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School of Health Professions 2018 - 2019 Catalog

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2023. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

The PA Profession

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program prepares students for a career in one of the fastest growing and rewarding health care fields. Physician Assistants (PAs) are educated through academic and clinical training as medical providers who are licensed to practice medicine as part of the healthcare team. PAs take medical histories, preform physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and treat illnesses, write prescriptions, counsel patients on preventative care and assist in surgery.

A PA exercises considerable autonomy in medical decision-making, but the supervising physician and state laws determine the full scope of a PA’s practice. PAs deliver health care to diverse patients of all ages in a variety of medical settings.

Program Description

Based in Midland, Texas, and located on the campus of Midland College, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center PA Program is one of the programs in the Department of Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care in the School of Health Professions and offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The curriculum is an intensive 27-month medical education program with a focus on primary care and family medicine and consists of academic and clinical components.

Mission

The mission of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program is to provide comprehensive medical education to physician assistant students. Through an environment of academic excellence and the promotion of life-long learning and professionalism, graduates will be prepared to practice patient-centered primary care, increasing access to healthcare for communities of West Texas and beyond.

Technical Standards

A student admitted into the TTUHSC Physician Assistant Program must meet basic and essential requirements that are necessary for obtaining employment and performing as a Physician Assistant. The technical standards each student must master include cognitive, physical and behavioral characteristics that are identified in the following:

  1. Observation: The applicant/student must possess the ability to observe required demonstrations, visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, and written and audiovisual presentations. Examples of perceptual abilities include but are not limited to gross and microscopic studies of organisms, cadaver dissections, and various diagnostic tests such as interpretation of echocardiograms, digital and wavelength readings, and graphic or radiographic images. The applicant/student must be able to observe patients accurately and completely, both at distance and closely using functional visual, hearing, and somatic sensation.

  2. Communication: The applicant/student must possess the ability to communicate effectively with patients to elicit information, including nonverbal communications, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture with immediate assessment of information provided. Individuals must possess the ability to communicate effectively with clinical preceptors and other members of the healthcare team, didactic and clinical faculty, and colleagues. The applicant/student must possess the ability to effectively and sensitively communicate in  oral, written, and electronic form with patients and members of the health care team in  order to provide safe and effective patient care.

  3. Motor: The applicant/student must possess sufficient gross and fine motor function, equilibrium, and sensation to elicit information from patients through customary techniques for physical assessment such as visual observation/inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation as well as carry out diagnostic maneuvers and technical procedures involved in the practice of medicine and surgery. Examples reasonably required of physician assistants include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to stop bleeding, venous and arterial punctures, suturing, pelvic and rectal exams, obstetrical maneuvers, and opening of obstructed airways.

  4. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative abilities: The applicant/student must possess the ability to comprehend three dimensional relationships and spatial relationships of structures; and be able to collect, organize, prioritize, analyze and synthesize large amounts of detailed and complex information to apply in problem-solving and decision-making in clinical and educational settings including lectures, laboratories, small group discussions and clinical settings.

  5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The applicant/student must be able to tolerate physical and mental taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainty inherent in the evaluation and treatment of patients. The applicant/student must have the emotional health to fully use his/her intellectual ability, exercise good judgment and complete all responsibilities necessary to the diagnosis and care of patients. The applicant/student must possess integrity, compassion, and effective interpersonal skills to interact with patients and members of the health care team with sensitivity to cultural differences. The applicant/student must be able to understand and apply the concepts of medical ethics and demonstrate ethical behavior.

Admission to the Program

The PA Program begins in late May each year. The application for the 2018-2019 admissions cycle will open in late April. The application deadline for all materials to be received by the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Admissions Office is October 1. Additional information is available on the program website at: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions. Priority in applications review is given to those applicants with all materials received by August 1.

Application Process

Applicants must complete both a CASPA application and supplemental application.
The CASPA application can be accessed through the following link: https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login 
The supplemental application can be accessed through the following link: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions
Applications are considered on a rolling basis for acceptance into the professional program. Individual applications are reviewed once materials have been received; therefore, it is in the applicant’s best interest to complete their application, including submission of required documentation, as early as possible. Fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. All official transcripts need to be submitted to CASPA. You will only need to send updated transcripts to our office. Transcripts must be in a sealed envelope from the institution and must have been printed within the last year. The following is required for an individual to be considered for the MPAS program:

  • Baccalaureate Degree
  • Official GRE scores (code 3652)
  • A minimum overall and science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. The CASPA calculated GPA will be utilized.
  • Completed (or plan to complete) prerequisite coursework (see table below) with a grade of “C” or higher. Applicants with more than 9 hours of prerequisite courses in progress will not be reviewed.
  • CASPA application with three letters of recommendation
  • AP and CLEP credit will not be accepted for any science prerequisite courses.

The selection process for the TTUHSC PA Program is highly competitive. Applicants must meet the minimum prerequisite requirements. Many factors are considered in admissions decisions and acceptance is offered to candidates that appear to be most highly qualified to meet the mission and goals of the PA program including previous achievement and academic potential, character, motivation and understanding of the profession, and life experience. In accordance with the mission and goals of the PA program, special consideration may be given to the following applicants: Residents from the 108 counties in the service area of TTUHSC; Veterans; Residents from underserved populations; or Residents from economically or environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds. Invitations to interview at the TTUHSC PA Program in Midland are extended to the most competitive applicants. Completion of prerequisite coursework, strength of the academic record, experiences, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews are all strongly considered in the admissions process.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

Required Course
Semester Hours

Genetics

3

Microbiology

4

Human Anatomy & Physiology (human preferred)

8

Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry

3-4

Psychology

3

Statistics                                                                                 

3


PA Curriculum

*All required science courses must be intended for science majors. Required prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited US or Canadian college or university. Transfer credit from a school outside of the US or Canada will not apply to the required prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses completed in the last 7 years are preferred. AP and CLEP credit will not be accepted for any science prerequisite courses.

FIRST YEAR
First Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPA 5191      Professional Development I

1

HPPA 5301      Clinical Laboratory

3

HPPA 5306      Pharmacology I

3

HPPA 5406      Physiology

4

HPPA 5501      Human Anatomy                                           

5


Total Hours = 16

First Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPA 5202      Clinical Decision Making I

2

HPPA 5304      Clinical Medicine I

3

HPPA 5307      Pharmacology II

3

HPPA 5308      Neuroscience

3

HPPA 5392      Professional Development II3

HPPA 5502      Physical Examination

5

HPPA 6306      Medical Psychology                                      

3


Total Hours = 18

First Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours        

HPPA 5193      Professional Development III

1

HPPA 5203      Clinical Decision Making II

2

HPPA 5309      Pediatrics

3

HPPA 5313      Clinical Medicine IV

3

HPPA 5403      Clinical Medicine II

4

HPPA 5411      Cardiology

4

HPPA 5412      Clinical Medicine III                                          

4


Total Hours = 21

SECOND YEAR
Second Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPPA 5194      Professional Development IV

1

HPPA 6203      Clinical Decision Making III

2

HPPA 6301      Clinical Medicine VI

3

HPPA 6302      Cultural Competency for the Physician Assistant

3

HPPA 6501      Clinical Medicine V                                               

5


Total Hours = 14    

Second Fall, Second Spring, & Third Summer Courses*
Credit Hours       

HPPA 6601      Family Medicine Clerkship

6

HPPA 6602      Internal Medicine Clerkship

6

HPPA 6603      Prenatal Care & Gynecology Clerkship

6

HPPA 6604      Pediatric Clerkship

6

HPPA 6605      Emergency Medicine Clerkship

6

HPPA 6606      Selective Clerkship

6

HPPA 6607      Psychiatry Clerkship

6

HPPA 6608      Surgery Clerkship                                           6

Total Hours = 48


*Clinical Study (6 week rotations)
Throughout the Clerkship Year Course                                  
Credit Hours

HPPA 6404      Master Project Track                    

4


Total Hours = 4   

  • HPPA 5191 Professional Development I (1:1:0,F)

    This professional development sequence of courses spans the didactic program curriculum and is intended to provide a foundation for development of the PA role to care for diverse populations in the healthcare system. This first semester focuses on the history of the profession, professionalism, and working as part of a health care delivery team.

  • HPPA 5193 Professional Development III (1:1:0,H)

    The professional development sequence of courses spans the entire didactic program curriculum and is intended to provide a foundation for development of the PA role to care for diverse populations in the healthcare system. The third in this four course sequence includes and examination of alternative, integrative and preventive approaches to health care, and a focus on inter-professional practice, utilizing the IPPH 1002 Foundations for Inter-professional Collaborative modules, this semester.

  • HPPA 5194 Professional Development IV (1:1:0,F)

    The professional development sequence of courses spans the entire didactic program curriculum and is intended to provide a foundation for development of the PA role to care for diverse populations in the healthcare system. Offered during the final semester of the didactic curriculum, this course focuses on health care disparities and provider sensitivity to cultural diversity, socioeconomic differences, and their impact on health and wellness. Topics in preparation for clinical practice regarding legal and practice-based issues will be discussed including: electronic data management, rules regulations, confidentiality, certification and licensure, and safety.

  • HPPA 5201 Medical Ethics & Jurisprudence (2:2:0,F)

    This course examines prominent ethical and legal issues in healthcare delivery. Students are engaged in discussion of ethical dilemmas relevant to clinical practice and introduced to the unique relationship of the healthcare provider and patient. The course also examines quality assurance and risk management, legal issues, practice statutes and rules regulating physician assistant practice in Texas.

  • HPPA 5202 Clinical Decision Making I (2:2:0,F)

    This course is intended to expand student's knowledge base gained in the clinical medicine course series and facilitate critical thinking and clinical diagnostic skills. The student will develop differential diagnoses, evaluate clinical data presented, and demonstrate the ability to succinctly present a working diagnosis, treatment/intervention plan and prognosis.

  • HPPA 5203 Clinical Decision Making II (2:2:0,F)

    This course is intended to expand student's knowledge base gained in the clinical medicine course series and facilitate critical thinking and clinical diagnostic skills. The student will develop differential diagnoses, evaluate clinical data presented, and demonstrate the ability to succinctly present a working diagnosis, treatment/intervention plan and prognosis.

  • HPPA 5301 Clinical Laboratory (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series describes the significance, ordering and interpretation of laboratory studies routinely ordered in the clinical setting. Concepts of microbiology, including immunology and infectious disease will be examined. Case studies are incorporated into the teaching process.

  • HPPA 5302 Pathology (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series integrates normal human physiology with the pathological basis of disease. It illustrates abnormal cellular physiologic function in disease conditions, introduces major concepts of cellular pathophysiology and demonstrates abnormal physiologic function in disease conditions. The principles of cellular pathophysiology are applied to organ system pathology and the study of representative and important diseases. The lectures examine the function of major organ systems in addressing the pathological basis for disease. This series discusses the molecular and genetic basis for selected diseases.

  • HPPA 5304 Clinical Medicine I (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series surveys the acute and chronic disease states frequently encountered in the primary care setting. Students are challenged to correlate the subjective signs and symptoms with physical examination findings and clinical pathophysiology in developing critical thinking and a problem oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment. The family medicine relevance to EENT, infectious disease, dermatology, hematology /oncology and alternative /complementary medicine and the important aspects of acute, chronic, continuing and rehabilitative care are explored. Referral of patients to other healthcare providers or agencies is discussed. Case studies and patient education are incorporated into the teaching process.

  • HPPA 5306 Pharmacology I (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series introduces the actions of basic pharmacologic agents in the human. The mechanism of action, principal actions and adverse reactions of conventional classes of drugs is examined. A review of fundamental pharmacology calculations, measurements and symbols are performed.

  • HPPA 5307 Pharmacology II (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series builds on Pharmacology I. The action and interaction of pharmacological agents is discussed. Therapeutic applications, adverse reactions and contraindications to familiar drugs are considered.

  • HPPA 5308 Neuroscience (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series details the human nervous system, with emphasis on the recognition of neuroanatomical arrangement. The course explores neurophysiology and concepts of neurochemistry.

  • HPPA 5309 Pediatrics (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series surveys the acute and chronic disease states frequently encountered in the primary care setting as well as normal child growth and development, childhood immunizations, disease prevention, health maintenance and neonatology. Pediatric, patient physical examination is demonstrated and practiced. Students are challenged to correlate the subjective signs and symptoms with physical examination findings and clinical pathophysiology in developing critical thinking and a problem oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment. Referral of patients to other healthcare providers or agencies is discussed. Case studies and patient education are incorporated into the teaching process. This series discusses the genetic and molecular basis for selected diseases.

  • HPPA 5310 Medical Interviewing (3:2:2,F)

    This course focuses on the “how to” aspects of patient interviewing, communication skills, and counseling skills. It stresses attributes of respect for self and others, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients and a commitment to the patient’s welfare. Class sessions include lectures, interviewing labs and role-playing exercises. Small groups meet on a regularly scheduled basis each week to discuss and “actively” practice interviewing skills. This practice may include interviewing other students, simulated patients, or real patients in a medical setting.

  • HPPA 5313 Clinical Medicine IV (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series surveys the acute and chronic disease states frequently encountered in the primary care setting. Students are challenged to correlate the subjective signs and symptoms with physical examination findings and clinical pathophysiology in developing critical thinking and a problem oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment. The family medicine relevance to genitourinary, reproductive (including family planning) and endocrinology processes including acute, chronic, continuing, rehabilitative care are explored. Referral of patients to other healthcare providers or agencies is discussed. Case studies and patient education are incorporated into the teaching process. This series discusses the genetic and molecular basis for selected diseases.

  • HPPA 5392 Professional Development II (3:3:0,F)

    The professional development sequence of courses spans the entire didactic program curriculum and is intended to provide a foundation for development of the PA role to care for diverse populations in the healthcare system. This second course in the series focuses on Medical Ethics and the physician assistant responsibilities in the area of public/population health and the practice of preventative medicine. The organizational and economic elements of a systems-based practice are examined focusing on cost-effective and efficient healthcare, case management, risk management, coding, billing, reimbursement, error prevention, patient safety, and quality improvement.

  • HPPA 5403 Clinical Medicine II (4:4:4,F)

    This lecture series examines the complex disease states frequently encountered in the adult internal medicine setting. Students are challenged to correlate the subjective signs and symptoms with physical examination findings and clinical pathophysiology in developing critical thinking and a problem oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment. The approach to problems in pulmonology and gastroenterology are explored including the important aspects acute, chronic, continuing and rehabilitative care. The role of proper nutrition for health and disease prevention is discussed. Referral of patients to other healthcare providers or agencies is discussed. The fundamentals of radiology are taught and students evaluate imaging studies. Case studies and patient education are incorporated into the teaching process. This series discusses the genetic and molecular basis for selected diseases.

  • HPPA 5406 Physiology (4:4:0,F)

    This lecture series investigates human physiology through a detailed explanation of the functions and activities of bodily processes as related to healthcare. It discusses the fundamental principles of cellular physiology, considers the important concepts necessary for understanding the integrated cellular function of the human body and develops the explanation of human physiology as relevant to the health professional. The class sessions assimilate an approach to major organ systems and develop important concepts and principles necessary for understanding the integrated function of major organs systems of the human body in a collaborative learning setting, utilizing a variety of teaching methods.

  • HPPA 5411 Cardiology (4:3:1,F)

    This lecture series examines the complex disease states frequently encountered in the adult internal medicine setting. Students are challenged to correlate the subjective signs and symptoms with physical examination findings and clinical pathophysiology in developing a problem oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment. The approach to problems in cardiology and EKG interpretation is explored. The course is taught utilizing a hybrid approach where traditional face-to-face lectures are delivered on-line and “hands-on” learning modules are incorporated utilizing case studies and patient simulation to enhance the learning experience and develop critical thinking skills.

  • HPPA 5412 Clinical Medicine III (4:3:1,F)

    This lecture series examines the complex Orthopedic and Rheumatology disease states frequently encountered in the primary care medicine setting. Students are challenged to correlate the subjective signs and symptoms with physical examination findings and clinical pathophysiology in developing critical thinking and a problem oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment. Referral of patients to other healthcare providers or agencies is discussed. The approach to problems in Orthopedic and Rheumatology disease processes including acute, chronic, continuing, rehabilitative care is explored. Case studies and patient education are incorporated into the teaching process.

  • HPPA 5501 Human Anatomy (5:6:10,H)

    This lecture / laboratory series encompasses a regional study of the gross morphological features of the human body emphasizing functional anatomy. A portion of the laboratory experience involves computer-assisted learning.

  • HPPA 5502 Physical Examination I (5:3:2,F)

    This is a lecture/laboratory series in which the adult patient physical examination is demonstrated and practiced. Students learn and apply the techniques of a comprehensive physical examination with the proper use of diagnostic instruments. The laboratory experience utilizes students acting as patients, other simulated patients and real patients in a long term care facility.

  • HPPA 6203 Clinical Decision Making III (2:2:0,F)

    This course is intended to expand student's knowledge base gained in the clinical medicine course series and facilitate critical thinking and clinical diagnostic skills. The student will develop differential diagnoses, evaluate clinical data presented, and demonstrate the ability to succinctly present a working diagnosis, treatment/intervention plan and prognosis.

  • HPPA 6301 Clinical Medicine VI (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series surveys the acute and chronic disease states frequently encountered in the primary care setting. Students are challenged to correlate the subjective signs and symptoms with physical examination findings and clinical pathophysiology in developing critical thinking and a problem oriented approach to diagnosis and treatment. The family medicine relevance to the geriatrics population, neurology, nephrology, and speech and hearing disorders are addressed. Referral to patients to other healthcare providers and agencies is discussed. Case studies and patient education are incorporated into the teaching process.

  • HPPA 6302 Cultural Competency for Physician Assistants (3:3:0,O)

    This course is intended to provide knowledge, skill and attitude competencies in cultural competence. It is intended to build on interviewing skills and will consist of a series of case discussions and readings relevant to socio-cultural factors that may affect the delivery of care to individual patients in a diverse population. Self-awareness will be emphasized as a basis on which clinicians develop the competencies necessary for current and evolving clinical practice in a variety of settings.

  • HPPA 6306 Medical Psychology (3:3:0,F)

    This lecture series analyzes acute and chronic psychiatric diseases frequently encountered in primary care clinical practice. It also explores personality development, child development, normative responses to stress, psychosomatic manifestations of illness and injury, sexuality, responses to death and dying and basic counseling techniques. Adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients and a commitment to the patient’s welfare is stressed.

  • HPPA 6404 Master Project Track (4:0:4,F)

    This course is taught during the end of rotation days held at the completion of each clerkship and includes a research and writing project. The basics of biomedical research are explored prior to the writing phase. Students are instructed on the techniques necessary to search and interpret the medical literature and its application to patient care. Students prepare and submit a manuscript for evaluation. The document must be informative, established from published evidence based research and stress current and operational knowledge of new medical findings. Throughout the clinical year during grand rounds at the end of each clinical rotation, the students are instructed and monitored in the stages of developing a text suitable for publication.

  • HPPA 6501 Clinical Medicine V (5:4:2,F)

    This lecture series explores specialized and tertiary healthcare. Students learn the importance of the relationship between primary care practice and specialty practices. Areas of study include medical specialties, surgical specialties, and emergency medicine. Technical healthcare in sophisticated, research and teaching hospitals is evaluated. This course prepares the student for clinical clerkships. Discussions address appropriate protocol, behavior and dress within the clinical setting. Weekly workshops enable students to learn and perform procedures that are essential to clinical practice. Students perform histories and physical examinations and develop further case presentation skills. Case studies and patient education are incorporated into the teaching process.

  • HPPA 6601 Family Medicine Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

    This clerkship provides experience with common diseases and chronic illnesses in the family practice setting and is composed of one six-week rotation. The learning experience includes the family medicine approach to direct care, initial care, comprehensive care and continuity of care. The student participates in the promotion and application of preventive medicine and wellness maintenance techniques as an important aspect of family practice.

  • HPPA 6602 Internal Medicine Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

    This clerkship provides clinical experience with acute and chronic illnesses seen in the general internal medicine practice and is composed of one six week rotation. The student experiences the traditional approach to the comprehensive care of adult patients to include continuity of care. Clinical experience in preventive medicine, health and wellness maintenance techniques, especially in secondary and tertiary settings, is provided.

  • HPPA 6603 Prenatal Care and Gynecology Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

    This clerkship provides a six-week clinical experience in the care of prenatal and gynecologic patients. Training will emphasize the examination of the female patient with focus on the most common gynecologic problems and their diagnostic assessment, the formulation of appropriate treatment plans, the utilization of preventive medicine modalities and the evaluation and education of the pre-natal patient.

  • HPPA 6604 Pediatric Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

    The Pediatric clerkship is designed to provide PA students with experience in the specialty of pediatric medicine and is composed of one six week rotation. This clerkship provides the opportunity for students to gain general pediatric knowledge and to apply that clinical knowledge to the development of the necessary proficiency for a PA to function in a primary care pediatric setting.

  • HPPA 6605 Emergency Medicine Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

    The Emergency Medicine clerkship will provide the PA student with experience in the emergency department with urgent and emergent medical problems and with trauma and surgical cases and is composed of one six week rotation. It includes the emergency approach to direct initial and comprehensive care for patients in the acute care setting.

  • HPPA 6606 Selective Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

  • HPPA 6607 Psychiatry Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

    The six-week Psychiatry clerkship provides experience with common acute and chronic psychiatric diseases and illnesses in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. The student learns about and interacts with public and private treatment facilities for substance abusers and their affiliated support groups, local public counseling agencies, and state psychiatric facilities

  • HPPA 6608 Surgery Clerkship (6:0:40,F)

    The six-week clerkship in surgery general provides experience in the presentation and treatment of surgical disease and illness. This rotation allows the PA student to experience the approach to and the management of the surgical patient in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative phase of care.