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Physician Assistant Associate in Applied Science

City Colleges of Chicago Healthcare Programs Physician Assistant

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

The A.A.S. degree program for Physician Assistant (PA) prepares students to be “academically and clinically ready to provide healthcare services with the direction and responsible supervision of a physician.” Graduate PAs perform many of the medical tasks traditionally performed by physicians. Physician Assistants, when certified and licensed, are qualified to practice medicine as part of a team with their supervisory physician. PAs perform histories and physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests, counsel patients on preventive health, suture wounds, set fractures, and assist in surgery. Physician assistants can write prescriptions in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. The scope of practice and delegation of medical tasks is determined by the supervising physician in compliance with state statute and regulation as well as institutional policy. Each physician/PA team strives to establish a process for supervision and ongoing performance evaluation, which ensures high quality patient care, satisfaction, and continued professional growth.
 
A PA must have excellent verbal and writing skills and be able to communicate in a culturally appropriate manner. In addition, a PA is required to have detailed knowledge of basic sciences, behavioral sciences and a foundation in general higher education. 
 
Licensure and Certification – All states require a physician assistant to pass the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) as a requirement for state licensure. To maintain certification, a PA must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and take a recertification examination every six years.
 
The John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County/Malcolm X College PA program was the first physician assistant program established in Illinois and remains the sole publicly-sponsored program in northern Illinois. It was first accredited in 1988 and is presently accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). The SHCC/MXC PA program is a full-time 25-month program with resources located at Malcolm X College, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County and several other medical facilities. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificate of Completion.
 
Master’s Degree Option – Students entering the Program with a Bachelor’s degree have the option to enroll in a Master of Medical Science degree during their clinical year with an affiliated university. 
 
For more information contact the Physician Assistant Program office at 312-850-7255.  

Accreditation

Change In Accreditation Status
At its March 8, 2012 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant ("ARC-PA" or "Commission") reviewed all application documents submitted by the Malcolm X College Physician Assistant Program for continuing accreditation. The Commission voted to continue the Malcolm X College Physician Assistant Program on probationary accreditation until its next comprehensive review in September 2013.

Probation is a temporary status of accreditation conferred when a program does not meet accreditation standards and when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. If the Malcolm X College Physician Assistant Program does not demonstrate substantial compliance with accreditation standards at the time of its next comprehensive review in June 2013, the Commission will withdraw accreditation from the Malcolm X College Physician Assistant Program. There will be no further period of probation. It is possible that the loss of accreditation by the Program may impact the ability of students enrolled in the Program at the time of withdrawal to practice as physicians assistants in some states.

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

Selection Factors
Evaluation of applicants is based on academic history, references, healthcare experience, completion of a supplemental application to be provided by the Program, personal statements/short essays, personal interviews, and a preadmission exam. Priority is given to applicants who live in the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois  and to those with a documented commitment to primary care and an underserved community practice. Applicants should note that the tuition differs among residents of the City of Chicago, the State of  Illinois and out of state residents.
   
For more information contact the Physician Assistant Program office at 312-850-7255.   
  

Physician Assistant Program Admission Requirements​​

Details: Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Career Pathway

Credit Hours (CH)

78

Program/Plan Number

262

Funding Options

Open For Enrollment

Yes

Also Offered At

Malcolm X
 

Career Possibilities

Physician Assistants

Courses

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Brochure with course descriptions
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Prerequisites

 CH

General Education Requirements

 CH

Program Core Requirements

78  CH

​The following courses are divided into 2 years as follows:

Physician Assistant(PA) Year 1

Summer Semester: Physician Assistant 110, 111 & 112;

Fall Semester: Physician Assistant 101, 102, 103, 107 & 113;

Spring Semester: Physician Assistant 105, 106, 114 & 215;

Spring Subterm V ( May-June): Physician Assistant 104, 109 & 214;

Physician Assistant (PA) Year 2

Summer, Fall, Spring and Mini Summer Terms: Physician Assistant 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211 & 213

Physician's Assistant
PHY AST 101
Applied Clinical Skills I 4
Basic skills applicable to the clinical environment including interpretation and theory of body fluids and tissues, and their implications in arriving at preliminary diagnosis. Topics include clinical biochemistry, hematology and urinalysis. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Physician Assistant 110 with a grade of C or better and Admission to the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 102
Medical Sciences I 4
Systematic approach to theory of clinical medicine, including the pathophysiology of human disease. Epidemiology, dermatology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology and cardiovascular medicine for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. The lab will combine and alternative small group discussion and presentation with research and role playing. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Physician Assitant 110 with a grade of C or better and Admission to the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 103
History & Physical Assessment I 3
Clinical data gathering skills, and introduction to physical examination using the problem-oriented medical record and patient simulation. Normal history, physical and neurological exam and progressive case presentations which correlate with the pathophysiology of disease systems covered in Physician Assistant 102. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:A grade of C or better in Physician Assistant 110, and Admissions into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 104
Applied Clinical Skills II 2
The student is exposed to the basic concepts and skills of electrocardiography, radiology, intravenous procedures, Larynogscopy and intubations, suturing skills, casting and splinting. Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life support certification. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 105
Medical Sciences II 4
Continuation of the systematic approach to the theory of clinical medicine including pathophysiology of human disease, illness and injury. Neurology, behavior science, infectious disease, gastroenterology, endocrine, musculoskeletal, hematology and oncology. Professional development and alternative/cultural issues are covered. The lab will combine and alternative small group discussions and presentations with research and role playing. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Physician Assistant 102 and Admission to the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 106
History & Physical Assessment II 3
Normal history, physical and neurological exam and progressive case studies correlating with the clinical symptoms covered in Physician Assistant 105 includes obstetrical and gynecological exam using patient simulations and patient models, and physical assessment. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262, and Physician Assistant 103 course, and Consent of Department Chairperson.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 107
Medical Pharmacology I 2
Basic principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, drug action, interaction and toxicity. Physiological and biochemical actions, absorptions distribution, metabolism. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 109
Medical Sciences III 3
Continuation of systematic approach to the theory of clinical medicine to include the following areas of concentration: pediatrics, OB/Gyn, geriatrics and long-term care and surgery. Basic concepts and procedures of surgery including preoperative and postoperative conditions including orientation in anesthesiology, radiology and emergency triage and care. Professional development and alternative/cultural issues are covered. The students will also be orientated to the care and management of patients in a long term care facility. The lab will combine and alternative small group discussions and presentations with research and role playing. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Physician Assistant 105 with a grade of C or better and Admission to the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 110
Gross Anatomy for Physician Assistants 3
This course covers identification and description of major organ systems relevant to the practicing clinician in primary care. The course includes laboratory (cadaver) experience and pathophysiology. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 111
Professional Development for Physician Assistants 1
A first year course for Physician Assistant that reviews the history and an overview of core competencies that discuss political issues, ethical issues, cross-cultural perspectives, and current trends of Physical Assistant profession in the health care industry. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline are part of the course. (15 hours of lecture and presentations will be provided.)
Prerequisites:
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 112
Pathophysiology I for Physician Assistants 2
This course in Pathophysiology for physician assistants provides an introduction to clinical medicine. Topics include a presentation of the mechanisms underlying disease and how such mechanisms facilitate basic disease entities. Other topics include cell structure and function, cell response, genetic control of cell function, and genetic and congenital disorders. Writing assignments, as appropriate the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 113
Pathophysiology II for Physician Assistants 2
A first year course in pathophysiology for physician assistant covering an introduction to clinical medicine. The course is designed to present an orientation to disease as altered health physiology. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying disease and to facilitate the basic disease entities will be presented. The analyzing the mechanism of production of the symptoms and signs of different disease syndromes is presented by organ systems through two semesters. The second semester covers: disorders of the cardovascular system/disease, respiratory function, renal function and fluid and electrolytes, the nervous system, Neoplasia and blood disorders, gastrointestinal disease and liver disease, disorders of the exocrine pancreas, disorders of the parathyroid and calcium metabolism, disorders of the endocrine pancreas, disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, thyroid disease, disorders of the adrenal cortex, disorders of the female reproductive tract, disorders of the male reproductive tract. Writing assignments as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Physician Assistant 112 course, and admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 114
Medical Pharmacology II 2
Students are introduced to the basic principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, drug actions, drug interaction and drug toxicities involved in the clinical use of drugs. Emphasis will be placed on the physiological and biochemical actions, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretions and therapeutic use of drugs in the following areas: oral hypoglycemic/insulin, thyroid agents, steroids, hormones, analgesics, antipyretics, gastrointestinal medications, anticonvulsant, psychotropic medications, antineoplastics, and over the counter medications. Counter medications. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 201
Internal Medicine 3
Students on site in the Department of Medicine will, under supervision, be assigned patients for medical history, physical examinations, diagnostic testing and patient management within the limitations imposed by their education and experience. They also will attend daily rounds and special conferences, participating, where possible, in diagnosis and formulation of therapeutic plans. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 202
Emergency Medicine 3
Students on site in the Department of Medicine will, under supervision, participate in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders in internal medicine. Students will rotate through Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit and Emergency Room. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 203
General Surgery 3
Students on site in the Department of Surgery will be assigned patients for medical history review, physical examination, diagnostic testing, and within limits imposed by education and previous experiences, patient management, including supportive involvement in major and minor surgical procedures. They will attend daily rounds and special conferences, participating, when possible, in preoperative confirmation of clinical impression and preparation of patient surgical procedures, as well as in post-surgical care. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 204
Trauma Surgery 3
Students on site in the Department of Surgery, under supervision, will be assigned patients for medical history review, physical examination, diagnostic testing, and within limits imposed by education and previous experience, patient management, including supportive involvement in major and minor surgical procedures. They will attend daily rounds and special conferences, participating, when possible, in preoperative confirmation of clinical impression and preparation of patient surgical procedures, as well as post-surgical care. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 205
Pediatrics 3
Students on site in the Department of Pediatrics will, under supervision, participate in patient care activities in outpatient clinics, emergency room, and pediatric inpatient services. They will be assigned patients for medical history review, physical examinations, and diagnostic testing in preparation for supportive roles, in the patients management. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 206
Obstetrics & Gynecology 3
Students on site in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will, under supervision, participate in patient care activities with emphasis during this rotation on patients who have reproductive tract abnormalities and to those involved with normal or complicated pregnancies. Students will be assigned patients for medical history review, physical examination and diagnostic testing in preparation for a supportive role during labor and delivery or gynecologic surgery. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 207
Family Practice 3
Students on site in the Department of Family Practice will, under supervision, be assigned patients for medical history review, physical examinations, diagnostic testing, and within limitations imposed by education and experience, patient management. They will also attend daily rounds and special conferences, participating in the diagnosis and formulation of therapeutic plans. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 208
Psychiatry & Mental Health 3
Students on site in Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health will, under supervision, be assigned patients for medical history, physical examinations, diagnostic testing and patient management, performance of psychiatric history and mental status examination, and participation in and understanding of basics of therapeutics in the Mental Health Education Log. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant Program/Plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 209
Geriatric Medicine 3
Students on site with a combination of patient care in geriatric medicine and long-term care, under the supervision of a physician, will be assigned to patients for medical history, physical examinations, diagnostic testing, medical procedure, and patient management within the limitations imposed by their education and experience. Students will attend and participate in daily medical rounds and special education conferences. Students will participate, where possible, in the diagnostic and formulation of medical plans and interventions. Students are expected to be familiar with diagnostic interviews, therapeutic communications, and an interdisciplinary approach to patient healthcare management. Patient and family education, critical thinking, evidence based writing assignments, and intense self-directed study, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. Weekly contact with program through the Clinical Coordinator is also required. Course requires a minimum of 40 clinical rotation hours per week for 4 weeks including on call, weekend, and swing shift medical coverage. Two of the weeks will be spent at the campus doing a clinical lab for developing teaching skills with focus in geriatric issues.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 210
Orthopedics 3
Students on site in the Department of Surgery will, under the supervision of a physician, be assigned patients for medical history, physical examinations, diagnostic testing, medical procedure, and patient management within the limitations imposed by their education and experience. Students will attend and participate in daily medical rounds and special education conferences. Students will participate, where possible, in the diagnosis and formulation of medical plans and interventions. Students are expected to be familiar with preoperative clinical assessments, patient preparation for surgical procedures, post-operative patient management, diagnostic work-up, and an interdisciplinary approach to patient healthcare management. Patient and family education, critical thinking, evidence based writing assignments, and intense self-directed study, as appropriate to this discipline, is part of this course. Weekly contact with program through the Clinical Coordinator is also required. Course requires a minimum of 40 clinical rotation hours per week for 4 weeks including on call, weekend, and swing shift medical coverage. After eight weeks students return to the campus for didactic seminars and board reviews.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 211
Elective Clinical Rotation 3
Student will select an area of medical interest for their elective rotation. Focus on primary care is encouraged. Elective rotations site will follow established departmental guidelines plus any additional restrictions mandated by rotation site. Established general outline for our students are that students are under physician supervision, that they be assigned to patients for medical history, physical examinations, diagnostic testing, medical procedures, and patient management within the limitations imposed by their education and experience. Students will attend and participate, in daily medical rounds and special medical education conferences. Students will participate, where possible, in the diagnosis and formulation of medical plans and interventions. Students are expected to be familiar with an interdisciplinary approach to patient healthcare management. Patient and family education, critical thinking, evidence based writing assignments, and intense self-directed study, as appropriate to this medical discipline, are part of this course. Additional students guidelines will be addressed, defined, and agreed to by the Clinical Rotation site, the student, and the Physician Assistant program/plan 262 prior to the beginning of the clinical clerkship. Weekly contact with program through the Clinical Coordinator is also required. Course requires a minimum of 40 clinical rotations hours per week for 4 weeks including on call, weekend, and swing shift medical coverage. This course is taken near the end of the program/plan 262.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 213
Special Topics In Health Care 4
Seminars, discussions, board reviews and peer mentoring group sessions that focus on special topics in health care. The primary areas of study include topics related to but not limited to internal medicine, primary care and issues of the PA professions. Students are required to take a minimum of 1 credit hour per semester. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. Allowed Repeatable Course: Courses may be repeated up to three times and may count for a maximum of four variable credits. Consent of Department Chairperson required for repeatability.
Prerequisites:Admission into the Physician Assistant program/plan 262.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 214
Independent Study 3
Course is designed to increase the students level of medical knowledge on a specific topic and to serve as in introduction for advanced medical research for future projects. Elements of medical research will be discussed to enhance the students critical thinking skills. Students will be required to select a specific topic related medical issues in an underserved population or community. Students are required to perform independent research skills and interpret their own findings, as well as the supporting evidence found in current medical literature. Findings will be written and orally presented by the student at the end of the second academic year. (Students sign up each semester for a one credit hour.) Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. Allowed Repeatable Course: Course may be repeated up to three times and may count for a maximum of six credit hours. Consent of Department Chairperson required for repeatability.
Prerequisites:Admission to the Physician Assistant program/plan.
Offered at: Malcolm X
PHY AST 215
Nutritional Concepts 3
Concepts of applied anatomy, physiology and chemistry in human metabolism and nutrition; planning, selecting and preparing diets for specific diseases or combination of disorders requiring modified diets. Included are enternal and parenteral nutrition support. Relates pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, renal, digestive, endocrine systems, and metabolic imbalances to the application of diet therapy. Skills and techniques for modifying diets for individuals including diet counseling are emphasized relative to diseases and symptom, and relative to health promotion. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Prerequisites:
Offered at: Malcolm X

Additional Requirements

 CH

Elective Program Requirements

 CH

Area of Focus

 CH

Focus Electives

 CH

 CH
Total Minimum Credit Hours
 

Career Pathways

 
Malcolm X
1900 W. Van Buren St Chicago IL 60612 (312) 850-7000
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