Program Competencies

Upon graduation from the School of PA Studies, graduates will have the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and educational experiences to demonstrate competently the following functions and tasks:

1. Medical Knowledge

1.1 Identify and gather essential and accurate information during patient encounters
1.2 Develop and implement appropriate patient management plans
1.3 Provide preventive health care services and education
1.4 Critically evaluate and appropriately apply scientific evidence to patient care

2. Interpersonal Skills

2.1 Demonstrate respectful and compassionate verbal and non-verbal communication skills during patient encounters
2.2 Assess social determinants of health during patient encounters
2.3 Communicate with patients using clear and simple language 
2.4 Communicate relevant information clearly and accurately to medical professionals

3. Clinical and Technical Skills

3.1 Demonstrate proficiency in patient-centered history-taking and conducting physical examinations
3.2 Create reasonable and patient-specific management plans
3.3 Create clear and accurate clinical documentation for a patient encounter  
3.4 Provide accurate, organized, and patient-specific education and counseling
3.5 Demonstrate competency in technical skills

4. Professional Behaviors

4.1 Demonstrate respect, kindness, and self-regulation of behavior toward patients, medical professionals, and other team members  
4.2 Maintain a professional appearance during patient encounters
4.3 Identify and apply patient safety measures in accordance with professional standards 

5. Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities 

5.1 Demonstrate sound medical decision-making in assessing a patient’s clinical presentation
5.2 Formulate appropriate differential diagnoses and evidence-based management plans based on patient presentation   
5.3 Appropriately identify situations requiring consultation or referral 
5.4 Effectively communicate important or time-sensitive medical findings to appropriate members of a healthcare team

Adapted from AAPA, ARC-PA, PAEA, NCCPA (2012). Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession.