Physician Assistant Studies Program Competencies
Program Competencies
The Ohio Dominican University PA Program has established a set of competencies that align with the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes essential for clinical practice as a PA. These competencies are grounded in national standards, including the Core Competencies for New Physician Assistant Graduates, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Standards, and the Competencies for the PA Profession as outlined by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) .
Graduates will demonstrate core knowledge of basic and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge
to patient care.
MK 1.1: Apply principles of basic and clinical science to recognize normal and abnormal health states that demonstrate an understanding of current, evidence based clinical medicine.
MK 1.2: Identify epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, and presentations of acute, chronic, and emergent disease states in patient populations.
MK 1.3: Develop differential diagnoses, select diagnostic studies, and necessary procedures to diagnose, treat and manage disease.
MK 1.4: Apply a holistic view of the patient to promote health, wellness and disease prevention.
Graduates will use communication skills that identify patient goals and promote patient education and understanding.
IP 2.1: Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to effectively exchange information and collaborate with patients, families and other health professionals.
IP 2.2: Interpret and communicate medical knowledge in a patient-centered manner that promotes health literacy and understanding.
IP 2.3: Demonstrate skills necessary to build therapeutic relationships with patients and families that identifies patients’ needs and goals.
Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of clinical and technical skills required to
provide appropriate assessment, evaluation and management of patients.
CTS 3.1: Interpret screening and diagnostic studies.
CTS 3.2: Demonstrate the ability to provide patient-centered education and counseling that promotes health and wellness.
CTS 3.3: Demonstrate effective interviewing skills, conduct and document appropriate medical history and physical exams.
CTS 3.4: Identify indications for and demonstrate knowledge of program determined clinical and technical skills.
Graduates will demonstrate self-awareness, respect for others, and identify professional
limitations.
PB 4.1: Demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of the impact of health disparities to deliver equitable care that respects individual dignity.
PB 4.2: Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and work collaboratively as a member of an inter-professional, patient centered team.
PB 4.3: Recognize legal and regulatory requirements of professional practice.
PB 4.4: Demonstrate accountability and the ability to reflect on limitations, recognize mistakes, and receive constructive criticism.
Graduates will integrate evidence-based medical knowledge, community resources and
patient needs in their clinical reasoning to provide equitable care plans to patients.
CRPS 5.1: Recognize the need to refer or collaborate when interprofessional strategies are indicated to meet health care needs of patients.
CRPS 5.2: Approach the development of patient care plans with consideration for social determinants of health and patient individuality.
CRPS 5.3: Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement an appropriate management plan, based on the setting and patient encounter.
CRPS 5.4: Recognize and evaluate the appropriate medical literature to integrate medical knowledge and make evidence-based decisions on patient care.
These competencies ensure that ODU PA Program graduates are well-prepared to enter clinical practice with the requisite skills and behaviors necessary for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The curriculum is designed to provide continuous assessment and reinforcement of these competencies through didactic instruction, clinical rotations, and summative evaluations, thereby ensuring that students meet the program’s rigorous standards and are equipped to succeed in their professional roles as PAs.