Functions and tasks that graduates of The University of Findlay (UF) Physician Assistant Program are expected to perform align with both the published Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession (2003) and the examination content blueprint published by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

The UF physician assistant graduates are expected to be able to function as health professionals who when licensed can practice medicine with physician supervision to respond to the needs of their patients in ways that will improve their quality of life. Using the six published competency categories as a guiding framework for defining function domains, our graduates are expected to demonstrate competency in the areas of medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, patient care, professionalism, practice based learning, and systems based practice.

The program goals and outcomes are as follows:  

At the satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Master of Physician Assistant degree from The University of Findlay, the graduate will be able to:

1. Evaluate diverse clinical situations by applying knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, patient presentation, differential diagnosis, patient management, surgical principles, and health promotion and disease prevention. 
   • Apply medical knowledge and clinical reasoning to interpret information gathered from the history, physical examination and diagnostic procedures to formulate, develop, and implement appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management plans for a diverse patient population across the age span.
   • Competently perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures expected of the generalist physician assistant.  
2. Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that facilitate the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, families, and other health professionals.
   • Provide patient education and counseling through the effective use of appropriate communication techniques while demonstrating awareness of cultural diversity.
   •  Accurately and adequately document and record information regarding the care process for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes. 
3. Provide care that is effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness as a member of the health care team.
   • Demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients and their families to establish a therapeutic patient-provider relationship.
   • Provide services and education aimed at preventing health problems and maintaining health.
   • Establish rapport with team members, maintain appropriate boundaries in work and learning situations, relate well to students, faculty, and health care professionals in a collaborative environment. 
4. Demonstrate professionalism by practicing in a competent, legal, and ethical manner as a physician assistant as a member of the health care team, serving a population of patients of all ages in diverse environments.
   • Demonstrate sensitivity and compassion to patients in need, takes time and effort to explain information to patients and to listen empathetically to the sick patient and their concerns, shows respect for patient’s confidentiality and puts the patient’s best interest first.
   • Exhibit adherence to legal and regulatory requirements and ethical practices in relation to duty of care and inter-professional teamwork.  
5. Assess and improve delivery of patient care through appropriate use of learning resources, self-reflection, and commitment to lifelong learning.
   • Locate, appraise, and integrate evidence from scientific studies related to patient health problems.
   • Critically evaluate own performance to identify strengths and develop plans to resolve weaknesses.
   • Apply information technology to manage information, access on-line medical information, and facilitate lifelong learning.
   • Appropriately address gender, cultural, cognitive, emotional, and other biases; gaps in medical knowledge; and physical limitations in themselves and others.  
6. Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that is of optimal value, and demonstrate an understanding of needs and priorities for cost-effective health care, resource allocation, and uncompromised quality of care.
   • Effectively function within different types of medical practice and delivery systems.
   • Demonstrate knowledge of different types of payment systems in health care.
   • Collaborate with supervising physician and other health care providers to promote a safe environment for the delivery of quality patient care.  

Graduates of the program are expected to be able to safely engage at minimum in the following clinical tasks as these are technical procedures taught during the program:

1. Elicit a detailed and accurate medical history for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.
2. Communicate and participate effectively within the health care team.
3. Perform an appropriate physical examination for a male or female patient of any age.
4. Apply standard precautions appropriately in all clinical settings.
5. Create appropriate medical documentation including:
   • Comprehensive history and physical examination
   • SOAP note
   • Procedure note
   • Orders
   • Prescriptions
6. Apply medical knowledge and clinical reasoning to determine patient diagnoses.
7. Select and interpret the results of common diagnostic studies including:
   • Blood tests (hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology)
   • Urine, stool, and cerebrospinal fluid studies
   • Electrocardiograms
   • Common radiographic views of the chest, abdomen, and extremities
   • Reports of CT and MRI imaging
8.  Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including:
   • Injections (intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular)
   • Arterial blood gas collection
   • EKG
   • Peak flows
   • Venipuncture
   • Intravenous catheterization
   • Urinary catheterization
   • Obtaining cultures
   • Ear irrigation
   • Nasogastric tube insertion
   • Pap smear
   • Stool for occult blood
   • Local anesthesia
   • Wound care
   • Wound closure
   • Sterile technique
   • Surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving
   • Suturing
   • Knot tying
   • Staples
   • Perform CPR & ACLS
   • Assist with surgical procedures
9. Develop and implement patient management plans including appropriate use of pharmacological agents.
10. Provide appropriate patient education.

(Updated 7/19/2011)