Learning Competencies

Learners working with Sim Mom and Sim Newbie

The Ithaca College MS-PAS program is committed to providing learners with a learner centered educational environment where they will receive the requisite medical knowledge to provide culturally sensitive, empathic, patient-centered, evidence-based medical care in an interprofessional healthcare team. 

Learner success in achieving the program competencies will be evaluated through a variety of assessment tools such as: multiple choice examinations, interprofessional collaborative group activities and projects, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), reflection journals, clinical performance evaluations, clinical preceptor evaluations and a graduate project.

The Ithaca College MS-PAS learning competencies are based on the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession as developed jointly by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA), the Accreditation Review Commission for Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the American Academy of Physician Assistant (AAPA).   

AbbreviationCompetency
PC 1

MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE

PA Graduates must apply scientific principles and evidence-based medicine in the management of patients.

PC 2

CLINICAL REASONING and PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES

PA Graduates must demonstrate investigative and analytical thinking approaches to evaluate patients across the lifespan with signs and symptoms of medical and surgical conditions.

PC 3

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

PA Graduates must demonstrate interpersonal skills that result in an effective communication exchange with patients, patients’ families, caregivers, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

PC 4

CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

PA Graduates must demonstrate the ability to perform the procedures and technical skills necessary to provide quality patient-centered care.

PC 5

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS

PA Graduates must demonstrate respect, compassion, integrity, and accountability to themselves, other healthcare providers, patients and families, and society.

PC 6

LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY FOR HEALTHCARE EQUITY and ACCESS

PA Graduates must demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, and sensitivity to diverse patient populations.