverse patient populations. By actively engaging in assessing, diagnosing, and managing family medicine patients, students will develop the clinical acumen necessary to address the complex healthcare needs of patients across the lifespan that are essential to providing care as an entry-level physician assistant upon graduation. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 710 | Elective I Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
Elective I supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of medical or surgical practice beyond the required core rotations. In consultation with the Director of Clinical Education, students are encouraged to choose an area of interest that may be a potential employment setting or may repeat one of their required clerkships as their elective. This rotation is intended to further develop the student's medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, clinical and technical skills, ability to clinically reason and problem solve, as well as their professional behaviors. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 711 | Elective II Supervised Clinical Practice Experience | 3.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
Elective II supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of medical or surgical practice beyond the required core rotations. In consultation with the Director of Clinical Education, students are encouraged to choose an area of interest that may be a potential employment setting or may repeat one of their required clerkships as their elective. This rotation is intended to further develop the student's medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, clinical and technical skills, ability to clinically reason and problem solve, as well as their professional behaviors. Prerequisite Course(s): Registration is limited to students matriculated in the MS Physician Assistant Studies program who have successfully completed the Didactic phase and have completed 55 credits. |
|||
| PHAS 752 | Research III | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course is designed as a follow up to the PHAS 650 and PHAS 651 courses. Students will collect their data and interpret their findings. The discussion c o n tent shall include t e implications of their findings and recommendations for further study. The role of faculty mentorship is to provide guidance regarding statistical analysis and formulating the conclusion section of the research paper. |
|||
| PHAS 753 | Research IV | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course is the last in a series of research courses that provide students with faculty mentorship to organize, prepare, and complete an original research project for presentation. Students will be provided with a forum for presentation of their projects and to share knowledge gained from their research with students and faculty. A final approved research project is required. |
|||
| PHAS 754 | Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Practice | 1.0 | School of Health Professions |
|
This course is the last in a series of didactic courses and clinical clerkships that will establish the student has met the program learning outcomes and is ready to enter clinical practice. This is demonstrated by passing a multifaceted Summative Evaluation that incorporates assessment instruments that correlate with the program's didactic and clinical curricular components. This course will measure if the learner has achieved the necessary medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, clinical and technical skills, and professional behaviors to enter clinical practice. |
|||