Program

PROGRAM MISSION

The Southwestern College Physician Associate Program strives to develop compassionate, competent physician associates through a robust selection and training process.  The program is dedicated to preparing graduates for practice through a rigorous primary care foundation that fosters critical thinking skills and emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration as essential members of the health care team.  In addition to providing excellent patient-centered care, the program promotes advancement of the profession and service to the community, particularly those deemed underserved or rural.

PROGRAM GOALS

GOAL #1: Maintain PANCE pass rates higher than national average for first-time test takers.

• PANCE data will be available in April 2029

GOAL #2: Maintain attrition rates lower than national average.

• NCCPA data will be available fall 2028

GOAL #3: Contribute to reducing the rural healthcare shortage by having 50% of graduates work in rural (*) communities throughout Kansas upon graduation.

(*) Rural as defined by the Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA( for purpose of rural grant eligibility

• Graduate survey data will be available in fall 2029

PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

Medical Knowledge

1. Apply principles of basic science and epidemiology to identify potential risk factors and develop strategies for disease prevention including screening, pharmaceutical options, and lifestyle modification. (MK1)
2. Obtain and interpret data based on patient presentation (history and physical exam) and diagnostics to develop an accurate differential diagnosis. (MK2)
3. Identify risk factors and concerning findings to appropriately discern between acute, emergent, and chronic disease states across the lifespan. (MK3)
4. Apply basic pharmaceutical principles and/or clinical interventions to develop appropriate patient management plans. (MK4)
5. Access and interpret current and credible sources of medical information to provide evidence-based standards of care. (MK5)

Patient-Centered Care

1. Identify and address social determinants that affect access to care. (PC1)
2. Demonstrate sensitivity and competence when caring for patients of drivers patient populations including diversity in sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, culture, race, ethnicity socioeconomic status, religion, and health competency. (PC2)
3. Counsel, educate, and empower patients and their families to participate in their care and enable shared decision-making. (PC3)

Communication Skills and Interprofessional Relationships

1. Accurately and adequately document medical information for clinical, legal, and financial purposes. (CI1)
2. Demonstrate sensitivity, honesty, and compassion in all conversations, including challenging discussions about death, end of life, adverse events, bad news, and disclosure of errors, and other sensitive topics. (CI2)
3. Work effectively and collaborate with other health professionals to provide integrated, patient-centered care. (CI3)

Healthcare Systems and Finance

1. Consider cost-effectiveness and exercise fiscal responsibility when utilizing resources while maintaining quality of care. (HSF)

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Aspects of Healthcare

1. Adhere to the moral, legal and ethical guidelines and expectations put forth by AAPA, ARC-PA, PAEA, and NCCPA as well as other applicable state and national agencies. (PEL1)
2. Understand the commitment to lifelong learning required of health professionals. (PEL2)
3. Possess self-awareness to maintain an appropriate scope of practice and recognize limits of knowledge and expertise. (PEL3)