PA Academic Phase

The academic or didactic phase begins the second week of May and is a three semester series (trimester). While there are real patient exposures, this phase is primarily classroom, laboratory, and simulation based and is designed to provide a foundation for the clinical phase.

Courses range from foundational science courses to clinical instruction. There are no part-time options within this phase and no advanced standing available.

Didactic Curriculum


Summer Semester (pre-clinical)


Clinical Anatomy with Lab for PAs4 credit hours
Physiology for PAs4 credit hours
Interpretation of Imaging Studies for PAs2 credit hours
History and Physical Exam for PAs2 credit hours
Clinical Medicine and Pharmacotherapeutics I for PAs4 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Medicine3 credit hours
Total Credit Hours19 credit hours

Fall Semester


12-Lead ECG Interpretation1 credit hour
Interpretation of Laboratory Studies for PAs3 credit hours
History and Physical Exam with Lab for PAs3 credit hours
Clinical Medicine and Pharmacotherapeutics II for PAs7 credit hours
Health Care Communications for PAs1 credit hour
Medical Literature Interpretation2 credit hours
Women’s Health2 credit hours
Total Credit Hours19 credit Hours

Spring Semester


Clinical Medicine and Pharmacotherapeutics III for PAs6 credit hours
Clinical Procedures with Lab for PAs4 credit hours
Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Nutrition2 credit hours
Pediatric Medicine1 credit hour
Orthopedics and Rheumatology1 credit hour
Clinical Integration for PAs3 credit hours
Total Credit Hours17 credit Hours