Curriculum
Students that matriculate beginning in June 2023 and forward will complete the following courses in order to meet the graduation requirements. The OU-Tulsa PA Program does not offer advanced placement or exemption from coursework for any student, regardless of previous coursework or professional experience. The program required educational competencies for entry level practice are consistent with the competencies as defined by the PA profession. Curriculum development and delivery are guided by these competencies which can be found in the PA Program Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook.
| Curriculum | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total Didactic Year Credit Hours | 64 |
| Total Clinical Year Credit Hours | 67 |
| Total Program Credit Hours | 131 |
Students who satisfactorily complete the 30-month program will be awarded the Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in Physician Assistant Studies. To qualify for graduation, students must:
- Follow an approved course of study leading to the completion of all master's requirements;
- Complete satisfactorily all professional courses with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0, no course or rotation below a C, and satisfactorily complete a final Summative Evaluation involving a comprehensive written examination, an observed assessment of history taking, physical examination and diagnostic skills, and an evaluation of professionalism by clinical faculty members;
- Complete satisfactorily the required 131 semester credit hours in the curriculum;
- Complete satisfactorily the required components of the program within 48 months or less, not to include an approved Leave of Absence.
- Repeat, as approved, and earn an acceptable grade for any required course or rotation in the professional program for which a failing grade (D or F) had been issued;
- Complete, at a minimum, the last 48 credits in the professional program within the College of Medicine;
- Complete successfully Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Receive a favorable recommendation for degree conferral from the PA Promotion and Graduation Committee;
- Be recommended for conferral of the master's degree by the University Faculty Senate;
- Settle all financial accounts with the University; and
- Submit a properly completed and signed graduation clearance form to the Office of the Registrar.
Certification Requirements
One of your first steps after graduating from an accredited PA program should be taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The PANCE is a five-hour, 300-question, multiple-choice exam that is a prerequisite for licensure in all U.S. states. For further information regarding the NCCPA certifying examination, contact: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc., 12000 Findley Road, Suite 100, Johns Creek, GA, 30097. Phone: (678) 417-8100.
State Licensure
Physician Assistants who wish to practice in the state of Oklahoma must obtain licensure from the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (www.okmedicalboard.org). For questions, please call their main office at (405) 962-1400.
PA graduates who are interested in practicing in other states should directly contact that state’s licensing authority. Additionally, some states may require individual PA programs to apply for approval to their appropriate agencies before program graduates can be employed. The PA Program will seek such approval whenever deemed necessary.
Didactic Curriculum
The instructional curriculum in the PA program consists of a comprehensive education in the biomedical and clinical sciences necessary for successful clinical practice. It is conducted during the first 13 months of the program, beginning with the summer semester. An outline of the student’s didactic program of study is listed below.
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Prof. Issues in Med & Health | 2 |
| Clinical Anatomy | 5 |
| Concepts of Community Medicine | 3 |
| Principles of Genetics | 1 |
| Principles of Immunology | 1 |
| Medical Terminology | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 13 |
Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program
Principles of Immunology addresses topics such as the major functions and molecular mechanisms underlying innate, humoral, and adaptive immunity, as well as the respective roles these systems play in combating infectious disease. Moreover, the immunology segment includes disorders of the immune system, such as hypersensitivity and immunodeficiencies.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program
The Clinical Anatomy course is designed to develop the physician assistant student’s understanding of the general structures and functional principles of the human body, which will become the anatomic basis for relating abnormal to normal conditions. Also, the student will use the knowledge in the competent performance of evaluative and therapeutic techniques, communicate the understanding of anatomy, and gain an appreciation of the human body from cadaver dissection. (5 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Lecture and Laboratory
Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program
The Principles of Genetics course is to enhance the knowledge of the physician assistant student in the basic principles and clinical application of genetics. (1 credit)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program
Concepts of Community Medicine is an introductory course designed to prepare students to grasp the many factors that impact health outcomes. A focus will be placed on public health issues and the broad determinants that shape the health of community populations, especially in the state of Oklahoma. (3 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty and Summer Institute Faculty and Staff Facilitators
Course Component: Lecture and community experience
Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program
Course focuses on the role of the physician assistant, the history of the profession, and future expected trends. Professionalism, ethics, risk management, HIPAA, and diversity will be topics of discussion. The Physician Assistant Act and rules and regulations specific for Oklahoma will be addressed, including prescribing privileges and licensure. (2 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program
This course will introduce the physician assistant student to the medical vocabulary frequently encountered in the health profession. The course focuses on the Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and word roots from which many medical words are derived. In addition, it will also benefit the student with correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms. (1 credit)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Self-Study
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Clinical Medicine I | 8 |
| Physical Diagnosis I | 4 |
| Applied Physiology I | 3 |
| Lifestyle Medicine | 3 |
| Pharmacotherapeutics I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one summer semester of the Physician Assistant Program
Lifestyle Medicine provides the physician assistant student with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to integrate nutritional guidelines into clinical practice for the prevention and management of chronic disease. (3 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Lecture and Lab
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one summer semester of the Physician Assistant Program
Introductory course to clinical medicine, emphasizing the underlying pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation and management of common diseases by an organ systems approach. The student learns through the use of lectures and interactive small group case discussion. This course is integrated with the physiology course taught concurrently in the fall semester. (8 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one summer semester of the Physician Assistant Program
This course is part one of a two-semester course that familiarizes PA students with medically relevant functions of the body. Content is organized by the major organ systems and consists of instruction ranging from the cellular/molecular level to the multi-system level. Lectures are delivered online in video format, while class meetings entail regular assessment, practice in problem-solving, and clinical application of physiologic principles. (3 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of year one summer semester of the Physician Assistant Program
This course is designed to introduce the physician assistant student to fundamental patient assessment skills. Focus is on patient interviewing, performance of organ-specific and comprehensive physical examination, minor procedures, case presentations, patient education, and an introduction to medical documentation. Associated concepts for a variety of clinical problems are introduced. (4 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture and Laboratory
Prerequisites: Successful completion of year one summer semester of the Physician Assistant Program
This course is the first of two courses intended to increase the physician assistant student knowledge and awareness of pharmacotherapeutics. The course will provide the student with drug knowledge needed to utilize medications appropriately in the treatment of common diseases as a member of the healthcare team.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Pharmacy Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Clinical Medicine II | 6 |
| Physical Diagnosis II | 4 |
| Pharmacotherapeutics II | 3 |
| Applied Physiology II | 3 |
| Clin. Med for Special Populations | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one fall semester of the Physician Assistant Program
The second of three courses in clinical medicine, emphasizing the underlying pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation and management of common diseases by an organ systems approach. The student learns through the use of lectures and interactive small group case discussion. This course is integrated with the physiology course taught concurrently in the spring semester. (6 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one fall semester of the Physician Assistant Program
This course introduces the physician assistant student to various normal and disease states commonly encountered in the primary care of special populations, including the elderly, the homeless, women, and children. Emphasis is placed on development of the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required in the care of these patients. (5 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one fall semester of the Physician Assistant Program
This course is the second of two courses intended to increase the physician assistant student knowledge and awareness of pharmacotherapeutics. The course will provide the student with drug knowledge needed to utilize medications appropriately in the treatment of common diseases as a member of the healthcare team. (3 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Pharmacy Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one fall semester of the Physician Assistant Program
This course is part two of a two-semester course that familiarizes PA students with medically relevant functions of the body. Content is organized by the major organ systems and consists of instruction ranging from the cellular/molecular level to the multi-system level. Lectures are delivered online in video format, while class meetings entail regular assessment, practice in problem-solving, and clinical application of physiologic principles. (3 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the year one fall semester of the Physician Assistant Program
This course is a continuation of Physical Diagnosis I. It is designed to further student knowledge and skills associated with fundamental patient assessment. Focus is on patient interviewing, physical examination, minor procedures, case presentations, patient education, and medical documentation. Associated concepts for a variety of clinical problems are introduced. (4 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture and Laboratory
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Clinical Medicine III | 6 |
| Epidemiology and Med Stats | 2 |
| Clinical Transitions | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of spring semester of the Physician Assistant Program
Clinical Medicine III is the third section of introducing the student to various disease states commonly evaluated in the practice of medicine. The student will learn etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic interpretation, treatment and management. Key topics presented in this course include disease states related to endocrinology, emergency medicine, and surgery. (6 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of spring semester of the physician assistant program, or permission given by PA Program Director
Clinical Transitions is designed to prepare the physician assistant student for the clinical phase of the program by discussing concepts of professionalism, reviewing the policies in the clinical handbook, completing hospital credentialing, and providing training on patient logging and the electronic medical record. (1 credit)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of spring semester of the Physician Assistant Program
The course goal is to introduce students to general principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, including research study, design, and methodology. A strong emphasis is placed on the use of probabilistic data and critical appraisal skills in clinical decision-making. Course objectives include learning how to critically evaluate clinical research literature and reviewing the basics of evidence-based medicine literature searches. (2 credits)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Lecture
Clinical Curriculum
Students will attend clinical rotations in the last 17 months of the program, primarily in the clinics of the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa School of Community Medicine. Six core rotations will be interdisciplinary clerkships combining PA students and third-year medical students, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Mental Health, Surgery, and Obstetrics-Gynecology rotations. OU-Tulsa is affiliated with five major hospitals in the area and operates 32 clinical facilities. Additional clinical training sites are available at specialty clinics, local federally qualified health care centers, health care facilities run by local Native American tribes, and health department clinics. A summary of the clinical curriculum is presented below.
To begin clinical rotations, all students must have satisfactorily completed all preceding didactic coursework. PA students will complete 52 weeks of required clinical rotations, two elective rotations (4 weeks each), a two-week Community Impact rotation, and a four-week PA preceptorship experience in the specialty area of their choosing. Clinical rotations will take place primarily in the clinics and hospitals utilized by the OU-Tulsa School of Community Medicine. Additionally, a wide variety of community clinical training sites are available. Rotations listed as clerkships are interdisciplinary with residents and medical students. Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. The program maintains responsibility for coordinating all program required rotations.
Proposed Curriculum Change: A proposed curriculum innovation is the restructuring of the clinical phase for PA students matriculating in June 2024 and beyond. The revised curriculum changes the initial 12 months of clinical rotations from traditional block rotations during which students take clinical clerkships sequentially to a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC). The LIC model integrates training in all clerkships synchronously across the entire academic year, allowing students several advantages which include transferring knowledge and skills across disciplines, better continuity of patient care across the year, and improved clinical supervision by faculty. Additionally, the transition to an LIC format will include the inclusion of a neurology clerkship. The LIC involves interprofessional training with medical students in disciplines including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and Neurology. Additional rotations include Selectives, Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Community Impact, Underserved, and Preceptorship. The LIC will officially launch in July of 2025, when PA students who matriculate in the summer of 2024 begin their clinical phase.
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Psychiatry Clerkship | 5 |
| Ob/Gynecology Clerkship | 5 |
| Pediatrics Clerkship | 5 |
| Health Systems Science in Practice | 3 |
| Master Capstone I | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 19 |
This is a six-week rotation on the OU Psychiatry service. This rotation will provide the physician assistant student with an intensive clinical experience in acute and chronic mental illness under the supervision of an experienced mental health practitioner. (5 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
This is a six-week rotation on the OU Pediatrics service. Students will assist in the care of pediatric patients in the hospital and clinic settings. (5 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
This is a six-week rotation on the OU Obstetrics and Gynecology service. Students will participate in the care of obstetric and gynecologic patients in the hospital and clinic settings. (5 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
Health Systems Science in Practice provide students with a unique multi-component course that enhances skills of clinical practice and professional practice during the clinical phase of the program. The course includes involvement in the Physician Assistant Longitudinal Clinic (PAL), Student Academy, and Bedlam E. (3 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
The capstone project is completed during the clinical year and provides the PA student with an opportunity to demonstrate medical information literacy and knowledge of evidence-based medicine principles by writing a referenced answer to a pertinent clinical question. Students will present their findings in a public forum. (3 total credit hours)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Group and independent study
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Emergency Med Rotation | 3 |
| Family Medicine Clerkship | 3 |
| Primary Care Rotation | 3 |
| Surgery Clerkship | 7 |
| Health Systems Science in Practice | 3 |
| Master Capstone II | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 20 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
This is a four-week rotation in a hospital emergency room, caring for acute medical and surgical emergencies. Efficient, accurate, and methodical evaluation of the acutely ill or injured patient will be emphasized under the supervision of a physician. (3 credits)
Instructors: Community Clinicians
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GP
This is a four-week rotation on the OU Family Medicine service. Students will perform routine history and physical examinations for acute and chronic illnesses and health maintenance visits. Emphasis will be placed on the management of common problems encountered in the family practice setting. (3 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
This is a four-week rotation assigned to a community primary care site. Students will assist in the care of patients in the primary care setting, which may include various in-house services, outpatient clinics, or nursing homes. (3 credits)
Instructors: Community Clinicians
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
This is an eight-week rotation on the OU Surgery service, learning basic surgical techniques in the operating suite, participating in pre- and postoperative examinations, performing minor procedures, and assisting in general surgeries. (7 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
Health Systems Science in Practice provide students with a unique multi-component course that enhances skills of clinical practice and professional practice during the clinical phase of the program. The course includes involvement in the Physician Assistant Longitudinal Clinic (PAL), Student Academy, and Bedlam E. (3 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
The capstone project is completed during the clinical year and provides the PA student with an opportunity to demonstrate medical information literacy and knowledge of evidence-based medicine principles by writing a referenced answer to a pertinent clinical question. Students will present their findings in a public forum. (3 total credit hours)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Group and independent study
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Program Selective Rotation | 2 |
| Community Impact | 1 |
| Internal Med Clerkship | 7 |
| Elective Rotation I | 3 |
| Elective Rotation II | 3 |
| Advanced Clinical I | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
A two week rotation during the clinical phase of the program in which physician assistant students are assigned to participate in various activities to familiarize themselves with available community resources that could potentially impact the care of their patients. (1 credit)
Instructors: Community Professionals and PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
Throughout the clinical year, the student will be able to choose one 4-week rotation to further supplement the required core rotations. The elective can be in any specialty or primary care field, provided that the program has an available site. This elective rotation gives students the opportunity to tailor specific interests to their clinical education. (3 credits)
Instructors: Community Clinicians
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
This is an eight-week rotation on the OU Internal Medicine service. Students will provide supervised care for adult patients in the hospital setting. (7 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
The program selective rotation is a two week clinical rotation as determined by the Program. Factors influencing the specific clinical focus selected by the program may include current medical needs nationally or within the local community and/or specific remediation needs of the student. (2 credits)
Instructors: Community Clinicians or OU-TU School of Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
Advanced Clinical Seminar I provide students with a unique multi-component course that enhances skills of clinical practice and professional practice during the clinical phase of the program. The course includes involvement in the Physician Assistant Longitudinal Clinic (PAL), Student Academy, and Bedlam E. (2 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Underserved Med Rotation | 3 |
| PA Preceptorship | 4 |
| Master Capstone III | 1 |
| Advanced Clinical II | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 10 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
This is a four-week rotation in a community clinic or health care facility devoted to treating the underserved population of northeast Oklahoma. (3 credits)
Instructors: Community Clinicians
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
The preceptorship rotation is the final rotation of the clinical year and gives students the opportunity to have additional training in the field of their choice and potentially rotate with their future employer. The rotation is flexible and may also be used as an added elective to further student experience in any field of interest. The rotation is designed to further develop and refine techniques of patient management. (4 credits)
Instructor: Community Clinicians
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of didactic PA courses with a 3.00 GPA
The capstone project is completed during the clinical year and provides the PA student with an opportunity to demonstrate medical information literacy and knowledge of evidence-based medicine principles by writing a referenced answer to a pertinent clinical question. Students will present their findings in a public forum. (3 total credit hours)
Instructors: PA Program Faculty
Course Component: Group and independent study
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
Advanced Clinical Seminar II provide students with a unique multi-component course that enhances skills of clinical practice and professional practice during the clinical phase of the program. The course includes involvement in the PAL Clinic, Bedlam E, various practice development seminars, and national board certification preparation. (2 credits)
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
