Keck School of Medicine
Department-Specific Programs
Department of Family Medicine
Courses of Instruction
Primary Care Physician Assistant (PCPA)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
PCPA 503 Behavioral Sciences I (4, Fa) First of three-semester sequence in current topics in behavioral medicine, psychological and cultural factors in health and illness, interpersonal and sociological aspects of patient care, and competencies for PA practice. Open to physician assistant practice majors only.
PCPA 506 Behavioral Sciences II (4, Sp) Second of three-semester sequence in current topics in behavioral medicine, psychological and cultural factors in health and illness, interpersonal and sociological aspects of patient care, and competencies for PA practice. Open to physician assistant practice majors only. Prerequisite: PCPA 503.
PCPA 509 Behavioral Sciences III (4, Fa) Last of three-semester sequence in current topics in behavioral medicine, psychological and cultural factors in health and illness, interpersonal and sociological aspects of patient care, and competencies for PA practice. Open to physician assistant practice majors only. Prerequisite: PCPA 506.
PCPA 523 Clinical Skills I (4, Fa) Laboratory experiences with basic clinical skills essential to medical practice. First of four courses. Open to physician assistant practice majors only.
PCPA 526 Clinical Skills II (6, Sp) Laboratory experiences with basic clinical skills essential to medical practice. Second of four courses. Open to physician assistant practice majors only. Prerequisite: PCPA 523.
PCPA 529 Clinical Skills III (6, Fa) Laboratory experiences with basic clinical skills essential to medical practice. Third of four courses. Open to physician assistant practice majors only. Prerequisite: PCPA 526.
PCPA 530 Basic Medical Sciences (6, Fa) A one-semester overview of clinical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pathology essential to understanding disease mechanisms commonly encountered in primary care and specialty practices of medicine. Open to physician assistant practice majors only.
PCPA 532 Clinical Skills IV (3, SpSm) Laboratory experiences with basic clinical skills essential to medical practice. Last of four courses. Open to physician assistant practice majors only. Prerequisite: PCPA 529.
PCPA 543 Topics in Medicine I (4, Fa) Basic instruction in normal/abnormal states of organ systems in the study of human disease. The first of three courses that includes instruction in pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic studies, and medicine. Open to physician assistant practice majors only.
PCPA 546 Topics in Medicine II (6, Sp) Basic instruction in normal/abnormal states of organ systems in the study of human disease. The second of three courses that includes instruction in pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic studies, and medicine. Open to physician assistant practice majors only. Prerequisite: PCPA 543.
PCPA 549 Topics in Medicine III (6, Fa) Basic instruction in normal/abnormal states of organ systems in the study of human disease. The third of three courses that includes instruction in pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic studies, and medicine. Open to physician assistant practice majors only. Prerequisite: PCPA 546.
PCPA 561 Clinical Assignment I (3.5, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 562 Clinical Assignment II (3.5, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 563 Clinical Assignment III (3.5, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 564ab Clinical Assignment IV (a: 3.5; b: 0, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 565ab Clinical Assignment V (a: 3.5; b: 0, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 566 Clinical Assignment VI (3.5, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 567 Clinical Assignment VII (3.5, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 568 Clinical Assignment VIII (3.5, FaSpSm) One discrete consecutive five-day-a-week intensive field placement under a program-approved supervising preceptor in a program-approved clinical setting. Graded CR/NC.
PCPA 583 Advanced Topics in PA Studies: Education (4, Sp) Seminar format: students explore educational theories and methods used by PAs in a variety of settings, including clinical practice, classroom and community. Open to physician assistant practice majors only.
PCPA 586 Advanced Topics in PA Studies: Research (4, Sp) Seminar format: students receive an integrated experience in research methods including methodology, data collection, analysis and evaluation. Open to physician assistant practice majors only.
PCPA 589 Advanced Topics in PA Studies: Medical Care Organization (4, Sp) Seminar format: students will explore current topics in medical care organization and physician assistant practice including administration, financing, changing organizational settings, and workforce issues. Open to physician assistant practice majors only.