Gross Human Anatomy 1

5001

Credits: 3

Gross Human Anatomy 1 provides Physician Assistant students with an extensive background in human anatomy through lecture, laboratory, and independent learning exercises. The course will have a clinical emphasis and will provide foundational support for the Clinical Medicine, Physical Diagnosis, and Acute and Invasive Medicine courses. The laboratory portion will consist of full cadaver dissection, examination of prosected cadavers, models, diagnostic imaging, as well as the Anatomage virtual dissection table addressing the following anatomical regions: back, thoracic and abdominal walls, thoracic viscera, abdominopelvic viscera, pelvis and perineum, head and neck.

Medical Microbiology and Genetics

5002

Credits: 2

This course provides a systematic organ-based review of infectious disease agents and the principles and techniques employed in their laboratory diagnosis. It explores the protective mechanisms and response by the immune system in mounting defenses against common pathogens encountered in clinical practice. The course also introduces the basic concepts of genetics, inheritance patterns, genetic testing and screening and will correlate the effects of genetic alterations to clinical disease.

Behavioral Science

5003

Credits: 2.5

This course introduces the student to the normal and abnormal psychological development of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. Through lectures, assigned readings and case study sessions, the student will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the evaluation and management of patients and their families with behavioral and mental health disorders. Instruction will include but is not limited to: the psychiatric interview, mood and personality disorders, somatoform/factitious/dissociative disorders, psychotic disorders, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and end of life care. The needs of vulnerable populations and management of psychiatric emergencies will also be reviewed.

PA Seminar

5007

Credits: 1

This course is designed to introduce Physician Assistant (PA) students to pertinent issues of medical practice and the PA role in providing quality, patient-centered care. The course is designed to expose the PA student to aspects of medicine and patient care that are not contained within the clinical medicine and science curricula. As a requirement of student participation in clinical experiences, instruction will be provided regarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and safety precaution guidelines related to blood-borne pathogens. Documentation, billing and coding, reimbursement, quality assurance, risk management, and medicolegal issues will be introduced in this course and revisited in the Transition to Practice course during the Clinical Phase of the curriculum. With quality improvement in mind, giving and receiving feedback and reflective practice will be discussed. The course will also touch on the history and evolution of the PA profession in U.S. medicine, the status, trends, and characteristics of PA health care providers, their education, regulation, practice patterns, external relations, and professional organizations. Issues related to PA health workforce policy are presented, along with aspects of PA practice economics, specialization, PA political issues, government in health care, and the globalization of the PA concept. PA mental health and wellness and professionalism will also be addressed.

Acute and Invasive Medicine

5008

Credits: 3

This course is designed to prepare the physician assistant student for evaluating, managing, and providing treatment to patients in the acute care setting as well as management of the operative patient. General concepts of the acute management of unexpected injuries and illnesses as well as surgical concepts such as indications for surgical referral, pre-operative patient assessment, principles of anesthesia, intra-operative management and post-operative care and complications will be presented. The course emphasizes emergent diagnosis, stabilization, medical and surgical management, and emergency and operative procedures. 

Community Health

5009

Credits: 1

This one semester course is designed to integrate aspects of health that impact individuals and the communities in which they live that fall outside the scope of physical medicine. Students will explore the roles of public health, social and behavioral sciences, social determinants of health, socioeconomics and cultural considerations that are integral to the provision of quality, patient-centered medical care. Additionally, students will address course content related to vulnerable populations, preventive health, effective and appropriate patient communication, and medical ethics. By integrating these topics with the medical knowledge learned in other coursework, students will be better prepared to interact with and provide holistic medical care to patients from a variety of backgrounds and the broader community.

Gross Human Anatomy 2

5011

Credits: 1

As a continuation of Gross Human Anatomy 1, this comprehensive course is designed to provide Physician Assistant students with an extensive background in gross human anatomy through lecture, laboratory, and independent learning exercises. The course will have a clinical emphasis and will provide foundational support for the Clinical Medicine, Physical Diagnosis, and Acute and Invasive Medicine courses. The laboratory portion will consist of full cadaver dissection, examination of prosected cadavers, models, diagnostic imaging, as well as the Anatomage virtual dissection table addressing the upper and lower extremities.

Physiology and Pathophysiology 1

5030

Credits: 3

This course is the first of three sequential courses that provides instruction in normal physiology and also pathophysiology of disease. Organ system modules are aligned with those in the Clinical Medicine 1 and Pharmacology 1 courses. Topics include basic cellular function as well as the physiology/pathophysiology of the hematologic, immunologic, integumentary, auditory, ophthalmic, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.

Physiology and Pathophysiology 2

5031

Credits: 2.5

This course is the second of three sequential courses which provides instruction in the normal physiology and pathophysiology of disease. Organ system modules are aligned with those in the Clinical Medicine 2 and Pharmacology 2 courses.

Physiology and Pathophysiology 3

5032

Credits: 2

This course is the third of three sequential courses which provide instruction in the normal physiology and pathophysiology of disease as it pertains to the endocrine, hematologic, oncologic, and reproductive systems. The normal physiologic changes associated with pregnancy are also explored. Diagnostic modalities are introduced where applicable. Organ system modules are aligned with those in the Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology courses.

Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics 1

5040

Credits: 2

This is the first of three courses in Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics. This course will introduce students to the general principles of pharmacology and the application of these principles to patient care situations. Students will learn the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics.  It provides an overview of dosage formulations and dose-response relationships. Instruction related to a drug’s mechanism of action, side effects, toxicity, and contraindications will be covered. Drug interactions and polypharmacy will also be reviewed. The classes of pharmaceuticals will parallel the body system being studied in Clinical Medicine 1.

Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics 2

5041

Credits: 1.5

This is the second of three courses in Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics. This course will introduce students to the general principles of pharmacology and the application of these principles to patient care situations. Students will learn the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics. It provides an overview of dosage formulations and dose-response relationships. Instruction related to a drug’s mechanism of action, side effects, toxicity, and contraindications will also be covered. Drug interactions and polypharmacy will be reviewed. The classes of pharmaceuticals will parallel the body systems studied in Clinical Medicine 2.

Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics 3

5042

Credits: 1.5

This is the third of three courses in Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics. This course will introduce students to the general principles of pharmacology and the application of these principles to patient care situations. Students will learn the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics.  It provides an overview of dosage formulations and dose-response relationships. Instruction related to a drug’s mechanism of action, side effects, toxicity, contraindications will also be covered. Drug interactions and polypharmacy will also be reviewed. The classes of pharmaceuticals will parallel the body system being studied in Clinical Medicine 3.

Clinical Problem Solving 1

5050

Credits: 2.5

Using a problem-based learning format in a small group setting, students will learn to synthesize the medical knowledge and skills obtained throughout the curriculum and develop the critical thinking skills integral to clinical problem-solving. Through the application of self-discovery and integration of clinical reasoning, students will engage in medical decision-making based on evidence-based practice. Patient cases will relate to the organ systems studied in the Clinical Medicine courses. 

Additionally, students will be involved in preclinical experiences. These shadowing experiences will have a primary care focus, but will also expose students to specialty practice and other ancillary services of medicine. Students will have the opportunity to observe the application of the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes learned in the classroom. Students will observe the provider and patient interactions during the majority of the experiences, however, some preceptors may allow students direct interaction with patients as their knowledge and skills progress. The preclinical experiences serve as an introduction to practice-based medicine and a precursor to the clinical year of the Program.

Clinical Problem Solving 2

5051

Credits: 1.5

Using a case-based learning approach, students will synthesize the medical knowledge acquired throughout the curriculum and develop the critical thinking skills integral to clinical problem solving. Each week students will be assigned required readings, which will reinforce and support their learning of a variety of topics encountered throughout the curriculum. Large group sessions will utilize a chief complaint to drive a variety of systems-based differential diagnoses. Through facilitated class discussion, students will choose a ‘clinical path’ to explore, describing the diagnostic and therapeutic options appropriate in the management of the disease processes.

The Culture in Medical Ethics workshop will utilize small group and larger class discussions to analyze practice-based scenarios complicated by conflict, ethical, and professional concerns while considering the cultural implications that must also be recognized and valued when making medical decisions.

Students will be involved in weekly “pre-clinical” experiences. The experiences will have a primary care focus, but will also expose the students to primary and specialty practice and other ancillary services of medicine.  Students will initially observe and may, according to their skills and with preceptor supervision, sequentially increase their independence, applying the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes they are learning in the classroom. This serves as the introduction to practice-based medicine and a precursor to the clinical year of the Program.

Physical Diagnosis 1

5060

Credits: 2.5

This is the first of three sequential courses designed to prepare the student to elicit a complete medical history, perform a physical examination, and appropriately document their findings. Students will be trained to demonstrate sensitivity to gender, age and cultural background in their interaction with patients. In addition to lecture and laboratory instruction, students will be afforded the opportunity to practice their history taking and examination techniques during faculty-supervised hospital experiences. Online training modules, lectures and live demonstrations will be used. As each body system is reviewed, emphasis is placed on the understanding of the relationship between presenting signs and symptoms and their physiologic or pathophysiologic origins. There will also be a workshop with the Philadelphia Museum of Art included in this course that focuses on the art of observation and its correlation to clinical care.

Physical Diagnosis 2

5061

Credits: 1.5

This is the second of three sequential Physical Diagnosis courses designed to prepare the physician assistant student to elicit a medical history, perform a physical examination and appropriately document their findings. Students will be trained to demonstrate sensitivity to gender, age and cultural background in their interactions with patients. Lectures, video links and live demonstrations will be used. As each body system is reviewed, emphasis is placed on the understanding of the relationship between presenting signs and symptoms and their physiologic or pathophysiologic origins.

Physical Diagnosis 3

5062

Credits: 1

This course is the third in a series of three courses. The course will utilize the competencies acquired in Physical Diagnosis 1 and 2 as the foundation upon which the student will continue to refine their skills in performing the focused medical history and physical examination.  Additionally, the course will facilitate critical thinking in the student’s approach to the patient with a physical complaint. Course format will include lectures, small group practice sessions, and standardized patient encounters.  Appropriate documentation of the focused history and physical as taught in Physical Diagnosis 2 will be reinforced in this course. As a part of this course, students will participate in the second of a two-part workshop series at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This workshop will focus on appreciating perspective, developing empathy, and identifying and reflecting on personal biases and their impact on clinical care.

Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

5102

Credits: 1

Integrative medicine views the patient holistically and focuses on the incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine into conventional medical practice. This course is designed to objectively introduce the student to the various therapies associated with complementary and alternative medicine as well as to assess their safety and effectiveness. Clinically-tailored nutrition and dietary recommendations are reviewed. As part of this course, students participate in a service learning opportunity.

Clinical Medicine 1

5130

Credits: 4.5

This is the first of three sequential Clinical Medicine courses.  Using an organ-based systems approach, this course provides instruction in the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, differential diagnoses, assessment, and management of common medical conditions. The course builds on lectures in normal physiology and pathophysiology and follows an in-depth discussion of treatment modalities in the Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics 1 Course. Areas of study include: Dermatology, Ocular Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pulmonology, and Cardiology.

Clinical Medicine 2

5131

Credits: 6

This is the second of three sequential Clinical Medicine courses.  Using an organ-based systems approach, this course provides instruction in the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, differential diagnoses, assessment and management of common medical conditions. The course builds on lectures in Physiology and Pathophysiology 2 and correlates with an in-depth discussion of treatment modalities in Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics 2 course. Areas of study include: Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Urology, Neurology, Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Rheumatology, and Pediatrics.

Clinical Medicine 3

5132

Credits: 6

This is the third of three sequential Clinical Medicine courses. Using an organ-based systems approach, this course provides instruction on the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, differential diagnoses, assessment and management of common medical conditions. The course builds on lectures in Physiology and Pathophysiology 3 and the treatment modalities in Pharmacology and Clinical Therapeutics 3. Areas of study include: Endocrinology, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Sexual and Gender Minority Health, Hematology/Oncology, and Infectious Disease.

Advanced Clinical Skills 1

5140

Credits: 2

As part of the integrated physician assistant curricula, Advanced Clinical Skills (ACS) is a companion course for Clinical Medicine 1, 2 and 3. Advanced Clinical Skills 1 is the first of three clinical skills courses. Students will learn to use a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment modalities through a combination of lectures and laboratory case discussions. The practice of evidence-based medicine is integrated throughout the course where applicable. At the end of this course students will have the opportunity to interpret radiographs, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and laboratory values.

Advanced Clinical Skills 2

5141

Credits: 3

Advanced Clinical Skills (ACS) 2 is the second of three clinical skills courses. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and practice sessions, students will learn to use a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment modalities and procedures. Students will learn about the indications and limitations of described procedures, and determine when a patient should be referred to a specialist for further care. Each clinical skill lab experience will be preceded by a lecture and/or a required reading and video. The course also includes lab workshops that will focus on the application and interpretation of laboratory values for given clinical scenarios. Students will justify their lab orders and discuss the lab interpretations in small groups to effectively assess, treat and educate a patient within a given clinical scenario. Lectures on radiologic tests and the interpretation of such tests will be provided. Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA) will also be provided. 

Advanced Clinical Skills 3

5142

Credits: 2.5

As part of the integrated physician assistant curricula, Advanced Clinical Skills (ACS) is the companion course for Clinical Medicine. ACS 3 is the third of a three-course series. Students will engage in lectures, demonstrations, and practice sessions. Areas of study will include but are not limited to: slit lamp examination, suturing, surgical gowning and gloving, venipuncture, injections, and IV placements. The course also includes three (3) lab workshops that will focus on the application and interpretation of laboratory values for given clinical scenarios. Students will justify their lab orders and discuss the lab interpretations in small groups to effectively assess, treat and educate a patient within a given clinical scenario. Lectures on radiologic tests and interpretation of such tests will be provided. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA) will also be provided.

Transition to Practice

5901

Credits: 2

This course is designed to prepare the second year PA student to make the transition from student to qualified clinician. The course will include a review of research methodologies in preparation for Capstone, as well as in support of the continued incorporation of evidence-based medicine into clinical practice. The basic concepts of medical ethics and its application to contemporary clinical practice will be examined. An overview of NCCPA certification and recertification process, ongoing CME requirements, licensure and credentialing will be provided. Program faculty and invited speakers will work with students to prepare their curriculum vitae (CV), review aspects of the professional interview, and contract negotiation; as well as discuss the legalities of medical fraud, malpractice, and substantiated documentation, coding and billing. Other relevant topics include an overview of public health, quality improvement and value-based health care, travel health, and basic disaster preparedness. Additionally, cultural and religious diversity and its application to medical care will be explored. Child abuse recognition and response training, along with opioid training for the recognition of prescription drug abuse and impaired professionals will be provided. Toward the end of the clinical year, there will be a focused review of medical content as identified by the Program in preparation for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

Capstone Project 1

5930

Credits: 0.5

The “Capstone Project” for the Salus University Physician Assistant Program is a two-part faculty-guided independent study course.  Capstone Project 1 and Capstone Project 2 culminate in a graduate-level paper, suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, and a related Project Presentation.  Combined, these are part of a summative evaluation that will be used to measure cognitive and affective domains at a point near the completion of the program. 

The graduate paper is an American Medical Association (AMA) format research paper based on a patient case or a condition seen during the clinical year, or a medically relevant topic of interest. It affords the student the opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking skills as well as the application of evidence-based medicine in health care.  Project presentations are common in the scientific and medical environment and are used in a variety of ways to discuss and present specific medical topics. The paper and presentation will serve not only as a student and program evaluation tool, but as a way to bring the various Salus disciplines together for interdisciplinary student and faculty development.

In Capstone Project 1, under faculty guidance, a topic proposal (a research question or hypothesis) is developed, an initial outline is created, a literature review is conducted, and the initial draft of the introduction and methodology sections are completed. In Capstone Project 2, an abstract, body of the paper with discussion, and recommendations and conclusions will be completed and serve as the foundation for the Project Presentation.

Capstone Project 2

5931

Credits: 0.5

The “Capstone Project” for the Salus University Physician Assistant Program is a two-part faculty-guided independent study course.  Capstone Project 2 continues the process started in Capstone Project 1 culminating in a graduate-level paper, suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, and a related Project Presentation.  In Capstone Project 2, an abstract, the body of the paper with results, discussion, and conclusions will be completed and serve as the foundation for the Project Presentation. Combined, these are part of a summative evaluation tool used to measure cognitive and affective domains at a point near the completion of the program.

The graduate paper is an American Medical Association (AMA) format research paper based on a patient case or condition seen during the clinical year, or a medically relevant topic of interest. It affords the student the opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking skills as well as the application of evidence-based medicine in health care.  Project Presentations are common in the scientific and medical environment and are used in a variety of ways to discuss and present specific medical topics.

The Project Presentation relays an in-depth presentation of the topic.  The student will present their clinical question, outlining the critical thinking, decision-making, and evidence-based process that led to the research conclusions.  The presentation will also include any practice-based learning and systems-based issues that were encountered by the student.  The professional manner in which the student delivers the presentation will be an important aspect of this event.

Emergency Medicine Clinical Rotation

6200

Credits: 4.5

The five (5) week Emergency Medicine rotation takes place in a hospital emergency department providing the student with exposure to both urgent care as well as acute medical and surgical conditions. Students will function as part of a multi-disciplinary team, working collaboratively with healthcare providers from all disciplines. Through supervised patient contact, the student will gain experience in performing directed history and physical examinations, documenting patient encounters, and assessing and managing episodic illness. The student will also be afforded opportunities to perform the clinical skills common within the Emergency Medicine setting.

Surgery Clinical Rotation

6201

Credits: 4.5

The five (5) week Surgery rotation provides the student with exposure to the surgical setting, affording the opportunity to apply the basic principles of surgery acquired through the didactic Surgery course. Through practical experience, the student will engage in the evaluation and management of patients encountering surgical problems. Students will participate in operating room procedures and techniques, and will work collaboratively with the surgical team. Students will be exposed to all aspects of the surgical process including pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative patient care.

Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation

6202

Credits: 4.5

The five (5) week Internal Medicine rotation takes place in an outpatient or hospital setting, exposing the student to the medical management of an adult patient population. Through supervised patient contact, the student will gain experience in performing history and physical examinations, documenting patient encounters, and assessing and managing the acute and chronic illnesses commonly encountered in this medical setting. Students will develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary to provide patient-centered health education.

Women's Health/Prenatal Care Clinical Rotation

6203

Credits: 4.5

The five (5) week Women’s Health & Prenatal Care clinical rotation takes place in a hospital, clinic and/or private practice setting exposing the student to gynecologic and prenatal care. Through supervised patient contact, the student will gain experience in obtaining a women’s health history and performing the routine gynecologic and prenatal examinations and associated clinical skills. In addition to learning appropriate documentation of the patient encounter, the student will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and manage the range of women’s health conditions throughout their lifespan.

Pediatrics Clinical Rotation

6204

Credits: 4.5

The five (5) week Pediatrics rotation takes place in an outpatient and/or inpatient setting exposing the student to the healthcare needs of the pediatric patient population. Through supervised patient contact, the student will gain experience in performing pediatric history and physical examinations, ranging from neonate through adolescence. Students will develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary to interact with both the pediatric patient and caregiver, document patient encounters, and assess and manage both common pediatric problems, as well as acute illness. The student will be afforded the opportunity to become familiar with normal growth and development, immunization schedules, nutritional requirements, and anticipatory guidance.

Behavioral/Mental Health Clinical Rotation

6206

Credits: 4.5

The five (5) week Behavioral/Mental Health rotation takes place in an outpatient, and/or inpatient behavioral health facility. The student will work collaboratively with the mental health team to evaluate and manage a range of behavioral/mental health issues. Through supervised patient contact, the student will develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary to provide ongoing and/or emergent support for this patient population. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing the roles that socioeconomics, family health history, and social interactions play in the course of behavioral/mental health conditions. In addition, students will develop an understanding of the barriers to treatment, as well as the support resources available within the community.

Elective 1 Clinical Rotation

6230

Credits: 4.5

Elective 1 is a five (5) week rotation that affords the student an opportunity to increase their knowledge base and skill in an area of clinical interest. All electives must be approved by the Clinical Team.

Elective 2 Clinical Rotation

6231

Credits: 4.5

Elective 2 course is a five (5) week rotation that affords the student an opportunity to increase their knowledge base and skill an area of clinical interest. All electives must be approved by the Clinical Team.

Family Medicine/Primary Care 1 Clinical Rotation

6240

Credits: 4.5

Family Medicine 1 is a five (5) week rotation that takes place in an outpatient primary care setting exposing the student to the medical management of patients throughout their lifespan. Through supervised patient contact, the student will gain experience in performing history and physical examinations, documenting patient encounters, and assessing and managing the acute and chronic illnesses commonly encountered in the primary care setting. Students will develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary to provide patient-centered health education.

Family Medicine/Primary Care 2 Clinical Rotation

6241

Credits: 4.5

Family Medicine 2 is a five (5) week rotation that takes place in an outpatient primary care setting exposing the student to the medical management of patients throughout their lifespan. Through supervised patient contact, the student will gain experience in performing history and physical examinations, documenting patient encounters, and assessing and managing the acute and chronic illnesses commonly encountered in the primary care setting. Students will develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary to provide patient-centered health education.