Phase II (16 Weeks)

GSPA 733-01 Pathophysiology (5 credits)
This course involves the study of the underlying biochemical, cellular, and physiological changes occurring in human disease with an emphasis on those most commonly encountered. The integration of laboratory medicine with general pathology serves to prepare the students for their clinical medicine courses.

GSPA 720-01 Clinical Laboratory Medicine (2 credits)
This course will provide the Physician Assistant student with an overview of commonly utilized laboratory tests, the appropriate application of these tests in a clinical setting, and the interpretation of selected clinical laboratory data. The course will include basic laboratory techniques, application of CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) regulations, quality control (QC), and quality measures related to medical diagnostic lab testing.

GSPA 723-01 Radiology (1 credit)
This course introduces PA Students to the principles of radiological imaging. Students will learn about conventional x-ray, computerized tomography, angiography, sonography, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and radioisotope scanning using a problem-solving approach. Common pathologic processes are introduced and compared to normal studies. Small-group sessions are focused on the chest, abdomen, pelvis, skull & orbit, head & neck, and musculoskeletal system.

GSPA 721-01 Patient Communication I (2 credits)
This sequenced course is designed to provide students the skills necessary to become proficient in communication – including verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and medical writing skills. Communication is recognized as a core component in the practice of medicine. Communication bridges the gap between evidence-based medicine and the patient. Research has shown that good communication between provider and patient results in improved patient outcomes by more accurate diagnosis, increased patient adherence, increased provider job satisfaction, and decreased malpractice claims.

GSPA734-01 Pharmacology I (3 credits)
This is a foundational course which utilizes a clinical approach to pharmacology, emphasizing the fundamentals of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. The course focuses on the relationship between drugs and receptors, adverse drug reactions, toxicity, indications and contraindications of drugs. Pharmaco-therapeutics with application to clinical patient scenarios is also incorporated in this course.

GSPA 726-01 Behavioral Medicine (3 credits)
The course will present an introduction to the neurobiological, psychobiological, emotional, social, and cultural influences on health and illness in the practice of primary care medicine. Personality, sexual, emotional, and behavioral development across the lifespan including end of life issues will be reviewed. Normative and maladaptive responses to developmental tasks and life stressors in relation to physical and emotional health will be emphasized. Principles of violence, identification and prevention will be examined. Instruction and practice in basic counseling skills for patient health care management and implementation of healthier lifestyle practices will be an important focus throughout the course.

MSPH 76401 – Foundations in Public Health (3 credits)
This hybrid course introduces public health theory and concepts, describing the scientific foundation of public health. It examines the purpose, history, organization, functions, activities, and outcomes of public health practice at the global, national, state, and local community levels. Prominent historical events of public health and current day debates will open the student to the evolution of public health. This course provides an overview of the cornerstones of public health: epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, behavioral and community health and health policy. At the conclusion of this course, the successful student will have an appreciation for public health theoretical concepts and the foundations by which public health cultivated into the comprehensive, applied health field it is today.