wingate university department of physician assistant studies
TRANSCRIPT
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Wingate University
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Academic Catalog
2008-2010
Master of Physician Assistant Studies Revised December 2008
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Contents Contact Information ..................................................................................................................... 4
Staff ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Faculty ........................................................................................................................................ 4
ACCREDITATION ...................................................................................................................... 5
Department of Physician Assistant Studies ............................................................................ 5
Wingate University ................................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 6
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY ....................................................................................................... 7
ABOUT THE MPAS PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 7
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 9
Master Degree Prerequisites. ................................................................................................... 9
Prerequisite Science Courses ................................................................................................... 9
Prerequisite General Courses .................................................................................................. 9
Required Clinical Experience for Physician Assistant Applications ................................. 10
Letters of Recommendation ................................................................................................... 10
Technical Standards Requirements ...................................................................................... 10
Medical Terminology .............................................................................................................. 12
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2008-2010 ...................................................................................... 12
ASSESSMENT OF THE MPAS PROGRAM .......................................................................... 13
MPAS REQUIRED CURRICULUM ....................................................................................... 14
First Semester (Fall – Didactic Year) .................................................................................... 14
Second semester (Spring – didactic year) ............................................................................. 15
Third Semester (Summer – didactic year)............................................................................ 15
CLINICAL ROTATION SITES ............................................................................................... 17
Fourth Semester (Fall – clinical year) ................................................................................... 18
Fifth Semester (Spring – clinical year).................................................................................. 18
Sixth Semester (Summer – clinical year) ............................................................................. 18
Seventh Semester (Fall – Final Semester) ............................................................................. 19
ACADEMIC POLICIES ............................................................................................................ 19
STUDENT PRIVACY AND INFORMED CONSENT ........................................................... 20
CODES OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC CONDUCT ............................................ 20
PROJECTED TUITION ............................................................................................................ 21
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STUDENTS’ EMPLOYMENT.................................................................................................. 21
STUDENTS’ HOUSING ............................................................................................................ 21
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM ............... 21
Textbooks ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Medical Equipment, Attire ........................................................................................................ 21
Laptop .......................................................................................................................................... 21
LICENSING ................................................................................................................................ 22
FACULTY ................................................................................................................................... 23
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WINGATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES
Contact Information Campus Box 5010
Wingate NC 28174
(704) 233-8051 telephone
(866) 320-2726 fax
pa.wingate.edu
Staff Program Director .............................................................. Gary R. Uremovich DMin MPAS PA-C
Medical Director .................................................................................................. Roy C. Blank MD
Academic Coordinator ...................................................................... Rosalind V. Becker MS PA-C
Clinical Coordinator..................................................................Michael B. Whitehead DHSc PA-C
Administrative Assistant ......................................................................................Marie Cook Irving
Secretary to the Clinical Coordinator ......................................................................... Carolyn Little
Faculty Rosalind V. Becker MS PA-C ........................................................................... Assistant Professor
Sharon A. Berenfeld MD .................................................................................................. Instructor
Roy C. Blank MD .............................................................................................. Associate Professor
Rebecca B. Boeschel MSHS PA-C .................................................................................... Instructor
John F. Hartness, Jr. MD ................................................................................... Assistant Professor
Gary R. Uremovich DMin MPAS PA-C ........................................................... Assistant Professor
Michael B. Whitehead DHSc PA-C.................................................................... Assistant Professor
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ACCREDITATION
Department of Physician Assistant Studies The Physician Assistant Program at Wingate University received provisional accreditation
through the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-
PA) on March 10, 2008. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) granted
approval on January 10, 2008, for Wingate University to offer the Master of Physician Assistant
Studies degree.
Wingate University Wingate University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools (SACS). The last accreditation was completed in 2006. Wingate University
is accredited to award the bachelor, master and professional degrees.
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is the
recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. southern states (Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
and Virginia) and Latin America for institutions of higher education that award associate,
baccalaureate, masters or doctoral degrees (see www.sacscoc.org).
Questions about the status of the University’s accreditation may be obtained from the
Commission on Colleges by calling (404) 679-4500 or by writing the SACS home office at 1866
Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033.
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INTRODUCTION Wingate University is operated on a nondiscriminatory basis. Wingate University abides by the
provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title XI of Educational Amendments of
1972 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. Wingate University does not discriminate
on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military
service in its administration of education policies, programs, activities or services.
Each student is responsible for knowing the policies, procedures, curricular requirements and
codes of conduct for the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and the University.
Each student is responsible for his/her progress towards degree completion. Neither the student’s
advisor nor the faculty of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies is responsible for
insuring that the student meets degree requirements. The Department and/or the University may
terminate enrollment of any student for professional, academic or financial reasons.
It is important to recognize that there may be differences in the procedures described in the
general University Student Handbook for non-PA students. These differences are intended and
have been carefully crafted based on the graduate level of this professional program. In those
cases where procedures are different, the procedures specific to the Department of Physician
Assistant studies will take precedence.
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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a private, four-year liberal arts institution offering 37
undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, education, fine arts, music and sport
sciences. Students also can earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree or pursue pre-professional
programs in pharmacy, veterinary science, medicine, law, ministry and more. The 435-acre main
campus is located on the southeastern edge of the metropolitan Charlotte area in North Carolina.
Wingate University was founded in 1896.
In 2003, Wingate became the third University in the State of North Carolina to offer the PharmD
degree. In August 2008, the University plans to enroll the inaugural class of the Master of
Physician Assistant Studies degree, the fifth such program in the State of North Carolina.
Wingate University will be the only program in North Carolina to have both a Physician
Assistant Program and PharmD program.
The central mission of Wingate University is to prepare students to become enlightened,
productive citizens by providing a high quality education in the Judeo-Christian heritage.
Accordingly, Wingate University has three primary objections:
• Maintain an environment where students broaden their knowledge of the world
• Sustain a community where the bases of faith are explored and where there is a common
search for truth and meaning
• Promote a heritage of service to humanity and God through involvement and leadership
ABOUT THE MPAS PROGRAM The Wingate University Department of Physician Assistant Studies will cover seven continuous
semesters (27 months). The first year (3 semesters in 12 months) is didactic classes and the
second year is clinical rotations throughout the region in various medical specialties.
The mission of the Wingate University Department of Physician Assistant Studies is to educate
Physician Assistants to become competent, compassionate and comprehensive health care
providers.
Graduates will become leaders in the health care community, continuously striving for
excellence in their professional endeavors while compassionately providing for the health care
needs of those they serve.
The goals of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies are to
• Identify for admission those individuals with the academic ability, clinical experience,
interpersonal skills and maturity necessary to become outstanding Physician Assistants.
• Provide a coordinated, comprehensive didactic and clinical curriculum that will allow
graduates to deliver the highest quality of health care services.
• Promote a didactic and clinical educational environment that embraces the concepts of
continuous communication, cooperation and compassion.
• Promote an atmosphere of “learner-centered” education that empowers students to
become self-directed learners.
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• Instill in students the core values of Wingate University: Faith – Knowledge – Service.
• Provide students with the medical knowledge, clinical skills and caring attitude needed to
practice as a Physician Assistant anywhere and within any type of clinical practice.
• Promote continuously a comprehensive approach to health and disease by emphasizing
health maintenance, disease prevention and life-long learning.
• Develop in students an appreciation of the dignity of the individual and each individual’s
right to a quality life.
• Promote continued professional growth through life-long learning.
• Encourage graduates to strive for excellence in clinical practice while employing
professional ethics as a member of the health care team focused on service to others.
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies will prepare individuals to become valued
members of the health care team licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision.
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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Master Degree Prerequisites. All applicants, if accepted, are required to have all of the following requirements completed upon
entering the PA Program. These requirements do not have to be completed at the time of
application, unless otherwise noted.
• A bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited college or university.
• Satisfactory completion of the science prerequisite courses with an overall GPA of 3.2 or
better. [Grades below C for any course will not be accepted.]
• A recommended GPA of 3.0 or better on all college level work attempted.
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). Only the Red Cross course for
Professional Rescuers or the American Heart Association course for Health Care
Providers will be accepted.
• A minimum of 500 hours clinical experience with direct patient contact.
• No history of drug abuse or conviction of a felony (a background check will be
performed)
• No history of dismissal from another PA, medical or nursing school for academic or
disciplinary reasons.
• No Advanced Placement. The PA Program does not accept transfer credit from a student
previously enrolled in another PA program, nor does it accept experiential credit. All
students accepted in the PA program must satisfy all requirements of the didactic and
clinical years of study.
• All non-U.S. citizens or students who have English as a second language must submit
their college transcripts to the Word Education Services for translation and successfully
complete the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language www.toefl.org).
Graduates of Wingate University, who meet all admission requirements and have successful
interviews, will be given preference in the application process.
The following prerequisites are in effect for applicants interested in attending the inaugural class
in August 2008:
Prerequisite Science Courses • Anatomy and Physiology with Lab 4 semester hours
• Microbiology 4 semester hours
• Other Biology Science 4 semester hours
• General Chemistry with Lab 4 semester hours
• Organic Chemistry with Lab 4 semester hours
• Biochemistry 3 semester hours
Prerequisite General Courses • College Algebra (or higher) 3 semester hours
• Applied Statistics 3 semester hours
• Psychology course 3 semester hours
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Required Clinical Experience for Physician Assistant Applications A minimum of 500 Hours of direct patient contact is required.
Acceptable Experience:
• Emergency Room Technician
• Emergency Medicine Scribe
• Military Medic, Clinical Specialist or Independent Corpsman
• Surgical Technician
• Radiological Technician
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Nursing
• Orderly
• Certified Laboratory Technician
• Phlebotomy
• Athletic Trainers (there may be an exception depending on the type of work experience)
• Shadowing a Physician or Physician Assistant in their routine duties
• Certified Physical Therapist Assistant
• Certified Massage Therapist
Unacceptable Experience:
• Clerical duties for an organization
• Veterinary work
• Medical answering service
• Ward Secretary
The major factor is direct patient contact or observation of direct patient contact. Consideration
is given to applicants who are compensated for their contact hours since this implies a higher
level of accountability. If there are questions about the acceptable form of clinical experience,
please contact the Program Director.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. One must be from a health care professional (MD,
DO, PA, NP).
Technical Standards Requirements The abilities and skills which candidates and students must possess in order to complete the
education and training associated with Physician Assistant education are referred to as
“Technical Standards.” These same abilities and skills are essential for clinical practice as a
Physician Assistant. The Technical Standards listed below reflect five categorical areas:
observation, communication, critical reasoning (intellectual), motor and sensory, and
behavioral/social and represent minimum competence levels. Students must attest that they meet
these Technical Standards prior to or at the time of matriculation to the Wingate University
Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Students found to be in violation of Technical
Standards are at risk for dismissal from the program. Each standard is defined below and is
followed by examples of indicators of minimum competence in that area. Reasonable
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accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual
basis, but a candidate must be able to perform in an independent manner.
Observation. Candidates must have sufficient capacity to observe in the lecture hall, the
laboratory, the outpatient setting and the patient’s bedside. Sensory skills to perform a physical
examination are required. Functional vision, hearing and tactile sensation are required to
properly observe a patient’s condition and to perform procedures regularly required during a
physical examination such as inspection, auscultation and palpation.
Communication. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both academic and
health care settings. Candidates must show evidence of effective written and verbal
communication skills. Candidates must be able to communicate with patients in order to elicit
information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture and perceive nonverbal
communications. Candidates must be capable of completing, in a thorough and timely manner,
appropriate medical records and documents and plans according to protocol.
Motor. The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures
(e.g., palpation, auscultation) is required. Candidates must have sufficient motor function to
execute movements reasonably required to properly care for all patients. Candidates must be
able to move freely about patient care environments and must be able to move between settings
such as clinics, classroom buildings, and hospitals. In addition, physical stamina sufficient to
complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. Long periods of sitting,
standing or moving are required in classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences.
Intellectual. Candidates must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize.
Problem solving, one of the critical skills demanded of physician assistants, requires all of these
intellectual abilities. Candidates must be able to read and understand medical literature. In order
to complete the Physician Assistant Studies program, candidates must be able to demonstrate
mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion in medical
problem-solving and patient care.
Behavioral and Social Attributes. Candidates must possess the emotional health and stability
required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the
prompt completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities. The development of mature,
sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team is
essential. The ability to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice,
flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills and concern for others, are all
required. Candidates must be able to function effectively under stress and have the ability to
accept constructive criticism and handle difficult interpersonal relationships during training.
Candidates will be required to certify that they have read and understand the Technical Standards
of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Wingate University and attest that they have
no condition – as noted above – that would interfere, inhibit, compromise or distract from their
participation in the program.
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Medical Terminology Students progress more rapidly and successfully during the first several semesters of studies if
they have a fair understanding of medical terminology. Students are advised to purchase
Medical Terminology: A Systems Approach by Gylys and Wedding (latest edition). This is a
self-instructional guide and can be purchased through the University bookstore or online. An
examination will be administered based on this material early in the first semester.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2008-2010 Fall semester 2008 (16 weeks)
August 13-14 Orientation
August 15 White Coat Ceremony
August 18 Classes begin
September 1 Labor Day Holiday
October 9-10 Fall break
November 26-28 Thanksgiving break
December 8-11 Final exams
Spring semester 2009 (16 weeks)
January 5 Classes begin
January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday
March 2-6 Spring break
April 10-13 Easter break
April 20-22 Final exams
Summer semester 2009 (11 weeks)
May 4 Classes begin
May 25 Memorial Day holiday
July 3 Independence Day holiday
July 13-15 Final exams
Fall semester 2009 (16 weeks)
August 19-21 Orientation for new students
August 24 Classes begin
September 7 Labor Day Holiday
October 8-9 Fall break
November 25-27 Thanksgiving break
December 7-9 Final exams
Spring semester 2010 (16 weeks)
January 4 Classes begin
January 18 Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday
March 1-5 Spring break
March 8 Classes resume
April 2-5 Easter break
April 19-21 Final exams
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Summer semester 2010 (11 weeks)
May 4 Classes begin
May 31 Memorial Day holiday
July 4 Independence Day holiday
July 12-14 Final exams
Fall semester 2010 (17 weeks)
August 18-20 Orientation of new students
August 23 Classes begin
September 6 Labor Day holiday
October 11-12 Fall break
November 24-26 Thanksgiving break
December 6-8 Final exams
ASSESSMENT OF THE MPAS PROGRAM A comprehensive assessment process will examine outcome instruments and Physician Assistant
National Certification Examination (PANCE) scores and will tie directly to curriculum
assessment. Quality assurance processes will be conducted throughout the year as documented in
the program’s assessment plan. Student surveys of courses will be conducted every semester;
results of these evaluations will be examined each semester to look for immediate weakness, and
the results of course surveys are annually reviewed prior to implementing curriculum changes.
The strategic planning process will include an annual faculty retreat in order to examine all
pertinent data such as outcomes, quality assurance, maintenance items (such as the PANCE
Blueprint) and alignment of the program’s mission and vision statement with the institutional
strategic plan and vision.
The program competencies will be tied to the Accreditation Review Commission for the
Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Standards, which will allow a cyclic process of examining
formative, summative and outcome instruments that are closely correlated with the graduate
competencies. The conceptual framework of the ongoing assessment system represents a
continuous process of improvement.
Integral to the self-study will be a semi-annual (or more frequent) meeting of the Advisory
Council. The Council is composed of interested members within the local medical and health
care community. Their feedback to the results of our assessments and evaluation of outcomes
will be essential to our strategic goals and program improvement initiatives.
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MPAS REQUIRED CURRICULUM
First Semester (Fall – Didactic Year) PA 520 Introduction to the Profession (1 Semester Hour). This course will provide an
historical perspective of the physician assistant profession, as well as current trends and issues.
The course will stress the importance of biomedical ethics and professional responsibilities in
relation to the PAs role as health care providers. Content relating to physician assistant
professional organizations, program accreditation, graduate certification and re-certification,
employment considerations and professional liability are to be included.
PA 530 Clinical Medicine I (6 Semester Hours). This is the first of three classes reviewing
medical diagnosis and treatment. This course teaches the pathology of disease by system and
specialty. This semester will include nutrition, clinical laboratory medicine, ophthalmology and
otolaryngology, (EENT), dermatology, pulmonary, cardiology (including ECG) and hematology.
Also incorporated into these topics are correlated reviews of relevant pathology and radiology.
PA 538 Patient Assessment I (4 Semester Hours). This course teaches foundational skills and
techniques required to gather a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical
examination. This course introduces the student to the art of history taking and physical exams
of the skin, head and neck, lymphatics, lungs, heart and abdomen. During this course, the
integration of the student’s knowledge of the structure and function of the human body will be
coupled with laboratory sessions emphasizing the proper use of diagnostic equipment and
techniques for performing a comprehensive physical examination.
PA 541 Pharmacology I (2 Semester Hours). This is the first class in a three-part series.
Students will be introduced to pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacotherapeutic
principles that provide a foundation for the study of pharmacology and therapeutics. Combined
lecture and active learning exercises are designed to develop the skills that a physician assistant
will need to enhance patient care in clinical practice focusing on antibiotics, pulmonary and
cardiac drugs, anemia and leukemia.
PA 544 Clinical Anatomy (2 Semester Hours). This course is designed to provide physician
assistant students with a working knowledge of the major anatomical regions and structures of
the body. Emphasis will be placed upon the relationships of components within a specific region
as well as topographical and functional anatomy as it relates to physical examination skills and
clinical applications.
PA 546 Pathophysiology I (2 Semester Hours). Students will learn integrative human
physiology and pathophysiology involving concepts of cell biology, the integumentary,
cardiovascular, pulmonary and hematologic systems with an emphasis upon homeostatic
mechanisms and etiologies of disease. Students will learn the interrelationships of function and
dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and systemic levels.
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Second semester (Spring – didactic year) PA 527 Health Care Issues I (2 Semester Hours). PA students will develop a greater
appreciation and comprehension of the socio-behavioral aspects of medical practice. Students
will learn effective counseling and preventive education strategies for enhancing treatment
compliance, promoting positive health patterns and enhancing positive response to illness.
PA 531 Clinical Medicine II (6 Semester Hours). This course builds on pathology of disease
presented in PA 530 Clinical Medicine I and continues with the presentation of the following
systems: gastroenterology, infectious disease, neurology, orthopedics/rheumatology and
endocrinology. Disorders are presented by system and specialty, augmented with clinical
therapeutics.
PA 539 Patient Assessment II (4 Semester Hours). The student will build on the knowledge
and foundational skills and techniques learned in PA 538 Patient Assessment I in the
performance of a thorough physical examination and medical history. Students will integrate the
knowledge obtained in PA 530 Clinical Medicine I with laboratory sessions emphasizing the
proper use of diagnostic equipment and technique for performing a comprehensive physical
examination. The semester will include the musculoskeletal, neurological, male and female
systems.
PA 542 Pharmacology II (3 Semester Hours). This is the second class in a three-part series.
Students will build upon the knowledge and skills obtained in PA 541 Pharmacology I.
Combined lecture and active learning exercises are designed to develop the pharmacologic and
therapeutic skills that a physician assistant will need to enhance patient care in clinical practice
focusing on inflammatory conditions, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal, neurological and
endocrine diseases. Students will be expected to utilize the clinical literature and to evaluate
patient cases as they related to pharmacology.
PA 547 Pathophysiology II (2 Semester Hours). Students will learn integrative human
physiology and pathophysiology involving the neurological, gastrointestinal, endocrine and
reproductive systems with an emphasis upon homeostatic mechanisms and the etiologies of
disease states. Students will understand the interrelationship of function and dysfunction at the
molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and systemic levels.
PA 580 Research, Epidemiology and Statistics for the Physician Assistant (2 Semester
Hours). Students receive instruction in research methods and application in the clinical setting.
Students gain understanding of the basic concepts of epidemiology as it relates to medical
practice. Students are prepared to critically read published reports of clinical research and
identify strengths and weaknesses. Students will be prepared to complete a community-based
project as their capstone for the PA program.
Third Semester (Summer – didactic year) PA 528 Health Care Issues II (1 Semester Hour). Students build upon concepts in patient care
discussed in PA 527 Health Care Issues I. After completion of this course, students will
understand and express ethical concepts as they relate to practical decision-making and problem-
solving. Students will comprehend risk management strategies and the legal definitions of, and
their responsibilities toward, informed consent and confidentiality. Students will gain an
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appreciation for health care policy, nationally and locally, as it impacts health care delivery, the
practice of medicine as a PA and the socioeconomic factors pertaining to relevant health care
decision making.
PA 532 Clinical Medicine III (3 Semester Hours). The student will build upon the knowledge
and skills attained in the two prior Clinical Medicine courses. The student will study the
disorders and diseases of the following: genitourinary system (GU), psychiatric disorders,
preventive medicine and complementary and alternative medicine. Disorders are presented by
system and specialty-augmented with clinical therapeutics.
PA 543 Pharmacology III (2 Semester Hours). This is the third class in a three-part series.
Combined lecture and active learning exercises are designed to develop the pharmacologic and
therapeutic skills that a physician assistant will need to enhance patient care in clinical practice
focusing on renal disease, genitourinary and psychiatric disorders and alternative/complimentary
medicines and dietary supplements. Students will be expected to utilize the clinical literature and
to evaluate patient cases as they related to pharmacology.
PA 550 Emergency Medicine (2 Semester Hours). In this advanced clinical course, students
learn treatment of trauma and medical disorders commonly presenting to the emergency
department. Taught in a case-based format, the emphasis is on the priority of stabilizing patients
with life-threatening trauma or illness and selecting appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic
measures. Students will be required to become ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified
or recertified for clinical rotations.
PA 552 Medical Procedures (2 Semester Hours). Students build on the knowledge, skills and
techniques learned in PA 539 Patient Assessment II to evaluate the surgical patient. Taught using
a combination of lectures and laboratory exercises, students learn to perform procedures such as
suturing, splinting, wound care, intravenous insertions, nasogastric intubations and Foley
catheter insertion. Students learn principles of surgery, including pre-operative, intra-operative
and post-operative care, and minor surgical procedures.
PA 554 Special Populations (5 Semester Hours). Students must understand the special needs
of patients within the primary care subspecialties: women’s health, pediatrics and geriatrics. This
class is taught in a modular format using a variety of learning methods, including traditional
lectures and interactive techniques.
PA 560 Clinical Genetics (1 Semester Hour). The successful practice of modern medicine
includes the recognition of the role of genetic factors in health and disease; students must
understand the genetic basis of disease. Students learn to obtain an accurate genetic pedigree and
convey information to patients. Knowledge will be used to develop a more effective approach to
health maintenance, disease prevention, disease diagnosis and treatment based on patients’
genetic predisposition.
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CLINICAL ROTATION SITES MPAS degree curriculum will be delivered both on and off the main campus of Wingate
University. Didactic courses will be held on the main campus while clinical rotation curriculum
will be delivered in affiliated sites such as hospitals, medical practices and long-term care
facilities. The Department of Physician Assistant Studies will attempt to place students in
locations that are mutually agreed upon but reserves the right to place students in suitable
locations when necessary. Transportation for all off-campus clinical rotations is the
responsibility of the student, as are living arrangements and living expenses.
Students during the clinical year will serve in three rotations during the fall semester, three in the
spring semester, two in the summer semester and one in the final semester. Each student will
complete each rotation described below.
PA 600 Ambulatory Medicine (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical
experience in general primary care through outpatient medicine. Students engage in all aspects
of patient care, including history, physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation.
Students’ application of patient and family education to treatment and preventive measures is
emphasized.
PA 601 Long-Term Care (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical
clinical experience in long-term care facilities. Students engage in all aspects of patient care,
including history, physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation. Students’ application of
patient and family education to treatment and preventive measures is emphasized.
PA 602 Internal Medicine (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical
clinical experience in internal medicine. Students engage in all aspects of patient care, including
history, physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation. Students’ application of patient
and family education to treatment and preventive measures is emphasized.
PA 603 Pediatrics (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical clinical
experience in pediatric medicine. Students engage in all aspects of patient care, including history,
physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation. Students’ application of patient and family
education to treatment and preventive measures is emphasized.
PA 604 Psychiatry (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical clinical
experience in psychiatric medicine. Students engage in all aspects of patient care, including
history, physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation. Students’ application of patient
and family education to treatment and preventive measures is emphasized.
PA 605 General Surgery (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical
clinical experience in general surgery. Students engage in all aspects of patient care, including
history, physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation. Students’ application of patient
and family education to treatment and preventive measures is emphasized.
PA 606 Women’s Health (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical
clinical experience in women’s health. Students engage in all aspects of patient care, including
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history, physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation. Students’ application of patient
and family education to treatment and preventive measures is emphasized.
PA 607 Emergency Medicine (5 Semester Hours). The five-week rotation provides practical
clinical experience in emergency medicine. Students engage in all aspects of patient care,
including history, physical exam, treatment plan design and evaluation. Students’ application of
patient and family education to treatment and preventive measures is emphasized.
PA 608 Required Elective (5 Semester Hours). This five-week rotation will provide practical
experience in the medical or surgical specialty of the student’s choice. This rotation will allow
students to explore more completely an area of interest in clinical medicine or surgery.
PA 609 Optional Elective (5 Semester Hours). This five-week rotation will provide practical
experience in the medical or surgical specialty of the student’s choice. This rotation will allow
students to explore more completely an area of interest in clinical medicine or surgery.
Fourth Semester (Fall – clinical year) PA 620 Capstone Project Review (1 Semester Hour). Students continue work initiated on the
Capstone Project defined and discussed in PA 580 Research, Epidemiology and Statistics for the
Physician Assistant. This course will allow the student to further define the project and make
necessary preparations in fulfilling the Capstone Project.
Three Five-Week Clinical Rotations (15 Semester hours).
Courses described above.
Fifth Semester (Spring – clinical year) PA 623 Professional Development (1 Semester Hour). The instructor will teach through an
interactive discussion format. Topics include resume development, employment strategies,
completion of state applications for practice, medical malpractice, reimbursement issues and
financial planning.
Three Five-Week Clinical Rotations (15 Semester hours).
Courses described above.
Sixth Semester (Summer – clinical year) PA 624 PANCE Preparation I (2 Semester Hours). The first of two courses to prepare
students for successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
(PANCE), necessary for entering medical practice. Students learn strategies for successful study
and successful completion of board-style exams. Students are prepared to take a systems
approach, integrating all aspects of medicine, including medical and surgical disorders
encountered in general adult and pediatric medicine. Topics also include typical clinical
presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, lab interpretation and management
of disorders.
Two Five-Week Clinical Rotations (10 Semester hours).
Courses described above.
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Seventh Semester (Fall – Final Semester) PA 625 PANCE Preparation II (2 Semester Hours). In this second course, students are
prepared to successfully complete the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
(PANCE), necessary for entering medical practice. Students learn strategies for successful study
and successful completion of board-style exams. Students are prepared to take a systems
approach, integrating all aspects of medicine, including medical and surgical disorders
encountered in general adult and pediatric medicine. Topics also include typical clinical
presentation, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, lab interpretation and management
of disorders.
PA 710 Summative Evaluation (1 Semester Hour). This course provides a summative
evaluation tool to measure cognitive, motor and effective domains at a point near the students’
completion of the program. Students perform an objective standardized clinical examination
(OSCE) in order to demonstrate competency in interpersonal skills, comprehensive physical
examination skills and professional bearing. Students complete an end-of-course written
examination providing proof of medical knowledge and clinical competence.
PA 720 Capstone Project Completion (4 Semester Hours). Students complete the Capstone
Project first defined and discussed in PA 5580 Research, Epidemiology, and Statistics, and PA
620 Capstone Project Review. Students formally present the findings to peers and instructors.
One Five-Week Required Clinical Rotation (5 Semester Hours).
One Optional Five-Week Elective (5 Semester Hours).
Courses described above.
ACADEMIC POLICIES Students will be provided a copy of program goals and competencies at orientation. Each course
and clinical rotation syllabus has course descriptions and objectives required that guide student
learning and list competencies that students achieve during each course.
Students who are enrolled in the program must earn grades of C (2.0) or better in all courses and
maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing in the program. Students
are expected to understand and adhere to the codes and standards of the profession and generic
abilities in professional behavior.
Students are required to be in good academic standing to enter the clinical year. Students who
receive less than a C in a didactic course or who have less than a 3.0 GPA will be required to
repeat the course(s) and earn at least a C and an overall 3.0 GPA prior to entering clinical
rotations. Specific learning objectives are distributed to students for each clinical rotation.
Grades are based on mid-point and final evaluations by clinical preceptors, end-of-rotation
exams, professional seminar attendance and student presentations. If a student fails to obtain a
minimum grade of C in a clinical rotation, he or she is placed on academic probation and the
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rotation must be repeated. Students who fail to obtain a minimum grade of C in two clinical
rotations will be subject to dismissal from the program.
Any didactic course or clinical rotation that is required to be repeated will also incur additional tuition charges of $667 per semester hour. Such repetitions will lengthen the program beyond 27 months.
A student’s readiness to graduate will be determined by an overall GPA of 3.0, successful
completion of required courses, clinical rotations, demonstration of written and oral
proficiencies, successful completion of required objective structured clinical examinations
(OSCEs), completion of the required total semester hours for the program and completion of a
Capstone project. Students who complete the program in good academic and financial standing
by the end of the fall semester final exam period graduate in December.
Wingate University is operated on a nondiscriminatory basis. Wingate University abides by the
provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title XI of Educational Amendments of
1972 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504.
STUDENT PRIVACY AND INFORMED CONSENT Students in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies are granted privacy through the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) enacted to protect the privacy
associated with educational records, to establish the rights of students to inspect and review their
educational records and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data
through informal and formal hearings.
In compliance with FERPA, the Wingate University Department of Physician Assistant Studies
requires its students’ informed consent to the sharing of personal information with its educational
partners (clinical rotation sites) strictly on a need-to-know basis. This personal information may
include, but is not limited to, social security numbers, immunization records, e-mail addresses,
telephone numbers, results of health care tests, results of credit checks and criminal records
known to Wingate University. Notice is hereby given that random drug screenings or additional
criminal background checks may be requested of the students at any time during the didactic or
clinical years as well as for placement in certain clinical rotation sites as standard operating
procedure. The student may be responsible for the cost of drug screenings or additional criminal
background checks.
CODES OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC CONDUCT Each student in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies will be given the Student
Handbook pertinent to the guidelines of acceptable and unacceptable conduct. Included in this
Handbook are guidelines for professional appearance and conduct during the didactic and
clinical years.
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PROJECTED TUITION * These figures are subject to change, and the 2009-2010 costs have not been determined.
STUDENTS’ EMPLOYMENT Students in the PA program may not work full-time due to the demands of both didactic and
clinical years. Part-time work is strongly discouraged as well. Financial assistance for tuition
and living expenses is available through student loans and will be coordinated through the
Financial Planning office at Wingate University.
STUDENTS’ HOUSING Graduate students are not eligible to live in on-campus housing.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM Textbooks Additional costs for the PA program will include the purchase of medical textbooks (for both the
didactic and clinical years).
Medical Equipment, Attire Students are required to purchase medical equipment (such as a quality stethoscope, otoscope,
ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, lab coats, patches and name tags, etc.). These additional
costs will be in the range of $2,000.
Laptop Students are required to have a laptop computer for use in the PA Program.
• Processor speed ranging from 1.3 Ghz to 2.15 Ghz
Tuition 2008-2009 Didactic Year* $24,000
Fall Spring Summer
$8,000 $8,000 $8,000
Tuition 2009-2010 Clinical Year* $24,000
Fall Spring Summer
$8,000 $8,000 $8,000
Tuition Fall 2010* $8,000
TOTAL COST* $56,000
Applicants will be interviewed in March
or April 2008 for admission into the class
beginning August 2008. Upon
notification of acceptance into the
program, each applicant must pay a
$1,500 nonrefundable tuition deposit
within 10 days to confirm and secure the
applicant’s place in the inaugural class.
The deposit will be applied to the first
year’s tuition if the student continues in
the program.
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• RAM - (Random Access Memory) - 512MB or more
• Hard Drive - minimum 60GB
• Wireless standard 802.11b/g
• CD/DVD or DVD/CD Burner drive
• CD-ROM drive
• Microsoft Windows XP SP2 (Professional) (No VistaTM
or Macintosh)
• Microsoft Office Suite Student and Teacher Edition
• Antivirus Software
• Service Plan
LICENSING Graduates of Wingate University Department of Physician Assistant Studies will be eligible to
apply for licensing in any state or territory of the United States.
North Carolina Medical Board
1203 Front Street
Raleigh, NC 27609-7533
PO Box 20007
Raleigh, NC 27619-0007
Telephone (919) 326-1100, (919) 326-1109
Fax (919) 326-0036
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FACULTY Rosalind V. Becker MS PA-C ........................... Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator
• MS Education and Leadership, Arizona School of Health Sciences (2005) • BS Health Professions, Kettering College of Medical Arts (2000) • AS Physician Assistant, Kettering College of Medical Arts (1995) • AS Medical Lab Technology, Orange County Community College (1974)
Sharon Berenfeld MD ..................................................................................................... Instructor
MD University of Florida College of Medicine (1987) BS Microbiology, University of South Florida (1982)
Roy C. Blank MD ........................................................ Medical Director and Associate Professor
MD Medicine, University of Maryland (1972) BS Biology, Wake Forest University (1968)
Rebecca B. Boeschel MSHS PA-C ................................................................................. Instructor
MSHS George Washington University Medical Center (2003) PA Certification Wake Forest University Medical Center (1979) BA University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (1975)
John F. Hartness, Jr., MD ............................................................................................. Instructor
• MD, University of North Carolina School of Medicine (1970) • BS, Davidson College (1966)
Gary R. Uremovich DMin MPAS PA-C .................. Assistant Professor and Program Director
• DMin Church Administration, Trinity College and Theological Seminary (2007) • MPAS Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska (1997) • MS Educational Counseling, Vanderbilt University, Peabody School for Teachers (1981) • BS Psychology Magna cum laude, University of Maryland (1979) • BS Allied Health/Physician Assistant honor graduate University of Nebraska (1976)
Michael B. Whitehead DHSc PA-C ..................... Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator
• DHSc, Nova Southeastern University (2005) • MPAS, University of Nebraska (2000) • BS Applied Science (Physician Assistant), Creighton University • Bachelor General Studies, Chaminade University of Honolulu (1986) • Physician Assistant Program, U.S. Army Academy of Health Science (1984)
Instructors from the Faculty of the School of Pharmacy