Graduate Competencies and Program-Defined Expectations
The program will instill in the graduate the knowledge, interpersonal, clinical and
technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving
abilities required for PA practice. Specifically, the graduate will be able to:
PDE 1: Provide care across the lifespan, regardless of medical condition, gender, race,
ethnicity, or other diverse quality.
PDE 2: Apply knowledge of basic sciences with a focus on clinical application.
PDE 3: Elicit a detailed and accurate history, and perform a comprehensive physical exam.
PDE 4: Obtained a directed history based on patient presentation, and perform a focused
PDE 5: Communicate effectively as a health care professional.
PDE 6: Work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team in providing appropriate patient care.
PDE 7: Analyze, integrate, and synthesize data from the patient medical record.
PDE 8: Draw upon a fund of medical knowledge in order to formulate a differential diagnosis.
PDE 9: Identify, order, perform, and interpret the appropriate diagnostic studies or procedures.
PDE 10: Formulate and document an individual management plan.
PDE 11: Provide health education to the patient, his / her family members, or significant
PDE 12: Perform the following clinical skills as dictated by the situation:
venipuncture; nasogastric tube placement; intubation; casting; splinting; suturing; urinary catheterization; speculum exam; ECGs; arterial blood gasses; injections; arthrocentesis; and incision and drainage.
PDE 13: Manage life-threatening emergencies by employing ACLS and/or BCLS.
PDE 14: Apply the principles and practice of medical ethics.
PDE 15: Utilize knowledge of study designs and statistical methods in the appraisal of medical
PDE 16: Employ information technology to locate best available evidence to provide patient
PDE 17: Promote and maintain professional competencies and life-long learning.
PDE 18: Promote ongoing acceptance and understanding of the PA's role by practicing collegially with other health care professionals.