Physician Assistant Program 2023-2024 Edition

Physician Assistant Mission

  • To improve universal access to healthcare by graduating highly competent and confident physician assistants prepared to provide equality, ethical, patient-centered healthcare in a collaborative environment.

Bryant University Physician Assistant Program Vision

The Bryant University Physician Assistant program will:

  • Graduate top performing physician assistants from a rigorous program
  • Prepare physician assistant students to perform in any clinical environment
  • Engage physician assistant students in the pursuit of lifelong learning
  • Instill in our students a desire to seek roles in leadership
  • Ensure commitment to furthering the success of our profession

Goals of the Bryant University Physician Assistant Program

1.  Provide students with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude to navigate a complex and diverse healthcare environment as     evidenced by the ability to:  

  • Obtain medical knowledge and perform physical examinations necessary for patient-centered care 
  • Apply evidence-based reasoning to the patient's clinical presentation to create an appropriate, individualized treatment plan
  • Develop interprofessional communication skills to effectively convey concise and accurate information
  • Utilization of appropriate medical diagnostics to aid in diagnosis and treatment, while decreasing unnecessary or extraneous testing
  • Master the technical skills of clinical medicine in a safe, supportive, and instructive environment using industry standard and technologically robust experiential models

2. Prepare our students to meet the needs of all populations within the current health-care system by:

  • Incorporating patient-centered, ethical medical education throughout the curriculum
  • Providing a strong primary-care based education as well as clinical experiences in underserved communities
  • Highlighting an awareness of healthcare economics, potential barriers to accessing care and solutions to reduce healthcare disparities
  • Supporting diverse perspectives and inter-professional approaches to healthcare that best serve the needs of diverse patient populations

3. Develop and support the physician assistant students’ connection to the community and the PA profession by fostering their ability to serve, advocate, and lead.
4. Encourage continuous life-long learning in the pursuit of excellence in medical practice.  

Bryant University Physician Assistant Program Accreditation Status

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.(ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Bryant University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Bryant University.  Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be June 2028.  The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

Physician Assistant Program Curriculum

Courses by Term

The physician assistant program is a 27-month, 126-semester-hour course of study leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. 

The program comprises 5 didactic terms and 10 clinical rotations:

First Year
First TermCredit Hours
PA 501Physiology and Pathophysiology4
PA 502Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology2
PA 503Human Anatomy4
PA 505Research Methods1
PA 524Public Health and Dental Medicine1
PA 534Medical Ethics and Law1
PA 537The Patient Interview2
 Term Credit Hours15
Second Term
PA 510Clinical Medicine I4
PA 511Clinical Medicine II4
PA 520Clinical Medicine III3
PA 514Diagnostic Testing and Imaging1
PA 516Clinical Correlations One5
PA 538Physical Examination3
 Term Credit Hours20
Third Term
PA 506Genetics1
PA 521Clinical Medicine IV6
PA 525Clinical Skills I1
PA 526Clinical Correlations Two4
PA 530Clinical Medicine V5
PA 531Clinical Medicine VI3
 Term Credit Hours20
Fourth Term
PA 515Behavioral Medicine2
PA 533Surgery3
PA 536Clinical Correlations Three4
PA 539Clinical Medicine VII3
PA 540Clinical Medicine VIII5
PA 541Clinical Skills II1
 Term Credit Hours18
Fifth Term
PA 522Pediatrics3
PA 532Emergency Medicine4
PA 542Clinical Correlations Four3
PA 543Geriatrics3
 Term Credit Hours13
 Total Credit Hours: 86
Clinical Year
PA 601Inpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 602Outpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 603Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 604General Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 605Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 606Obstetrics and Gynecology Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 607Psychiatry Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 608Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 611Elective Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
PA 612Elective Supervised Clinical Practice Experience4
Total Credit Hours40

Courses

PA 501. Physiology and Pathophysiology. 4 Credit Hours.

Physiology and Pathophysiology is a four-credit course which is sequenced with the Clinical Pharmacology course. It is offered in the first term of year one of the Master of Science in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. This course reviews the basic principles of physiology and provides an introduction to pathophysiology following an organ system approach. Readings covering patient case scenarios will be used to help reinforce and integrate these topics. This course is divided into two sessions: the first session is five weeks in duration and precedes a four-week anatomy block, followed by a second session of two weeks duration.

PA 502. Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology. 2 Credit Hours.

Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology is a two-credit course and is sequenced with the Physiology & Pathophysiology course. It is offered in the first term of year one of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. The course covers the basic principles of pharmacology and the clinical application to pharmaceutical therapeutics.

PA 503. Human Anatomy. 4 Credit Hours.

Gross Anatomy is a four credit course that is offered as a one month block in the first term of year one in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. Through lectures and linked dissection laboratory experience, the course examines human morphology, the related embryology and function across the major organ systems.

PA 505. Research Methods. 1 Credit Hour.

Research Methods, is a one credit course offered in the first term during year one of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. This course provides the framework for using medical literature in evidence-based medicine, including how to search, interpret, and evaluate research studies.

PA 506. Genetics. 1 Credit Hour.

Medical Genetics is a one credit course offered in the first term of the year one of the Master of Physician Assistant Sciences Program. The course describes the application of genetics to medical care. It covers the basic principles of medical genetics and molecular mechanisms of disease that serve as the foundation for understanding the effective assessment and management of diseases that have an identified genetic component. The rapidly expanding medical model of “personalized medicine” is largely based on the growth of our knowledge of the genetic components of diseases and genetic variation among patients affecting treatment success.

PA 510. Clinical Medicine I. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine 1 covers cardiology and electrocardiography.

PA 511. Clinical Medicine II. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine II covers pulmonology and otorhinolaryngology.

PA 514. Diagnostic Testing and Imaging. 1 Credit Hour.

Radiology and Diagnostic Testing is a one credit course offered during the second term of year one of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Topics covered include the basic principles of radiologic modalities, scope of imaging modalities and the utilization of common and important radiologic and ancillary studies.

PA 515. Behavioral Medicine. 2 Credit Hours.

Behavioral Medicine is a two credit course that is offered during the second term of year one in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Topics covered include basic principles of behavioral health as a discipline and the diagnosis and management of common and important psychiatric disorders.

PA 516. Clinical Correlations One. 5 Credit Hours.

Clinical Correlations is a series of problem-based learning courses designed to prepare students for real-world clinical practice. Students participate in simulated patient scenarios to practice clinical evaluation and assessment. The series includes workshops to develop specific skills related to diagnostic testing, interpersonal communication, and team leadership. In the later courses in the series, students will explore the development of the Physician Assistant profession, the business aspects of medicine, and legal and professional regulations.

PA 520. Clinical Medicine III. 3 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine III covers dermatology and ophthalmology.

PA 521. Clinical Medicine IV. 6 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine IV covers gastroenterology and infectious disease.

PA 522. Pediatrics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the assessment and management of common and important pediatric diseases and disorders as well as general pediatric growth, development, and health maintenance.

PA 524. Public Health and Dental Medicine. 1 Credit Hour.

Public Health and Dental medicine is a one credit course that is offered in year one of the Master of Science in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. The course presents an overview of the core concepts of public health and the US health care delivery system. During this course, students will also complete the “Smiles for Life: A National Oral Health Curriculum” on-line modules.

PA 525. Clinical Skills I. 1 Credit Hour.

Clinical Skills is a series of two courses offering instruction and hands-on practice of the procedural skills common to Physician Assistant practice. Students will learn indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and techniques of a variety of bedside interventions. Students will also learn to establish and maintain sterile field. Clinical Skills I will present foundational content and basic medical procedures. Clinical Skills II will cover procedures of greater complexity and technical difficulty.

PA 526. Clinical Correlations Two. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Correlations is a series of problem-based learning courses designed to prepare students for real-world clinical practice. Students participate in simulated patient scenarios to practice clinical evaluation and assessment. The series includes workshops to develop specific skills related to diagnostic testing, interpersonal communication, and team leadership. In the later courses in the series, students will explore the development of the Physician Assistant profession, the business aspects of medicine, and legal and professional regulations.

PA 530. Clinical Medicine V. 5 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine V covers obstetrics/gynecology and endocrinology.

PA 531. Clinical Medicine VI. 3 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine VI covers urology and nephrology.

PA 532. Emergency Medicine. 4 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the principles and practice of emergency medicine. Topics include history of emergency medicine; disaster medicine; and common and important injuries, conditions, and complaints of patients presenting for emergency care.

PA 533. Surgery. 3 Credit Hours.

Surgery is a three credit course that is offered in the fourth term of year one of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. The course covers the assessment and management of common and important surgical diseases and disorders, including care in the preoperative, operative and postoperative settings.

PA 534. Medical Ethics and Law. 1 Credit Hour.

Medical Law and Ethics is a one credit course that is offered in year one in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. It provides an overview of the core ethical principles which guide medical practice and the laws that apply to health care practitioners.

PA 536. Clinical Correlations Three. 4 Credit Hours.

Clinical Correlations is a series of problem-based learning courses designed to prepare students for real-world clinical practice. Students participate in simulated patient scenarios to practice clinical evaluation and assessment. The series includes workshops to develop specific skills related to diagnostic testing, interpersonal communication, and team leadership. In the later courses in the series, students will explore the development of the Physician Assistant profession, the business aspects of medicine, and legal and professional regulations.

PA 537. The Patient Interview. 2 Credit Hours.

This course covers the basic principles and techniques for obtaining and documenting a medical history. Through lecture and small-group practice, students will learn to conduct comprehensive and focused interviews, identify pertinent historical information, and report findings appropriately. Emphasis will be placed on establishing clinical rapport, demonstrating cultural competency, and using patient-centered communication.

PA 538. Physical Examination. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the basic principles and techniques for obtaining and documenting a physical examination. Through lecture and small-group practice, students will learn to conduct comprehensive and focused physical examinations, identify pertinent findings, and document appropriately. Emphasis will be placed on establishing clinical rapport, demonstrating cultural competency, and using patient-centered communication.

PA 539. Clinical Medicine VII. 3 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine VII covers rheumatology and orthopedics.

PA 540. Clinical Medicine VIII. 5 Credit Hours.

Clinical Medicine is a series spanning the didactic portion of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Students learn the clinical presentation and management of common and important diagnoses according to the content categories of the NCCPA Content Blueprint. Clinical Medicine VII covers neurology and hematology/oncology.

PA 541. Clinical Skills II. 1 Credit Hour.

Clinical Skills is a series of two courses offering instruction and hands-on practice in the procedural skills common to Physician Assistant practice. Students will learn indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and techniques of a variety of bedside interventions. Students will also learn to establish and maintain sterile field. Clinical Skills I will present foundational content and basic medical procedures. Clinical Skills II will cover procedures of greater complexity and technical difficulty.

PA 542. Clinical Correlations Four. 3 Credit Hours.

Clinical Correlations is a series of problem-based learning courses designed to prepare students for real-world clinical practice. Students participate in simulated patient scenarios to practice clinical evaluation and assessment. The series includes workshops to develop specific skills related to diagnostic testing, interpersonal communication, and team leadership. In the later courses in the series, students will explore the development of the Physician Assistant profession, the business aspects of medicine, and legal and professional regulations.

PA 543. Geriatrics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the assessment and management of common and important geriatric diseases and disorders as well as physiology of aging, pharmacology in the elderly, and goals of care conversations.

PA 601. Inpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required course is a 5-week clinical rotation on an inpatient medicine service. The student will function as an active member of the inpatient clinical team, responsible for comprehensive patient assessment and involvement inpatient care decision making, resulting in a detailed plan for patient management.

PA 602. Outpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Internal Medicine is a five (5) week experience in the management of common and/or important conditions and complaints of the Internal Medicine patient. The student may be required to travel to the clinic and/or hospital during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for on average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 603. Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Family Medicine is a five (5) week experience in the management of common and/or important conditions and complaints of the Primary Care patient. The student may be required to travel to the clinic and/or hospital during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for on average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 604. General Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in General Surgery is a five (5) week experience in the management of common and/or important surgical conditions. The student may be required to travel to the clinic, outpatient surgery center and/or hospital facility during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for on average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 605. Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Pediatrics is a five (5) week experience in the management of common and/or important conditions and complaints of the pediatric patient. The student may be required to travel to the clinic, and/or hospital during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for on average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 606. Obstetrics and Gynecology Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Woman’s Health/OBGYN is a five (5) week experience in the assessment and management of common gynecologic and obstetric conditions and complaints. The student may be required to travel to the clinic, outpatient surgery center and/or hospital facility during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for on average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 607. Psychiatry Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Psychiatry is a five (5) week experience in the management of psychiatric conditions and complaints. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for on average 40-60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 608. Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Emergency Medicine is a five (5) week experience in an Emergency Department. The student will function as an active member of the clinical team, responsible for comprehensive patient assessment and involvement inpatient care decision making, resulting in a detailed plan for patient management. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including associated educational opportunities, for on average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 609. Orthopedics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Orthopedic Surgery is a five (5) week experience in the management of injury and illness of the musculoskeletal system. The student may be required to travel to the clinic, outpatient surgery center and/or hospital facility during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for on average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 610. Dermatology Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required rotation in Dermatology is a five (5) week experience in the management of common dermatologic conditions and complaints. The student may be required to travel to the clinic, outpatient surgery center and/or hospital facility during his/her time on rotation. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for an average 40-60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 611. Elective Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required elective rotation is a five (5) week experience in the management of common and/or important conditions and complaints relevant to the particular chosen elective specialty. The student may be required to travel to the clinic and/or hospital during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for an average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA 612. Elective Supervised Clinical Practice Experience. 4 Credit Hours.

This required elective rotation is a five (5) week experience in the management of common and/or important conditions and complaints relevant to the particular chosen elective specialty. The student may be required to travel to the clinic and/or hospital during his/her rotation time. The student should plan on being involved in patient care, including taking call and associated educational opportunities, for an average 60 hours per week with a maximum 80 hours per week. Specific schedules are determined by the rotation site/preceptor.

PA PH. Physician Assist Placeholder. 1-12 Credit Hours.

Faculty

Director of Physician Assistant Program

Ashley A. Hughes, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C
Associate Clinical Professor

Medical Director

Earl Jackman, DO
Assistant Clinical Professor

Director of Clinical Education

Danielle Cormier, PA-C, BA, MPAS
Assistant Clinical Professor

Associate Director of Clinical Education

Jodi Cusack, MHS, PA-C
Assistant Clinical Professor

Director of Didactic Education

Stephanie Potts, PA-C, MS, AT
Assistant Clinical Professor

Director of Medical Simulation

Stephen Sherman, PA-C, MSPAS
Assistant Clinical Professor

Experiential Education Coordinator

Matthew Lavoie, MSPASS, PA-C
Assistant Clinical Professor

Director of Admissions and Academic Success

Shaina Boyle, MBA

Program Coordinator

Amy Paul

Office Coordinator

Terry Garvin