The Mission of the Larkin University School of Physician Assistant Studies is to educate passionate and highly skilled Physician Assistants dedicated to serving the health and wellness needs of South Florida’s urban and rural areas

The Vision of the Larkin University School of Physician Assistant Studies is to graduate competent physician assistants who will uphold the standards of the PA profession and practice evidence-based medicine in an interprofessional and collaborative team.

PA PROGRAM GOALS (w. Objectives)

1. Educate Physician Assistants who acquire, comprehend, and can demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat patients in primary care settings.

a. Maintain PANCE first time pass rate at or above national average

b. Maintain 5-year performance rate at or above national average

2. Develop a dynamic Physician Assistant program that integrates research and evidence-based practice, producing skilled PAs who enhance patient care and contribute to medical advancement

a. Design a curriculum that incorporates research methodology and evidence-based practices.

b. Deliver a series/sequence of courses to engage students in the research process from conception to dissemination.

c. Develop metrics to evaluate student competency in research application and evidence-based decision-making.

d. Demonstrate student engagement in research activities through talks, presentations, and publications (etc.).

3. Foster Community Engagement and Service Learning through interprofessional collaboration.

a. 100% of Cohort will participate in at least one Community service or outreach activity per year that addresses identified community needs.

b. PA students will participate in these community projects collaborating with students from other health disciplines.

4. Enhance student retention through supportive interventions.

a. Implement a comprehensive Student Support System.

b. Establish an Early Alert System by tracking at-risk students.

5. Promote Diversity and Inclusion within the PA Program.

a. Establish a Diversity Recruitment initiative.

b. Monitor and assess Diversity and inclusion Outcomes.

Medical Knowledge (MK)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will have a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences and the ability to apply that knowledge to patient care in various medical settings and across the life span.

Competencies
MK1: Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and other basic sciences to comprehend normal and abnormal bodily functions.
MK2: Proficiency in diagnosing and managing common medical conditions across the lifespan.
MK3: Understanding of pharmacological principles and safety in prescribing practices that includes drug interactions, side effects, contraindications, and educating and counseling patients on the safe use of prescribed and non-prescribed medications.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will communicate with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. This includes verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication.

Competencies
ICS1: Communicating medical information, treatment plans, and instructions to patients, family members and other healthcare professionals while considering cultural nuances.
ICS2: Actively listening to patients while utilizing verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and allowing them to express concerns and preferences to enhance communication and establish rapport.
ICS3: Developing proficiency in telehealth communication including conducting virtual consultations, and ensuring patient comfort and understanding in remote settings.

Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will show clinical and technical skills in patient assessments, documentation of health records, and proficiency in medical equipment and technology.

Competencies
CTS1: Conducting comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history, physical examination, and formulation of differential diagnosis. 
CTS2: Ordering, performing, and assisting with medical procedures and utilizing medical equipment and technology.
CTS3: Managing data efficiently by using electronic health records and other health information technologies to document patient information accurately.
CTS4: Working collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

Patient-Centered Care (PCC)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will show the ability to provide patient-centered care including diagnosing, treating, and managing of medical conditions under a licensed physician’s supervision.

Competencies
PCC1: Communicating medical information clearly and understandably avoiding jargon and ensuring patient comprehension of diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans.
PCC2: Engaging patients in the decision-making process regarding healthcare, while considering patient’s values, preferences, and goals.
PCC3: Ensuring patients are informed of treatment options, benefits, and obtains informed consent before implementing interventions.
PCC4: Assisting patients in making informed decisions on preventive measures and lifestyle changes to improve their health.
PCC5: Prioritizing patient safety, recognizing potential risks, and addressing errors in healthcare.

Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will understand and navigate a larger healthcare system and effectively collaborate with other members of the healthcare team.

Competencies
IPC1: Maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior, integrity, and accountability in all interactions with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system.
IPC2: Working effectively with healthcare professionals and support staff to ensure the delivery of effective and comprehensive interdisciplinary care.

Professionalism and Ethics (PE)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will maintain a high standard of professional behavior and accountability. This includes a commitment to lifelong learning and staying current in medical knowledge. They will exhibit professionalism by demonstrating integrity, honesty, awareness, and sensitivity to social, legal, and ethical issues.

Competencies
PE1: Adhering to professionalism, such as appropriate dress code, punctuality, and professional decorum.
PE2: Demonstrating commitment to patient confidentiality and advocacy.
PE3: Understanding medical ethics and exhibiting knowledge of laws and regulations governing the practice of medicine.
PE4: Adhering to licensure requirements and scope of practice guidelines.
PE5: Committing to lifelong learning and staying updated on advancements within the profession and medical knowledge.
PE6: Providing medically sound and ethically grounded patient-centered care within the scope of practice of the profession.

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving abilities (CRPS)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will integrate medical histories, interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose, and formulate therapeutic management plans for preventative, emergent, acute, and chronic health conditions across the lifespan (prenatal, infant, child, adolescent, and elderly).

Competencies
CRPS1: Integrating medical histories, physical examination findings, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose acute, chronic, and emergent health conditions across the life span.
CRPS2: Synthesizing information acquired through all aspects of patient encounters and the medical literature to develop appropriate differential diagnoses and determine appropriate next steps, assessments, and prognoses, and management plans for acute, chronic, and emergent
health conditions.
CRPS3: Formulating health management plans, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, and patient education, in the prevention and treatment of acute, chronic, and emergent conditions.

Practice-based Learning and Quality Improvement (PBL)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will commit to self-improvement and the ability to critically evaluate one’s own practice and incorporate new knowledge into patient care.

Competencies
PBL1: Engaging in hands-on real-world clinical experiences and applying knowledge and skills acquired during academic coursework.
PBL2: Encouraging reflection on experiences, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for continuous improvements.
PBL3: Continuously assessing and evaluating clinical practice to identify areas of improvement.
PBL4: Using evidence-based approaches to make informed decisions and implementing changes that contribute to better patient outcomes.
PBL5: Encouraging self-assessment by fostering a sense of responsibility for one’s own professional growth.

Cultural Competency (CC)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will be aware and respectful of the diversity of patients, understanding the impact of culture on health and healthcare delivery, and providing care that is sensitive to cultural differences.

Competencies
CC1: Understanding and acknowledging cultural backgrounds, biases, and values, while recognizing and appreciating the diversity of cultures within the patient population.
CC2: Demonstrating awareness and sensitivity to variations in language, tone, and non-verbal cues across diverse cultures.
CC3: Acquiring knowledge of cultural practice beliefs and health related behaviors of various patient populations to enhance the quality of care.
CC4: Staying informed on cultural factors that impact healthcare decisions and outcomes.
CC5: Maintaining a humble attitude and willingness to learn from patients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.