Early Career PA Pathway
The Early Career PA pathway is a 36-credit-hour program that is completed in 9 months. It grants eligible candidates 18 credits of advanced standing for completion of the clinical and didactic instructional components of their entry-level master’s degree program, including recent coursework in research methods and evidence-based practices and for clinical reasoning development incurred during supervised clinical practice experiences:
- Completion of a Master’s Degree: 12 credit hours
- Clinical Reasoning Development (obtained during supervised clinical practice experiences): 6 credit hours
The pathway’s curriculum therefore involves 18 credit hours tailored to support early career PAs in developing their professional identities, clinical niches, and career trajectories. Along with doctorate-level aptitudes gained during the implementation science, research, and scholarly writing courses, PAs will explore their leadership identities and conduct an in-depth examination of the healthcare policies, regulations, and laws that dictate patient access to care. Through the practicum course, early career PAs have the chance to apply evidence-based workplace change tools to real world professional challenges.
Course sequences are subject to change.
Block 1
| DMSC711 | Foundations of Implementation Science | 3 credits |
| DMSC712 | Scholarly Writing and Publication | 3 credits |
Block 2
| DMSC713 | Empowering PA Leaders | 3 credits |
| DMSC730 | Integrated Research Methodology for PAs | 3 credits |
Block 3
| DMSC811 | Healthcare Policy | 3 credits |
| DMSC830 | Integrated Practicum: Professional Applictn of Implementation Science | 3 credits |