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SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCESThe Bay Shore Campus and Winthrop Extension Center Physician Assistant ProgramsDESCRIPTION OF THE PROFESSION Physician Assistants are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. The relationship is a team concept that allows the physician and PA to optimize their time and training to effectively deliver quality patient care. Within the physician/PA relationship, PA’s exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The clinical role of PA’s includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings in rural and urban areas. PA practice is centered on patient care and may include educational, research and administrative activities. The Physician Assistant is generally responsible for the following duties:
Physician Assistants are qualified by graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program and by certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. The role of a PA demands intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, the ability to relate to people, and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and reasoned manner. An attitude of respect for others and self, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the patient’s welfare are essential PA attributes. Expected Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession and the PA Program at Touro CollegeIntroduction In 2004, the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA), the Accreditation Review Commission for Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), defined Physician Assistant competencies. The resultant document, Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession, is the foundation from which each of those four organizations and individual physician assistants themselves are can minimal expectations necessary for advancing identify to the PA student and the public the specific established competencies that all physician assistants regardless of specialty or setting are expected to acquire and maintain throughout their careers. This document will serve as a map for the individual PA students that are committed to completing the educational process needed to enter the PA profession. Professional competencies for physician assistant students include the effective and appropriate application of medical knowledge, communication skills, patient care, professionalism, as well as an unwavering commitment to continual learning, professional growth and the physician-PA team. The following are the adopted expected competencies for our Physician Assistant Students and Graduates. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT EXPECTED STUDENT COMPETENCIES Medical Knowledge:
INTERPERSONAL & COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PATIENT CARE
PROFESSIONALISM
PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT
SYSTEMS-BASED PRACTICE Systems-based practice encompasses the societal, organizational and economic environments in which health care is delivered. Physician assistants must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that is of optimal value. PAs should work to improve the larger health care system of which their practices are a part. Physician assistants are expected to:
Rev: 5/07 Sited: as per the ARC-PA Competencies for the PA Profession PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The specific objectives of the program are to:
Technical Standards Fact Sheet Successful completion of the PA program requires students to have certain mental and physical abilities, with or without reasonable accommodations. Touro College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements regarding applicants and students with disabilities. The Touro College "Handbook for Students and Applicants with Disabilities" is available if further information is required. Physician assistants deliver health care in a variety of settings to diverse patient populations. The role of the physician assistant demands intelligence, sound judgement, appropriate interpersonal skills and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and reasoned manner. Physician assistants and physician assistant students must be able to collect and analyze data, perform diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and solve problems, all in the course of providing patient care. Required mental and physical abilities fall into five major categories: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social.
Accreditation and Registration The PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)*. The program is registered with the New York State Education Department, Division of Professional Education. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE Graduates of the program are awarded a degree of Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Admission Requirements
Fulfillment of the above requirements is necessary in order to be considered for admission to the Program. No advanced level courses or courses geared toward a specific degree are transferable. Specific course prerequisites include:
Additional Admission Requirements
Classes at the Bay Shore Campus begin in the fall, and classes for the Winthrop Extension Center begin in the spring. All completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by members of the Admissions Committee. Selected individuals are invited for interviews to be considered for admission. Upon admission, while not a requirement, students are discouraged from being employed while enrolled in the PA Program. For applications and information, please call or write to: Office of Admissions/Physician Assistant
Program Click here to fill out an Online Express Application! Tuition, Fees, and Expenses Tuition, Annual Fees, and Expenses
Other Fees (as applicable)
The Touro College Board of Trustees reserves the right to change the above tuition and fee schedule without prior written notice. Additional Charges If a student is required to retake failed courses or clinical rotations, the student will be charged the current per-credit rate. A Note About Estimated Annual Expenses Actual personal expenses for books, travel, housing, food, uniforms, supplies, and other items will vary greatly from student to student. All students are required to carry malpractice and health insurance. Travel and room and board for clinical assignments will also affect student costs. Students are encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor early in the application process to plan for these expenses.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
SCHOLARSHIPS The American
Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) through the Physician Assistant Foundation (PAF)
offers $2,000 scholarships on an annual basis. The scholarship is based on financial
need and dedication to the physician assistant profession. Applications should be
mailed to the PA Program or you may write to: PAF Scholarships The New York State Society of Physician
Assistants (NYSSPA) offers scholarships to student members on an annual basis. The
awards are approximately $500 to $1,000 depending upon financial need, academic standing,
community involvement, and total number of applications determined by the Scholarship
Committee. The application deadline is July 1st and awards are given during the
NYSSPA annual conference in the Fall. For further information, contact: Scholarship Committee THE CURRICULUM
SEQUENCE OF COURSE OFFERINGS The first year curriculum is divided into
three semesters. The following is a list of courses offered each semester: Medicine
III (Gastroenterology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Nephrology) Medicine
IV (Endrocrinology, Infectious Diseases, Correlative Medicine) Second Year (Clinical)
Required Rotations One
selective rotation (repeat of one required rotation) Elective Rotations During the second year (clinical phase) of
the program, students are assigned to nine clinical rotations and are required to take PAM
322- Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care III (1 credit). Each rotation lasts five
weeks, for which five credits are awarded upon successful completion. Forty-five
(45) weeks of documented rotations with a passing grade are required for graduation. HS 201 Community Service
Course (required - 1 credit; graduation requirement mandated by the School of Health
Sciences) Student Handbook The Physician Assistant
Program publishes a student handbook each year. This document includes many of
the specific policies and procedures adopted by the program faculty, as well as additional
information of use to the student. Students should read and use this manual as a
primary reference for their day-to-day activities. Any changes to this manual will
be published and distributed to all students prior to the initiation of these changes. Graduation
Requirements In addition to the 60 or more transferable liberal arts and sciences credits required for admission to the program, all of the following requirements must be met for a student to be awarded the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree:
Overall GPA of 2.333 or better; Approval of the Academic Progress Committee; Community Service Project; Filing of the graduation forms and appropriate fee with the College.
Licensure/Registration Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students are recommended for a limited registration permit with the New York State Education Department (SED). The limited permit expires one year from the date of issuance; however, it is renewable one time. Permanent registration in New York requires obtaining a passing score on an examination acceptable to the SED. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination is acceptable to the SED. Only graduates of accredited PA programs may sit for the NCCPA examination. NCCPA results available upon request. Professional Membership All students are strongly encouraged to become student members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the New York State Society of Physician Assistants. Extracurricular Activities The student body of the PA Program has a student society that is a constituent chapter of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the New York State Society of Physician Assistants. HS 201, 202, 203 Independent Study - Community Service Each student is required to complete an independent study course that involves community service to individuals afflicted with physical and/or mental health problems, their families and friends. Upon completion of the community service, the student prepares a paper, presentation, or project related to this experience. The two major objectives of this course are: (1) to increase the student’s appreciation of the difficulties experienced by the patient and his/her family and friends when illness and disability occur; and (2) to sensitize the student tot he personal satisfaction gained by community service and the potential benefits of integrating community service with a lifelong career as a health-care practitioner. HS 201 is required of all students in the School of Health Sciences. HS 202 and 203 may be taken as additional electives, upon approval by the student’s advisor, in the same or subsequent semesters. Students may complete this requirement at any time between acceptance tot he program and graduation. The specifics of the experience and project undertaken are negotiated on an individual basis between the student and the department faculty member advising the student for the project. (1 credit each) PAB 300 Human Anatomy/Histology Consists of a series of lecture, demonstrations, and prosections designed to provide an understanding of the structural and functional anatomy of the human body relevant to the needs of the physician assistant. Sections covered are: general anatomical concepts; upper extremity and back; head and neck; thorax and abdomen; perineum, pelvis, and lower extremity; neuroanatomy. Coordinated with the anatomy lectures are histology lectures, which introduce the student to the structure and function of cells and tissues of the body. (5 credits) PAB 301 Physiology Provides an understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which the human body functions in health and disease. Emphasis is given to the concepts that will be most frequently encountered in primary-care clinical practice, e.g., mechanisms of cardiovascular, neuromuscular, respiratory, renal, and endocrine physiology. (4 credits) PAB 302 Microbiology/Immunology Discusses the anatomy, physiology, and relationships of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and rickettsiae and helminths. Included are lectures on the systemic diseases caused by these organisms, control of microorganisms, antibiotics, the host-parasite relationship, and the establishment of disease. The immune system is discussed in detail, including topics on resistance to disease, immunity and serology, and immune disorders. (3 credits) PAB 303 Clinical Biochemistry Provides an introduction to human biochemistry with relevant clinical correlations. Includes structure, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides, and nucleic acids. Also covered are effects of enzyme deficiencies, biochemical mechanisms of human diseases (e.g., diabetes, hemoglobinopathies), vitamin deficiencies, and nutrition. (2 credits) PAM 305 Pathology General concepts of disease are covered, including degeneration and necrosis, inflammation and repair, fluid and coagulation disturbances, and general aspects of neoplasia. Disease entities in each organ system are studied with regard to causation, evaluation, and morphology of pathological changes. (2 credits) PAM 310 and PAM 311 Physical Diagnosis I and II Consists of lecture and laboratory. The lecture component introduces the student to the concepts and techniques of medical interviewing, obtaining an accurate history, and performing a complete and thorough physical examination. The course covers the practical terminology utilized to record a medical history and physical examination. The laboratory portion emphasized the hands-on skills necessary to perfect the techniques of the physical exam. These sessions are taught in a small group setting by the graduate PAs. Sessions focusing on the examinations of the breast, genitalia, and rectum, and PAP smears are also included. During this course, the student will also be performing, under direct supervision, histories and physicals (H&P’s) on patients in hospital settings. (3 and 2 credits, respectively) PAM 320 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care I Students are introduced to concepts in health psychology and behavioral medicine that identify the psychosocial factors contributing to health and physical and emotional well-being. Defenses and adaptations are discussed as related to the types of patients the students will work with. Other psychological responses to acute and chronic illness, death and dying, and to the psychology of the handicapped are discussed as they relate to the patient and the medical practitioner. Students are introduced briefly to the fiscal realities of medical care and how they impact upon the delivery of health care in this country. An integral part of this course focuses on the theory and method of interviewing. Students are introduced to the techniques of role playing, and are required to participate in the roles of health-care practitioner, patient, and family member. Emphasis is placed on establishing a relationship, and understanding the effects of culture and personality types. In addition, students are instructed on the role of the PA and are made aware of pertinent legal, professional, and political issues. Students are also introduced to the basic concepts of epidemiology to enable them to critically evaluate the medical literature. (2 credits) PAM 321 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care II Deals with aging and long-term care and continues building on the student’s awareness of the social context in which health care is provided to the elderly and the chronically ill. The course emphasized the development of communication skills necessary to enhance the humanistic practice of geriatric medicine. Students are required to interview chronic and acute geriatric patients and their health-care provider in either a home-care or nursing-home setting. Through required readings, lectures, field experiences, and group discussions, the students will learn the fundamentals of geriatric medicine and the multidimensional aspects of long-term care. In addition, several lectures and seminars are geared toward evaluating the medical literature. Students will apply what they have learned about measurement of disease occurrence, study design, validity, and generation of results to critical reading of the medical literature. (1 credit) PAM 330 Obstetrics/Gynecology Normal anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system are reviewed. The student is taught how to perform an obstetrical history and physical, the process and management of normal pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and their associated complications. Clinical manifestations and treatment of common gynecological problems such as venereal diseases, menstrual disorders, and neoplasms are considered. Patient education is stressed as a crucial part of the management plan. (2 credits) PAM 331 Pediatrics Students are taught the physiological and psychological fundamentals of normal growth and development as they pertain to the pediatric and adolescent patient. Topics covered are pediatric nutritional requirements, preventive immunization schedules, and common childhood illnesses and their signs, symptoms and treatment. (2 credits) PAM 334 Emergency Medicine Initial, life-saving procedures on the critically ill and seriously injured are considered. Shock, trauma, burns, gastrointestinal, and other emergencies are covered. Additionally, students are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (1 credit) PAM 350 Medicine I This course is system oriented and includes the etiology, recognition, and treatment of common diseases in the following areas of clinical medicine: cardiology, pulmonary medicine, and hematology. The anatomy, physiology, and concepts of physical diagnosis relating to each system are reviewed. The pathophysiology of disease states, differential diagnosis of symptoms, and physical findings, along with interpretation of laboratory and radiographic tests appropriate to each system, are discussed. (4 credits) PAM 351 Medicine II This course is system oriented and includes the etiology, recognition, and treatment of common diseases in the following areas of clinical medicine: dermatology, rheumatology, and ophthalmology. The anatomy, physiology, and concepts of physical diagnosis relating to each system are reviewed. The pathophysiology of disease states, differential diagnosis of symptoms, and physical findings, along with interpretation of laboratory and radiographic tests appropriate to each system, are discussed. (3 credits) PAM 352 Medicine III This course is system oriented and includes the etiology, recognition, and treatment of common diseases in the following areas of clinical medicine: gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, and clinical psychiatry. The anatomy, physiology, and concepts of physical diagnosis relating to each system are reviewed. The pathophysiology of disease states, differential diagnosis of symptoms, and physical findings, along with interpretation of laboratory and radiographic tests appropriate to each system, are discussed. (4 credits) PAM 353 Medicine IV The course provides the etiology, recognition, and treatment of common diseases in the areas of endocrinology and infectious diseases. It also includes a component in correlative medicine, which allows students to fully assimilate and utilize their medical and basic science knowledge along with physical diagnosis skills to address the types of patient health-care problems they may encounter in a clinical environment. This component utilizes the Problem-Based Learning Method as an instructional model, wherein students work both in groups and individually to develop a logical methodology of assessment of disease processes. (2 credits) PAM 355 Introduction to Surgery Provides students with a basic understanding of surgical topics such as wound healing, surgical techniques, and pre- and postoperative management. Includes a surgery lab where students have hands-on sessions in suturing, knot tying, and gowning and gloving. (1 credit) PAM 356 Surgery Encompasses general surgery and its subspecialties orthopedics and otolaryngology. General surgery is a continuation of PAM 355 and covers surgical diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, circulatory system, and urogenital system. The orthopedics section considers the diagnosis and treatment of sprains, fractures, and dislocations, preparation and application of bandages, splints and casts. Common orthopedic problems of the hand, knee, shoulder and back are covered. Included is a practical session in casting. The otolaryngology unit reviews the structure and function of the ears, nose parotid glands, oral cavity, and larynx. Emphasis is placed on the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of common ENT disorders. Normal growth patterns, abnormalities, and the special senses (hearing, taste and smell) are presented as each unit is presented. Lectures also cover the use of such basic diagnostic modalities as audiograms, tympanograms, and direct and indirect nasopharyngoscopy. (2 credits) PAM 360 Clinical Procedures and Diagnostic Modalities Deals with laboratory medicine, the technical skills of clinical laboratory medicine, diagnostic imaging, and the procedure-oriented skills that students will require on rotation. The student learns basic clinical laboratory determinations and values and their correlation with normal and disease states. Practical sessions are given in urinalysis, hematology (CBC, hematocrit), and microbiology (Gram staining, pure culture techniques, antibiotic spectrum). The student is introduced to imaging modalities and their role in clinical medicine, with emphasis on conventional radiography with some discussion of ultrasound CT, and MRI. Included are studies of the chest and abdomen, GI series, GU radiology, examination of extremities, and mammography. In the lab portion, the student learns the principles of sterile technique and universal precautions. There are also hands-on sessions in phlebotomy, starting IVs, giving injections, and placing urinary catheters and nasogastric tubes. (2 credits) PAM 361 Introduction to Pharmacology Presents the principles of underpinning pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Also introduces to the student the influences of drugs upon the autonomic and central nervous systems. (1 credit) PAM 362 Pharmacology A continuation of PAM 361. Provides the student with a solid understanding of a drug category’s mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, major side effects, warnings, and precautions. Classification of drugs is covered in depth. Clinical case studies and problem solving sessions are also utilized. Practical prescription writing and legalities of prescription writing as they pertain to PAs are reviewed. (3 credits) Course Descriptions - Clinical Year Students participate in a variety of clinical preceptorships at institutions during the second year of their training at Touro College. A student earns one credit per week of clinical learning experience. Students are required to attend a minimum of 45 hours a week on clinical site and be on call, work shifts and weekends, depending on the type of medical service or facility. The student has an option for one elective rotation, and, if approved, this elective is permitted during the last semester. Each year, a calendar is developed that provides for individual student clinical learning modules that are five weeks in length. Clinical training includes experience in pediatrics, surgery, medicine, emergency medicine, OB/GYN, primary care medicine, psychiatry and geriatrics/long-term care. The clinical year begins after successful completion of the didactic courses. One formal didactic course (Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care III) is offered during the Spring semester of the second year. PAM 322 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care III Students are introduced to issues of medical ethics. Topics discussed include ethical decisions at the beginning and at the end of life, risk/benefit decision-making in medicine and human experimentation, and allocation of scarce resources, as well as discussion concerning where the decision-making responsibility should be. (1 credit) The following is a listing of second-year clinical learning experiences offered, in which the student forms his/her identity as a health-care practitioner and a member of the professional health-care team. PAC 405 Primary Care Medicine - 5 weeks (5 credits) Students are assigned to an out-patient department and participate in activities related to health-care maintenance and restoration. Students are oriented toward the complexity of disease causation and an awareness that pathological states and manifestations are the consequences of multiple determinants operating simultaneously. Health factors, external-internal milieu, psychologic-biologic, psychosomatic, genetic, and environmental factors are explored by the students as they examine patients. Health surveillance is an integral part of this clinical experience. Students participate in outreach programs to alert the community as to what can be dangerous or detrimental to one’s health, how to recognize signs and symptoms of impending illness, and how to provide motivation to institute forms of self-examination (e.g., have women routinely perform breast self-examinations). PAC 410 Pediatrics - 5 weeks (5 credits) Students are assigned to inpatient and/or outpatient pediatric departments and participate under supervision in a variety of activities aimed at providing the student with a comprehensive picture of the child - his/her growth and development, as well as his/her care and health problems at various developmental stages. PAC 420 Emergency Medicine - 5 weeks (5 credits) This rotation is planned so that the PA student rotates through various areas of the emergency room, including the medical, surgical, orthopedic, and pediatric areas. The student works with attending physicians and house staff and manages patients under their supervision. Students are expected to be present for morning emergency room rounds depending on the daily schedule. Each student will have the opportunity to research a topic and give a case presentation. Assigned readings are discussed each week. PAC 425 Surgery - 5 weeks (5 credits) The student is assigned to the department of surgery, where, under supervision, he/she engages in a wide variety of activities in each of the phases of surgical intervention: preoperative, operative, and post-anesthetic recovery. The student is given opportunities to explore the basic considerations involved in the fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional management of the surgical patient; infections, wound healing, and wound care. The student also participates in daily rounds and special conferences. PAM 430 Medicine - 5 weeks (5 credits) The student is assigned to the department of medicine and works directly under the supervision of the house staff. The student medically evaluates patients and follows their daily progress, thereby developing the ability to elicit history ad physical findings, and correlates those findings along with the patients’ physiological and biochemical data and emotional state in order to arrive at a database fro patient management. This ability to analyze, synthesize, and make decisions is on of the primary objectives of this clinical experience. The student is given opportunities to develop skills and demonstrate competency in performing and interpreting certain medical procedures and tasks. Attendance at rounds, and an orientation to the intensive care unit, grand rounds, and medical conferences are required for the student. In certain settings, there are opportunities to work with the assigned house staff to the medical clinic area, to monitor and follow up patient management problems, and to suggest formulation of management plans. PAC 435 Long-Term Care - 5 weeks (5 credits) The purpose of the long-term care rotation is to provide students with practical clinical experience in working with elderly patients and those with chronic diseases. This is intended to augment and strengthen the students’ skills in developing a thorough database with regard to a wide variety of common geriatric and long-term care problems. It stresses acquiring cognitive and affective information and skills that will enable the student to recognize normal aging and assess deviation from normal. PAC 440 Obstetrics/Gynecology - 5 weeks (5 credits) This rotation takes place in a hospital setting, during which students are an integral part of the health-care team. Students are responsible for care of patients on the obstetrical and gynecological floors and in clinics within the hospitals. Students become familiar with care and management of patients, ante- and postpartum, and they also acquire delivery experience. In gynecology, students become familiar with routine physical exams as well as with the care and management of patients with a wide variety of gynecological and obstetrical problems. Note: Students may take any of the above rotations one additional time as an elective. These elective rotations will be designated by the original course number with an “E” as a suffix. During these rotations, the students will have the opportunity for more in depth study and participation as a health-care team member. PAC 470 Orthopedics - 5 weeks (5 credits) This clinical learning experience takes place in both the clinic and hospital settings. Students will develop proficiency in the diagnosis and management of orthopedic problems in both the adult and pediatric populations. PAC 475 Surgical Subspecialty - 5 weeks (5 credits) This rotation is available after a student has completed a general surgery rotation (PAC 425). In this rotation, the student will focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to be part of a specialty surgical team. PAC 480 Medical Subspecialty - 5 weeks (5 credits) This rotation is available after a student has completed a general medicine rotation (PAC 430). In this rotation, the student will focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to be part of a specialty medical team. PAC 485 Pediatric Subspecialty - 5 weeks (5 credits) This rotation is available after a student has completed a general pediatrics rotation (PAC 410). In this rotation, the student will focus on skills and knowledge necessary to be part of a specialty pediatric team. CLINICAL EDUCATION AFFILIATION CENTERS The affiliated clinical campuses are in various medical settings and offer training in various medical disciplines. There is opportunity for exposure to a wide variety of patient populations. With the advent of many consolidations and acquisitions in the health care arena, clinical affiliates may be added or deleted, but the following is a list of major clinical affiliates:
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