Goals and Competencies

Benchmark: Annually, the PA Program will plan and host (6) recruitment activities that are distributed in a broad range of locations and types of settings 

Data Source: Graduate admissions operations data 

Benchmark: Mean ratings of student satisfaction of at least a 3.5 out of 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale rating academic advising and student support services as helpful

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

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: Mean ratings of 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: Mean ratings of at least a 3.5 out of 5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale for rating students as effective for communication skills practiced during interprofessional education (IPE) events

Data Source: IPE completion surveys

Benchmark: Mean ratings of at least a 3.5 out of 5.0 on 5- point Likert scale for rating clinical year students effective at interpersonal communication and collaboration as a member of a healthcare team during their Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs)

Data Source: Preceptor evaluation of students

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

Data Source: Service-learning participation records

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.