BI-250: The Professional Physician Assistant

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: BI-250 The Professional Physician Assistant

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 2

Credits: 2

Pre-requisites (if any): Permission of the Department

Course Description in college catalog:

A comprehensive examination of the history, role orientation, training, practice characteristics, professional acceptance, certification, and legal issues of physician assistants and intense introduction to medical terminology. Many of the presentations will be given by certified physician assistants. Designed to provide transition of the pre-physician assistant into the professional phase of a baccalaureate physician assistant program. 

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.S. Degree in Health Sciences

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Discuss the American Academy of Physician Assistant's definition of the Physician Assistant (PA).

2. Explain the basic education, certification and re-certification process for PAs.

3. Identify the roles and responsibilities of PAs in inpatient and outpatient care.

4. Identify the roles and responsibilities of PAs in primary care and specialty practice.

5. Discuss the reasons for the inception of the Physician Assistant Profession.

6. Descrbe the important historical milestone in the profession's development.

7. Discuss the regulations of the PA practice, especially in New York State.

8. Describe the roles and relationships of MDs, NPs and PAs.

9. Define primary care and discuss the PA's role with regard to health promotion and disease prevention.

10. Define common medical terms.

11. Describe the refulation of the PA Profession including licensure, limited permit, practice laws, prescribing regulation laws and professional conduct.

12. Identify, Discuss and sythesize topics of current concern to the PA profession.

13. Describe the major components of the medical history, physical exam, diagnostic procedures and patient managment.

14. Discuss issues of professional practice and prevention of provider burnout. 

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Participation  10%
One page reflection log  20%
One 2-3 page journal article critique  20%
Midterm Exam   25%
Final Exam  25%

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.

Campus Cultural Centers

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Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

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QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

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QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.