Physician Assistant Studies (PAS)

This course is the first in a three-part series that explores the concepts of professionalism, professional conduct, medical ethics, health humanities, and health systems science. Students will engage in active learning through small and large group discussions and reflective thinking exercises to think critically and apply knowledge to clinical scenarios.

PAS 701 is a comprehensive anatomy course focused on the upper and lower extremities and spine, delivered through a full-dissection cadaver experience. Students examine anatomical structures, relationships, and functional organization of the extremities with emphasis on clinical relevance. Through hands-on dissection, imaging correlation, and clinical integration, students develop a three-dimensional understanding of anatomy as it relates to movement, neurovascular function, and common clinical conditions.

PAS 702 is a comprehensive anatomy course focused on the thorax, abdomen and peritoneum, pelvis, head, and neck, delivered through a full-dissection cadaver experience. Students examine anatomical structures, relationships, and functional organization of these regions with emphasis on clinical relevance. Through hands-on dissection, imaging correlation, and clinical integration, students develop a three-dimensional understanding of anatomy as it relates to organ systems, neurovascular structures, and common clinical conditions.

This course introduces foundational principles of evidence-based practice for physician assistant students. The course covers statistics, medical literature searching, formulation of PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) questions, and application of evidence to clinical decision-making. Instruction is delivered through a variety of learning modalities, including didactic sessions, team-based learning, small group activities, and standardized patient exercises. Students develop skills in identifying clinical questions, efficiently searching and appraising the medical literature, and applying evidence at the point of care to support patient-centered decisions.

This course is the second in a three-part series that explores the concepts of professionalism, professional conduct, medical ethics, health humanities, and health systems science. Students will engage in active learning through small and large group discussions and reflective thinking exercises to think critically and apply knowledge to clinical scenarios.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Human Sexuality and Reproductive Health course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of reproductive health diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Behavioral Medicine course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of behavioral medicine conditions encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation

This course is the last in a three-part series that explores the concepts of professionalism, professional conduct, medical ethics, health humanities, and health systems science. Students will engage in active learning through small and large group discussions and reflective thinking exercises to think critically and apply knowledge to clinical scenarios.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Emergency Medicine course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of emergent medical and traumatic conditions encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in emergency medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

PAS 732 Emergency Medicine is a required clinical rotation focused on the rapid evaluation, stabilization, and management of patients presenting with acute and life-threatening conditions. Students develop skills in triage, recognizing high-acuity presentations, and prioritizing care in a fast-paced environment. The rotation emphasizes clinical decision-making using readily available diagnostic and therapeutic resources, including imaging, laboratory studies, and interdisciplinary consultation. Students gain experience managing a diverse patient population while applying knowledge and skills from the pre-clinical curriculum. The rotation also highlights the role of emergency medicine within the broader healthcare system and the contributions of Physician Assistants in this setting. Upon completion of this rotation, students will be able to rapidly assess, stabilize, and manage patients with acute and life-threatening conditions, and effectively differentiate between emergent and non-emergent presentations to guide appropriate care.

PAS 733 Family Medicine I is a required clinical rotation focused on the outpatient evaluation and management of adult and geriatric patients presenting with acute and chronic conditions, as well as preventive care needs, in the primary care setting. This rotation takes place within Penn State Health faculty clinics and provides exposure to patients across the adult lifespan. Students participate in the initial assessment of patients, including wellness screening, history-taking, and physical examination, and develop differential diagnoses and management plans. Under supervision, students refine their clinical reasoning, present cases to preceptors, and engage in patient-centered communication, including education on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Upon completion of this rotation, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage a broad range of conditions commonly encountered in primary care among adult and geriatric patients, including acute, chronic, and preventive care needs. Students will refine their clinical reasoning, patient presentation, and communication skills, including building rapport and providing clear, patient-centered education to patients and families.

PAS 735 Ambulatory Care is an outpatient elective clinical rotation focused on the evaluation and management of patients in the ambulatory setting. Students participate in the initial assessment of patients, including history-taking, physical examination, and wellness screening, and develop differential diagnoses and management plans. Under supervision, students present cases to preceptors, refine clinical reasoning, and engage in patient-centered communication, including education on diagnosis and treatment. The rotation also emphasizes the appropriate selection and interpretation of diagnostic studies, as well as coordination of care through referrals and community-based resources. Upon completion of this rotation, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage patients in the outpatient setting, including developing differential diagnoses, selecting and interpreting diagnostic studies, and formulating treatment plans with appropriate referrals. Students will strengthen their clinical reasoning, patient presentation, and communication skills, and gain experience utilizing community resources to support patient care and promote wellness.

This course includes a variety of introductory concepts necessary for further study within the PA program; including the history and development of the physician assistant profession, medical terminology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, basics of prescription writing and medical dose calculations, HIPAA, OSHA, informed consent, and PA prescribing privileges. Students will discuss the basics of laboratory medicine; including sensitivity and specificity, precision and accuracy, negative and positive predictive value, screening and confirmatory tests, reference range, therapeutic range, therapeutic index. Students will also assess general vital signs and discuss normal and abnormal growth and development. Through this course, students will develop the skills necessary to build rapport and establish a patient-provider relationship, perform a basic medical history, and learn about general medical documentation requirements.

PAS 737 Surgery is a required clinical rotation focused on the perioperative care of patients with surgical conditions. Students gain experience in the evaluation and management of patients across pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative settings. Under supervision, students develop skills in patient assessment, physical examination, and clinical reasoning, and participate in surgical procedures. The rotation emphasizes perioperative evaluation, operative participation, and patient-centered communication with patients, families, and the healthcare team. Upon completion of this rotation, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage patients with surgical conditions across the perioperative continuum, including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative participation, and post-operative care. Students will develop differential diagnoses, select and interpret diagnostic studies, and formulate management plans, including appropriate referrals. Students will assist in surgical procedures, recognize potential complications, and provide patient-centered education regarding surgical conditions and the perioperative experience.

PAS 739 Inpatient Internal Medicine is a required clinical rotation focused on the evaluation and management of adult and geriatric patients admitted to the hospital. Students participate in the care of patients with a wide range of medical conditions, emphasizing clinical reasoning, diagnostic evaluation, and inpatient management. Under supervision, students develop skills in history-taking, physical examination, and the interpretation of diagnostic studies to support patient care across the hospitalization. Upon completion of this rotation, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage adult and geriatric patients in the inpatient setting. Students will develop differential diagnoses, select and interpret diagnostic studies, and formulate evidence-based management plans. Students will perform and present comprehensive patient evaluations, document clinical encounters, and contribute to inpatient care activities, including admission orders and discharge planning. Students will also refine communication skills to support patient-centered care.

PAS 741 Behavioral Health Rotation is a required clinical experience providing exposure to patients with mental health and behavioral conditions. Students participate in the evaluation and management of patients with a range of psychosocial and psychiatric concerns. The rotation emphasizes psychiatric assessment, clinical reasoning, and patient-centered communication. Students develop skills in identifying common mental health conditions and applying evidence-based management strategies to support patient-centered care, including the management of substance use disorders. Upon completion of this rotation, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage patients with behavioral health conditions. Students will develop differential diagnoses and apply evidence-based treatment approaches, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies. Students will also refine their communication skills, including therapeutic interactions with patients and families, to support patient-centered care and effective long-term management.

PAS 743 Pediatrics is a required clinical rotation focused on the evaluation and management of infants, children, and adolescents presenting with acute and chronic conditions, as well as preventive care needs. Students gain experience in well-child care, including growth and developmental assessment, immunizations, nutrition, and safety. The rotation emphasizes clinical reasoning, history-taking, and physical examination skills, along with the ability to identify normal and abnormal development. Students provide anticipatory guidance and patient- and family-centered education and develop awareness of community resources that support pediatric care. Upon completion of this rotation, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage pediatric patients across acute, chronic, and preventive care settings. Students will develop differential diagnoses, apply evidence-based management strategies, and perform age-appropriate assessments of growth and development. Students will also provide patient- and family-centered education, including counseling on immunizations, nutrition, and safety, while refining their communication and clinical reasoning skills in the pediatric setting.

PAS 745 Reproductive Health Rotation is a required clinical experience focused on the evaluation and management of patients receiving prenatal and gynecologic care. Students participate in the care of patients with acute and chronic conditions, as well as preventive care needs. Students develop skills in history-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, and the use of diagnostic studies to formulate patient-centered management plans. The rotation also provides exposure to procedures in women's health and emphasizes respectful, sensitive communication and patient education. Upon completion of this rotation, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and manage patients with reproductive health needs, including prenatal and gynecologic care. Students will develop differential diagnoses, select and interpret diagnostic studies, and formulate evidence-based management plans, including appropriate referrals and patient education. Students will apply preventive health principles relevant to reproductive care, while refining their clinical reasoning, communication, and patient-centered care skills.

This course is a capstone course that will provide the final comprehensive assessment for students prior to graduation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Hematology and Oncology course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hematologic and oncologic diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. The hematology section of the course covers the basic principles of hematology; including the structure and function of the cells and organs related to the hematologic system, while exploring the features of hematological diseases. The oncology section of the course covers the general principles of oncology, including the origin, development, staging, and treatment of tumors. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

PAS 776 Medicine Specialty Rotation is an elective clinical experience that provides students with exposure to a medical specialty. Students participate in the evaluation and management of patients presenting with acute, subacute, and chronic conditions. The rotation emphasizes the development of focused histories and physical examinations, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management. Students also gain experience selecting and interpreting appropriate laboratory and imaging studies to support clinical decision-making. This elective provides advanced medical training aligned with the student's area of interest during the clinical year. Students develop a foundational understanding of disease processes within the selected specialty and enhance their clinical reasoning, decision-making, and ability to acquire, interpret, and synthesize patient data for effective management of medical conditions. Students will refine their ability to present cases to faculty, residents, and peers, and continue to strengthen interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective collaboration with patients, families, and the healthcare team. This rotation also supports career exploration by helping students identify areas of interest, strengths, and opportunities for growth within medical practice.

PAS 777 Surgical Specialty Rotation is an elective clinical experience that provides students with hands-on exposure to a surgical specialty. Students participate in the evaluation, management, and treatment of patients across the perioperative continuum, including preoperative assessment, intraoperative care, and postoperative management. Learning occurs through direct patient care, operating room participation, bedside teaching, and service-based conferences. This elective provides advanced surgical training aligned with the student's area of interest during the clinical year. Students develop a foundational understanding of surgical disease processes and enhance their clinical reasoning, decision-making, and ability to acquire, interpret, and synthesize patient data for effective management of surgical conditions. Students will refine their ability to present surgical cases to faculty, residents, and peers, and continue to strengthen interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective collaboration with patients, families, and the healthcare team.

This course provides students with a framework for recognizing how individual perspectives and healthcare practices influence patient care and clinical outcomes. Students will examine research related to clinical decision-making, communication, and patient experiences. Instruction includes lecture, small group discussion, and case-based learning focused on patient- and family-centered care. Emphasis is placed on developing thoughtful, individualized care plans and delivering effective patient education within varied clinical contexts.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Dermatology course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dermatologic diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Infectious Disease and Immunology course will provide students a comprehensive understanding of immunology and infectious disease epidemiology and an overview of major infectious diseases. This course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation. The immunology portion of the course includes education on the various immune system cell types and their important functions in innate and adaptive immunity. Congenital and acquired immunodeficiency syndromes will be taught in contrast to normal immune system function

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology course will introduce students to the basic underlying principles of diseases affecting the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. This course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ophthalmic and otolaryngologic diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Endocrinology course will introduce students to the basic underlying principles of disease. This course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of endocrinology conditions encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Nephrology and Genitourinary Disease course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of renal and genitourinary diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Pulmonology course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pulmonary diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Cardiology course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Gastrointestinal Disease course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Neurology course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurologic diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Rheumatology and Orthopaedics course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rheumatologic and musculoskeletal diseases encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.

This module is part of the series of modules that comprises the PA program didactic curriculum. The Principles of Surgery course provides a disease oriented, problem focused, and patient centered approach to understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of surgical complications encountered in patients across the lifespan. Content areas in this module include: normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based medical research and advancements in clinical/surgical medicine, patient assessment, performance of applicable clinical and technical skills, interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory studies, using clinical reasoning to develop a treatment plan that includes indications for referral and standards for follow-up care, providing patient education, using service learning, and developing techniques for medical record documentation.