Course Descriptions

This course introduces the physician assistant profession, tracing its history, evolving role in healthcare, and core principles of professional identity, ethics, and interprofessional collaboration. Students examine public health systems, healthcare legislation, and professional regulation at state and national levels, with emphasis on scope of practice, governance and population health. Through policy analysis, advocacy strategy and community engagement, students develop the knowledge and skills to serve as ethical, reflective clinicians and informed leaders in shaping healthcare delivery. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This clinically focused course prepares students to assess and manage acute and chronic behavioral and psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on pharmacologic treatment, risk assessment and effective communication.  (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course introduces students to the foundational skills of clinical assessment, including patient interviewing, history taking, documentation and basic physical examination. Emphasis is placed on patient-centered communication, cultural responsiveness and the development of clinical reasoning. Students will also become familiar with essential diagnostic tools commonly used in clinical practice. (6 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This pharmacology course provides students with a foundational understanding of pharmacodynamics and their application in clinical care. Topics include principles of drug action, safe prescribing practices and the integration of pharmacologic knowledge into patient-centered decision-making. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based use, patient safety and clinical relevance.  (2 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course integrates anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, focusing on how anatomical structures and physiological processes relate to functional outcomes in both healthy and diseased states. Alongside building foundational knowledge, students will engage in clinical application scenarios to reinforce key concepts. The curriculum spans all major body systems, and through integrated lecture and laboratory components, students will apply their knowledge to analyze disease processes and their clinical significance. (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course introduces the foundational principles of clinical medicine, focusing on the identification of risk factors, recognition of common clinical presentations, and the integration of pathophysiology with clinical reasoning. Emphasis is placed on developing communication skills, understanding patient perspectives and applying evidence-based principles to support patient-centered care. (5 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

Building on the foundations from Clinical Medicine I, this course expands students’ ability to refine differential diagnoses, initiate treatment planning and provide effective patient education across a variety of body systems. (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This lecture and laboratory course introduces students to clinical medicine and pharmacology through an integrated, systems-based approach. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis-driven physical examination, clinical reasoning and foundational procedural competencies. Students apply core concepts in small group labs through simulation, case-based learning and hands-on physical examination practice. The course builds essential skills in diagnostic thinking and therapeutic decision-making, preparing learners to integrate biomedical knowledge with patient-centered care across diverse clinical contexts. (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiential grounding necessary to advance healthcare access through community engagement and structural awareness. Students will examine how social determinants of health, healthcare disparities and implicit bias impact access and outcomes, with a particular focus on identifying and addressing the needs of Charlotte’s most vulnerable and underserved populations. (1 credit hour)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This second course in the pharmacology series builds on foundational principles to deepen students’ understanding of drug action and clinical application. Emphasis is placed on advanced pharmacologic concepts, safe and effective prescribing, and the integration of therapeutics into clinical decision-making across a range of conditions. (2 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course builds upon the integrative foundation of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology established in the first course, advancing students toward clinical application and decision-making. Emphasizing functional anatomy, disease progression and systems-based pathophysiology, this course incorporates both lecture and laboratory components to promote dynamic, hands-on learning. Learners will refine their ability to interpret clinical findings, correlate pathological processes with symptomatology, and prioritize differential diagnoses across major organ systems. (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course advances students’ clinical reasoning skills through the exploration of more complex presentations within single organ systems and at the intersections between systems. Students will further develop their ability to synthesize patient data and prioritize differentials, incorporating risk assessment and prevention strategies into their approach. (5 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

Building on Clinical Medicine III, this course emphasizes the application of clinical reasoning to health maintenance, acute care and chronic disease management. Students will deepen their understanding of how overlapping systems influence patient outcomes, applying clinical guidelines and population health principles to diverse patient scenarios. (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This lecture and laboratory course builds upon foundational clinical skills to advance students’ diagnostic acumen and procedural competence. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis-driven physical examinations, clinical decision-making and the interpretation of diagnostic studies within increasingly complex patient scenarios.

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course combines the study of disability, spirituality and belief systems in patient care with the application of professional skills through a self-directed service or advocacy project. Students will develop strategies for inclusive, person-centered communication and interprofessional collaboration while addressing authentic practice-based needs. Guided by principles of health equity and professional responsibility, learners will implement and evaluate a project that demonstrates leadership, advances equitable care and creates measurable impact in community or professional settings. (2 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course introduces students to the principles of interprofessional collaboration and technology-enhanced care within evolving healthcare delivery models. Emphasizing teamwork, communication and systems-based thinking, students will be oriented to diverse professional perspectives, preparing them to function effectively in dynamic, team-based clinical environments. The course integrates legal, ethical and professional considerations relevant to modern care delivery. (5 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course introduces students to the foundational skills necessary for engaging in evidence-based medical practice and scholarly inquiry. The course will prepare students for the second part of the scholarly activity sequence, in which they will develop and present an original research project with relevance to clinical practice, PA education or healthcare systems. (2 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the professional, legal and policy-related issues that impact physician assistant practice in the U.S. Students will examine the structure of healthcare delivery, key legislation, reimbursement models and the role of PAs in primary and specialty care. The course also covers licensure, credentialing, scope of practice regulations and the ethical and legal responsibilities of PAs. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate healthcare systems, engage in advocacy, and uphold professional standards in clinical practice. (2 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course introduces a lifespan-based approach to caring for specialized populations. Students will explore the biological, psychosocial and preventive health needs of diverse groups, focusing on common diagnoses, developmental milestones, preventive guidance and wellness interventions. (2 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

The final course in this pharmacology series provides an in-depth exploration of endocrine pharmacology, hematologic agents, chemotherapy, antimicrobials, pharmacogenomics, toxicology, drugs of abuse and age-specific prescribing considerations. Students will expand their knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, contraindications and prescribing practices across these specialized areas. (1 credit hour)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course focuses on the diagnosis and management of complex, multisystem conditions, requiring students to integrate foundational medical knowledge from prior organ-system–based courses and apply it to conditions involving higher levels of physiologic complexity and system interaction. Students will develop strategies to approach diagnostic ambiguity and manage risk across individual and population levels while working collaboratively in multidisciplinary contexts.  (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

The final course in the series explores concepts in precision medicine, health equity and the societal dimensions of care delivery. Students will apply medical knowledge, navigate ethical considerations and synthesize prior learning into a holistic, patient-centered approach that prepares them for clinical rotations and professional practice. (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This lecture and laboratory course serves as the capstone of the patient assessment and clinical application series, focusing on the evaluation and management of complex, multisystem presentations. Students will synthesize prior knowledge to approach diagnostic uncertainty, refine differential diagnoses, and formulate patient-centered management plans. The course emphasizes integration of pharmacologic strategies, medical science and standards of care. (4 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course prepares students to provide effective, evidence-based care in acute clinical settings, including emergent, urgent and surgical environments. Topics include the PA’s evolving role across the continuum of acute care—from initial evaluation and stabilization to operative support and post-procedural management. Students will also receive hands-on training in foundational clinical skills. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course develops advanced communication skills for high-stakes, ethically sensitive, and emotionally complex clinical situations. Students learn to engage patients and families with empathy, clarity and professionalism. Topics include goals-of-care discussions, informed consent, delivering difficult news and recognizing social vulnerability. Emphasis is placed on integrating ethical principles, legal considerations and compassionate practice to prepare students for meaningful dialogue in diverse and challenging encounters. (1 credit hour)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course integrates procedural training with essential skills to prepare students for modern clinical practice. Students will perform key procedures across emergency, inpatient, outpatient and surgical settings, focusing on both foundational techniques and complex applications. Concurrently, they will examine healthcare operations, including documentation, coding and billing. (6 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This course integrates the principles of humanism in medicine with the skills of strategic advocacy, preparing future clinicians to lead with impact and integrity. Students will explore empathy, respect, compassion and integrity as essential elements of professional identity—and examine how these values shape and strengthen advocacy for the PA profession. Alongside building resilience, ethical decision-making and a patient-centered approach to care, students will engage with policy priorities relevant to PAs, strategies for crafting compelling messages and methods for effectively mobilizing stakeholders. Through hands-on practice in communication, policy analysis and digital tools, students will develop actionable strategies that advance both compassionate patient care and purposeful change within the healthcare system. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: in-person, on campus

This final seminar prepares second-year students for the transition to independent clinical practice and board certification. Students will engage in targeted PANCE preparation, career readiness activities and advanced professionalism training. Emphasis is placed on reflective consolidation of clinical learning, summative skill assessment, and successful navigation of licensure and employment pathways. The course supports self-directed skill refinement through procedural modules and encourages professional confidence. (1 credit hour)

Method of delivery: primarily asynchronous, occasional hybrid components

This course supports second-year PA students in the early clinical phase with a structured, asynchronous curriculum designed to foster professional identity and foundational clinical competencies. Through faculty-guided feedback, formative assessments and flexible clinical skills modules, students will engage in reflective practice and leadership training. (1 credit hour)

Method of delivery: asynchronous

This course supports students as they transition from research concepts to actionable scholarly projects. Working in small groups, students will refine and select a research proposal from prior coursework, conduct deeper exploration of the topic, and collaboratively design a feasible project plan for execution over the next few weeks. The course provides structure, mentorship and critical feedback to ensure each group leaves with a fully conceptualized, IRB-ready (as applicable) and presentation-oriented project proposal. Projects may focus on clinical inquiry, PA education, public health or systems improvement. (1 credit hour)

Method of delivery: primarily asynchronous, occasional hybrid components

The Behavioral Medicine Rotation immerses students in the assessment and management of patients with psychiatric and behavioral health conditions. Students will gain experience in recognizing and responding to mood disorders, psychoses, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and psychiatric emergencies across a variety of care settings. (1.5 credit hours)

Method of delivery: may be primarily telemedicine, in person or combination of these at clinical sites

The Emergency Medicine Rotation provides students with hands-on experience in the evaluation and management of patients presenting with undifferentiated, urgent and emergent conditions across the lifespan. Students will engage in high-acuity clinical settings where they apply evidence-based principles of emergency care, perform focused diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, and contribute to interprofessional care teams. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences at clinical sites

The Internal Medicine Rotation provides students with in-depth exposure to the comprehensive care of adult patients in an inpatient setting. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical reasoning, managing chronic and complex conditions and formulating evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic plans. Students will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to provide longitudinal care, monitor disease progression and coordinate specialty referrals and follow-up. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences at clinical sites

The Pediatric Rotation focuses on the comprehensive care of infants, children and adolescents in outpatient or inpatient settings. Students will gain experience in preventive care, developmental screening, acute illness management and the evaluation of chronic pediatric conditions. The rotation emphasizes family-centered care and communication across developmental stages. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences at clinical sites

The Family Medicine Rotation provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of primary care across the lifespan. Emphasizing continuity, prevention and patient-centered care, this experience includes acute, chronic and wellness care for individuals and families in diverse outpatient settings. Students will engage in longitudinal management of common conditions and learn to address social, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences at clinical sites

The Surgery Rotation introduces students to the perioperative management of patients undergoing surgical evaluation and treatment. Students will gain experience in surgical assessment, operative preparation, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative care. Emphasis is placed on developing procedural skills, surgical etiquette, sterile technique, and clinical decision-making in both elective and emergent patient encounters. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences at clinical sites

The Women’s Health Rotation offers students broad clinical exposure to gynecologic and obstetric care across the lifespan. Students will gain experience in routine wellness visits, prenatal care, contraception counseling, reproductive health education, and the management of common gynecologic conditions. Clinical experiences may include ambulatory, hospital-based, or labor and delivery settings. (1.5 credit hours)

Method of delivery: primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences at clinical sites

This elective rotation offers students the opportunity to engage in supervised clinical practice within a specialty discipline of medicine or surgery. The rotation is designed to expand the student’s exposure to diverse patient populations, healthcare delivery settings, and advanced clinical practice environments. Students will integrate foundational clinical knowledge, refine diagnostic and procedural skills, and develop professional competencies appropriate to the selected specialty. Specific content and expectations will vary by specialty, site, and preceptor. (3 credit hours)

Method of delivery: primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences at clinical sites