Physician Assistant Program Competencies

Guided by the mission and vision of the Methodist PA Program and ARC-PA 5th Edition Accreditation Standards for Entry-level Physician Assistants, the Methodist PA Program competencies represent the requisite medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities each student must satisfactorily demonstrate to graduate from the Methodist PA Program. The development and framework of these competencies was informed by the AAPA 2019 Draft Competencies for the PA Profession and the PAEA Core Competencies for New Physician Graduates.

The Methodist University PA Program competencies are organized into the five core domains outlined below.

Medical Knowledge (MK)

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences to patient care.

Competencies

  • MK1: Apply knowledge of biomedical and clinical sciences—including anatomy, physiology, genetics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and microbiology—to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of disease across the lifespan in medical and surgical settings, including pre-, intra-, and post-operative care.
  • MK2: Demonstrate understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms of health and disease and apply them to clinical decision-making.
  • MK3: Integrate knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and behavioral and mental health into comprehensive patient care.
  • MK4: Demonstrate appropriate use of pharmacological agents, including selection, dosing, mechanisms of action, contraindications, interactions, and cost-effective prescribing.
  • MK5: Understand professional issues including PA scope of practice, legal and ethical responsibilities, licensure, certification, and emerging trends in the PA profession.

Interpersonal Skills (IPS)

Graduates will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Competencies

  • IPS1: Communicate effectively, compassionately, and respectfully with patients, families, caregivers, and members of the healthcare team.
  • IPS2: Educate and counsel patients and families across diverse populations using language and materials appropriate to literacy level, culture, and health beliefs.
  • IPS3: Demonstrate active listening, shared decision-making, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
  • IPS4: Collaborate effectively in interprofessional teams to ensure patient-centered care and optimize health outcomes.

Clinical & Technical Skills (CTS)

Graduates will demonstrate clinical competence in patient assessment, procedures, and management.

Competencies

  • CTS1: Elicit accurate and relevant patient histories and perform physical examinations across the lifespan and in diverse care settings.
  • CTS2: Appropriately order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies and procedures based on patient presentation and clinical context.
  • CTS3: Perform medical and surgical procedures as required by the program, including those related to pre-, intra-, and post-operative care.
  • CTS4: Develop differential diagnoses and evidence-based management plans for acute, chronic, preventive, prenatal, gynecologic, behavioral, and emergent conditions.
  • CTS5: Apply clinical reasoning and problem-solving to interpret patient data using principles of epidemiology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based medicine.

Professional Behaviors (PB)

Graduates will demonstrate ethical behavior, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Competencies

  • PB1: Exhibit professional behavior, including integrity, respect, compassion, and responsibility toward patients, families, and healthcare teams.
  • PB2: Uphold legal, regulatory, and ethical standards of PA practice, including patient confidentiality and informed consent.
  • PB3: Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse populations and advocate for equitable care.
  • PB4: Commit to self-awareness, professional development, and lifelong learning to enhance personal and professional growth.

Clinical Reasoning (CR)

Graduates will engage in critical analysis of practice experience and medical literature to improve care quality.

Competencies

  • CR1: Evaluate personal performance and identify areas for improvement using feedback, reflection, and self-assessment.
  • CR2: Use medical literature and evidence-based resources to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
  • CR3: Incorporate quality improvement strategies and risk reduction practices into patient care.
  • CR4: Recognize the role of public health and integrate population-based care into clinical practice.

Problem-Solving (PS)

Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context of healthcare.

Competencies

  • PS1: Practice cost-effective care and advocate for patients within complex healthcare systems.
  • PS2: Understand and apply principles of healthcare delivery systems, reimbursement, coding, documentation, and risk management.
  • PS3: Use healthcare technologies to enhance patient care, documentation, and education.
  • PS4: Identify and address health disparities, social determinants of health, and systemic barriers to care.