In the first year of the program, student learning utilizes a variety of approaches including small group problem-based tutorials, lectures, seminars, laboratories and clinical experiences. Hands-on learning is gained through clinical skills and laboratory sessions in addition to direct clinical experience. Clinical rotations in the first year (from June to May) evolve over the course of the year, from observational experience to hands-on practice. Toward the end of the first year, students also do a 4 week rotation in a hospital nursery setting and 4 week rotation in either a long term care or hospice setting, where they provide direct care under the supervision of their preceptor. Students must pass all first year courses in order to be promoted to second year.

(Schedule is subject to change)

First year course descriptions

MPAS 5100 Human Anatomy Summer Sem. 6.0 cr.
Dr. N. Bookstein, Ed.D - In-depth study of gross human anatomic structure with emphasis directed to musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Clinical correlates to normal movement and pathological processes will be made.

MPAS 5201 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care l Summer Sem. 2.0 cr.
K. Tick, MSW – Emphasis is placed on social, emotional and psychological factors affecting pregnancy and parent/newborn relationships. Basic communication skills in organizing an interview and developing a working relationship with parents are stressed. The team approach to comprehensive health care is also discussed.

MPAS 5400 Physical Diagnosis Summer Sem. 2.0 cr.
J. Bowser, PA-C– This course consists of lectures on physical diagnosis of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, with an opportunity to practice exam skills during practicum sessions.

MPAS 5601 Introduction to Clinical Reasoning Summer Sem. 1.0 cr.
R. Maldonado, PA-C– An introduction to ambulatory medicine in a problem based format. This includes a demonstration of a problem based case, review of comprehensive medical history taking and documentation. Methods of accessing information to assist in solving clinical problems will be presented.

MPAS 5111 Integrated Sciences Basic to Medicine I Fall Sem. 4.0 cr.
M. Hall, PhD – This two semester sequence will cover and integrate the principles of biochemistry, physiology and clinical biochemistry. Clinical presentations will be used throughout the course to underscore the relationship between the basic sciences and the clinical presentation of disease.

MPAS 5120 Medical Microbiology Fall Sem. 2.0 cr.
Dr. M. Abzug – Course covers the fundamental properties of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi and the diseases these organisms cause. The various properties of bacteria are correlated with pathogenesis of disease.

MPAS 5202 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care  II Fall Sem. 2.0 cr.
K. Tick, LCSW – Course addresses common psychological concerns seen in the pediatric setting, with special attention to the needs of the handicapped child and his family, child abuse, death, alcoholism, etc. Communication skills which enhance information gathering are discussed. Community resources are investigated.

MPAS 5300 Assessment &Care of the Neonate Fall Sem. 2.0 cr.
Dr.M. Kohn – Common neonatal and infant medical problems are presented in preparation for the Lifespan clinical experience, MPAS 5930.

MPAS 5412 Physical Diagnosis Fall Sem. 2.0 cr.
J. Bowser, PA-C – This course is a continuation of MPAS 5400.

MPAS 5420 Women’s Health Fall Sem. 2.0 cr.
J. Sivahop, PA-C – The course is designed to provide students with basic information about obstetrics and gynecology

MPAS 5602 Problem-Based Clinical Reasoning Fall Sem. 4.0 cr.
R. Maldonado, PA-C– This course is a continuation of MPAS 5601. Comprehensive care in ambulatory medicine is covered in a problem-based format. This includes infancy to adulthood, health maintenance and acute illnesses, anticipatory guidance/patient education, diagnosis and treatment and developmental assessment.

MPAS 5901 Community Clinic Fall Sem. 2.0 cr.
J. Nieman, PA-C - Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to ambulatory medicine and an understanding of pediatric and family practice medicine. A related small group seminar is designed to discuss this clinical experience.

MPAS 5112 Integrated Sciences Basic to Medicine II Spring Sem. 4.0 cr.
Dr. M. Hall, – This course is a continuation of MPAS 5111.

MPAS 5131 General and Systemic Pathololgy Spring Sem. 5.0 cr.
Dr M. Rizeq, Dr. S. Nawaz –Normal cell and tissue structure is correlated with functional aspects. Homeostasis and mechanisms of disease processes are discussed. Mechanisms to be discussed include cell and tissue injury and repair, inflammation, immunopathology, neoplasia, and metabolic and genetic abnormalities.

MPAS 5140 Neuroscience Spring Sem. 1.0 cr.
R. Gisbert, PT, MS –Principles of neurophysiology and neuroanatomy introduced. Membrane receptors, membrane potentials, synaptic transmission, and neuromuscular junctions, blood supply, three dimensional topography of the nervous system. Functional correlates, and sensory and motor tracks of the spinal cord and brainstem included.

MPAS 5203 Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care III Spring Sem. 2.0 cr.
K.Tick, LCSW – Theories of personality development and basic diagnostic categories of psychopathology are presented. Emphasis is given to ways this knowledge can be applied in working with families in the pediatric clinical setting. Adolescent development is also discussed. Communication skills used in counseling parents and children are stressed.

MPAS 5220 Parenting Spring Sem. 1.0 cr.
K. Tick, LCSW – This small group seminar addresses techniques and approaches to guiding and advising clients in their role as parents.

MPAS 5603 Problem-Based Clinical Reasoning Spring Sem. 4.0 cr.
R. Maldonado, PA-C – This course is a continuation of MPAS 5602. Comprehensive care in ambulatory medicine is covered in a problem-based format. This includes infancy to adulthood, health maintenance and acute illnesses, anticipatory guidance/patient education, diagnosis and treatment and developmental assessment.

MPAS 5940 Lifespan Clinical Rotation Spring Sem. 4.0 cr.
S. Hoops, PA-C, J. Nieman, PA-C – Students are introduced to the management of infants in the newborn nursery and the care of the geriatric patient in long term care settings such as nursing and assisted living homes.

PRMD 5000 Ethics in the Health Professions I Spring Sem. 0.7 cr.
Course Director, Jackie Glover, Ph.D.- Required two-part course in ethics taught with dental, medical, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy and physician assistant students. This course includes basic knowledge and skills in ethical theory and reasoning, professional ethics, and inter-professional approaches to health care decision making.