The Trine University Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program has established academic standards and goals for student learning which provide a critical foundation for curriculum development, guideposts for classroom instruction, and a framework for assessment (B4.03). By the end of the MPAS program, the graduating student should be able to:
1. Knowledge Domain
1.1 Possess a sound knowledge of current and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences, behavioral sciences, and population health, and integrate and apply it to the medical care, health promotion, and disease prevention services offered (B1.01c, B2.11, B2.15)
1.2 Participate in lifelong learning to continually improve clinical knowledge, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities (B2.03, B2.05, B2.09, B2.18, B2.19)
1.3 Possess sufficient knowledge of the medicolegal, regulatory, billing/coding, reimbursement, and patient safety issues inherent to medical practice (B2.14, B2.16, B2.17)
1.4 Possess the knowledge and abilities to critically evaluate the medical literature, conduct or participate in limited research projects, and evaluate clinical environments and processes for quality, efficacy, compliance, patient safety, risk management, or other important outcomes that may impact patient care (B2.13, B2.16)
2. Clinical Skills Domain
2.1 Accurately and efficiently perform medical histories and physical examinations across the lifespan that are appropriate and relevant to the clinical situation and setting (B2.07)
2.2 Appropriately order and correctly interpret laboratory, imaging, ECG, and other diagnostic studies commonly performed in clinical settings (B2.07)
2.3 Skillfully perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures most commonly performed by PAs (B2.07)
3. Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities Domain
3.1 Effectively and efficiently utilize information from the health history, physical examination, laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures to distinguish between expected vs. abnormal findings, to formulate reasonable differential diagnoses, and to narrow the differential diagnosis list to a presumptive diagnosis in a logical, efficient, and cost-effective manner (B2.07)
3.2 Recommend pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapeutic options that are most efficacious and evidence-based while also considering patient preferences and concerns, and the impacts of social, economic, and spiritual factors on health and wellness (B2.02, B2.06, B2.13)
3.3 Provide appropriate medical care in emergent, acute, chronic, rehabilitative, palliative, and end-of-life settings (B2.08)
3.4 Assess patient outcomes to evaluate the accuracy of diagnoses, the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, patient compliance, and other factors that potentially impact patient care (B2.12)
4. Technical Skills Domain
4.1 Effectively utilize both electronic and non-digital medical records to document findings, access clinical information, write prescriptions and orders, and make referrals (B2.02, B2.07, B2.14)
4.2 Utilize technologies and other resources to effectively search, interpret, and appraise the medical literature for answers to clinical questions and evidence-based practices, and integrate and apply newly acquired knowledge into patient care (B2.13)
5. Interpersonal & Communication Skills Domain
5.1 Document and communicate medical, legal, financial, or other relevant information to other members of the healthcare team in an accurate, logical, concise, and understandable manner (B2.04, B2.10, B2.17)
5.2 Demonstrate appropriate and effective auditory, verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication skills when dealing with patients, families, caregivers, staff, colleagues, supervising physicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals (B2.04, B2.10)
5.3 Demonstrate appropriate sensitivity, empathy, compassion, and respect when dealing with diverse patient populations to promote and sustain therapeutically and ethically sound relationships (B2.06, B2.11, B2.12, B2.18)
6. Professional Behaviors Domain
6.1 Abide by, and uphold, the principles espoused in the “PA Professional Oath” and the American Academy of Physician Assistant’s “Guidelines to the Ethical Conduct of the Physician Assistant Profession” (B2.18)
6.2 Demonstrate and model professional behavior, most especially in interactions with patients, families, staff, colleagues, and superiors (B2.18)
6.3 Abide by legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to the PA profession and clinical practice settings (B2.17, B2.18)