Learning outcomes are defined as “the medical knowledge; interpersonal, clinical and technical skills; professional behaviors; and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities that have been attained by the student at the completion of a curricular component, course or program.” (ARC-PA, 2020).
Competencies are defined as “the medical knowledge, interpersonal, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities required for PA practice.” (ARC-PA, 2020).
The Berry Physician Associate (PA) Program has established Program Learning Competencies—Upon completion of their PA program curriculum, students will have attained the necessary medical knowledge; interpersonal, clinical and technical skills; professional behaviors; and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities required for competent entry-level PA practice. Berry PA students must demonstrate proficiency in the Program Learning Competencies prior to graduation.
1. Medical Knowledge
1.1: Demonstrate knowledge of medical sciences for common diseases and conditions across the life span for all major human organ systems in order to identify, diagnose, manage and provide effective patient-centered care.
1.2: Demonstrate general knowledge of the healthcare business and systems, including their impact on healthcare access and delivery.
1.3: Demonstrate knowledge of social-behavioral sciences, including population health, health policy and social determinants of health as they impact patient care.
2. Interpersonal & Communication Skills
2.1: Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange and collaborative relationships with patients, families and healthcare delivery team members.
2.2: Deliver effectively succinct and comprehensive oral communication pertaining to patient care.
2.3: Demonstrate accurate and adequate written communication pertaining to patient care.
3. Clinical & Technical Skills
3.1: Safely demonstrate the appropriate and effective performance of history and physical examinations as indicated by the patient presentation and setting.
3.2: Safely demonstrate the accurate performance of clinical skills common to general medical practice.
3.3: Safely demonstrate the effective performance of clinical procedures common to general medical practice.
4. Professional Behaviors
4.1: Demonstration of professional behavior in all interactions with patients, families, colleagues and other health professionals and staff.
4:2: Demonstrate understanding and commitment to adherence to the ethical principles that guide the PA profession.
4.3: Demonstrate cultural humility and competency in an equitable manner across diverse patient populations.
4.4: Demonstrate knowledge of PA profession requirements and regulations.
5. Clinical Reasoning & Problem-solving Abilities
5.1: Demonstration of an appropriate analytical approach to clinical situations, including investigation, evaluation, formulation of differential diagnoses, management and prevention.
5.2: Demonstrate ability to investigate, evaluate and apply evidence-based practice.