USA PA Program Competencies
A. Medical Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge and application of evidence-based practices related to biologic and clinical sciences.
- Apply principles of biologic and clinical sciences to patient care.
- Identify etiology, risk factors, and epidemiology to create differential diagnoses.
- Select diagnostic studies to guide therapeutic decision making.
- Differentiate therapeutic and non-therapeutic interventions to include patient education and preventative guidance in caring for patients with acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.
B. Clinical and Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in clinical techniques and procedural skills.
- Obtain and document essential information regarding patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic data.
- Interpret laboratory and radiological data and apply to patients with acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.
- Perform medical and diagnostic procedures expected of an entry-level PA in primary care practice.
- Infer patient preferences, evidence-based practice, and clinical expertise to create treatment plans including counseling, education, referral to other disciplines, follow-up, and preventative maintenance.
C. Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Collaborate as a member of an interprofessional team to coordinate patient care
- Communicate effectively and respectfully to the healthcare team, patient, and families.
- Demonstrate effective ability in establishing therapeutic alliance with patients that reflects the social circumstances, finances, and culture.
- Document legible clinical encounter.
- Demonstrate ability to collaborate with other specialties within the healthcare team.
D. Professionalism: Demonstrate professional behavior and respect for the dignity and privacy of patients
- Exhibit compassionate care and maintain honesty, respect, integrity, and maturity.
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical provider practices which meet the regulatory standards for physician assistants in clinical practice.
- Demonstrates the practice of culturally responsive care to diverse populations.
- Instill responsible management to avoid burnout and mitigate stress recognizing personal limitations and accepting constructive feedback.
E. Community Consciousness and Societal Health: Demonstrate cultural and social awareness to effectively engage resources within the system to improve patient outcomes.
- Develop individualized care plans by integrating knowledge of cultural, societal, environmental, economical, and population health impacts into medical decision making.
- Demonstrate understanding of collaborative nature of profession.
F. Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving: Utilize self-evaluation skills to proactively improve medical practice and knowledge.
- Incorporate evidence-based medical practice by analyzing and synthesizing peer-reviewed information to investigate clinical queries.
- Develop clinical decisions utilizing evidence-based research and self-reflection to address gaps in medical knowledge and adjust behaviors that can negatively impact patient care.