PA Program Competencies
The School of PA Medicine has established six program competency domains in which all graduating students must demonstrate proficiency upon program completion. These competencies are based on the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Core Competencies for the New Physician Assistant Graduates (Core Competencies for New PA Graduates) and the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession developed by the NCCPA, ARC-PA, AAPA, and PAEA (PA Competencies). The six domains and competencies are designed to align with the PA program's mission, values, and goals at Northwest University.
Faith Integration:
| FI-1 | Identify various principles of the Christian faith that prepare the PA student to engage with human need. |
Medical Knowledge:
| MK-1 | Demonstrate the acquisition of broad-based medical knowledge in all major human organ systems. |
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
| ICS-1 | Elicit an accurate medical history. |
| ICS-2 | Communicate the findings of a clinical encounter in written and verbal forms. |
| ICS-3 | Communicate a patient-centered treatment plan and evidence-based patient education. |
Clinical and Technical Skills:
| CTS-1 | Perform a thorough, problem-focused physical examination relevant to the medical history of the patient. |
| CTS-2 | Obtain informed consent and safely perform advanced clinical procedures common to general medical and surgical practices. |
| CTS-3 | Order and accurately interpret the appropriate diagnostic studies that assist in the evaluation of the patient’s condition. |
Professionalism and Ethics:
| PE-1 | Demonstrate professionalism with sensitivity and responsiveness to patients, their caregivers, and members of the healthcare team. |
Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving:
| CRPS-1 | Formulate a comprehensive differential diagnosis supported by a detailed rationale. |
| CRPS-2 | Develop an appropriate therapeutic management plan. |
| CRPS-3 | Make appropriately informed clinical decisions based on current evidence-based research. |
Questions about the PA program?
We would love to answer any questions about the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program that you may have.
Deanna Matzen
Admissions Coordinator
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