Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant Program
Master of Medical Science - Physician Assistant Program (MMS-PA)
Total Credits Required: 109 Credits
The Hawaiʻi Pacific University Physician Assistant (PA) program is a rigorous, full-time 2-year program of study culminating in the Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree. The didactic phase of study is hybrid, with a combination of remote and in-person learning. Remote instruction includes daily synchronous and asynchronous engagement with experienced faculty with a wide range of scientific and clinical expertise. In-person sessions involve periodic travel to Hawaii for week-long immersions on HPU’s downtown Honolulu campus to allow hands-on acquisition of physical examination and clinical skills, as well as for assessment of competency in preparation for clinical rotations. During the clinical phase of study, students complete intensive, hands-on supervised clinical practice experiences across seven required disciplines (emergency medicine, surgical medicine, internal medicine, behavioral medicine, family medicine, women’s health, pediatric medicine) as well as in an elective clinical rotation specialty. Students’ final on-campus immersion consists of a comprehensive summative evaluation prior to graduation from the program, along with preparation for transition to professional practice as a physician assistant.
Program Learning Outcomes
Execute a complete evaluation of a patient complaint or presentation of disease/illness utilizing history taking and physical exam skills, diagnostic studies when indicated, medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and patient context.
Formulate a diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management plan that is based on fundamentals of core biomedical and clinical science, current and credible evidence-based medical information, assessment of risk-benefit, and patient preferences within the context of the individual’s life, health goals, personal values, and expectations.
Perform clinical and medical interventions as indicated to include diagnostic procedures, counseling, therapeutic procedures, and surgery. Obtain and document the appropriate informed consent for such tests and procedures as needed.
Interpret and communicate medical knowledge and health information so that patients and their families can understand, make meaning out of the information conveyed to them, and participate in shared decision making. This includes individual counseling and patient education to consider level of health literacy, cultural context, and individual patient needs.
Provide health maintenance and disease prevention/health promotion counseling and screening recommendations to patients across the life span based on clinical standards, evidence-based guidelines and individual patient risk, preferences, and health goals.
Demonstrate professionalism, clear communication, and ethical practice when interacting with collaborating physicians, other members of the healthcare team, patients, family, peers, staff, and the public.
Critically evaluate and address barriers and facilitators to healthcare access and factors that impact health equity in all stages of patient care delivery and care coordination.