Gannon University | Master of Physician Assistant Science Program

Program Overview
Introduction

Physician assistants (PAs) are medical providers who are nationally certified and state licensed to practice medicine as a member of a team with other healthcare professionals. Their specific tasks vary widely due to differences among state laws, hospital policies and utilization preferences of supervising physicians.

Generally, PAs are qualified to obtain patient histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, prepare a diagnosis, implement a treatment plan for common illnesses, deliver patient education and counseling, perform certain surgical procedures, and provide emergency care. PAs may assist in surgery and deliver pre-operative and post-operative care. Physician Assistants may deliver patient care in any setting in which the physician works.

Program Description

The Physician Assistant Department at the Ruskin Campus is offering a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree available through a post-baccalaureate curriculum. The curriculum is predominantly clinical during the final year of the program. Adjunct regional medical faculty, in conjunction with various health care institutions, introduces the students to professional physician assistant training. Clinical sites are offered primarily in Florida.

What Makes Us Different

Program features a curriculum designed to provide didactic classroom experiences through traditional and online instruction.

Opportunities for interprofessional interactions with Gannon’s other allied health programs

Diverse clinical education experiences around the region provide experiential learning and hands-on experiences

Collaborate with a variety of health care professionals in diverse patient care setting

Faculty engage in scholarly activity and service to the University, profession and community.

Student Learning Outcomes

Perform a complete and accurate history and physical examination; identify abnormal findings and develop an accurate history and physical examination; identify abnormal findings and develop an appropriate differential diagnosis
Develop a plan of evaluation in support of the differential diagnosis, including specialized diagnostic imaging, and pathologic modalities
Develop a treatment plan consisting of surgical and medical interventions including non-pharmacological modalities such as physical therapy, counseling and patient education through analysis of clinical and laboratory data.
Accurately relate the clinical data to the other members of the health care team, forming a collaborative effort to assure maximal patient benefit through a multiple disciplinary approach
Show proficiency in performing clinical skills
Identify characteristics of professional and ethical conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession
Synthesize theory and research in order to provide advanced care to patients