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; PAST 603.
PAST 605 MEDICINE III (2)
Third course in physiological and pathological mechanisms of the disease process, treatment and prevention. Prerequisites: admission to program; PAST 603 and PAST 604.
PAST 606 PEDIATRICS I (2)
Clinical assessment and management of disease in infant to adolescent patients. Prerequisites: admission to program; PAST 603.
PAST 607 PEDIATRICS II (2)
A second course in clinical assessment and management of disease in infant to adolescent patients. Prerequisites: admission to program; PAST 606.
PAST 608 MEDICINE IV (6)
The fourth course in physiological and pathological mechanisms of the disease process, treatment and prevention. Prerequisites: admission to program; PAST 605.
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; PAST 603.
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; PAST 609.
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 a digital cadaver laboratory and is designed to prepare 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)
This graduate-level course introduces Physician Assistant students to the principles and clinical application of diagnostic imaging and electrocardiography. Designed to enhance diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making, the course emphasizes the interpretation of commonly encountered radiographic studies and EKG tracings in ambulatory, inpatient, and emergency medicine settings. Instruction includes case-based learning, image review sessions, and simulated clinical scenarios to reinforce pattern recognition and clinical correlation. Students will also explore the indications, limitations, and appropriate utilization of these diagnostic tools within the broader context of patient care. This course prepares students for clinical rotations and future practice by building essential diagnostic competencies expected of entry-level Physician Assistants. Prerequisite: PAST 625.
PAST 631 DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES II (2)
This graduate-level course equips Physician Assistant students with fundamental knowledge and analytical skills needed to interpret a wide variety of laboratory test results in ambulatory, inpatient, and emergency medicine settings. Through case-based learning, interactive lectures, and clinical simulations, students will learn to incorporate laboratory data into diagnostic reasoning, patient management, and clinical decision-making. They will develop proficiency in recognizing normal and abnormal findings, correlating lab results with clinical presentations, and identifying potential sources of error or interference. The course emphasizes evidence-based interpretation, interdisciplinary communication, and ethical considerations in diagnostic testing. It prepares students to effectively use laboratory data in clinical practice, enhance their diagnostic skills, and contribute to high-quality patient care. Prerequisite: PAST 630.
PAST 632 DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES III (2)
This graduate-level course offers Physician Assistant students comprehensive instruction and practical training in essential medical procedures necessary for effective patient care in ambulatory, inpatient, and emergency settings. Focus is on building technical skills, clinical judgment, and confidence through simulation, supervised practice, and case discussions. By the end of this course, students will be able to incorporate these procedures into patient care plans, demonstrate safety and aseptic techniques, and understand the clinical indications, contraindications, and potential risks of each skill. This course prepares students for clinical rotations and future practice by reinforcing the procedural skills expected of entry-level Physician Assistants. 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 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. Prerequisite: successful completion of first two clinical courses in clinical year sequence.
PAST 654 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. Prerequisite: successful completion of first three clinical courses in clinical year sequence.
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. Graded S/U.
PAST 681 FAMILY MEDICINE SCPE (4)
The Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute and chronic medical needs associated with patients across the life span. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 682 INTERNAL MEDICINE SCPE (4)
The Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute and chronic medical needs associated with adult and geriatric patients. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 683 PEDIATRIC SCPE (4)
The Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs associated with infants, children, and adolescents in the pediatric setting. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 684 WOMEN’S HEALTH SCPE (4)
The Women’s Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs associated with women’s health to include prenatal and gynecological care. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 685 EMERGENCY MEDICINE SCPE (4)
The Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute and emergent medical needs associated with patients across the life span to include children, adolescents, adults, and elderly. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 686 SURGERY SCPE (4)
The Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute, chronic, and medical needs associated with pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative surgical management. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 687 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SCPE (4)
The Behavioral Health Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute and chronic, and medical needs associated with behavioral health patients. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 688 ELECTIVE I SCPE (4)
The Elective (orthopedics, endocrinology, dermatology, cardiology, surgical specialty, etc.) Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and required students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 689 ELECTIVE II SCPE (4)
The Elective (orthopedics, endocrinology, dermatology, cardiology, surgical specialty, etc.) Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) will enable students to meet program expectations and acquire the competencies needed for clinical PA practice and require students to complete 125 hours of supervised clinical exposure. SCPE encounters will include patient care related to acute, chronic, and preventive medical needs. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the PA Program and successful completion of all pre-clinical course work.
PAST 695 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)
Directed study through readings, projects, papers, and/or seminars. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Graded S/U.
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. Prerequisites: Medicine IV, Pediatrics II, Pharmacology II, successful completion of all year 1 courses; consent of department; admission into program.
PAST 756 FINAL CLINICAL PRACTICUM (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: successful completion of first five clinical courses in clinical year sequence.
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.
PAST 803 TRANSITION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE (2)
Designed to ensure students are prepared to enter the clinical phase of the program through formal assessment and verification of clinical readiness. Students demonstrate readiness through simulated patient encounters, evaluation of clinical knowledge and skills, cardiopulmonary resuscitative training, and completion of required clinical onboarding activities. The course confirms students’ academic, clinical, and administrative readiness for participation in Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). Graded S/U. Prerequisite: successful completion of PAST 650.
PAST 804 GRADUATE SUMMATIVE (6)
Provides the summative evaluation of student learning and competency achievement in the Towson University Physician Assistant (TU PA) Program. It represents the final phase of the curriculum and assesses mastery of program outcomes aligned with ARC-PA Standards and the NCCPA Blueprint. Evaluation methods include a comprehensive written examination of basic medical and clinical sciences, an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to assess patient care and communication skills, and skill-specific testing of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Professionalism is evaluated throughout the summative phase. Students also complete a capstone project focused on the social determinants of health. Additional instruction will include a PANCE Board Review. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to the TU PA program and successful completion of all preclinical course work.