Curriculum

During the 14-month didactic phase, students review foundational concepts in the basic sciences that focus on clinical anatomy and physiology and underlying mechanisms of health and disease. In addition, students receive instruction in clinical medicine, pharmacology, medical interviewing, physical examination techniques, clinical procedures, population and community-based health, and a variety of topics related to PA professional practice. Students will develop clinical reasoning skills and incorporate evidence-based research to support clinical decision-making.  The curriculum incorporates a variety of teaching modalities that occur in the classroom, clinical laboratories, and small group seminar sessions.

Didactic coursework will include classes such as Clinical Anatomy & Physiology, Clinical Medicine, Health History & Medical Interviewing, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Physical Diagnosis & Diagnostic Studies, Epidemiology & Research Methodology, and Professional Practice. Clinical Skills courses with integrated lab space will also be provided.
 

The clinical phase of the program is 13 months long and is designed to provide students supervised opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of clinical settings, specialties, and sites. Students complete nine (9) Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs/clinical rotations), including seven (7) required rotations with two (2) elective rotations.

Prior to beginning clinical rotations, students will complete the Transition to Clinical Year course, which will help prepare students for the expectations of the clinical year and provide additional training in a variety of hands-on skills and procedures.  

Each clinical rotation is five (5) weeks long (5 credits) and requires a minimum of 40 hours per week of patient care.  Some rotations may exceed this requirement. During the clinical year, students will gain over 1800 hours of clinical training.  Students can expect to be assigned to clinical rotation sites throughout Montana and the surrounding region. A majority (90%) of the rotations will be greater than 50 miles from the campus. The sequence of clinical courses varies from student to student, but students must successfully complete all rotations in order to be eligible for graduation.  

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.  Students may request a clinical rotation with a particular preceptor or clinical site, but it is the responsibility of the PA program and Director of Clinical Education to vet the site to ensure it will allow for students to accomplish the course learning outcomes.

Required Rotations

• Family Medicine
• Hospital Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Women’s Health
• Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Behavioral Health

Elective Rotations

Students will have two elective rotations.  The first will be in Primary Care (outpatient – may include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Urgent Care, or Pediatrics).  The second elective allows the student to choose from a medical or surgical specialty or subspecialty based on their area of interest and availability of the rotation.  In some cases, students may be required to complete an elective rotation in a specific specialty in order to address deficiencies and/or as part of a remediation plan.  Examples of elective rotations that may be available include:

• Dermatology
• Urgent Care
• Gastroenterology
• Orthopedics

Students will return to campus three times throughout the Clinical Phase to participate in additional learning opportunities and skills refinement. Curricular materials will include Call Backs and Assessments, as well as other instructional materials developed by the program. Students will return after all rotations are completed to complete the Transition to Clinical Year course.

Course Descriptions – Didactic Phase

PA 510 Clinical Skills I 
This introductory course focuses on the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to obtain and document both comprehensive and problem-focused patient histories. Students will learn effective interviewing techniques, begin to formulate differential diagnoses, and develop accurate and concise documentation skills. Instruction also covers the components, rationale, and significance of the complete physical examination. Laboratory sessions provide structured opportunities to practice technical and communication skills using appropriate medical equipment and terminology.  4 credits.  Prerequisite: Matriculation into the program. 

PA 512 Clinical Skills II 
The second course in the Clinical Skills series builds upon foundational skills and introduces procedures and diagnostic techniques commonly used in clinical practice. Students will learn the interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECG), diagnostic imaging, and spirometry, and will perform basic clinical procedures such as suturing, casting, splinting, biopsies, and catheterization. Instruction is closely aligned with concurrent Clinical Medicine courses. All invasive procedures are practiced on task trainers or simulation mannequins to ensure skill proficiency in a controlled environment. 4 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560 

PA 514 Clinical Skills III 
This course continues the development of procedural competence and diagnostic interpretation skills. Students will refine their ability to interpret diagnostic imaging and will learn specialized orthopedic and primary care techniques, including splinting, bracing, joint injections, biopsies, and catheterization. Emphasis is placed on integrating clinical reasoning with hands-on technical proficiency. Practice occurs in simulated environments using task trainers and mannequins to promote safe and effective performance. 4 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 512, 525, 542, 552, 562 

PA 516 Clinical Skills IV 
The final course in the Clinical Skills sequence emphasizes the integration and application of procedural and diagnostic skills in preparation for clinical rotations. Students will demonstrate competency in performing common medical procedures and interpreting diagnostic data, synthesizing this information into patient care decision-making. Advanced simulation and case-based learning activities reinforce clinical judgment, efficiency, and professionalism in procedural practice.  3 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 514, 526, 554, 564, 574 

PA 520 Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
This course reviews the foundational concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to the practice of medicine.  Topics include cellular and molecular physiology, genetics, immunology, and microbiology.  Through lectures and labs students will learn the normal and abnormal structures and anatomical components of the human body. Students will learn anatomy primarily using Anatomage® tables as well through diagnostic imaging (CT scans, X-rays) to identify and assess structures.  5 credits Prerequisite: Matriculation into the program. 

PA 525 Physiology/Pathophysiology I   
This course is designed to build upon the Foundations in Medical Physiology course. Students will learn the normal physiology and mechanisms of disease in an organ system approach. Topic areas will be taught in an integrated fashion with the Clinical Medicine courses to facilitate learning the normal and pathophysiologic basis of diseases.  2  credits 
Prerequisites: PA 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560 

PA 526 Physiology/Pathophysiology II     This course is designed to build upon the Foundations in Medical Physiology course. Students will learn the normal physiology and mechanisms of disease in an organ system approach. Topic areas will be taught in an integrated fashion with the Clinical Medicine courses to facilitate learning the normal and pathophysiologic basis of diseases. 2 credits 
Prerequisites:  PA 512, 525, 542, 552, 562 

PA 530 Professional Practice I: The PA Profession 
This course introduces students to the history, development, and professional role of the physician assistant within the U.S. health care system. Topics include the evolution of the profession, the role of professional organizations, credentialing and licensure, interprofessional collaboration, and current trends in health care. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, reflective practice, leadership, and provider well-being as foundations for a sustainable career in medicine. 1 credit 
Prerequisite: Matriculation into the program. 

PA 535 Professional Practice II: Medical Law, Ethics, and Health Care Delivery Systems 
This course explores the medicolegal and ethical principles guiding physician assistant practice. Students examine topics such as medical laws, malpractice, risk management, quality assurance, billing and coding, and the structure and function of U.S. health care delivery systems. Ethical theories and contemporary issues are discussed in the context of the PA–physician team and patient-centered care. 2 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 514, 526, 554, 564, 574 

PA 540 Public Health 
Through lectures and discussions, students will explore how environmental, social, and economic factors influence human health across the lifespan.  Students will learn about health disparities, health literacy, unconscious bias, racism, and other issues affecting the health of communities and populations.  Students will also learn about a patient-centered approach to caring for individuals they encounter in their clinical practice, including the principles of trauma-informed care. 2 credits 
Prerequisite: Matriculation into the program. 

PA 542 Research Methods 
This course will highlight the importance of incorporating evidence-based medicine into clinical practice. Basic concepts of epidemiology, biostatistics and research methodology will be explored.  Students will learn how to use databases like PubMed to search the medical literature, read and interpret the literature and begin to formulate research questions and gain a better understanding on statistics.  2 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560 

PA 550 Pharmacology I 
This is the first in the series of courses that provides instruction in the principles of pharmacology for prescription and non-prescription drugs.  The concepts of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics will be introduced. Topic areas will be taught in an integrated fashion with the Clinical Medicine courses to facilitate learning of diseases and their treatment. 2 credits 
Prerequisites: Matriculation into the program. 

PA 552 Pharmacology II 
This is the second course in the series of courses that provides instruction in the principles of pharmacology for prescription and non-prescription drugs.  Topic areas will be taught in an integrated fashion with the Clinical Medicine courses to facilitate learning of diseases and their treatment.  3 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560

PA 554 Pharmacology III 
This is the third course in the series of courses that provides instruction in the principles of pharmacology for prescription and non-prescription drugs.  Topic areas will be taught in an integrated fashion with the Clinical Medicine courses to facilitate learning of diseases and their treatment. 3 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 512, 525, 542, 552, 562 

PA 560 Clinical Medicine I: Allergy/Immunology, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology, Neurology 
This is the first in a series of three clinical medicine courses that provide instruction in the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prevention, signs, symptoms, diagnostic work-up, treatment, prognosis and follow up of diseases and disorders.  Students will learn to order diagnostic studies, interpret results of the studies which will be applied to the diagnosis and treatment.  Students will learn to form differential diagnoses and to recognize pertinent history and physical examination findings.  This course will emphasize the systems of: Allergy/Immunology, EENT, Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology, and Neurology.  7 credits 
Prerequisite: Matriculation into the program  

PA 562 Clinical Medicine II: Cardiology, Pulmonary, Gastrointestinal, Dermatology
This is the second in a series of three clinical medicine courses that provide instruction in the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prevention, signs, symptoms, diagnostic work-up, treatment, prognosis and follow up of diseases and disorders.  Students will learn to order diagnostic studies, interpret results of the studies which will be applied to the diagnosis and treatment.  Students will learn to form differential diagnoses and to recognize pertinent history and physical examination findings.  This course will emphasize the systems of: Cardiology, Pulmonary, Gastrointestinal, and Dermatology. 9 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560 

PA 564 Clinical Medicine III: Nephrology, GU, OB/GYN, Hematology, Endocrinology 
This is the third in a series of three clinical medicine courses that provide instruction in the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prevention, signs, symptoms, diagnostic work-up, treatment, prognosis and follow up of diseases and disorders.  Students will learn to order diagnostic studies, interpret results of the studies which will be applied to the diagnosis and treatment.  Students will learn to form differential diagnoses and to recognize pertinent history and physical examination findings.  This course will emphasize the systems of: Nephrology, Genitourinary, OB/GYN, Hematology, and Endocrinology. 9 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 512, 525, 542, 552, 562 

PA 572 Clinical Medicine IV: Special Populations: Pediatrics and Geriatrics
This course provides instruction in the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prevention, signs, symptoms, diagnostic work-up, treatment, prognosis and follow up of diseases and disorders in the geriatric and pediatric populations.  Students will learn more about aging and its impact on the geriatric population as well as psychosocial aspects and patient safety. The course will also provide instruction on normal and abnormal development and follow-up of medical, surgical and behavioral diseases and disorders found in infants, children, and adolescents. 3 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 514, 526, 554, 564, 574 

PA 574 Behavioral Medicine 
In the behavioral medicine course, students will learn to evaluate, diagnose, and treat behavioral and mental health issues.  Students will gain an understanding for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) classifications.  The course will highlight timely referrals, impact of behavioral medicine issues on health and genetic factors associated with the illnesses/disorders.  Students will also learn about patient response to illness and injury, death, dying and bereavement, human sexuality, psychosocial effects of illness, stress and injury and the identification and prevention of violence. 2 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 512, 525, 542, 552, 562 

PA 576 Surgery 
In this course, students will learn the principles of surgical risk, pre-operative, and postoperative care, informed consent, and the role of the PA in surgical specialties.  Students will learn the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and management of surgical conditions. 2 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 514, 526, 554, 564, 574 

PA 578 Emergency and Critical Care Medicine 
In addition, students will explore the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prevention, signs, symptoms, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and prognosis for common emergent conditions.  The student will also learn about the approach to the critically ill and injured patient will be discussed. 4 credits 
Prerequisites: PA 514, 526, 554, 564, 574 

PA 590 Transition to the Clinical Year 
This course prepares students to successfully transition from the didactic phase into supervised clinical practice. Students will apply core medical knowledge and clinical skills in simulated patient care scenarios to enhance diagnostic reasoning, clinical problem solving, and procedural competence. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, patient safety, quality care, interprofessional communication, and understanding the expectations and responsibilities of supervised clinical practice. 3 credits Prerequisites: PA 514, 526, 554, 564, 574, 576, 578 

Course Descriptions – Clinical Phase 

PA 630 Professional Practice III: Callback  
During this on-campus session, students return from clinical rotations to engage in structured activities designed to assess progress, reinforce clinical reasoning, and enhance professional development. Through case discussions, practical exercises, and reflective learning, students demonstrate growth in clinical competence and readiness for continued clinical practice.  1 credit       
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 632 Professional Practice IV: Midyear Assessment 
At the midpoint of the clinical phase, students return to campus to participate in formative assessments designed to evaluate progress toward program competencies and readiness for graduation. Assessments focus on clinical knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors, identifying each student’s strengths and areas for continued growth. Results guide individualized plans for ongoing development and support. 1 credit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 634 Professional Practice V: Summative Assessment 
At the conclusion of the clinical phase, students return to campus for a comprehensive assessment of their readiness to enter clinical practice. This experience evaluates achievement of program competencies through written, oral, and performance-based assessments. Successful completion of this course demonstrates readiness for graduation and entry into the physician assistant profession. 1 credit 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic and clinical years. 

PA 641 Family Medicine  
This is a 5-week supervised clinical practice experience that focuses on the principles and practices of general family medicine in an outpatient setting. Students will refine their history and physical exam skills, order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies and apply clinical reasoning to formulate diagnostic and treatment plans in the evaluation of adult patients, including preventive medicine and acute and chronic illness. 5 credits 
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 642 Pediatrics 
This is a 5-week rotation where students are assigned to an outpatient clinic.  Students will gain experience in obtaining and recording complete and problem-oriented history and physical exams, formulate differential diagnoses, order and interpret lab and diagnostic studies and recommend therapeutic procedures and treatment plans for acute and chronic illnesses and conditions.  Students will see infants, children, and adolescents.  This rotation emphasizes preventive and well-child checks, and developmental milestones. 5 credits 
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 643 Women’s Health 
This is a 5-week rotation where students will have opportunities to develop proficiency in evaluating and treating patients seeking gynecologic and prenatal care. This rotation emphasizes preventive gynecologic care, common gynecologic conditions, preventive care, and routine/prenatal care. 5 credits 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 644 Hospital Medicine 
This 5-week rotation focuses on the inpatient internal medicine assessment and management of adult and elderly patients presenting with acute illnesses requiring hospitalization. Students are assigned to a hospital where they will participate in hospital admissions, consultations, and discharges.  Students will obtain and record admission and interim history and physical exams, formulate differential diagnoses and problem lists, order and interpret lab and diagnostic studies, and recommend therapeutic procedures and treatment plans for patients admitted to the hospital for acute medical conditions.  
5 credits 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 645 Behavioral Medicine 
This 5-week rotation emphasizes communication skills, assessment, treatment, and referral of patients seeking are for acute and chronic behavioral and mental health conditions. 5 credits 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 646 Surgery 
This is a 5-week rotation where students will see patients presenting with conditions requiring surgical management, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative care.   Students will learn the role of the PA in surgical specialties and have opportunities to assist in the operating room, participate in surgical referral visits, and evaluate patients before and after surgeries.  5 credits 
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 647 Emergency Medicine 
This is a 5-week rotation where students will learn the principles of evaluating and treating patients presenting to the emergency room. The emphasis is on recognizing emergent medical and surgical conditions and appropriate triage.  Students will gain experience obtaining and recording history and physical exams, formulating differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting lab and diagnostic studies, and recommending therapeutic procedures and treatment plans.  In addition, students will perform or assist in performing procedures commonly required in the emergency room.  5 credits 
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 648 Elective I 
The Elective I rotation is a 5-week rotation in a primary care specialty (family medicine, internal medicine, urgent care, or pediatrics). Students will gain further refinement of their knowledge and skills in primary care. 5 credits 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 649 Elective II 
Elective II rotation is a 5-week rotation in a medicine or surgical specialty.  Students will gain further refinement of their knowledge and skills in a specialty area of medicine or surgery. 5 credits 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 680 Capstone I  
This course introduces students to the ongoing development of their culminating scholarly project. Students will identify clinical or healthcare topics of interest, perform a literature review, and formulate focused clinical questions. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based medicine principles, critical appraisal of the literature, and refinement of research skills necessary for scholarly inquiry. 1 credit 
Prerequisites: PA 514, 526, 554, 564, 574 

PA 681 Capstone II  
This course builds upon initial project development as students continue data collection, analysis, and synthesis of evidence related to their scholarly project. Faculty mentorship supports students in integrating current research findings with clinical application. Emphasis is placed on refining project design, applying analytical frameworks, and beginning preliminary draft preparation. 1 credit 
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 682 Capstone III  
This course focuses on the advanced development of the scholarly project as students complete their written work and prepare for dissemination. Students will finalize data analysis, produce professional-grade written reports, and prepare oral or poster presentations suitable for academic or clinical audiences. Faculty provide structured feedback to support scholarly rigor and professional communication. 1 credit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA 683 Capstone IV  
This course culminates the scholarly project sequence. Students present and defend their final projects through oral presentations or poster sessions to faculty, peers, and invited guests. The course also includes reflection on the research process, discussion of future directions for scholarly inquiry, and consideration of how research informs evidence-based clinical practice. 1 credit 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year. 

PA690 Transition to Clinical Practice 
This final course includes the completion of summative assessments to ensure students have met the program goals and attained the competencies required to graduate.  This course also includes didactic content designed to prepare them to enter clinical practice, with topics like maintaining certification and lifelong learning,  licensure, contract negotiations, billing and coding, financial management, avoiding burnout, risk management, and patient safety. 3 credits 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the didactic year.