Physician Assistant Program

Physician Assistant Mission

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

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 Competencies

Program Learning Outcomes for ARC-PA Competency Domains

Medical Knowledge

Demonstrate an understanding of the medical, behavioral and social knowledge necessary to evaluate and manage patients across all ages and patient populations in both primary care and specialty settings.
Demonstrate an ability to integrate evidence-based medicine practices into medical decision making for patient care.

Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate the ability to gather a thorough and accurate patient medical history.
Demonstrate the ability to deliver accurate patient education that encompasses verbal, nonverbal, and written forms of information to the patient, their family, and their care team that considers disease prevention and health awareness across the lifespan.
Demonstrate the professional and ethical behaviors necessary to interact effectively with the entire care team including the patient’s family to ensure successful patient-centered care.

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities

Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate diagnostic or lab studies based on the clinical picture.
Demonstrate the ability to develop an appropriate differential diagnosis based on the clinical picture.
Demonstrate the ability to use medical history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic testing results to diagnose acute, chronic, and emergent medical and surgical conditions throughout the lifespan.
Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment plans for medical, surgical, and behavioral health conditions based on the history and physical examination.

Clinical and Technical Skills

Demonstrate the ability to perform a detail oriented physical examination based on the medical history.
Demonstrate the ability to interpret diagnostic studies in regard to the clinical picture.
Demonstrate the ability to perform clinical skills common to general medical practice including, but not limited to: clinical encounter documentation, coordination of care, and case management.
Demonstrate the ability to perform clinical procedures common to general medicine practice including, but not limited to: nasopharyngeal swabs, administration of topical and local anesthesia, injections and aspirations, laceration repair, surgical wound management, peripheral intravenous access, bladder catheterization, Papanicolaou test, and airway management.

Professional Behaviors

Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within a healthcare team.
Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to diverse patient populations to ensure successful patient-centered care for all.

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 Term		Credit Hours
PA 501	Physiology and Pathophysiology	3
PA 502	Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology	2
PA 503	Human Anatomy	5
PA 505	Research Methods	1
PA 524	Public Health and Dental Medicine	1
PA 534	Medical Ethics and Law	1
PA 537	The Patient Interview	2
	Term Credit Hours	15
Second Term
PA 510	Clinical Medicine I	4
PA 511	Clinical Medicine II	4
PA 514	Diagnostic Testing and Imaging	1
PA 516	Clinical Correlations One	5
PA 520	Clinical Medicine III	3
PA 538	Physical Examination	3
	Term Credit Hours	20
Third Term
PA 506	Genetics	1
PA 521	Clinical Medicine IV	6
PA 525	Clinical Skills I	1
PA 526	Clinical Correlations Two	4
PA 530	Clinical Medicine V	5
PA 531	Clinical Medicine VI	3
	Term Credit Hours	20
Fourth Term
PA 515	Behavioral Medicine	2
PA 533	Surgery	3
PA 536	Clinical Correlations Three	4
PA 539	Clinical Medicine VII	3
PA 540	Clinical Medicine VIII	5
PA 541	Clinical Skills II	1
	Term Credit Hours	18
Fifth Term
PA 522	Pediatrics	3
PA 532	Emergency Medicine	4
PA 542	Clinical Correlations Four	3
PA 543	Geriatrics	3
	Term Credit Hours	13
	Total Credit Hours:	86

Course List
Clinical Year
PA 601	Inpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 602	Outpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 603	Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 604	General Surgery Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 605	Pediatrics Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 606	Obstetrics and Gynecology Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 607	Psychiatry Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 608	Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 611	Elective Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
PA 612	Elective Supervised Clinical Practice Experience	4
Total Credit Hours		40

Courses

PA 501. Physiology and Pathophysiology. 3 Credit Hours.

Physiology and Pathophysiology is a three-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.

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. 5 Credit Hours.

Gross Anatomy is a five-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.

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 one is the first in a series of four courses sequenced in conjunction with Clinical Medicine I, II and III. This hands-on, interactive course is designed to enhance physician assistant students' clinical skills through simulated patient encounters. Students will engage in realistic, carefully crafted simulations with trained staff portraying patients with a range of medical conditions. The course focuses on developing essential competencies in history taking, physical examination, communication, diagnostic reasoning, and patient-centered care. Throughout the course, students will participate in multiple patient scenarios that mirror real-world clinical encounters, allowing them to practice their diagnostic and interpersonal skills in a safe and supportive environment. Instructors and standardized patients will provide real-time feedback, helping students refine their approaches to patient interaction, empathy, and decision making.

PA 520. Clinical Medicine III. 3 Credit Hours.

PA 521. Clinical Medicine IV. 6 Credit Hours.

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 two is the second is a series of four courses sequenced in conjunction with Clinical Medicine IV, V and VI. This hands-on, interactive course is designed to enhance physician assistant students' clinical skills through simulated patient encounters. Students will engage in realistic, carefully crafted simulations with trained staff portraying patients with a range of medical conditions. The course focuses on developing essential competencies in history taking, physical examination, communication, diagnostic reasoning, and patient-centered care. Throughout the course, students will participate in multiple patient scenarios that mirror real-world clinical encounters, allowing them to practice their diagnostic and interpersonal skills in a safe and supportive environment. Instructors and standardized patients will provide real-time feedback, helping students refine their approaches to patient interaction, empathy, and decision-making.

PA 530. Clinical Medicine V. 5 Credit Hours.

PA 531. Clinical Medicine VI. 3 Credit Hours.

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 three is the third course in a series of four courses sequenced in conjunction with Clinical Medicine VII and VIII. This hands-on, interactive course is designed to enhance physician assistant students' clinical skills through simulated patient encounters. Students will engage in realistic, carefully crafted simulations with trained staff portraying patients with a range of medical conditions. The course focuses on developing essential competencies in history taking, physical examination, communication, diagnostic reasoning, and patient-centered care. Throughout the course, students will participate in multiple patient scenarios that mirror real-world clinical encounters, allowing them to practice their diagnostic and interpersonal skills in a safe and supportive environment. Instructors and standardized patients will provide real-time feedback, helping students refine their approaches to patient interaction, empathy, and decision making.

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.

PA 540. Clinical Medicine VIII. 5 Credit Hours.

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 four is the fourth course in a series of four courses sequenced in conjunction with the Clinical Medicine course series. This hands-on, interactive course is designed to enhance physician assistant students' clinical skills through simulated patient encounters. Students will engage in realistic, carefully crafted simulations with trained staff portraying patients with a range of medical conditions. The course focuses on developing essential competencies in history taking, physical examination, communication, diagnostic reasoning, and patient-centered care. Throughout the course, students will participate in multiple patient scenarios that mirror real-world clinical encounters, allowing them to practice their diagnostic and interpersonal skills in a safe and supportive environment. Instructors and standardized patients will provide real-time feedback, helping students refine their approaches to patient interaction, empathy, and decision making.

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.

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

Faculty

Director of Physician Assistant Program

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

Associate Program Director

Matthew Lavoie, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-HM
Clinical Assistant Professor

Medical Director

Earl Jackman, DO, FACOG, FACS
Clinical Assistant Professor

Director of Clinical Education

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

Associate Director of Clinical Education

Jodi Cusack, MHS, PA-C
Clinical Assistant Professor

Director of Didactic Education

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

Director of Medical Simulation

Stephen Sherman, MSPAS, PA-C
Clinical Assistant Professor

Director of Admissions and Academic Success

Shaina Boyle, MBA

Program Coordinator

Terry Garvin

Program Coordinator

Brenda Tougas

Physician Assistant Program

Physician Assistant Mission

Goals of the Bryant University Physician Assistant Program

Bryant University Physician Assistant Program Competencies

Program Learning Outcomes for ARC-PA Competency Domains

Medical Knowledge

Interpersonal Skills

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities

Clinical and Technical Skills

Professional Behaviors

Bryant University Physician Assistant Program Accreditation Status

Physician Assistant Program Curriculum

Courses by Term

Courses

Faculty

Director of Physician Assistant Program

Associate Program Director

Medical Director

Director of Clinical Education

Associate Director of Clinical Education

Director of Didactic Education

Director of Medical Simulation

Director of Admissions and Academic Success

Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator

Undergraduate

Graduate

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