Licensure
PBA’s Master of Medical Science in PA Medicine prepares graduates to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, (NCCPA) a nationwide examination for the licensing of PAs in the United States. Passing this exam is required for PA licensure in the United States and is required for the licensing of PAs in the state of Florida. Licensure and certification vary from state to state, and graduates should be prepared to abide by additional requirements when seeking licensure or certification in a state other than Florida.
PA Medicine Program Competency Outcomes A3.12g
The competencies of PA Medicine are grounded in the program’s mission and goals and align with the Physician Assistant Competencies, which were collaboratively developed by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the PAEA, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
These competencies serve as a foundation for curriculum development and are used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and the success of its graduates. Upon completing the PA Medicine program, graduates are expected to have mastered the following competencies:
Program Competencies
PAs must demonstrate core knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care in their area of practice. In addition, PAs are expected to demonstrate an investigatory and analytic thinking approach to clinical situations.
Outcome expectations for this competency include:
Competency 1: Demonstrate the acquisition of medical knowledge required to practice as an entry-level PA.
Competency 2: Gather a history and perform a physical examination.
Competency 3: Prioritize a differential diagnosis following a clinical encounter.
Competency 4: Recommend and interpret common diagnostic and screening tests.
Competency 5: Formulate appropriate clinical management plans.
Competency 6: Report and communicate clinical information effectively in an organized manner.
Competency 7: Provide appropriate patient education in a clinical encounter.
Competency 8: Utilize evidence-based clinical reasoning and problem-solving in-patient care.
Competency 9: Provide appropriate referrals to other members of an interprofessional team.
Competency 10: Perform general skills/ procedures required of an entry-level PA.
Competency 11: Provide culturally competent care as an entry-level PA.
Competency 12: Demonstrate professionalism required to practice as an entry-level PA.
Master of Medical Science in PA Graduation Requirements
Graduation for Master of Medical Science in PA Medicine
The PA cohort graduation date on the diploma is in December; those decelerating will have a later graduation date. Official diplomas will be issued to those in compliance with both the degree requirements and the university requirements (e.g., business office). Official diplomas and transcripts are held until all requirements are met.
Graduation Audit for Master of Medical Science in PA Medicine
The Program Director, Progress & Advancement Committee, and Medical Director, in conjunction with the Clinical Coordinator, will prepare the program level graduation audit and participate in the university’s graduation audit system. More specifically, the registrar’s office will send a list of PA students to PBA PA Medicine to approve for graduation. PBA PA Medicine will verify the potential graduates (assuming continued progression) and note those who should be removed from the graduation list. The registrar’s office will use the final grades in CANVAS to issue diplomas.
Application for Graduation (Degree Candidacy)
Students need to submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar. The submission deadline for December completion is the last day of the previous January. Applicants who apply for graduation and fail to meet requirements by the specified projected graduation date will be deferred to a later semester. The application is available on myPBA, under the students tab, on the Commencement page.
To locate the online application:
- Go to: https://my.pba.edu/ICS/Students/Commencement.jnz
- Log into myPBA.
- The “Application for Graduation” is highlighted. Click the link in the window, to get started.
Master of Medical Science in PA Medicine
The faculty of PA Medicine is charged with the responsibility for educating students as well as determining the capacity of every student for professional competency and responsibility. The Program, therefore, has established requirements that must be met prior to graduation.
See the PA Medicine Student Handbook for more information.