2006-07 Catalog Archive (Archived July 31, 2006)

One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

Course Descriptions

PHA305
Clinical Laboratory Medicine
Laboratory procedures used to identify pathophysiologic processes commonly encountered in both ambulatory and hospital settings are introduced throughout this course. Students learn the appropriate technique for performing these tests as well as the appropriate rationale for ordering them. Interpretation of laboratory results is emphasized and possible treatment options discussed. Communication of laboratory results to other health care providers and indications for patient referral are stressed. Laboratory sessions are spent practicing the various techniques and applications discussed in lecture. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA315. Spring Only.

PHA310
History Taking and Interviewing Techniques
Techniques of patient interviewing and medical history taking as they apply to pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients in variety of settings. Application of classroom instruction in a laboratory environment, with emphasis on respect for others, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the patient's welfare. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Corequisite(s): PHA315 and PHA322 and PHA327 and PHA328 and PHA346.

PHA315
Pathophysiology
The focus for this course is on disease processes encountered in primary care clinical practice and specifically on the functional changes that occur as a result of disease. This material is divided into two segments. The first segment covers general principles and mechanisms of disease such as cellular damage and repair, immune response, neoplasia, effects of changes in fluid balance, etc. The second segment places its emphasis on individual diseases of various organs and systems of the body. Disorders with similar causes and those affecting similar systems are grouped and addressed together. The clinical course of each illness is emphasized to orient the student to the impact that each disease has on the whole person. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): PHA346. Fall Only.

PHA322
Pharmacology I
Principles of clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics appropriate for common medical problems encountered in clinical practice are taught. A component of the course includes instructing and counseling patients regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens. Students learn the proper technique for writing prescriptions and discuss rules and regulations that govern Physician Assistant prescriptive privileges. Cost of medications and generic alternatives are also addressed. The pharmacological principles taught in this course are integrated with the material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine series. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): PHA310 and PHA315 and PHA327 and PHA328 and PHA346. Fall Only.

PHA327
Clinical Procedures I
The focus of this three-part course is on the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are routinely performed by Physician Assistants in clinical practice. Procedures likely to be performed in both inpatient and outpatient settings will be covered, with emphasis placed on those used in primary care and emergency medicine. Therapeutic procedures used in response to life threatening situations are also addressed. The skills taught in this course are integrated with the material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine courses and will examine the impact of technological advances on the health of a society's people as well as the influence of society on healthcare practices. 2 Credits (1 Lecture - 3 Lab) Corequisite(s): HTH333 and PHA322 and PHA328 and PHA346. (Science, Technology and Society) Fall Only.

PHA328
Physical Assessment I
The focus of this three-part course is on the development of the complete physical examination skills, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, documentation of the entire exam in a systematic fashion, and a discussion of the oral presentation of the physical exam data. Laboratory sessions are designed to give the student opportunity for supervised "hands-on" practice of the material covered in lecture. This course is divided into components organized by body systems. These physical examination techniques that are taught in this course are integrated with material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine series. 2 Credits (1 Lecture - 3 Lab) Corequisite(s): PHA310 and PHA322 and PHA327 and PHA346. Fall Only.

PHA337
Clinical Procedures II
Three-part course covering the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are routinely performed by physician assistants in clinical practice. Procedures covered include those likely to be performed in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with emphasis on those used in primary care and emergency medicine. Additional procedures include those used in response to life threatening situations. Course content integrates with the material concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine II course, PHA 366. Lectures include descriptions of procedures as well as their indications, contra indication, and possible complications. Laboratory work involves supervised practice of the procedures on models and/or classmates. Documentation, including progress and procedure notes in the Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (SOAP) format, is incorporated and critiqued. 4 Credits (2 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA327. Corequisite(s): PHA305 and PHA338 and PHA342 and PHA366.

PHA338
Physical Assessment II
The focus of this three-part course is on the development of the complete physical examination skills, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, documentation of the entire exam in a systematic fashion, and a discussion of the oral presentation of physical exam data. Laboratory sessions are designed to give the student opportunity for supervised "hands-on" practice of the material covered in lecture. This course is divided into components organized by body systems. Special emphasis will include the assessment of the pediatric patient. These physical exam techniques that are taught in this course are integrated with the material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine series. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA328. Corequisite(s): PHA337 and PHA342 and PHA350 and PHA366 or PHA337 and PHA342 and PHA351 and PHA366. Spring Only.

PHA342
Pharmacology II
Principles of clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics appropriate for common medical problems encountered in clinical practice are taught. A component of the course includes instruction and counseling to patients regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens. Students learn the proper technique for writing prescriptions and discuss rules and regulations that govern Physician Assistant prescriptive privileges. Cost of medications and generic alternatives are also addressed. These pharmacological principles taught in this course are integrated with the material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine series. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA322. Corequisite(s): PHA337 and PHA338 and PHA366. Spring Only.

PHA346
Principles of Clinical Medicine I
The first in a series of three courses that uses a systems approach to teach students about the disease entities commonly encountered in ambulatory and hospitalized patients. The course focus is on understanding illness, with emphasis on the criteria for making a diagnosis (including an understanding of signs and symptoms), and developing and implementing the appropriate patient management plan. Normal and abnormal laboratory findings are incorporated, when appropriate. Exercises involving review and interpretation of current medical literature will challenge the students to extend their knowledge base and develop skills for lifelong learning. Issues related to the appropriate referral of patients are also addressed. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Fall Only.

PHA348
Psychopathology
Functional overview of the psychological manifestations of illness. Topics include the behavioral patterns related to the maintenance and restoration of health, normative responses to stress, and responses to death and dying. Additional topics include guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of those psychiatric illnesses most common to primary care practice as well as the counseling skills used to help patients cope with illness and injury, follow treatment regimens, and modify behavior. 1 Credit ( .50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab)

PHA349
Psychopathology
A clinical understanding of the medical manifestations of thalamic, limbic and cortical illness is presented. The psychiatric illnesses most common to primary care practice are reviewed. Guidelines for diagnosis and pharmacologic and behavioral treatment strategies are a primary focus. Topics addressed include behavioral health maintenance and restoration, normative and pathological adaptations to stress, and issues related to death and dying. The counseling skills used to help patients cope with stress, illness and injury, treatment compliance, and the pharmacologic and cognitive principles of modifying brain-behavioral systems are discussed. (Formerly PHA 348) 1 Credit ( .50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA315.

PHA351
Pediatrics
This course is designed to present the issues of childhood development and the childhood medical illnesses encountered in general pediatric practice. This course has a broad focus from infancy through childhood and adolescence. Emphasis in the course is placed on the normal growth and development of a well child. The clinical presentations of infections, skin disorders, behavior, nutrition, ENT, GI complaints, pulmonary, orthopedic, urological, genetic and neurological conditions are presented. Ethical issues will be addressed throughout the course covering child abuse, genetic disorders, and the management options of chronic illnesses. Clinical correlations of pediatric diagnoses will be presented in a case based format during laboratory sessions reinforcing lecture material. This course is integrated with material concurrently covered in Physical Assessment II, PHA 338. (Formerly PHA 350) 2 Credits (1.50 Lecture - 1.50 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA346. Corequisite(s): PHA338.

PHA352
Community and Public Health
This course uses a combination of lecture, guest speakers and site visits (based on availability) to help orient the student to issues in public health and to the social service agencies available as referral sites for patients. Services and facilities that address issues such as the maintenance of health, disease prevention, emotional problems of daily living, substance abuse and family planning are covered. Designated as diversity enhanced, special emphasis is placed on issues related to the provision of health care to a culturally diverse population. The cultural backgrounds of patients and their community and public health needs are explored. As a culturally enhanced course, students will participate in activities and/or assignments that emphasize the impact of ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation on the community and health care. This course has been designated as a writing enriched (WRT) course. A WRT specification means that written and oral communication skills receive intensive emphasis throughout the course. Students will be required to submit a minimum of 12 pages of formal documentation throughout the course; informal writing will also be required. This documentation will help students develop their understanding of the material and their counseling and referral skills. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) (Cultural Diversity, Writing Enriched) Summer Only.

PHA353
Issues in Physician Assistant Practice
The history of the Physician Assistant profession and the role that Physician Assistants perform in the current healthcare delivery system is reviewed. The range of responsibilities and functions of Physician Assistants, as well as the nature of their relationship to physicians and other healthcare providers is explored. Current legal regulations affecting PA practice will be reviewed. Classroom discussions will focus on professional, medical-legal and political factors currently impacting the profession. (Formerly PHA 354) 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA366. Corequisite(s): PHA352.

PHA357
Clinical Procedures III
A continuation of PHA 327 and 337, this course proceeds in the same lecture and lab format. The focus continues to be on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed by Physician Assistants in clinical practice. Documentation of procedure notes and counseling of patients regarding the procedures will be incorporated and critiqued. The skills taught in this course are integrated with the material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine series and will examine the impact of technological advances on the health of a society's people as well as the influence of society on healthcare practices. 2 Credits (1 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA327 and PHA337. Corequisite(s): PHA362 and PHA367 and PHA368. (Science, Technology and Society) Summer Only.

PHA362
Clinical Pharmacology III
Principles of clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics appropriate for common medical problems encountered in clinical practice are taught. Theory and practice include instruction and counseling to patients regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regiments, the proper technique for writing prescriptions, and the cost of medications and generic alternatives. Pharmacological principles integrate with material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine series. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA322 and PHA342. Corequisite(s): PHA357 and PHA367 and PHA368 and PHA370.

PHA366
Principles of Clinical Medicine II
Study of diseases affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal systems as well as those affecting the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Analysis include normal and abnormal laboratory and cardiographic findings, when appropriate. Emphasis on the development of patient management plans and interpretation of medical literature. A portion of the laboratory work is devoted to identification, diagnosis and treatment of dermatologic conditions. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA346. Corequisite(s): PHA305 and PHA328 and PHA337 and PHA342.

PHA367
Principles of Clinical Medicine III
A continuation of PHA 366, this course proceeds in the same lecture and lab format and addresses diseases affecting the gastrointestinal, reproductive, musculoskeletal and neurologic systems. Development of patient management plans and interpretation of medical literature continue to be incorporated throughout the course. Normal and abnormal laboratory and radiographic findings are also incorporated, when appropriate. Special topics in clinical medicine such as alcoholism, human sexuality, HIV infection, diseases of aging and sports injuries are addressed. 4 Credits (3 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA366. Summer Only.

PHA368
Physical Assessment III
The focus of this three-part course is on the development of the complete physical examination skills, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, documentation of the entire exam in a systematic fashion, and a discussion of the oral presentation of physical exam data. Laboratory sessions are designed to give the student opportunity for supervised "hands-on" practice of the material covered in lecture. This course is divided into components organized by body systems. Special emphasis will include the assessment of the geriatric patient. These physical examination techniques that are taught in this course are integrated with the material that is concurrently presented in the Clinical Medicine series. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA328 and PHA338. Corequisite(s): PHA357 and PHA362 and PHA367 and PHA370. Summer Only.

PHA370
Clinical Decision Making
Clinical decisions will be taught in a controlled laboratory environment. Principles and guidelines for organizing and developing a structured approach to thinking about patient care are addressed during lectures, with lab sessions devoted to the practice of these skills in simulated patient scenarios. X-ray, CT/MRI, laboratory reports, EKG's, and other data are incorporated into the course in a computer format, whenever possible, to create the most realistic approach. The scenarios are complete and require thorough decision making at all levels, from patient presentation to treatment or referral. New medical evidence will be researched by literature searches and presented as it applies to the scenarios discussed. 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA346 and PHA366.

PHA409
Physician Assistant Internship Seminar I
Seminar presented in conjunction with the Clinical Internship I - III upon return to campus that emphasizes lifelong learning, beginning with the ability to ask relevant clinical questions concerning the patient care afforded during the internship. The Patient population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) format is used to develop evidence-based medicine queries that require literature searches to provide an answer. Course work results in clinical questions that will be used to write the Capstone Paper. (Formerly PHA 410) 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA370.

PHA411
Family Practice Internship
This course provides direct patient contact for the purpose of evaluating, diagnosing, monitoring, treating and educating patients under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. During these clinical encounters, the opportunity is given to incorporate knowledge learned in the didactic year with the clinical setting. A minimum of 48 hours/week will be spent in this setting to afford quality exposure to patient care. Evening and weekend hours of patient care are expected. Clinical skills are enhanced through the ability to perform them in a real life setting. The internship takes place in clinical education sites in which a physician or physician/PA team renders patient care. Placement options will be determined by the program. 4 Credits (0 Lecture - 20 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA357 and PHA362 and PHA367 and PHA368 and PHA370. Corequisite(s): PHA410.

PHA412
Internal Medicine Internship
This internship affords the opportunity for direct patient contact to evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat and educate patients under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. Experience in applying the knowledge learned in the didactic year to the clinical setting is essential to learning the practice of medicine. A minimum of 48 hours/week will be spent in this setting to afford quality exposure to patient care. Evening and weekend hours of patient care are expected. Clinical skills are enhanced by the ability to perform them in a real life setting. The internship takes place in clinical education sites in which a physician or physician/PA team renders patient care. Placement options will be determined by the program. 4 Credits (0 Lecture - 20 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA357 and PHA362 and PHA367 and PHA368 and PHA370. Corequisite(s): PHA409 or PHA422.

PHA416
Psychiatry Internship
This internship allows for direct patient contact and an opportunity to evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat and educate patients under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. Didactics and self-directed learning activities will cover psychiatric therapeutics. This Internship will take place in clinical education sites in which a physician or physician/PA team renders patient care. Placement options will be determined by the program. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA348 and PHA370. Corequisite(s): PHA409 or PHA422.

PHA417
Surgery Internship
This course will take place in clinical education sites in which a physician or physician/PA team renders patient care. Placement options will be determined by the program. This internship which is a minimum 48 hours/week and a maximum of 80 hours/week, overnight and weekend call are expected, allowing direct patient contact and an opportunity to evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat and educate patients under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. Initiative to acquire maximum OR exposure, pre- and post-op patient encounter is required to demonstrate on-going clinical competency. 4 Credits (0 Lecture - 20 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA352 and PHA353 and PHA357 and PHA362 and PHA367 and PHA368 and PHA370. Corequisite(s): PHA409 or PHA422.

PHA418
Elective Internship
Work experience to be completed in a medical, surgical, or subspecialty clinical setting in which a physician/PA team renders patient care. Designed to allow direct patient contact and an opportunity to evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat, and educate patients under the direct supervision of a licensed physician/physician assistant. Placement options will be determined by the program administrators. Completion requires a minimum 40 hours/week for five weeks; however, overnight and weekend calls may be required in some subspecialty care. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA357 and PHA370 and PHA411. Corequisite(s): PHA409 or PHA422.

PHA419
Obstetrics and Gynecology Internship
This internship affords the opportunity for direct patient contact to evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat and educate patients under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. Experience in applying the knowledge learned in the didactic year to the clinical setting is essential to learning the practice of medicine. A minimum of 48 hours/week will be spent in this setting to afford quality exposure to patient care. Evening and weekend hours of patient care are expected. Clinical skills are enhanced by the ability to perform them in a real life setting. The internship takes place in clinical education sites in which a physician or physician/PA team renders patient care. (Formerly PHA 413) 4 Credits (0 Lecture - 20 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA357 and PHA362 and PHA367 and PHA368 and PHA370. Corequisite(s): PHA409 or PHA422.

PHA420
Internship Seminar II
These seminars are offered in conjunction wth Clinical Internships I - VIII and occur on designated dates during a return to campus. The seminars allow an opportunity to review internship progress, encourage successes, and identify areas of weakness that require additional work. The review process includes: test taking, an analysis of preceptor evaluations and a review of feedback, demonstrations of self-reflection and the practice of oral presentation skills. A series of written assignments are given that will culminate in the capstone project. This process builds on previous coursework requiring a facility in self-reflection, communication, and the use of evidence-based resources. It requires a demonstrated commitment to life-long learning skills. 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA370.

PHA421
Pediatrics Internship
This internship affords the opportunity for direct patient contact to evaluate, diagnose, monitor, treat and educate patients under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. Experience in applying the knowledge learned in the didactic year to the clinical setting is essential to learning the practice of medicine. A minimum of 40 hours/week will be spent in this setting to afford quality exposure to patient care. Clinical skills are enhanced by the ability to perform them in the real life setting. The internship takes place in clinical education sites in which a physician or physician/PA team renders patient care. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA338 and PHA351 and PHA357 and PHA362 and PHA367 and PHA368 and PHA370. Corequisite(s): PHA409 or PHA422.

PHA422
Physician Assistant Internship Seminar II
Seminar presented in conjunction with the Clinical Internship IV-VI upon return to campus that emphasizes lifelong learning by developing the skills needed to thoroughly and effectively search the Internet and other available medical databases. Emphasis on evaluating types of research articles and keywords that best answer specific clinical questions. Full text, original research articles are the basis of group discussion. Course work includes the development of bibliographies in preparation for the written Capstone project. (Formerly PHA 420) 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA370 and PHA409.

PHA490
Clinical Preceptorship
This course provides direct patient contact for the purpose of evaluating, diagnosing, monitoring, treating and educating patients with a higher level of responsibility under the direct supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. During this clinical encounter, the opportunity is given to incorporate knowledge learned in the didactic year with prior experience in the clinical setting. This clinical encounter may take place in a Family Practice, Internal Medicine or Urgent Care setting. A minimum of 48 hours/week will be spent in this setting to afford quality exposure to patient care. Evening and weekend hours of patient care are expected. Clinical skills are enhanced through the ability to perform them in a real life setting. The internship takes place in clinical education sites in which a physician or physician/PA team renders patient care. Placement options will be determined by the program. 4 Credits (0 Lecture - 20 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA370 and PHA410 and PHA420 or PHA370 and PHA409 and PHA422. Corequisite(s): PHA495 or PHA496.

PHA496
Senior Capstone
Project that promotes the life-long learning process through completion of a written research paper that integrates asking appropriate clinical questions, searching for relevant answers, and interjecting one's own medical opinion. Project results in a 15-page document written for potential publication in physician assistant journals. (Formerly PHA495) 1 Credit (1 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PHA357 and PHA370 and PHA409 and PHA411 and PHA422. (Cultural Diversity, Writing Enriched)