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Competencies/Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

(Aligned to ARC-PA 6th ed.: A2.05, A3.11g, B1.01b, B1.03e, B3.05, B4.03)

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Physician Assistant Program is designed to ensure that graduates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary for entry-level clinical practice. At graduation, each student is expected to meet defined Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), which serve as measurable evidence of academic and professional achievement.

These PLOs are aligned with five core competency domains required by ARC-PA. While PLOs define what students must demonstrate by program end, the competency domains describe how graduates are expected to apply these abilities in clinical roles.

Competency/PLO 1: Clinical and Technical Skills (B4.03a)

Graduates will perform the clinical and technical skills necessary to evaluate, treat, and educate patients across the lifespan and in varied clinical settings.
Sub-competencies

1. Obtain, perform, and document histories and physical examinations across the lifespan
2. Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures safely and effectively
3. Select, order and interpret diagnostic tests appropriately
4. Provide patient education, counseling and referrals
5. Accurately document patient encounters and procedures

Competency/PLO 2: Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities (B4.03b)

Graduates will apply sound clinical reasoning to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed care plans.
Sub-competencies

1. Formulate prioritized differential diagnoses and problem lists
2. Design individualized treatment plans using pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions
3. Apply clinical reasoning across preventive, acute, chronic, emergent, rehabilitative, palliative and end-of-life care
4. Monitor, evaluate, and adjust management based on outcomes and evolving clinical information

Competency/PLO 3: Interpersonal and Communication Skills (B4.03c)

Graduates will communicate effectively with patients, families, and the health care team to facilitate shared decision-making and patient-centered care.
Sub-competencies

1. Demonstrate effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication across settings
2. Engage patients, families and caregivers in shared decision-making
3. Conduct difficult conversations (e.g., bad news, prognosis, errors) with honesty, sensitivity and empathy
4. Collaborate effectively with interprofessional team members to optimize patient care

Competency/PLO 4: Medical Knowledge (B4.03d)

Graduates will apply foundational and clinical medical knowledge to deliver safe and effective patient care.
Sub-competencies

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic and clinical sciences underlying health and disease
2. Differentiate normal from abnormal states across the lifespan
3. Apply evidence-based guidelines and critically appraise literature to support clinical decisions
4. Demonstrate reflective practice by identifying learning needs and engaging in lifelong learning

Competency/PLO 5: Professional Behaviors (B4.03e)

Graduates will consistently demonstrate professionalism in patient care, team interactions and personal development.
Sub-competencies

1. Display integrity, honesty, empathy, respect and accountability
2. Adhere to ethical and legal principles in clinical practice and conduct
3. Protect patient privacy, confidentiality and autonomy
4. Engage in continuous self-assessment, quality improvement and risk management
5. Contribute to the community through service and reflect on its impact on professional growth

Competency Milestones (A2.05, B3.05, B4.03)

Progress toward these PLOs is tracked withÌýprogram-defined milestonesÌýacross didactic and clinical phases, culminating in summative evaluation before graduation.

Detailed course-level outcomes and objectives are published in student syllabi per ARC-PA B1.03.