Competencies, which are summative in nature, encapsulate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for entry into clinical Physician Assistant practice. As such, the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies has defined the core competencies expected of its graduates. Not only do the competencies culminate the program’s expectations of the student, but they also serve as a framework to underpin the curriculum and establish a robust foundation on which graduates can build a future career.
Medical Knowledge (MK)
Medical knowledge must be focused on core evidence-based knowledge for practice. Physician assistants must demonstrate the acquisition of established knowledge in scientific, biomedical, and clinical sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care in clinical practice. Moreover, the graduate PAs should incorporate epidemiological and social/behavioral approaches to various patients and populations, while demonstrating the propensity for life-long learning and critical appraisal of evolving medical knowledge. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of scientific principles and application to patient care.
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Demonstrate biomedical knowledge regarding the recognition, treatment, and prevention of disease.
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Demonstrate knowledge and application of clinical sciences to patient care.
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Apply evidence-based and epidemiological approaches to patient care for patients and populations.
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Apply principles of social-behavioral sciences by assessing the impact of psychosocial and cultural influences on health, disease, care-seeking, and compliance.
Interpersonal Skills (IS)
In healthcare, physician assistants must demonstrate the necessary interpersonal skills to allow for effective interaction with patients, families, collaborating physicians, and other health professionals. As such, these skills are considered an inherent component of healthcare delivery, allowing for effective communication and the exchange of information. Interpersonal skills, influenced by a Christian worldview, will foster altruism and service to fulfill the calling of a physician assistant. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Create and maintain a therapeutic relationship with patients, family members, and caregivers while demonstrating sensitivity and responsiveness to a diverse patient population, including but not limited to diversity in gender, age, culture, race, religion, disabilities, and sexual orientation.
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Create a collegial partnership with other members of the healthcare team in order to provide patient-centered care.
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Adapt communication skills to the context of the interaction to allow for the effective exchange of information.
Clinical & Technical Skills (CTS)
Patient-centered care requires patient- and setting-specific clinical and technical skills to assess, evaluate, and manage patients presenting with a wide range of diseases. Similarly, these skills are also required for the promotion of health in patients and populations. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Obtain essential and accurate histories and perform an appropriate physical exam for ages across the lifespan, regardless of presentation.
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Order & interpret appropriate diagnostic studies.
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Develop a differential diagnosis and select the most appropriate working diagnosis.
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Perform medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures considered essential for entry-level PA practice.
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Develop and implement therapeutic plans and interventions.
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Provide counseling that is culturally sensitive and relevant to the context of the encounter.
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Accurately and adequately provide comprehensive documentation regarding care for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes in a timely manner.
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Provide concise oral case presentations appropriate for the audience and context of the presentation.
Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Skills (CRPS)
The practice of patient-centered healthcare requires the persistent use of sound clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to analyze information and synthesize treatment plans. Additionally, said skills must be developed and maintained in order to triage and provide appropriate care. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an investigative and analytical approach to clinical situations.
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Recognize normal and abnormal health states in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
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Discern between acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.
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Prioritize therapeutic actions and clinical care decisions based on available data.
Professional Behaviors (PB)
Physician Assistants must demonstrate strict adherence to professional responsibilities, remaining accountable to our colleagues and the public, in addition to the patients and populations we serve. Physician assistants must demonstrate a high level of trust, ethical practice, and commitment to the standards of the profession. Upon graduation: the PA student will be able to:
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Appraise the role of the physician assistant in the delivery of healthcare and the contexts of the physician/PA relationship and the interprofessional team.
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Differentiate the functions of the various members of the interprofessional health care team to promote a climate of mutual respect and trust.
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Demonstrate self-awareness in recognition of personal/professional limitations.
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Maintain loyalty to ethical principles of practice.
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Adhere to standards of care, and to relevant laws, policies, and regulations that govern the delivery of care.
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Engage in systems-based practice through coordination of care, while maintaining cost awareness, risk/benefit analysis, and advocacy efforts.
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Use critical analysis of practice patterns to learn and improve patient care and outcomes, while identifying ways to improve efficiency and reduce medical error.
