Curriculum Requirements

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Academics > Degrees > Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies > Curriculum

Major Requirements

Didactic Phase Courses Credits:
PHAS 601 Advanced Anatomy 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program. Corequisites: PHAS 602

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 602 Advanced Physiology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program. Corequisites: PHAS 601.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 606 Advanced Clinical Pathology 2
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 602, Matriculation in MSPA program.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHAS 610 Clinical Medicine I 5
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-5
PHAS 611 Clinical Medicine II 5
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 610, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-5
PHAS 613 Clinical Medicine III 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 611, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 4-0-4
PHAS 614 Musculoskeletal Medicine 2
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 610, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-2
PHAS 615 Surgery 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 611, Matriculation in the MSPA program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 617 Pediatrics 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 613, Matriculation in the MSPA program

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

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 619 Public Health, Preventive Medicine, and Counseling 2
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 620 Pharmacology I 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 602, Matriculation in MSPA program.

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

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 621 Pharmacology II 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 620, Matriculation in the MSPA program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 622 Clinical Skills I 1
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 601. Corequisites: Matriculation in the MSPA program.

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

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHAS 623 Clinical Skills II 1
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHAS 622, Matriculation in MSPA program

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

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHAS 630 Clinical Laboratory Medicine 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 602, Matriculation in MSPA Program. Corequisites: PHAS 611

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 635 Behavioral Medicine 1
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Matriculation in MS PA program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHAS 641 Clinical Reasoning I 1
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 642 Clinical Reasoning II 1
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 644 Procedural Skills 1
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 645 Research Skills and Evidence-Based Medicine I 1
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 646 Clinical Reasoning III 1
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 651 Research Skills and Evidence-Based Medicine II 1
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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-1-1
PHAS 661 PA Practice and Professional Identity 2
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 665 Emergency Medicine 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 611, and Matriculation in the MA PS Program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHAS 670 Family Practice 2
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 613.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHAS 676 Diagnostic Imaging 1
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
PHAS 695 Women's Health 2
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PHAS 613, Matriculation in the MSPA program

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHAS 752 Research Skills and Evidence-Based Medicine III 1
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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-1-1
    Total: 61 Credits
 
Clinical Clerkships Credits:
PHAS 701 Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 6
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-6
PHAS 702 Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 6
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-6
PHAS 703 Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 704 Women's Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 705 Orthopedics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 706 Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 707 Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 708 Family Medicine Clerkship Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 710 Elective I Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 711 Elective II Supervised Clinical Practice Experience 3
Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-0-3
PHAS 754 Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Practice 1
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.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
    Total: 37 Credits
 
Didactic courses are primarily in person with occasional online or hybrid sessions. Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences are predominantly conducted in person, but may include some telemedicine experiences.

Total Required Credits = 98 credits