Physician Assistant Studies (PAST)
PAST 601 RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRACTICE (3)
Examination of theory and methodology for designing and coordinating qualitative and quantitative research, including data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: Admission to program.
PAST 603 MEDICINE I (2)
Physiological and pathological mechanisms of disease process; treatment and preventive aspects of care are included. Prerequisite: program admission.
PAST 604 MEDICINE II (6)
Second course in physiological and pathological mechanisms of the disease process, treatment and prevention. Prerequisites: Admission to program and completion of Medicine I.
PAST 605 MEDICINE III (2)
Third course in physiological and pathological mechanisms of the disease process, treatment and prevention. Prerequisites: Admission to program and completion of Medicine I and II.
PAST 606 PEDIATRICS I (2)
Clinical assessment and management of disease in infant to adolescent patients. Prerequisites: Admission to program and completion of Medicine I.
PAST 607 PEDIATRICS II (2)
A second course in clinical assessment and management of disease in infant to adolescent patients. Prerequisites: Admission to program and completion of Pediatrics I.
PAST 608 MEDICINE IV (6)
The fourth course in physiological and pathological mechanisms of the disease process, treatment and prevention. Prerequisites: Admission to program and completion of Medicine III.
PAST 609 PHARMACOLOGY I (2)
First of two courses in pharmacology dealing with initiating a monitoring routine drug therapy. Included are the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Prerequisites: Admission to program and completion of Medicine I.
PAST 610 PHARMACOLOGY II (2)
The second of two courses in pharmacology dealing with initiating a monitoring routine drug therapy. Included are the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Prerequisites: Admission to program and completion of Pharmacology I.
PAST 612 PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE (2)
A presentation of the dynamics of health and disease in human populations and introduces services and facilities for the maintenance of health and prevention of illness. This course is an exploration of the concepts of demography, epidemiology, environmental health, provision of medical services, preventive medicine, and infectious disease; addresses basic principles of health policy making. Prerequisite: program admission.
PAST 614 PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN MEDICINE I (2)
An exploration of the psychological processes underlying human behavior in medical settings. Emphasis is on the dynamics of the patient-health provider relationship, including communication skills, approaches to patients, working with special populations, cross-cultural communication, stress and disease, chronic illness, adherence, domestic violence, human sexuality issues, and death and dying. This course is restricted to those students enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. Prerequisite: program admission.
PAST 616 PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN MEDICINE II (2)
An extension of the students’ knowledge of the psychological processes underlying human behavior and psychiatric disorders. Emphasis is on psychiatric principles in primary care; examination of concepts in the diagnosis and treatment of the major classes of psychiatric disorders; psychiatric emergencies in primary care; special issues in geriatric mental health; and prevention, recognition and intervention of child abuse and sexual assault. This course is restricted to those students enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. Prerequisite: PAST 614.
PAST 624 GROSS ANATOMY (2)
An introduction to the inter-relationship of anatomical structures and the influence of one on the other in health and disease. This course includes an off-site cadaver laboratory and is a course for preparing the entering Physician Assistant student for future courses in medicine. Prerequisite: program admission.
PAST 625 HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (2)
An exploration of the basic structural, functional, and pathological foundations needed for the understanding of disease processes in humans; covers the reaction of the human body to disease from the cellular to multi-system level; prepares the entering Physician Assistant for future courses in medicine and prevention. Prerequisite: program admission.
PAST 626 ETHICS, ISSUES AND TRENDS IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRACTICE (3)
An examination of the critical issues that shape the past, present, and future of the Physician Assistant Profession. Application and discussion of the principles of medical ethics to complex and controversial topics in healthcare facing the practicing Physician Assistant is important. This course is an exploration of the unique contribution of physician assistant profession as an integrated member of the healthcare team in a patient centered model of healthcare. A critical part of this course is the examination of common legal and political issues affecting healthcare providers. This course is an extension of the understanding of cultural diversity as an influential component of the patient’s healthcare experience. A key component of this course is the application of the principles learned in this course through medical decision-making scenarios and group presentations. Prerequisite: program admission.
PAST 630 DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES I (2)
An exploration in providing proficiency in performing, ordering, and interpreting diagnostic studies. Covers ordering and interpretation of radiographs, imaging studies, and electrocardiograms; gives students opportunity to perform 12 lead EKG studies. Prerequisite: PAST 625.
PAST 631 DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES II (2)
An exploration on how to perform and interpret basic diagnostic and laboratory tests; emphasizes those tests necessary to assess complaints common to the ambulatory, hospitalized, and emergency medicine patient. Areas of diagnostic and clinical laboratory studies covered will include hematology, clinical chemistry, serology, urinalysis, blood banking, and microbiology. Course includes training in advanced cardiovascular life support essential for healthcare professionals such as physicians, physician assistants, nurses and paramedics. Prerequisite: PAST 630.
PAST 632 DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES III (2)
An exploration on how to perform and interpret basic diagnostic and laboratory tests; emphasizes those tests necessary to assess complaints common to the ambulatory, hospitalized, and emergency medicine patient. Prerequisite: PAST 631.
PAST 636 BASIC PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS (2)
An introduction to the diagnostic process focusing on the proper methods of obtaining, performing, recording, and presenting patient history and physical examinations; emphasizes interpersonal communication skills; presents a system approach to performing the physical examination and an overview of common symptoms. Requires students to act as surrogates for other students. Prerequisite: program admission.
PAST 637 ADVANCED PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS (2)
An exploration of advanced diagnostic processes focusing on specific systems' examination techniques, special maneuvers for pathology and special populations, including obtaining, recording and presenting patient histories and physical examinations; advancing interpersonal communication skills; presenting a system-by-system approach to performing the physical examination and neurological examination with problem-focused symptomatology; and, verbal and written presentations of complete and focused examinations. Students are expected to serve as surrogates for other students. Prerequisite: PAST 636.
PAST 650 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE (4)
An exploration on the processes to develop basic clinical skills presented in PAST 636 and PAST 637, focusing on the diagnostic process and elements of clinical management. Students will be assigned to a clinical setting working with patients in health care settings to develop and practice clinical skills. These skills include history taking, physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment, management, and documentation. Prerequisites: PAST 636 and PAST 637.
PAST 651 CLINICAL PRACTICUM I (6)
Clinical experience designed for the application of principles of the practice of medicine. Demonstration of increasing skill mastery through provision of patient care from presentation through follow-up including diagnostic evaluation and patient management. Prerequisite: PAST 650.
PAST 652 CLINICAL PRACTICUM II (6)
Clinical experience designed for the application of principles of the practice of medicine. Demonstration of increasing skill mastery through provision of patient care from presentation through follow-up including diagnostic evaluation and patient management. Prerequisite: PAST 651.
PAST 653 PA CLINICAL PRACTICUM III (6)
Clinical experience designed for the application of principles of the practice of medicine. Demonstration of increasing skill mastery through provision of patient care from presentation through follow-up including diagnostic evaluation and patient management. Prerequisites: successful completion of first two clinical courses in clinical year sequence PAST 251 and PAST 252 (CCBC courses).
PAST 654 PA CLINICAL PRACTICUM IV (3)
Clinical experience designed for the application of principles of the practice of medicine. Demonstration of increasing skill mastery through provision of patient care from presentation through follow-up including diagnostic evaluation and patient management. Prerequisites: successful completion of first three clinical courses in clinical year sequence PAST 251 and PAST 252 (CCBC courses) and PAST 653.
PAST 655 CLINICAL PRACTICUM V (11)
Clinical experience designed for the application of principles of the practice of medicine. Demonstration of increasing skill mastery through provision of patient care from presentation through follow-up including diagnostic evaluation and patient management. Prerequisite: successful completion of first four clinical courses in clinical year sequence.
PAST 670 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (1-6)
A study of contemporary topics in Physician Assistant studies. The specific requirements and prerequisites will vary with each topic and will be designated by the program. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 units provided a different topic is taken each time.
PAST 730 CLINICAL MANAGEMENT I (2)
The first of a two-course sequence of case-based learning seminars and student grand rounds presentations. Permission required; registration limited to those admitted to the program. Prerequisites: Medicine IV, Pediatrics II, Pharmacology II, successful completion of all year 1 courses.
PAST 731 CLINICAL MANAGEMENT II (2)
The second of a two-course sequence of case-based learning seminars and student grand rounds presentations. Permit required; registration limited to those admitted into the program. Prerequisites: Medicine IV, Pediatrics II, Pharmacology II, successful completion of all year 1 courses.
PAST 756 FINAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM (6)
Capstone clinical experience designed for the application of principles of the practice of medicine. Provide patient care from presentation through follow-up including diagnostic evaluation and patient management. Prerequisites: PAST 251, PAST 252, PAST 253, PAST 254; (the PAST program is offered collaboratively between TU and CCBC Essex; both TU and CCBC courses are required in the program; PAST 251, PAST 252, PAST 253, PAST 254 are CCBC courses).
PAST 801 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT GRADUATE SEMINAR (1)
The first of two research project courses for Physician Assistant students. Completion and presentation of graduate research proposal. Prerequisites: admission to program and completion of PAST 601.
PAST 802 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT GRADUATE PROJECT (1)
Completion of research project and final presentation of findings. Taken final year of program. Prerequisites: Admission into Physician Assistant Studies Program and PAST 801 Physician Assistant Graduate Seminar.