Program Learning Outcomes and Competencies
The CSUSB MSPA program strives to develop multidimensional PAs who are ready to serve the needs of individuals and communities. Upon completion of the CSUSB MSPA program, graduates are expected to have specific knowledge and skills required to enter clinical practice as a PA, known as competencies. The CSUSB MSPA program competencies and learning outcomes were developed in alignment with AAPA’s Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession (revised in 2012), PAEA’s Core Competencies for New Physician Assistant Graduates (2018), NCCPA’s Competencies for the Physician Assistant (PA) Profession (revised in 2021), and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) definition of program competencies.
PLO1. Integrate core knowledge about biomedical, social, behavioral, and clinical sciences into the equitable care of diverse patient populations. (MK)
PLO2. Demonstrate effective patient-centered communication and medical interviewing skills to gather an essential patient history. (IP)
PLO3. Provide patient education and counseling that is clear, culturally sensitive, and patient centered. (IP, MK)
PLO4. Create accurate and complete written documentation of a clinical encounter. (IP)
PLO5. Demonstrate an effective oral presentation of a clinical encounter. (IP)
PLO6. Conduct an appropriate, patient-centered physical exam. (CTS)
PLO7. Perform clinical procedures safely and with informed consent. (CTS)
PLO8. Analyze current scientific literature to make evidence-based clinical decisions. (CRPS, MK)
PLO9. Select and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic studies (CRPS, MK)
PLO10. Formulate a logical and prioritized list of differential diagnoses. (CRPS)
PLO11. Synthesize a comprehensive and individualized management plan. (CRPS, MK)
PLO12. Demonstrate professional behaviors and cultural humility with patients, caregivers, and the interprofessional team. (PROF)
PLO13. Utilize professional practice knowledge and self-reflection to develop as a professional PA. (PROF)
PLO14. Evaluate the impact of social determinants of health on individual patients and communities. (CRPS)
Each program learning outcome aligns with one or more of the following ARC-PA defined competency domains:
- MK – Medical Knowledge
- IP – Interpersonal
- CTS – Clinical and Technical Skills
- PROF – Professional Behaviors
- CRPS – Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving