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The courses listed herein have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Prerequisites (if any) are noted following each course description.
2.00 credit hours Students gain an understanding of methods of reimbursement for occupational therapy, including third-party payers, government funding and other regulatory boards. Students gain the ability to document evaluation and treatment that meets the needs and requirement for reimbursement and to clearly describe status of the consumer and progress being made. The students are guided on appeals process for reimbursement denials.
3.00 credit hours Explores the role of occupation in health promotion and disease prevention. Students gain health and wellness literacy for all populations at risk of disabilities and chronic health conditions as they identify and demonstrate the use of technology to promote health and wellness.
3.00 credit hours This laboratory course explores the relationship between the structure and function of the human body. Tissues, muscles, nerves, bones and joints are covered with emphasis on the function behind movement in the body.
1.00 credit hours Students learn to identify how and why assessments are used in occupational therapy and in a variety of practice settings. Students gain an understanding of statistical outcomes on quantitative assessments as well understanding differences between standardized and non-standardized assessment. The students are exposed to the interpretation process for criterion-referenced and norm-referenced standardized test scores. The role of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in screening and evaluation are explored.
3.00 credit hours Explores the normal development, delayed development and disabilities that impair participation in the occupations of children and adolescents. Students are introduced to child development and the etiology, symptoms and prognosis of pediatric and adolescent delays and disorders and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Frames of reference, assessment techniques, evidence based practice and intervention theories are discussed.
3.00 credit hours Mental health disorders and psychosocial issues impair function in populations across the lifespan. This course introduces students to the etiology, symptoms and prognosis of mental health disorders and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Frames of reference, assessment techniques, evidence based practice and intervention theories are discussed.
3.00 credit hours This course focuses on the physical disorders and disabilities that impair function in the adult population. Students learn the etiology, symptoms and prognosis of physical disorders in adults and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Frames of reference, assessment techniques, evidence based practice and intervention theories are discussed.
3.00 credit hours Students learn about the neurological disorders and disabilities that impair function in the adult population. This course is designed to introduce the student to etiology, symptoms and prognosis of neurological disorders in adults and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Topics include frames of reference, assessment techniques, evidence based practice and intervention theories.
3.00 credit hours Students gain an understanding of the process of aging and possible disorders and disabilities that may impair function in the geriatric population. Introduces the student to the etiology, symptoms and prognosis of geriatric disorders and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Topics include frames of reference, assessment techniques, evidence based practice and intervention theories.
2.00 credit hours This laboratory course allows students to identify assessments (both standardized and non-standardized) for evaluation of clients across the life span. Students practice administering, interpreting and documenting assessments using accepted professional terminology.
3.00 credit hours This laboratory course introduces students to the role of occupational therapy with a focus on the occupations and delays or disabilities that impair participation in occupation and roles of children and adolescents. Students learn the evaluation and treatment of pediatric and adolescent clients and the impact of delays and disorders on occupational performance areas and components. Students learn how to provide remediation and compensation for physical, mental, cognitive, perceptual, neuromuscular, behavioral skills and sensory dysfunctions in pediatric settings. Laboratory sessions emphasize the application of intervention theory, evidence based practice and treatment techniques for specific conditions.
MOCT 532 - Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
3.00 credit hours This laboratory course introduces the student to the role of the occupational therapist working with clients across the lifespan experiencing mental health and psychosocial issues that impair function. Students learn the evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders in populations across the lifespan and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Laboratory sessions emphasize the application of intervention theory, evidence based practice and treatment techniques for specific conditions. Topics include mental health disorders that various clients experience and techniques used to restore, maintain, modify and prevent disability.
MOCT 533 - Physical Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
3.00 credit hours This laboratory course introduces the student to the role of the occupational therapist working with adult populations experiencing physical disabilities that impair function. Students learn the evaluation and treatment of physical disorders in the adult population and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Laboratory sessions emphasize the application of intervention theory, evidence based practice, and treatment techniques for specific conditions. The course focuses on physical disabilities commonly addressed with an adult population and techniques used to restore, maintain, modify and prevent disability.
MOCT 534 - Neurological Dysfunction Assessment and Intervention
3.00 credit hours This laboratory course introduces the students to the role of the occupational therapist working with adult populations experiencing neurological disabilities that impair function. Students learn the evaluation and treatment of neurological disorders in the adult population and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Laboratory sessions emphasize the application of intervention theory, evidence based practice and treatment techniques for specific conditions. The course focuses on neurological disabilities commonly addressed with an adult population and techniques used to restore, maintain, modify and prevent disability.
3.00 credit hours This laboratory course introduces the student to the role of the occupational therapist working with geriatric populations experiencing disabilities that impair function. Students learn the evaluation and treatment of geriatric disorders and their impact on occupational performance areas and components. Laboratory sessions emphasize the application of intervention theory, evidence based practice and treatment techniques for specific conditions. The course focuses on disabilities commonly associated with the geriatric population and techniques used to restore, maintain, modify and prevent disability.
MOCT 600 - Evidence-Based Practice and Application
3.00 credit hours Students identify evidence-based practice in the field of occupational therapy. The student learn to identify the difference between quantitative and qualitative studies. They apply evidence-based practice to the selection of treatment for clients and in future course work. The students begin the process of developing their own evidence-based practice for application in the field of occupational therapy.
MOCT 601 - Professional Advocacy, Ethics and Cultural Implications
1.00 credit hours Students consider the process of ethical analysis in and the delivery of care as an occupational therapist. In addition to exploring the impact of cultural influence in daily practice, the course challenges students to understand their role as an occupational therapist and advocate, and educate others regarding the value of occupational therapy in all facets of treatment settings.
1.00 credit hours An introduction to the management skills required to run a program or department as an occupational therapy practitioner. Topics include regulatory bodies, applicable laws, reimbursement issues, supervision, continuous quality improvement as well as planning, developing, organizing and marketing skills.
2.00 credit hours Exposes students to a variety of specialty interventions utilized across practice settings in occupational therapy. Topics include the use of various modalities, splinting, positioning and driver’s rehabilitation.
1.00 credit hours Students consider the process for working in an academic setting. The course exposes students to the beginning process of the principles of instructional design. They are also exposed to the teaching and learning principles for teaching in an academic setting.
1.00 credit hours Level I Fieldwork introduces students to the fieldwork experience and provides the opportunity to develop a basic comfort level with an understanding of the needs of pediatric clients in the community. This course involves directed observation, active discussion and participation in various aspects of the occupational therapy process in a pediatric/adolescent setting. Students practice professional behaviors, communication and leadership skills. Clinical reasoning is developed through reflective learning activities.
1.00 credit hours Level I Fieldwork introduces students to the fieldwork experience and provides the opportunity to develop a basic comfort level with an understanding of the needs of adult clients in a variety of clinical and community settings. This course involves directed observation, active discussion and participation in various aspects of the occupational therapy process with adult populations. Students practice professional behaviors, communication and leadership skills. Clinical reasoning is developed through reflective learning activities.
1.00 credit hours Level I Fieldwork introduces students to the fieldwork experience and provides the opportunity to develop a basic comfort level with an understanding of the needs of mental health clients in a variety of clinical and community settings. This course involves directed observation, active discussion and participation in various aspects of the occupational therapy process with adult populations. Students practice professional behaviors, communication and leadership skills. Clinical reasoning is developed through reflective learning activities.
12.00 credit hours A twelve week supervised field experience designed to develop competent, entry level generalist occupational therapists. Students experience a variety of clients and/or client groups across the lifespan with various physical, developmental and psychosocial challenges within various service delivery models that reflect current practice in occupational therapy. Level II fieldwork promotes the development of clinical reasoning, professionalism, evaluation and direct intervention skills to provide high-quality client care related to human occupation and performance. Fieldwork Educators are registered occupational therapists who have a minimum of one year of practice experience.
Prerequisite(s): All didactic courses except MOCT 695.
12.00 credit hours This twelve week supervised field experience is designed to develop competent, entry level generalist occupational therapists. Students experience a variety of clients and/or client groups across the lifespan with various physical, developmental and psychosocial challenges within various service delivery models that reflect current practice in occupational therapy. Level II fieldwork promotes the development of clinical reasoning, professionalism, evaluation and direct intervention skills to provide high-quality client care related to human occupation and performance. Fieldwork Educators are registered occupational therapists who have a minimum of one year of practice experience.
2.00 credit hours As the final step in the occupational therapy education program, students work on how to conduct research as well as locate and secure grants. Each student is responsible for designing and writing a scholarly proposal for presentation or publication. At the conclusion of the capstone course, students have a project that may be used to apply to future treatment intervention or as an action research project.
3.00 credit hours Students examine a variety of traditional and contemporary leadership theories and apply them to the behavior of business leaders, entrepreneurs and publicly known leaders. They examine power and explore the importance of ethical leadership while learning how to craft a compelling vision, create transformational change and develop followers. Organizational and systems theories are explored to help ensure students know how to build and create cultures that advance learning, growth and success.
3.00 credit hours In this course, students enhance their cultural competency and learn to develop a global mindset. They begin to unravel how to identify and tackle conscious and unconscious bias and learn how to create an inclusive culture that engages and promotes people of different identities, backgrounds and worldviews. The ethical components of diversity programs are considered, with particular emphasis on recent trends in diversity and inclusion programs. Topics for study include gender, racial and ethnic diversity, as well as generational, religious, educational and socioeconomic diversity.
MORG 550 - Communication, Group Dynamics and Conflict Resolution
3.00 credit hours Students learn key elements of group dynamics and strategic communication. They discover their own conflict style and develop tools to lead strong teams and solve conflict. Case studies and real-world examples are analyzed to help the student unravel how to approach conflict, engage in meaningful dialogue and successfully negotiate resolution.
3.00 credit hours Students learn how to find, use and evaluate data and information to make informed decisions. They analyze information from a variety of places, including organizational information, scientific data, publications, research and professional judgment, and apply reliable evidence to a variety decision-making models.
3.00 credit hours Students learn how leaders may use coaching, mentoring, sponsoring and advising to advance organizational objectives. They discover and apply various coaching models, techniques and assessment instruments to real-world coaching scenarios while exploring coaching models such as Appreciative Inquiry, Strength Based Coaching, Career Coaching and more. The ethical considerations of coaching will be examined.
3.00 credit hours This course equips students with a variety of tools and frameworks that can be applied to create meaningful growth and change in an organization. Students examine the process, purpose and methods of needs analysis and explore a variety of assessment and evaluation tools that can be used for professional development plans and organizational change initiatives. Through case studies and real-world application, students learn how to conduct a needs analysis and craft appropriate development goals. They then learn how to evaluate, assess and modify those plans to create optimal success for the organization and its employees. Ethical considerations in needs assessment and evaluation are explored.
3.00 credit hours Students learn how to create a culture that is committed to learning, development and improvement. They examine experiential learning methods, and study traditional and cutting edge practices that are used to train and develop employees, including outdoor education, arts-based learning, job rotation and volunteer and global leadership training experiences. By the end of the course, students have learned practical, innovative ways to train and develop a variety of employees with varying needs, interests and strengths.
MORG 675 - Strategic Leadership and Organizational Design
3.00 credit hours This course equips students with the ability to analyze organizational needs, craft strategic plans and design organizations using a systems theory approach. Through case study and real world analysis, students are able to uncover critical challenges, strengths and opportunities within a variety of organizations. They create targeted strategic plans and organizational designs and understand how those designs serve the entire organization and its stakeholders.
3.00 credit hours This semester long course serves as a culminating experience in which students are expected to apply knowledge and insights gained from their graduate courses to an innovation project in an organization. Students must ground this project in evidence and research that demonstrates the need, purpose and goals of the initiative.
Prerequisite(s): 27 credit hours in graduate coursework and MORG 575.
3.00 credit hours This foundational course introduces students to what professional writers do and how they do it, including a review of textual and visual rhetoric and a discussion of ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners in the field. Students practice the necessary critical attitude, principles, tools and feedback to develop and edit their own high-quality professional documents.
MWRT 501 - Introduction to the Writers’ Workshop and Collaborative Writing
3.00 credit hours This foundational course introduces students to what professional writers do and how they do it, including a review of textual and visual rhetoric and a discussion of ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners in the field. Students practice the necessary critical attitude, principles, tools and feedback to develop and edit their own high-quality professional documents.
3.00 credit hours Students learn editing in its full breadth and scope, ranging from ideation to deep revision, to professional line editing and proofreading, to annotated drafts and summary feedback. Applying industry-appropriate style guides, writers discover the ideal form, content and format for their work.
3.00 credit hours Students practice the fundamentals of professional grant writing appropriate to a multitude of professional settings while identifying specific funding opportunities relevant to their own professional practice.
3.00 credit hours Students practice the skills required to reach the broadest possible audience with their professional and creative writing. Writers learn to contextualize themselves and their particular professional interests in the tradition of the public intellectual and rhetorician. Topics may include a representative cross section of popular professional writing, including but not limited science/technology writing, opinion and persuasive writing, travel/environmental writing and popular writing in history and the social sciences.
3.00 credit hours Students learn to transform memorable and meaningful personal and professional experiences into compelling creative work. Attention is paid to the many ways in which the professional writer leverages autobiographical experience into writing for professional markets.
MWRT 522 - Creative Writing for Professional Writers
3.00 credit hours Students learn the fundamentals of creative writing in multiple genres. Emphasis is given to shorter forms that develop craft and fluency.
MWRT 523 - Advanced Creative Writing for Professional Writers
3.00 credit hours Students learn the fundamentals of creative writing in multiple genres. Emphasis is given to shorter forms that develop craft and fluency.
3.00 credit hours This foundational course introduces students to what professional writers do and how they do it, including a review of textual and visual rhetoric and a discussion of ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners in the field. Students practice the necessary critical attitude, principles, tools and feedback to develop and edit their own high-quality professional documents.
3.00 credit hours Students learn to prepare their work for submission to various venues appropriate to their interests, ranging from manuscript publication opportunities and professional conferences to other opportunities for collaboration and potential community engagement. Along the way, students learn the habits of successful writers, study freelance and entrepreneurial practices, and establish a sustainable method of their own.
3.00 credit hours Students study the complex ways in which narrative underlies both effective creative and professional writing while practicing the forms and strategies appropriate to multiple genres. Broader attention is paid to narrative as a means of producing and transmitting knowledge, of entertainment and instruction and of interpersonal communication and creative expression.
MWRT 621 - Publishing and Publicizing Creative Writing
3.00 credit hours Students learn proven methods for preparing, publishing and publicizing their creative work in print or digital form. Emphasis is given to the writing of effective queries, cover letters, pitches and professional editorial correspondence. Attention is also paid to developing trends and timely opportunities across genres within the publishing industry.
MWRT 680 - Professional Presentation and Public Reading
3.00 credit hours Students study the fundamentals of successful reader-presenters and learn specific strategies for developing and sustaining rapport while increasing engagement. Students in this course plan for and practice their own required public presentation or reading, acquiring a flexible skill set relevant to professional writers, public intellectuals and creative writers who seek to engage diverse audiences with their work.
3.00 credit hours Working closely with their faculty thesis advisor, students draft and revise their extended professional or creative writing thesis or project.
Prerequisite(s): 27 credit hours in MWRT and MWRT 610.
3.00 credit hours Students gain a foundational background of the legal system. Topics include constitutional law, contract law, tort law, risk management, product liability, administrative and statutory law, Title IX and gender discrimination, drug testing and legal aspects of amateurism as these pertain to all areas of regulation in sport. Ethical dimensions of organizational leadership, including the role of ethics in sport, fair play/gamesmanship, sportsmanship, sport enhancement, gender equity, dis/ability and commercial exploitation be discussed. Connections between theory and real-world scenarios are made.
MSPT 606 - Sport Promotion, Marketing and Public Relations
3.00 credit hours Students explore marketing practices, procedures and operations utilized at all levels of sport. Focus areas include technologies for developing strategic marketing and practical applications as they pertain to a wide array of sport organizations and the use of analytics including both quantitative and qualitative data to drive key business decisions. Students are provided an introduction to the structure, function, role and effect of the media in the sport industry, including the foundational study of the principles and fundamentals of sports information and media relations.
3.00 credit hours Topics include budgeting, fundraising, traditional and alternative revenue streams, managing expenses and keys to sound financial decision making. Students are able to develop a conceptual framework for planning, development, management and implementation of fundraising events in sport.
3.00 credit hours Students develop the leadership required to implement best practices in the development and management of sport and recreational venues and events. Topics include facility design, planning, safety concerns, maintenance and scheduling.
4.00 credit hours This inaugural course in a series of three courses designed to develop a practical understanding of human anatomy, embryology histology, as well as normal physiology and the pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. Focus will be placed on clinically relevant aspects of human anatomy through an in-depth examination of anatomical structures and function using formal lecture and laboratory. Students will utilize the Anatomage Table to virtually dissect whole body cadavers, visualize histological anatomy, and student case-based pathophysiology. Importance will be placed on anatomical structures and normal structural and functional variants, spatial relationships among structures, functional interactions of organ systems and correlate to case-based clinical diseases. The lecture and lab sections correlate with topics covered in Clinical Medicine. Students will work together in teams to collaboratively solve problems, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and use their knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy to answer questions and solve practical and clinical problems.
2.00 credit hours This course is the second in a series of three courses designed to develop an advanced understanding of human anatomy and its application to medical imaging, as well as normal physiology and the pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. Special focus will be on developing a working knowledge of basic medical physiology, pathophysiology and application of normal human gross, surface and functional anatomy to diagnostic radiology. Building on Foundational Medical Science I and Diagnostic Methods I, the student will be exposed to multiple case-based scenarios in the laboratory setting where they can utilize the Anatomage Table to strengthen their interpretation of medical imaging. The lecture and lab sections correlate with topics covered in Clinical Medicine, Diagnostic Methods and Patient Evaluation and Counseling. Students will work together collaboratively in teams to solve problems, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and use their knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy and physiology to answer questions and solve clinical problems and interpret advanced radiologic images.
2.00 credit hours This course is the third course in a series of three courses designed to develop an advanced understanding of human anatomy and its application to medical imaging, as well as normal physiology and the pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. Special focus will be on developing a working knowledge of basic medical physiology, pathophysiology and application of normal human gross, surface and functional anatomy to diagnostic radiology. Building on Foundational Medical Science II and Diagnostic Methods II, the student will be exposed to multiple case-based scenarios in the laboratory setting where they can utilize the Anatomage Table to strengthen their interpretation of medical imaging. The lecture and lab sections correlate with topics covered in Clinical Medicine, Diagnostic Methods and Patient Evaluation and Counseling. Students will develop the ability to work together collaboratively in teams to solve problems, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and use their knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy and physiology to answer questions, solve clinical problems and interpret advanced radiologic images.
3.00 credit hours The course introduces the concepts and principles critical to understanding the molecular mechanisms of human disease. A solid foundation regarding the scientific basis of disease is necessary for full comprehension of the Clinical Medicine Courses series. The underlying cellular principles that contribute to disease etiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention will be emphasized. Special focus will be given to biochemistry, nutrition, genetics, immunology, virology and microbiology.
MPAS 511 - The Physician Assistant, Patient and Society I
2.00 credit hours The course is the introductory course in a sequence of three courses that function to onboard the physician assistant student into the PA profession. It will emphasize PA professional history, laws and regulations, PA certification, licensure and scope of practice. Risk management, reimbursement, documentation, coding, billing, quality improvement will be introduced. A six-week module with case-based approach to bioethical issues will be presented. Select readings from the medical humanities will allow for student reflection and reinforce concepts discussed in the bioethics module.
MPAS 512 - The Physician Assistant, Patient and Society II
2.00 credit hours The second offering of this three-course series will provide an overview of population health, with special focus on the complicated tapestry of health care delivery to our pluralistic society. Health systems and policy, health disparities, and identifying best practices for health promotion will be highlighted. Empathetic and culturally competent health care will be a focus, preparing students to practice in a diverse society. A special emphasis on bias in medicine, health literacy and interventions to improve health outcomes will be highlighted. Select readings from the social sciences will allow for student reflection and reinforce concepts discussed in this module.
MPAS 513 - The Physician Assistant, Patient and Society III
2.00 credit hours The third and final of this three-course series is designed to provide a more granular insight into the social determinants of health at the level of the patient in the context of their family, communities and societies. Special focus will be given to adverse childhood experiences and growing literature regarding best practices in trauma informed care. Social and behavioral topics include death, dying and response to injury, detection and treatment of substance abuse, development and aging, human sexuality, principles of violence identification and prevention, and psychiatric/behavioral conditions. Select readings from the medical humanities will allow for student reflection and reinforce concepts discussed in this module.
MPAS 515 - Narrative Medicine and Patient-Centered Communication
2.00 credit hours This course will utilize the basic tools of language and story to develop narrative craft skills and how to encourage and interpret, synthesize and critically think about their patient’s history. Sessions will include reflections and artwork that highlights humanism in medicine. The reawakening of humanistic values will segue into the communication unit where students will be taught the basics of the patient-centered interview both in person and via the evolving practice of tele-medicine. Medical communication cases will allow application of advanced communication skills which highlights tone, context and conflict concerning death, dying and loss, relaying bad news and medical errors. Specialized communication regarding preventative, rehabilitative, acute and chronic using the teach back method will be highlighted.
3.00 credit hours Clinical Therapeutics I first in a series of four courses designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. This course is delivered synchronously with Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I and will cover major principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics. A framework for understanding the major classifications of therapeutic agents will be introduced including: mechanisms of action, dynamic and kinetic properties, therapeutic uses, drug-drug, drug-disease and drug-food interactions, side effects, and toxicities. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Areas of disease specific pharmacologic clinical applications will follow the systems-based approach. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in the pharmacologic management of disease.
3.00 credit hours Clinical Therapeutics II is the second in a series of four courses designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. This course is delivered synchronously with Clinical Medicine and Infections Disease II-III and will cover major principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics. A framework for understanding the major classifications of therapeutic agents will be introduced including: mechanisms of action, dynamic and kinetic properties, therapeutic uses, drug-drug, drug-disease and drug-food interactions, side effects, and toxicities. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Areas of disease specific pharmacologic clinical applications will follow the systems-based approach. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in pharmacologic management of disease.
3.00 credit hours Clinical Therapeutics III is the third in a series of four courses designed to develop foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. This course is delivered synchronously with Clinical Medicine and Infections Disease IV-V and will cover major principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics. A framework for understanding the major classifications of therapeutic agents will be introduced including: their mechanisms of action, dynamic and kinetic properties, therapeutic uses, drug-drug, drug-disease and drug-food interactions, side effects, and toxicities. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Areas of disease specific pharmacologic clinical applications will follow the systems-based approach. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in pharmacologic management of disease.
2.00 credit hours This is the first of three courses that will focus on the basic concepts of research design and bio-statistics as they apply to medical research. Students will begin to form a basis for sound, evidence-based, clinical decision making. Core elements of evidence-based medicine will be presented including developing clinical questions, searching and appraising the medical literature, and applying evidence appropriately to the care of an individual patient. Basic descriptive and inferential statistics will be discussed. Case vignettes will be used to assist in the critique of systematic reviews and treatment guidelines. Lectures and active learning activities will encourage the development of professional oral and written communication skills of scholarly concentration to begin work on their Master’s capstone project based on three research potential tracks: Medical Education, Clinical Case Reports or Evidence-Based Medicine. The Evidence-Based Medicine track will be based solely in the literature, whereas the clinical and medical education will be both scholarly and experiential.
MPAS 531 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I
4.00 credit hours Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I is the first course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics I and Diagnostic Methods I to these areas of study.
MPAS 532 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II
4.00 credit hours Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II is the second course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics II, Patient Evaluation and Counseling I and Diagnostic Methods II to these areas of study.
MPAS 533 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease III
4.00 credit hours Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease III is the third course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics II, Patient Evaluation II and Counseling and Diagnostic Methods II to these areas of study.
MPAS 534 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease IV
4.00 credit hours Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease IV is the third course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. These courses are structured to provide a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions, medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundational Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics III, Patient Evaluation and Counseling II and Diagnostic Methods II to these areas of study.
MPAS 535 - Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease V
4.00 credit hours Clinical Medicine and Infections Disease V is the final course in a sequence of five courses encompassing the principles and practices of clinical medicine. This course is structured to prepare the learner to enter the clinical phase of the program, focusing on specialized groups using a systems-based intensive study of human disease and disorders across the lifespan focusing on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, clinical interventions medical and surgical treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Topics specific to Behavioral Health, Women’s Health, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine will be the focus. Students will integrate and apply knowledge obtained in the Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics III, Patient Evaluation and Counseling II and Diagnostic Methods III to these areas of study.
2.00 credit hours Diagnostic Methods I is the first in a three-course series designed to develop a functional understanding of the clinical decision making involved in the selection and interpretation of genetic testing and diagnostic imaging. It is designed to complement the content covered in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease I, Molecular Basis of Disease I and the Science of Medicine. Course content highlights selected genetic testing and radiologic imaging procedures, with emphasis on effective utilization in the diagnosis and management of disease states. The genetic testing module with explore standard testing, personalized medicine, and ethical issues raised. In the radiology module, the students will be introduced to the basics of diagnostic imaging, learn to select, interpret and communicate normal and pathologic findings on musculoskeletal films, Chest X-ray, Abdominal X-ray, CT and MRI. Specialty exams such as Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Echocardiography and Mammography will be introduced. Special focus will be placed on patient safety and avoidance of medical errors in medical imaging. Several clinical laboratories will be employed to teach the technical skills expected of a new PA Graduate.
2.00 credit hours Diagnostic Methods II is the second offering in a three-course series designed to develop a functional understanding of the clinical decision making involved in the selection and interpretation of basic diagnostic laboratory testing. It is designed to complement the content covered in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II-III, Clinical Therapeutics II and Patient Evaluation I. Course content includes theory and practice of electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and serum-based laboratory tests, with emphasis on effective utilization in the diagnosis and management of disease states. Students will learn to select, interpret, diagnose, communicate normal and abnormal results and recommend appropriate management options. Special focus will be placed on understanding pretest probability, sensitivity, specificity of various tests and how that influences management. Several clinical laboratories will teach students the technical skills expected of a new PA Graduate.
2.00 credit hours Diagnostic Methods III is the final course in a three-course series designed to develop a functional understanding of the clinical decision making involved in the selection and interpretation of necessary diagnostic laboratory testing. It is designed to complement the content covered in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Foundations of Medical Sciences, Clinical Therapeutics and Patient Evaluation. Course content includes the utilization of selected advanced procedures and test selection, such as EEG, Polysomnograms, and Lumbar Puncture. Students will learn to select, interpret, diagnose, communicate normal and abnormal results and recommend appropriate management options. Focus will be placed on clinical procedures required to obtain advanced diagnostic studies. Several clinical laboratories provide instruction in the technical skills and procedures involved in the acquisition of these studies.
3.00 credit hours This course if the first of two team-taught classes that will timely review material presented in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease II-III in a case-based setting providing students a foundation to approach to diagnostic reasoning, formulating problem lists and differential diagnoses, self-directed learning and communication in written and oral forms. Students will work in groups of 6-8 learners with a facilitator where they will encounter a clinical case that builds on material presented in Clinical Medicine using both problem-based learning and simulation pedagogy. In addition to working collaborative within the PA space, students will participate in interprofessional team simulations. The effect of bias and test utilization in the setting of cost-effective practice of evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines in decision making.
3.00 credit hours This course is the second of two team-taught classes where students will timely review material presented in Clinical Medicine and Infectious Disease in a case-base setting providing students a foundation to approach to diagnostic reasoning, formulating problem lists and differential diagnoses, self-directed learning and communication in written and oral forms. Students will work in groups of 6-8 learners with a facilitator where they will encounter a clinical case that builds on material presented in Clinical Medicine using both problem-based learning and simulation pedagogy. In this second offering, students will progressively be given more responsibility for their education as they work through cases. In addition to working collaborative within the PA space, students will participate in interprofessional team simulations.
MPAS 561 - Patient Evaluation and Counseling in Primary Care
2.00 credit hours
This course represents the first of two lecture and lab-based courses designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills required to obtain a medical history, perform a complete physical exam and provide patient counseling and education. Normal and abnormal findings will be discussed, and selective physical exam techniques will be emphasized.
MPAS 562 - Advanced Patient Evaluation and Counseling II
2.00 credit hours Advanced Patient Evaluation and Counseling is the second offering of a two-course lab-based sequence designed to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in Patient Evaluation and Counseling in Primary Care I, adding specialty exams and advanced exams across the lifespan (geriatrics, pediatrics, trauma assessment). Emphasis on physical diagnosis and developing a differential, ordering appropriate laboratory and imaging studies, and completing assessment and plan components of a comprehensive history and physical examination, including medical documentation and communication.
3.00 credit hours This course functions as a transition from the didactic to Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). Topics covered include preceptor expectations, self-care, electronic medical records training, professionalism, and ACLS/PALS certification. A particular focus on training necessary for the clinical rotations, including knowledge related to blood-borne pathogens, patient privacy, and discipline-specific didactic and skills training. Student safety at clinical sites as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training, will be highlighted. A review of systems-based practices that improve healthcare safety, and an in-depth discussion of program requirements for successful progression through clinical education experiences. The basics of Emergency Medicine Spanish will be covered. The goal of instruction in Emergency Medical Spanish is to assist in communication and break down barriers between medical providers and patients.
1.00 credit hours This is the first of two professional development courses offered during the clinical year will build on the relationship-based mentoring program and focus on the development of leadership skills in the physician assistant student as they interface in the clinical setting and experience both successes and challenges. This team-taught class will consist of readings and robust discussions applying bioethics, communication, wellness, and critical leadership concepts to cases experienced during their rotations. Current trends in leadership development in PA education and research, health care quality improvement, fiscal management, and how effective leadership promotes the PA profession will be highlighted.
1.00 credit hours This is the second of two professional development courses offered during the clinical year will build on the relationship-based mentoring program and focus on the development of leadership skills in the physician assistant student as they interface in the clinical setting and experience both successes and challenges. This team-taught class will consist of readings and robust discussions applying bioethics, communication, wellness, and critical leadership concepts to cases experienced during their rotations. Current trends in leadership development in PA education and research, health care quality improvement, fiscal management, and how effective leadership promotes the PA profession will be highlighted.
1.00 credit hours Clinical therapeutics IV is the fourth in a series designed to develop the knowledge about the principles and practices of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics; it is delivered synchronously with the Bridge Course that prepares students for their clinical year. This course will build on Clinical Therapeutics I-III with special focus on the review of common pharmacotherapies used in specific rotations, as well as practice with parmacologic patient counseling and inpatient and outpatient prescribing. The principles of patient safety, specifically related to altered pharmacodynamic/kinetic/genetic properties related to age, ethnicity as well as cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions will be reviewed with each drug class and with commonly prescribed medications in primary care. Emphasis will be placed on the cost/benefit of pharmacological interventions and interpretation of the medical literature using principles of evidence-based medicine in pharmacologic management of disease.
MPAS 626 - Evidence Based Medicine II and Applied Research
1.00 credit hours This is the second of three courses that will build on foundational principles covered in Evidence Based Medicine I and begin to research their well formulated research question. Important milestones will be mapped to assure interaction between the student, their faculty advisor, course director and various outside readers of the capstone master’s project. The course is designed for students to take on more professional responsibility in adapting to and applying the course elements of evidence-based medicine to the student’s area of scholarly concentration. Case-based studies will continue to be reviewed in large group settings to solidify concepts taught in evidence based medicine I and bioethics.
MPAS 627 - Evidence Base Medicine III and Applied Research
1.00 credit hours This is the third of three courses with the primary focus being the completion of research on a well-formulated research question and hypothesis. Important milestones will be mapped to assure interaction between the student, their faculty advisor, course director and various outside readers of the capstone master’s project. The course is designed for students to take on more professional responsibility in adapting to and applying the core elements of evidence-based medicine to the student’s area of scholarly concentration. Capstone thesis presentations will be open to the North Central College community and delivered once the thesis has been approved by the primary and secondary reader.
6.00 credit hours This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with experience in triage, evaluation, and management of patients aged from children to elderly in the emergency room setting. The Emergency Medicine rotation will provide physician assistant students with supervised clinical practice experiences in the emergent evaluation and management of patients with significant traumatic injuries, acute illnesses, and the exacerbation’s of chronic illnesses, as well as less urgent disease presentations. Students will improve their medical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required for emergent and urgent triage and the technical skills required for the stabilization of patients presenting to the emergency department with commonly encountered medical problems and injuries. Students will increase their understanding on how to collaborate with members of the health care team, the ordering and interpreting appropriate diagnostic studies, diagnosis, management and obtaining appropriate consultation of specialist care for patients seeking emergency care.
6.00 credit hours This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with an opportunity to gain supervised experience in providing care to inpatient internal medicine patients. The hospital-based internal medicine rotation will allow students to further develop their medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, technical and problem-solving skills as they encounter and assess common medical problems in an adult inpatient environment. Students will learn how to communicate and collaborate with members of the inpatient internal medicine health care team, including ordering and interpreting appropriate diagnostic studies, diagnosis, management of common problems, and initiation of consultation in specialist care. Students will participate in the admission, appropriate level of daily care, and discharge planning of the hospitalized adult or elderly patient.
6.00 credit hours This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with supervised experiences in evaluating and treating common problems encountered in Family Medicine. The goal of the Family Medicine supervised clinical experience is to provide physician assistant students with experience in the evaluation of the ambulatory adolescent, adult, or elderly patient. Students will provide care to patients seeking preventative care and evaluate acute and chronic illness. Students will be expected to assess and manage patients in a team-based setting, where commonly encountered medical conditions occur. Physician assistant students will learn the clinical reasoning, technical skills and best practices for ordering diagnostic studies and interpreting them specific to the conditions commonly treated in family medicine. In addition, the student will recognize when to refer patients to community health resources and participate in the delivery of family-centered care as part of an interprofessional team.
4.00 credit hours This six-week clinical course in Women’s Health will provide physician assistant students with supervised experiences in evaluating and managing common conditions related to the health of women, which include preventative care, routine breast and gynecologic disorders, and exposure to obstetrics. Students will have the opportunity to participate in prenatal and postpartum assessments, as well as observe labor and delivery as part of an interprofessional team. The goals of the Women’s Health rotation are to provide physician assistant students with clinical experiences that build and increase their obstetrics and gynecology discipline-specific skills. Students will learn the clinical reasoning, technical skills, and best practices of ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies specific to the evaluation and management of the adult woman seeking care for preventive health services, common breast and gynecologic problems as well as routine obstetrical care.
6.00 credit hours This six-week clinical course in Pediatrics provides physician assistant students with supervised experiences in outpatient and/or inpatient management of pediatric patients. The goals of the Pediatric rotation are to provide physician assistant students with the opportunity to build and increase their pediatric discipline-specific skills. Students will have the opportunity to perform well child exams/screening and preventive health services, perform problem-oriented exams, assess and manage commonly encountered medical problems in the pediatric and adolescent population. Students will also identify and provide referral to community resources and/or specialty care providers as appropriate, participate in the evaluation and care of the newborn and participate as a member of the pediatric health care team.
6.00 credit hours This six-week clinical course provides physical assistant students with an opportunity for supervised experience in General Surgery. The goals of the General Surgery rotation are to provide physician assistant students with the opportunity to build and increase their surgical discipline-specific skills. Physician assistant students will gain experience in the operating room environment, as well as in the pre- and postoperative assessment of adult and elderly patients. Students will learn the clinical reasoning, technical skills and best practices of ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies specific to the conditions commonly treated by general surgeons and surgical specialists—including the complications of surgical management and the development of basic surgical assisting skills. The student will evaluate and care for adult and elderly patients with commonly encountered health conditions requiring surgical management in the outpatient, inpatient and operating room settings and participate as a member of the surgical care team.
6.00 credit hours This six-week clinical course provides physician assistant students with supervised experience in caring for ambulatory and/or hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders. The goals of the Behavioral Health rotation are to provide physician assistant students with experiences that build and increase their behavioral health-specific skills in a hospital or outpatient setting. Physician assistant students will have the opportunity to assess and manage commonly encountered behavioral, social and psychiatric problems in adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. The student will be given opportunities to participate in the clinical management plan for patients following psychiatric evaluation, incorporate behavioral therapies promoted by mental health professionals and assist in the monitoring of psychotropic medications. The importance of a team-based approach to the management of behavioral health care delivery will be highlighted throughout the clinical experience.
3.00-6.00 credit hours This six-week or two three-week clinical elective course will provide physician assistance students the ability to fain clinical experience in an area of interest. Students may choose from a range of specialty rotations in urgent care, family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine or various surgical sub-specialties. The goal of the elective will be for the student to become familiar with conditions treatable by specialists in the field, thereby allowing for appropriate referral. Students may also desire to use this elective to investigate what gainful employment looks like in a supportive role as they consider future job opportunities. The three-week course is repeatable once.
3.00 credit hours The Summative Capstone Seminar is designed as a culminating educational and professional development experience, consisting of reviewing and assessing competencies for the didactic and the clinical curriculum. Advanced professional development will be reviewed such as mandatory reporting laws and legal issues, medical liability, interacting with the pharmaceutical industry as a practicing clinician, interviewing tips, review of medication safety and common prescribing errors, professional licensure, and DEA. NCCPA board review and test taking strategies will be discussed. Small group activities will address billing, coding and ethical cases in clinical practice. A certified physician assistant panel will present career strategies, contract negotiation, fellowship opportunities and pearls to survive on the job.
