Program Competencies
Program Competencies
Graduates of the Kean University Physician Assistant Program are expected to demonstrate competency at the level of an entry-level practicing physician assistant in the following domains (A3.11g):
Clinical Skills
Technical Skills
Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving
Interpersonal Skills
Medical Knowledge
Professional Behaviors
CLINICAL SKILLS
1. Obtain comprehensive and focused patient histories. (CS-1)
2. Perform clinically appropriate physical examinations. (CS-2)
3. Interpret diagnostic and laboratory data to formulate and support patient care decisions. (CS-3)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
1. Safely and effectively perform clinical procedures appropriate for entry-level PA practice. (TS-1)
The following 21 technical skills are required: phlebotomy; intravenous (IV) catheterization; local anesthesia; surgical scrub, gowning, and gloving; male and female urinary catheterization; aseptic technique; wound closure; suture and staple removal; wound care (including burns, infections, and dressing changes); fluorescein staining of the eye; subcutaneous injection; intradermal injection; intramuscular injection; collection of specimens for laboratory testing; point-of-care urinalysis; point-of-care guaiac testing; point-of-care blood glucose testing; splinting and casting; pelvic examination (speculum examination, bimanual examination, and Pap smear collection); breast examination; and incision and drainage (I&D).
To demonstrate competency, a student must perform each required technical skill on at least three separate occasions and earn at least three satisfactory evaluations, each scored 3 or higher on the program's 5-point evaluation instrument.
A student who does not obtain three satisfactory evaluations for a required skill before graduation must complete faculty-supervised remediation, including additional instruction, deliberate practice, reassessment, and documentation of competency achievement.
Procedural performance and competency assessments will be documented in Exxat and in a physical student Passbook. Aggregate results will be reviewed through the program's ongoing self-assessment and curriculum-evaluation processes.
CLINICAL REASONING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING
1. Integrate patient information to formulate accurate differential diagnoses. (CR-1)
2. Develop evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic management plans. (CR-2)
3. Apply clinical reasoning and shared decision-making to complex patient care situations. (CR-3)
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
1. Communicate effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. (IS-1)
2. Demonstrate respect for patient diversity, values, preferences, and cultural perspectives during patient interactions. (IS-2)
3. Collaborate effectively within interprofessional healthcare teams to coordinate patient-centered care. (IS-3)
MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE
1. Apply biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences to the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and management of patients across the lifespan. (MK-1)
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS
1. Demonstrate integrity, accountability, ethical conduct, and professional responsibility in all interactions. (PB-1)
2. Utilize self-assessment, feedback, and evidence-based resources to identify learning needs and improve professional performance. (PB-2)
3. Apply principles of patient safety, health equity, and social drivers of health in all patient care decisions. (PB-3)