Goals and Competencies

Benchmark: Annually, the PA Program will plan and host (6) recruitment activities that focus on reaching applicants with varied life experiences. 

Data Source: Graduate Admission and Enrollment data

Benchmark: 90% of the student cohort will rate program support and institutional support services at least a 3.5 out of 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale.

Data Source: End of didactic and clinical phase surveys; graduate survey and alumni survey

Benchmark: Faculty support of students defined as 100% of faculty completing at least one advising session per student advisee per semester.

Data Source: Student advising records

Benchmark: First-time test taker pass rate for PANCE at or above the national average.

Data Source: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) PANCE performance reports

Benchmark: 85% of students passing the PA program’s summative evaluation during the final four months of the program curriculum.

Data Source: Summative student performance records

Benchmark: 90% of the student cohort is rated at least a 3.5 out of 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale for demonstrating clinical competence during Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs).

Data Source: Preceptor evaluation of students

Benchmark: 100% of the PA program’s curriculum mapped to the ARC-PA and NCCPA Blueprint content and task categories.

Data Source: Audit of curriculum mapping

Benchmark: 85% of students will rate at least a 3.5 out of 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale in communication skills as assessed by Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs) utilized throughout the curriculum.

Data Source: OSCE student performance records

Benchmark: 90% of student cohort will rate interprofessional education (IPE) events at least a 3.5 out of 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale.

Benchmark: At least 50% of students have leadership positions in organizations at the PA program, local, state or national level 

Data Source: Membership and registration data

Benchmark: 75% of students maintaining membership in professional organizations (i.e. Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) and American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA))

Data Source: Membership and registration data

Benchmark: 90% of faculty have leadership roles across the college, or through involvement at the state, regional or national level

Data Source: Annual faculty performance review

Benchmark: Student engagement in least 20 hours of community service annually 

Data Source: Service-learning participation records

Benchmark: 80% of faculty engage in community outreach efforts annually

Data Source: Annual faculty performance review

1.1 Demonstrate understanding of biomedical and clinical sciences to include anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and the mechanisms of common diseases for all major organ systems to provide culturally sensitive patient care across the life span.

1.2 Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies to develop differential diagnosis.

1.3 Develop individualized therapeutic management plans using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities.

2.1 Demonstrate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills to elicit and provide effective exchange of information to patients, their families, and all members of the health care team.

2.2 Use interpersonal and communication skills to foster a collaborative community that promotes respectful dialogue across differences.

3.1 Demonstrate proficiency in performing a history and physical examination across the lifespan.

3.2 Demonstrate proficiency in performing essential medical and surgical procedural skills for entry into PA Practice.

3.3 Use information technology to support patient care decisions and patient education.

4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the laws and regulations that govern PA professional practice.

4.2 Demonstrate respect for others in health care decision making.

4.3 Exhibit responsible and ethical practice in patient-centered care.

5.1 Critically interpret and analyze collected data to formulate differential diagnoses, therapeutic care plans, and appropriate preventative strategies.

5.2 Applies knowledge of evidence-based medicine to provide patient-centered care.