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Course Descriptions

Didactic Phase

Summer I Semester

Foundations of Medical Sciences I - PA 7812 - 2 credit hours

The course introduces foundational concepts of cell biology, biochemistry, human genetics, molecular biology, protein structure/function and medical terminology. Principles of microbiology and infectious disease are presented including distinguishing characteristics of infectious agents, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and pathogenesis.

Clinical Anatomy- PA 7127- 7 credit hours

Clinical Anatomy presents embryologic development through the adult form to students enrolled in the Physician Associate Program. All regions of the body will be studied and emphasis will be on clinical application. Lectures will be supported by laboratory dissections, on-line resources and on-line assessment quizzes.

Physical Diagnosis I- PA 7101- 1 credit hours

First in a two courses series designed to instruct students in gathering patient health history and performing physical examinations in an organized manner, using a systems-based approach.  Emphasis is placed on recognizing normal versus abnormal findings and on students gaining hands-on experience in performing physical examination techniques.


Fall 1 Semester

Human Physiology- PA 7156- 6 credit hours

The course is an integrated approach to understanding the functions of the major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, muscle and nervous systems.

Clinical Medicine I- PA 7106- 6 credit hours

Given a list of disease states students will be able to identify signs and symptoms, develop a differential diagnosis, order lab and imaging studies and form a treatment plan for Otorhinolaryngology, Endocrinology, Dermatology and Obstetrics and Gynecology disorders.

Physical Diagnosis II- PA 7124- 4 credit hours 

This is the second in a two course series designed to instruct students in gathering patient health history and performing physical examinations in an organized manner, using a system-based approach.  Emphasis is placed on recognizing normal vs. abnormal findings and on students gaining hands-on experience in performing physical examination techniques.

Focuses in PA Practice I - PA 7811- 1 credit hour

This course is designed to provide an introduction to biostatistics and epidemiology. Emphasis will be placed on students being able to apply information taught to the interpretation and critique of clinically relevant research manuscripts.

Foundations of Medical Sciences II - PA 7822- 2 credit hours 

The course will present normal development, structure, function, and diseases of the immune system; will introduce fundamentals of pathology including inflammation, wound healing, fluid balance, hemodynamics, and carcinogenesis; and will include introduction to medical diagnostics methods including clinical laboratory medicine and imaging systems. 

Pharmacotherapeutics I- PA 7861- 1 credit hour

This course in pharmacotherapeutics introduces students to basic drug knowledge and skills needed to use medications safely and appropriately to treat common disorders. Topics of focus include drug mechanisms of action, common adverse effects, interactions, and principles for selecting and monitoring drug therapy for selected diseases.

Laboratory Medicine- PA 7183- 3 credit hours

Laboratory Medicine is a comprehensive review of the indications for ordering, interpreting normal and abnormal values and correlation of lab data in health and disease. The course is presented according to organ systems and serves as an introduction for students to begin utilizing laboratory data in disease diagnosis and management.


Spring Semester

Clinical Medicine II- PA 7116- 6 credit hours 

Using a medical discipline-based approach, the Clinical Medicine II course is designed to educate the student in the presentation, diagnosis, management and treatment of the most common clinical conditions seen by healthcare providers. The systems covered in Clinical Medicine II include the following: Neurology, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology and Genitourinary.

Pathophysiology- PA 7134- 4 credit hours

Pathophysiology is divided into two sections: 1) lectures covering basic aspects of cell and tissue disease, injury, repair and neoplasia; and 2) lectures focused on embryology, histology and molecular mechanisms of frequently encountered diseases such as diseases of the pancreas, thyroid dysfunction, HIV, pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis, and renal failure.

Pharmacotherapeutics II- PA 7874 - 4 credit hours

This course in pharmacotherapeutics introduces students to basic drug knowledge and skills needed to use medications safely and appropriately to treat common disorders. Topics of focus include drug mechanisms of action, common adverse effects, interactions, and principles for selecting and monitoring drug therapy for selected diseases.

Radiology- PA 7144- 4 credit hours

This course familiarizes the Physician Associate student with various radiological procedures and findings utilized in the clinical setting. Students will learn about conventional x-ray, computerized tomography, angiography, sonography, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and radioisotope scanning using a problem solving approach.

Physician Associate Clinical Skills- PA 7154- 4 credit hours 

This course is the first in a two semester course series designed to familiarize the student with clinical decision making aspects of medicine skills needed to interact with patients in a structured experience, interviewing techniques and ways of relating to patients in the clinical setting as well as clinical procedures.

Focuses in PA Practice II- PA 7821- 1 credit hour

This course is designed to present topics relevant to health care delivery as a PA. Topics include health care delivery in Oklahoma focusing on an interdisciplinary approach, medical ethics, history of the profession and Program, medical ethics, professionalism and complimentary medicine.


Summer II Semester

Clinical Medicine III- PA 7119- 9 credit hours

Clinical Medicine III introduces the physician associate student to disease states within the following medical disciplines: Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine. The student will develop a working knowledge of the etiology, prevention, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and monitoring of diseases within these areas of medicine.

Principles of Psychiatric and Behavioral Medicine- PA 7122- 2 credit hours 

This course introduces the Physician Associate student to the psychiatric patient. Topics covered include individual growth and development; interview techniques, theories of personality and psychopathology and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Focuses in PA Practice III- PA 7831- 1 credit hour

This course is designed to present topics relevant to health care delivery as a PA. Topics include healthcare delivery in Oklahoma focusing on cultural awareness and public health.

Physician Associate Clinical Skills II- PA 7164- 4 credit hours

This course is the second in a two-semester course series designed to familiarize the student with the clinical decision-making aspect of medicine, skills needed to interact with patients in a structured experience, interviewing techniques and ways of relating to patients in the clinical setting as well as clinical procedures.


Fall II Semester

Didactic Summative- PA 7881- 1 credit hour

This course is designed to assess a student's readiness to progress to the clinical phase of PA education. It provides the student with feedback on their current competence in medical knowledge, professionalism, interpersonal skills and patient care which will guide their preparation for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

Special Studies- PA 7740

This course is designed to remediate a student's deficiencies documented in their course failure


Clinical Phase

Clinical Year Courses

Clinical Inquiry & Scholarly Research- PA 7712- 2 credit hours

The course is designed to allow the Physician Associate student to identify an area of interest related to health care delivery or a specific disease process, research the area and write and present a paper over the topic.

Medical Practice Management- PA 7732- 2 credit hour

Student will be introduced to the principles and knowledge that govern practice management, participate in service learning opportunities.

Senior Summative- PA 7882- 2 credit hours

This course is designed to assist students in preparation for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and assess their readiness to graduate and enter clinical practice.  A component of the course is the Senior Summative exam composed of a medical knowledge exam and four objective structured clinical experiences (OSCE).


Clinical Year Rotations

12 months of required rotations.  All rotations MUST be completed within the State of Oklahoma and housing is the responsibility of the student.

Internal Medicine- PA 7904- 4 credit hours per rotation

A total of one four-week rotation in the medicine inpatient service or intensive care unit caring for patients in the hospital setting.

Surgery- PA 7914- 4 credit hours per rotation

A four-week rotation on a general surgery service learning surgical consults, surgical history and physical examination, aseptic technique, surgical assisting, and how to manage pre- and post-operative patients.

Emergency Medicine I/II- PA 7924- 4 credit hours per rotation

A total of two four-week rotations in a hospital emergency department, evaluating acute medical and surgical emergencies. Efficient, accurate, and methodical evaluation of the acutely ill or injured patient will be emphasized.

Women's Health- PA 7934- 4 credit hours

A four week rotation in Women's Health to include prenatal and gynecologic care.

Pediatrics- PA 7944- 4 credit hours 

A four-week rotation in a pediatric practice caring for the pediatric patient.

Mental Health- PA 7974- 4 credit hours

A four-week clinical rotation in a mental health facility or private psychiatric practice evaluating behavioral and mental health conditions.

Primary Care/Family Medicine I/II- PA 7964- 4 credit hours per rotation

A total of two, four-week rotations with an active primary care provider, participating in all aspects of primary care for the practice.

Clinical Elective I/II- PA 7954- 4 credit hours

A total of two four-week rotations in any medicine or surgical specialty, currently offered and available in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

Inpatient Medicine- PA 7994- 4 credit hours

A four-week rotation in any medicine or surgical specialty that includes an inpatient setting.