Curriculum
The OU-Tulsa PA Program curriculum is divided into three phases with Phase 1 being didactic courses, Phase 2 being clinical courses within the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LIC), and Phase 3 being clinical courses delivered in a traditional block format. Students that matriculate beginning in June 2025 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 from initial matriculation, 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.
Phase 1 - 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Clinical Medicine III | 6 |
| Epidemiology and Medical Statistics | 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
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
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
Phase 2 & 3 - Clinical Curriculum
Following completion of the didactic phase, students will enter the 16.5-month clinical phase of the program. The initial 12 months of clinical rotations will be completed as part of the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) alongside third-year medical students. The LIC model integrates training in seven clerkships synchronously across the entire academic year, allowing students several advantages over traditional block clerkships, which include transferring knowledge and skills across disciplines, better continuity of patient care across the year, and improved clinical supervision by faculty. The LIC year involves interprofessional training in disciplines including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and Neurology. Clinical training sites include OU Health Clinics, specialty medical clinics, local federally qualified health centers, health facilities run by local Native American tribes, and the major hospital systems in the Tulsa area.
Following the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship, PA students will complete the remainder of the clinical phase in traditional block rotations, including four weeks each of Emergency Medicine, Underserved, Primary Care, and Elective. A two-week Community Impact experience supplements the clinical rotations, allowing students to engage further in community resources, including Tulsa Day Center, Little Light House, Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, among others. The final rotation is a four-week PA preceptorship experience in the specialty of their choosing. A wide variety of community clinical training sites are utilized. Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. The program maintains responsibility for coordinating all program required rotations. A summary of the clinical curriculum is presented below.
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Clerkship | 7 |
| Surgery Clerkship | 7 |
| Pediatrics Clerkship | 5 |
| Psychiatry Clerkship | 5 |
| Obstetrics/Gynecology Clerkship | 5 |
| Family Medicine Clerkship | 3 |
| Neurology Clerkship | 3 |
| Program Selective | 2 |
| Health Systems Science in Practice | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 43 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
This course is a clinical experience with adult and elderly inpatients with non-surgical illnesses at various levels of activity and complexity. Students will learn the application of the clinical method, development of a therapeutic relationship, effective medical record-keeping, and efficient utilization of resources.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
An outpatient and inpatient experience to acquaint the student with diseases commonly treated by surgical or other invasive procedures, including emergency and elective situations. In addition to diagnostic evaluation, students will learn principles of post-operative care, empathic patient and family interactions, common manual skills, and basic surgical principles.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
This course is a combined inpatient and outpatient clerkship with patients from newborn through adolescence. Students will learn fundamentals of common acute and chronic illnesses, growth and development, disease prevention, and psycho-social dynamics. Students will participate in workup and management of patients and medical record keeping.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
This course is a combined inpatient and outpatient experience in any of several mental health facilities. The student works up patients with a wide range of psychopathology, and participates in a variety of activities, including group and individual therapy, crisis intervention, case formulations, medication checks, and didactic sessions.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
This course is a combined inpatient and outpatient clerkship with the primary care of women, emphasizing the reproductive system and the breast. Students will learn the anatomy, physiology, and management of pregnancy, and pertinent aspects of preventive care and public health.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
An ambulatory Family Medicine experience supervised by departmental faculty and community volunteer faculty where students learn diagnosis and management of undifferentiated complaints, acute, and chronic illnesses. Health promotion, disease prevention, longitudinal care, focused patient evaluation, clinical decision-making, practice management and evidence-based medicine are emphasized during didactics.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
This course provides the student an opportunity to learn techniques in performing and interpreting the neurologic history and exam, develop concepts of localization of neurologic lesions, and practice clinical problem-solving under close supervision of faculty.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the PA 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.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a 3.0 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
he Health System Science in Practice course is the cornerstone element of community medicine training in the School of Community Medicine. The courses emphasize interprofessional education, chronic disease management, social and structural determinants of health, and health systems science theory and practices.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Rotation | 3 |
| Primary Care Rotation | 3 |
| Underserved Rotation | 3 |
| Elective Rotation | 3 |
| Community Impact | 1 |
| Preceptorship | 4 |
| Advanced Clinical Seminar | 2 |
| MHS Capstone Project | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 |
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
Emergency Medicine is a four-week rotation in which students are assigned to an emergency department, learning the approach to and initial management of the emergency department patient. Students will develop skills in performing emergency medicine procedures and learn to prioritize care of the patient presenting with various levels of acuity.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
The Primary Care rotation is a 4-week rotation that provides students with exposure to a model of care that supports first-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated patient-focused care. The rotation will be focused on family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics in a primarily ambulatory setting, with a potential for exposure to a long-term care facility.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
This is a four-week rotation in which students are assigned to a community clinic or health care facility devoted to treating the underserved population of northeast Oklahoma or surrounding areas. Under the supervision of physician and PA preceptors, students perform assessments of patients of all ages and gradually assume greater clinical responsibilities.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
The elective rotation is a 4-week rotation selected by the student to supplement the core required rotations or explore a subspecialty interest more deeply. This rotation can be in any core discipline or subspecialty provided the program has an available site.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
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 Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
A 4-week rotation with the specific clinical setting at the request of the student. The rotation is designed to familiarize the student to a variety of medical problems likely to be seen in their chosen field. Emphasis is placed on further strengthening medical knowledge and refining techniques of patient evaluation and management that were obtained throughout the cumulative experience of the program.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 PA courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
Advanced Clinical Seminar is a course during the final phase of the program that prepares students to navigate the complexities of assuming a professional role in the healthcare system. Presentations cover a range of topics related to understanding and negotiating employment terms, licensure and certification requirements, and professional practice issues.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical and Lecture
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year I PA courses with a 3.00 GPA, and/or permission of the program director.
Utilizing research and ongoing self-assessment are crucial to developing effective clinical practice. By either participating in a research project or examining their own performance in a particular case, students analyze evidence-based medicine, reflect on their performance, and identify areas that need strengthening.
Instructors: OU-TU School of Community Medicine Faculty
Course Component: Clinical/Independent Study/Discussion
