Page 30 2023–24 Graduate Academic Catalog School of Allied Health and Psychology Master of Medical Science in PA Studies Master of Medical Science in PA Studies Purpose Statement and Mission Driven by a submission to and passion for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ, the Cedarville University PA program equips Christ-following graduates through academic excellence, professional distinction, and intentional discipleship to practice medicine to meet the needs of those in their communities. In summary, our mission is equipping and discipling the next generation of Christian PAs. Students completing the Master of Medical Science in PA Studies program (MMSc-PA) are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) and obtain state licensure, allowing successful graduates to practice medicine as PAs in any area of medicine. Program Objectives (Learning Outcomes) Upon completion of the Cedarville University Physician Assistant program, graduates are expected to proficiently: 1. Integrate the concepts and principles of a Christian biblical worldview with the practice of medicine. (Biblical Integration) 2. Apply and incorporate medical, behavioral, and psychosocial concepts and principles necessary to evaluate and manage patient’s health across all age ranges and cultures. (Medical Knowledge) 3. Obtain an accurate and relevant medical history using effective communication and interpersonal skills that support open dialogue and mutual respect. (Interpersonal Skills) 4. Perform an appropriate physical exam relevant to the medical history. (Clinical and Technical Skills) 5. Formulate an appropriate differential diagnosis following a clinical encounter. (Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving) 6. Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies to assist in the evaluation and treatment of the patient. (Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving) 7. Develop and implement an appropriate therapeutic management plan involving pharmacological and nonpharmacological options. (Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving) 8. Perform clinical procedures safely and effectively. (Clinical and Technical Skills) 9. Make informed clinical decisions using an evidence-based approach. (Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving) 10. Communicate clinical findings accurately in written, digital, and oral forms to all members of the healthcare team succinctly. (Interpersonal Skills) 11. Provide accurate patient education that encompasses verbal, non-verbal, and written forms of information to the patient, their families, and their care team to promote disease prevention and health awareness. (Interpersonal Skills) 12. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors consistent with the PA profession and Christian faith. (Professional Behaviors) Program Prerequisites The following must be satisfied as part of the application process and in advance of matriculation in the PA program: 1. Biblical Foundation: students must have completed a minor in Bible or have taken coursework adequate to meet the outcomes of BTGS-6100 Biblical and Theological Foundations for Graduate Study. Students who have not met this requirement, as determined by the Office of the Registrar, must enroll in this course and complete before matriculation in the program. 2. Bachelor's Completion: students must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) at a regionally accredited or otherwise approved U.S. institution of higher learning. International applicants need to provide a translation for degree and grade equivalency (to also include an overall GPA). Program specific requirements for international applicants, including English proficiency standards, are detailed in the program admissions website at cedarville. edu/PAInternationalApplicants. 3. Academic Performance: students are expected to have a qualifying GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). See website for the GPA calculations considered. 4. Prerequisite Completion: students must complete the following courses and indicated semester credits with a B- or better from a regionally accredited or otherwise approved U.S. institution of higher learning: (*indicates completion necessary within seven years of matriculation) (semester credits) • *Human Anatomy (or Anatomy & Physiology 1) (3 minimum) • *Human Physiology (or Anatomy & Physiology 2) (3) • General Chemistry (6) • *Organic Chemistry (or Biochemistry) (3) • *Microbiology (3) • Psychology (6) (combination of general/intro, *abnormal, or *lifespan) • Math (or Statistics) (3) • Medical Terminology (1 minimum) Up to two prerequisites may be completed with a non-grade (e.g., Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, CLEP test, or “Pass”), if they meet institutional standards. 5. Technical Standards: students must acknowledge they possess a minimal set of “technical skills” which is posted online at cedarville.edu/patechnicalstandards across cognitive, physical, and behavioral domains coming into the program. Students must possess independent ability, aptitude, and skill in the areas of observation, communication, critical reasoning, motor and sensory functions, and behavioral and social attributes on their own, without using an intermediary.
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