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Program Competencies

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Competency Domains and Program-Defined Learning Outcomes

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½É«ÇéƬ Physician Assistant Program has developed a list of expected competencies, termed Program-Defined Learning Outcomes (PLOs), that are required for all Program graduates. Our Program competencies (PLOs) are derived from current competency-based medical education literature and are aligned with our Program’s unique mission and goals. Each individual PLO is mapped to at least one of the competency domains. As a requirement for graduation, students must demonstrate competency in each PLO and are assessed with the Program’s summative evaluations.  

Competency Domains:

• Medical Knowledge
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Clinical Skills
• Technical Skills
• Professionalism & Professional Practice
• Clinical Reasoning & Problem Solving

Program-Defined Learning Outcomes

• PLO 1 – Demonstrate comprehensive biomedical and clinical knowledge across all major human organ systems
• PLO 2 – Distinguish between normal and abnormal health conditions and disease states
• PLO 3 – Communicate clinical information effectively verbally or via written documentation
• PLO 4 – Provide appropriate patient-centered education
• PLO 5 – Demonstrate appropriate patient interviewing and history taking
• PLO 6 – Perform an appropriate physical examination
• PLO 7 – Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies
• PLO 8 – Develop a patient-centered therapeutic management plan
• PLO 9 – Provide referral of patients to other providers as appropriate
• PLO 10 – Perform technical skills and procedures competently and safely
• PLO 11 – Demonstrate appropriate professional behaviors
• PLO 12 – Demonstrate application of knowledge of the PA role
• PLO 13 – Generate an appropriate differential diagnosis list
• PLO 14 – Formulate an appropriate clinical diagnosis
• PLO 15 – Make clinical decisions using an evidence-based approach