Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program Competencies 

 The North Carolina A&T State College of Health and Human Sciences, Master of Science in PA Studies program’s competencies were developed based on the framework of the program’s mission, goals, the PA Education Association (PAEA) Core Competencies for New PA Graduates and the Physician Assistant Competencies which were written collaboratively by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and The National Commission on Certification of the Physician Assistant (NCCPA), and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).  

The North Carolina A&T State College of Health and Human Sciences Master of Science in PA Studies program uses achievement of the following competencies as a guide for curriculum development and evaluation of the success of the program and its graduates. Upon completion of the North Carolina A&T State College of Health and Human Sciences Master of Science in PA Studies program, graduates are expected to achieve the following competencies: 

  

  1. Medical Knowledge and Patient Care 
    1. Implement appropriate strategies for disease prevention and health care maintenance.  
    2. Recognize the difference between normal and abnormal health states across all organ systems and the lifespan.  
    3. Diagnose acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.  
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, disease etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnoses, interventions and management (therapeutic, pharmacological, surgical) for general medical and surgical conditions. 
    5. Gather essential and accurate information about patients and their conditions through history-taking, physical examination, and the use of laboratory data, imaging, and other tests. 
    6. Formulate a differential diagnosis and treatment plans that include pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. 
    7. Order appropriate diagnostic laboratory and radiographic tests and provide or obtain accurate interpretations. 
    8. Interpret laboratory data, imaging studies, and other tests required for practice. 
    9. Make informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions based on patient information and preferences, up-to-date scientific evidence, and clinical judgment. 
    10. Perform medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures considered essential for the area of practice. 
    11. Develop and carry out patient management plans. 
    12. Recognize when a referral to a specialist is necessary. 
    13. Demonstrate ability to provide appropriate patient education.
          
  1. Interpersonal and Communication Skills  
    1. Communicate effectively with colleagues within one’s profession or specialty, other health professionals, and health-related agencies.  
    2. Recognize the cultural norms, needs, influences, and socioeconomic, environmental, and other population-level determinants affecting the health of the individual and community being served. 
    3. Provide medical care that is respectful, ethically considerate, empathetic, and equitable. 
    4. Demonstrate the ability to provide effective verbal and nonverbal communication with patients.  
    5. Review medical records, complete written documentation, and communicate diagnostic findings and management strategies. 
        
  1. System-Based Practice and quality improvement
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the basics of coding and billing. 
    2. Recognize different types of health systems and insurance plans. 
    3. Recognize the financial implications of clinical decision-making and treatment plans. 
    4. Advocate for quality patient care and optimal patient care systems. 
    5. Coordinate patient care within the health care system relevant to one’s clinical specialty. 
    6. Incorporate considerations of cost awareness and risk-benefit analysis in patient and/or population-based care 
    7. Participate in identifying system errors and implementing potential systems solutions. 
    8. Work effectively in various healthcare delivery settings and systems relevant to one’s clinical specialty. 
    9. Recognize the impact of the PA’s role to the healthcare team.
        
  1. Interprofessional Collaboration,Professionalism and Leadership 
    1. Demonstrate understanding of professional responsibilities around licensure, credentialing, reimbursement, advocacy, and laws, policies, and regulations regarding medical practice. 
    2. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, honesty, and respect for patient privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, and business practices, including compliance with relevant laws, policies, and regulations. 
    3. Recognize the risk factors for burnout and the importance of one’s own health and well-being.   
    4. Demonstrate compassion, integrity, and respect for others. 
    5. Demonstrate responsiveness to patient needs that supersedes self-interest. 
    6. Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to a diverse patient population, including but not limited to diversity in gender, age, culture, race, religion, disabilities, and sexual orientation. 
    7. Utilize a team-based approach to optimize patient care. 
    8. Practice effective communication with interprofessional team members. 
    9. Self-assess and reflect on personal and professional limitations and/or mistakes.
        
  1. Discovery 
    1. Critically analyze existing literature in a field of inquiry and formulate new investigative questions. 
    2. Utilize evidence-based medicine to guide clinical decision-making.