Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Make a direct impact on the lives of patients as a physician assistant (PA) by obtaining a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Saint Joseph’s University. Our 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program prepares you to deliver a broad range of medical services as a physician assistant, including acute patient care, research and education.
You’ll become a leader and innovator in this fast-growing and rewarding medical profession through this physician assistant graduate program. You’ll learn how to take medical history, administer exams, evaluate lab tests and provide health counseling. You’ll also work with patients of all ages in the Greater Philadelphia area and neighboring states through 45 weeks of nine clinical rotations, under the supervision of a physician or a licensed PA, putting your knowledge into practice.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHA 501 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| PHA 502 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| PHA 503 | History/Physical I | 3 |
| PHA 504 | Pharmacology I | 3 |
| PHA 505 | PA History | 1 |
| PHA 506 | Genetics for PA s | 1 |
| PHA 507 | Psychosocial Medicine | 2 |
| PHA 521 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PHA 522 | Hist/Phys II & Clinical Skills | 3 |
| PHA 523 | Clinical Medicine I | 4 |
| PHA 524 | Pharmacology II | 3 |
| PHA 525 | Diagnostics I | 2 |
| PHA 526 | Intro Rsrch/Evidence-Based Med | 2 |
| PHA 541 | Clinical Medicine II | 4 |
| PHA 542 | Diagnostics II | 2 |
| PHA 543 | Research Methods, Design & Imp | 3 |
| PHA 544 | Pediatrics | 2 |
| PHA 545 | Emergency Medicine | 2 |
| PHA 546 | Surgery | 2 |
| PHA 547 | Women s Health | 2 |
| PHA 601 | Professional Practice Issues I | 1 |
| PHA 602 | Issues in Geriatrics I | 1 |
| PHA 603 | Prof Practice Issues II | 1 |
| PHA 604 | Capstone | 2 |
| PHA 605 | Issues in Geriatrics II | 1 |
| PHA 606 | Prof Practice Issues III | 1 |
| PHA 651 | Primary Care Rotation I | 5 |
| PHA 652 | Primary Care Rotation II | 5 |
| PHA 653 | Internal Med ClinicalRotation | 5 |
| PHA 654 | Pediatrics Clinical Rotation | 5 |
| PHA 655 | Women s Health Rotation | 5 |
| PHA 656 | Behav/Mental Hlth ClinRotation | 5 |
| PHA 657 | Surgery Clinical Rotation | 5 |
| PHA 658 | Emergency Med ClinicalRotation | 5 |
| PHA 660 | Elective Clinical Rotation I | 5 |
| Total Hours | 103 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PHA 501 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| PHA 502 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| PHA 503 | History/Physical I | 3 |
| PHA 504 | Pharmacology I | 3 |
| PHA 505 | PA History | 1 |
| PHA 506 | Genetics for PA s | 1 |
| PHA 507 | Psychosocial Medicine | 2 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHA 521 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PHA 522 | Hist/Phys II & Clinical Skills | 3 |
| PHA 523 | Clinical Medicine I | 4 |
| PHA 524 | Pharmacology II | 3 |
| PHA 525 | Diagnostics I | 2 |
| PHA 526 | Intro Rsrch/Evidence-Based Med | 2 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Summer | ||
| PHA 541 | Clinical Medicine II | 4 |
| PHA 542 | Diagnostics II | 2 |
| PHA 543 | Research Methods, Design & Imp | 3 |
| PHA 544 | Pediatrics | 2 |
| PHA 545 | Emergency Medicine | 2 |
| PHA 546 | Surgery | 2 |
| PHA 547 | Women s Health | 2 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHA 601 | Professional Practice Issues I | 1 |
| PHA 651 | Primary Care Rotation I | 5 |
| PHA 652 | Primary Care Rotation II | 5 |
| PHA 653 | Internal Med ClinicalRotation | 5 |
| PHA 655 | Women s Health Rotation | 5 |
| Hours | 21 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHA 602 | Issues in Geriatrics I | 1 |
| PHA 603 | Prof Practice Issues II | 1 |
| PHA 654 | Pediatrics Clinical Rotation | 5 |
| PHA 656 | Behav/Mental Hlth ClinRotation | 5 |
| PHA 657 | Surgery Clinical Rotation | 5 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Summer | ||
| PHA 604 | Capstone | 2 |
| PHA 605 | Issues in Geriatrics II | 1 |
| PHA 606 | Prof Practice Issues III | 1 |
| PHA 658 | Emergency Med ClinicalRotation | 5 |
| PHA 660 | Elective Clinical Rotation I | 5 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 103 | |
1. Develop the skills needed to practice evidence-based medicine and be effective lifelong learners.
Justification: The program expects all current students and all future graduates of the program to provide evidence-based medical care and exhibit lifelong learning skills.
Outcomes to be measured:
A.100% of students will achieve passing scores on their Masters’ Thesis Capstone project (a rapid review of the medical literature and poster presentation) as part of the Capstone course (PHA 604)
B. 100% of students will achieve passing scores in the Introduction to Research and Evidence Based Medicine (PHA 526), and Research Methods Designs, and Implementation (PHA 543) courses.
Actual outcomes:
A. Successful Course Completion – Capstone course (PHA 604)
a. TBD, the first cohort of students will complete the Capstone Course by September 9, 2022.
B. 100% of students in the Classes of 2022, and 2023 scored a passing grade in the Introduction to Research and Evidence Based Medicine (PHA 526), and Research Methods Designs, and Implementation (PHA 543) courses.
2. Prepare students with a strong foundation in primary care to function as entry-level members of the health care team that provides equitable, person-centered care.
Justification: According to data published by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034, including shortfalls in both primary and specialty care. Our curriculum includes two 5-week long rotations in primary care, along with a special focus on the elderly and geriatrics (PHA 602 and 605) to help prepare graduates for a career in primary care with an overall aging population according to the United States Census Bureau. Additionally, the mission statement of the PA program includes providing our students a foundation in equitable, person-centered primary care.
Outcomes to be measured:
A. 5-year first-time PANCE pass rate that meets or exceeds the national average.
B. 100% of students will graduate from the program with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
C. 100% of students will achieve passing scores in the Family Medicine Rotations I & II (PHA 651, 652).
D. 100% of students will attain at minimum, an overall average score of 3.0/5.0 on the Preceptor’s Evaluation of Students on each supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs).
E. 100% of students will demonstrate proficiency on all summative examinations, OSCEs, medical notes, and clinical skills examinations
F. 100% of students will successfully complete all supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs).
G. 100% of students will successfully complete all end-of-rotation exams
H. 100% of students will successfully complete the end-of-curriculum exam.
I. Graduate Exit Survey – 100% of students will strongly agree or agree that they are prepared to practice clinically in general.
J. Graduate Exit Survey – 100% of students will strongly agree or agree that they are prepared to practice equitable, person-centered care.
K. Graduate Exit Survey – 100% of students will strongly agree or agree that they are prepared to practice primary care medicine specifically.
Actual outcomes:
A. First-time PANCE taker pass rates vs national averages:
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
B. Cumulative overall GPA of each graduate above a 3.0:
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
C. Successful Family Medicine SCPE courses completed
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
D. Preceptor Evaluations of Students minimum 3.0/5.0 average
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
E. Summative exams, OSCEs, medical notes, and clinical skills exams:
a. 100% Class of 2022 have completed and demonstrated proficiency for all OSCEs and notes during the didactic portion of the curriculum. The remaining curriculum will end on September 9, 2022.
b. TBD, the Class of 2023 is currently in progress and completing their didactic portion of the curriculum.
F. SCPEs
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
G. End-of-Rotation exams
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
H. End-of-Curriculum exam
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
I. Graduation Exit Survey
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
J. Graduation Exit Survey
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
K. Graduation Exit Survey
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
3. Engage students in interprofessional medical education that will enable them to adapt to the changing healthcare environment, work with a healthcare team, and understand the various roles in healthcare.
Justification: Interprofessional collaboration is a key tenet of current medical practice. To provide high-quality patient care current and future physician assistant students will need to work, communicate, and collaborate to optimize outcomes. Additionally, a focus on interprofessional healthcare is a major component of the mission of the PA program.
Outcomes measured:
A. 100% of students will participate in IPE training throughout both years of the curriculum with teams made up of medical, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing students.
B. 100% of students will achieve passing preceptor evaluations on all supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) in the areas of: professionalism, preventative care & counseling, medical knowledge & evidence-based decision making, clinical skills, and understanding various roles in health care.
C. Graduate Exit Survey – 100% of students will agree or strongly agree on the graduation exit survey that they are committed to interprofessional collaborative practice after graduation.
Actual outcomes:
A. 100% of students participate in at least 3 hours of programmed IPE training with other medical, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing students.
B. SCPE Preceptor Evaluations:
a. Results in progress, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
C. Graduation Exit Survey
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
4. Facilitate and cultivate the development of professional and ethical attitudes and behaviors essential to the role of a physician assistant and to provide equitable patient care.
Justification: Professionalism is among the highest core values of the PA profession and our program as noted by the adopted Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession published by the AAPA. The program expects all students to demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism and as noted by our mission, to possess a strong foundation in providing equitable patient care to all patients in all circumstances.
Outcomes to be measured:
A. 100% of students must pass the professionalism section of all preceptor evaluations of all supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs)
B. 100% of students will have a professionalism advising evaluation each semester
C. 100% of students will successfully complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program in research, ethics, compliance, and safety
D. 100% of students will successfully complete a mandatory Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.
E. Graduate Exit Survey – 100% of PA students will strongly agree or agree that they have a high personal standard of professionalism in behavior and ethical conduct to provide equitable patient care to all patients in all circumstances upon graduation.
Actual outcomes:
A. Professionalism Scores on SCPE Preceptor Evaluations
a. Results in progress, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
B. 100% of students have had a professionalism evaluation each semester completed by their faculty advisor
C. 100% of students have successfully completed the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program in research, ethics, compliance, and safety as a component of the Introduction to Research and Evidence Based Medicine course (PHA 526).
D. 100% of matriculated students have successfully completed a mandatory Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.
E. Graduation Exit Survey
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
5. Promote a person-centered approach to medicine that highlights critical thinking and medical problem-solving skills to all students.
Justification: The Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession as adopted and produced jointly by the four national PA organizations, recognizes the need for PAs to demonstrate investigative and critical thinking in clinical situations, utilize therapeutic decision-making and clinical problem-solving skills, and provide person-centered care. The PA program's Mission Statement also supports providing a foundation in person-centered care.
Outcomes to be measured:
A. 100% of students will successfully complete case-based Clinical Reasoning Conferences (CRCs) throughout the curriculum
B. 100% of students will complete supplemental, clinically challenging i-Human cases throughout the clinical year
C. 100% of students will successfully complete History and Physical Exam I (PHA 503) and History and Physical Exam II and Clinical Skills (PHA 522) courses.
D. 100% of students will demonstrate proficiency on all OSCEs and medical note writing exercises and assignments.
E. 100% of students will achieve passing preceptor evaluations on all supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs) in the areas of: professionalism, preventative care & counseling, medical knowledge & evidence-based decision making, clinical skills, and understanding various roles in health care.
F. 100% of PA students will strongly agree or agree that they are capable of promoting a person-centered approach to medicine, perform critical thinking, and utilize medical problem-solving skills upon graduation.
Actual outcomes:
A. 100% of students in the class of 2022 have completed case-based Clinical Reasoning Conferences (CRCs). The class of 2023 is still progressing through the curriculum and will complete these CRCs prior to graduation.
B. i-human cases:
a. Class of 2022: Results in progress, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
b. Class of 2023: Has not yet begun their clinical year
C. 100% of students have successfully completed the History and Physical Exam I (PHA 503) and History and Physical Exam II and Clinical Skills (PHA 522) courses.
D. OSCEs and Notes:
a. 100% of students from the class of 2022 have completed and demonstrated proficiency for all OSCEs and notes during the didactic portion of the curriculum. The remaining clinical year curriculum will end on September 9, 2022.
b. The Class of 2023 is currently in progress and completing their didactic portion of the curriculum and results are pending.
E. SCPE Preceptor Evaluations:
a. Results in progress, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
F. Graduation Exit Survey
a. TBD, the first class will complete the curriculum on September 9, 2022
6. Promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the program, with a focus on providing an exposure to underserved and diverse populations.
Justification: In accordance with the University Diversity Statement, and the PA program mission and policy on diversity, we support the integrative efforts throughout the University, the PA program, and curriculum to foster, promote, and support DEI initiatives and to create a culture of awareness, acceptance, and understanding.
Outcomes to be measured:
A. 100% of students will successfully complete a 4-part series on Disparities in Healthcare in Professional Practice III (PHA 606).
B. 100% of students will complete activities during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
C. 100% of students will complete learning modules on LGBTQ+ health throughout the curriculum
Actual outcomes:
A. 100% of students in the class of 2022 have successfully completed the 4-part series on Disparities in Healthcare in Professional Practice III (PHA 606).
B. 100% of students in the class of 2022 and 2023 have attended events during the MLK Jr. Day of Service
C. 100% of students have completed learning modules on LGBTQ+ health throughout the curriculum