Physician Assistants (PAs) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs are qualified by graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant educational program and certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Within the physician/PA relationship, PAs exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The clinical role of PAs includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings in rural and urban areas. Physician Assistant practice is centered on patient care and may include educational, research and administrative activities.
This is a program housed in the Department of Family and Community Medicine within the School of Medicine. Instruction is provided by various departments and faculties of the Health Sciences Center. The professional curriculum is based on the principle of problem-based learning in small group tutorials. The program is 25 months in length and consists of didactic and clinical instruction. Students can expect to have clinical clerkships in rural and underserved areas of New Mexico. A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree will be awarded upon successful completion of the curriculum. Entry into this program is very competitive.
The program has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant since 1999. Graduation from an accredited program is required to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants exam.
Applicants must have a BA/BS degree or higher by the start of the program. They must complete all prerequisites prior to the application deadline and receive a grade of C or higher. A minimum gradepoint average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale as well as a science grade point average of at least 3.0 are required. Course numbers listed below refer to the University of New Mexico courses.
We strongly recommend that applicants have worked a minimum of six months in either a patient care setting or a significant community care environment. Hands-on patient care experience is preferred.
Application for admission is made through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) at https://portal.caspaonline.org. The application and all supporting documents must be received at CASPA by September 1 each year for the class starting the following June. Applicants are encouraged to check the status of their CASPA application on a weekly basis. Apply early as CASPA may take up to five weeks to verify and process the application.
For questions or technical assistance call CASPA at (617) 612-2080, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm eastern time or e-mail to caspainfo@caspaonline.org. The University of New Mexico Physician Assistant Program will send a supplemental application after the CASPA application is submitted, if all requirements are met. A separate application to The University of New Mexico is required upon acceptance into the program, if not currently enrolled. Admission to the Physician Assistant Program is based on evaluation of those applicant qualities and experiences which advance the program’s mission. For this reason residents of New Mexico are given primary consideration for admission. The criteria for evaluation also include academic and personal record, letters of recommendation and, if selected, a personal interview.
Courses
PAST 301.
Foundations of Medical Science I– Population Health.
(1)
An orientation to population health. Topics covered include: history of community and public health, basic epidemiology and health promotion/disease prevention.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 302.
Foundations of Medical Science II– Adolescent and Pediatric Medicine I.
(1)
An overview of clinical issues in health care from the prenatal period through adolescence.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 303.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Adolescent and Pediatric Medicine II.
(2)
A continuation of the clinical issues in health care from the prenatal period through adolescence.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 304.
Foundations of Medical Science I– Research Methods.
(1)
An overview of evidence-based medicine, informatics and review of the medical literature.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 305.
Foundations of Medical Science II– Adult and Geriatric Medicine I. .
(1)
An overview of clinical issues in health care from the young adult through elder years.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 306.
Foundations of Medical Science II– Clinical Skills I.
(2)
Introduction to clinical examination skills. Focus is on the patient interview, physical examination, and writing skills essential to clinical practice.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 307.
Foundations of Medical Science II–Pharmacology I.
(1)
An introduction to pharmacology and pharmacotherapy in disorders commonly encountered in primary care medicine.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 308.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Adult and Geriatric Medicine II.
(2)
A continuation of the clinical issues in health care from the young adult through elder years.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 309.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Pharmacology II.
(2)
A continuation of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy in disorders commonly encountered in primary care medicine.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 310.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Clinical Skills II.
(1)
Supervised experience in a one-half day per week clinical setting. Students also develop focused clinical skills correlating with first year academic blocks of study.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 311.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Emergency Medicine.
(2)
Overview of common problems encountered in emergency medicine and medical procedures.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 312.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Adolescent and Pediatric Medicine III.
(2)
A continuation of the clinical issues in health care from the prenatal period through adolescence.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 313.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Adult and Geriatric Medicine III.
(2)
A continuation of the clinical issues in health care from the young adult through elder years.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 314.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Pharmacology III.
(2)
A continuation of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy in disorders commonly encountered in primary care medicine.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 315.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Clinical Skills III.
(1)
Continuation of supervised experience in a one-half day per week clinical setting. Students also develop focused clinical skills correlating with second year academic blocks of study.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 316.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Dermatology.
(2)
This course focuses on dermatology and introduces the student to an integration of the biological, behavioral and population aspects of medicine through a series of lectures, problem-based learning tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 317.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine II – Neuroscience.
(5)
This course focuses on neuroscience and introduces the student to an integration of the biological, behavioral and population aspects of medicine through a series of lectures, problem-based learning tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 318.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Orthopedics.
(2)
This course focuses on orthopedics and introduces the student to an integration of the biological, behavioral and population aspects of medicine through a series of lectures, problem-based learning tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 319.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Human Structure.
(5)
This course focuses on anatomy, embryology and histology and introduces the student to an integration of the biological, behavioral and population aspects of medicine through a series of lectures, problem-based learning tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 321.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine II– CV-Pulmonary-Renal.
(5)
This course focuses on pulmonary medicine and cardiovascular/renal disease and introduces the student to an integration of biological, behavioral and population aspects of medicine lectures, problem-based learning tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 322.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Genetics and Neoplasia.
(3)
This course focuses on genetic and neoplastic mechanisms of human disease production and integrates their biological, behavioral and population health aspects through lectures, problem-based tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 323.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Infection and Immunity.
(2)
This course focuses on infectious and immunologic mechanisms of human disease production integrating their biological, behavioral and population health aspects through lectures, problem-based tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 401.
Clerkship Family Medicine.
(4)
Supervised clinical clerkship in Family Medicine. This clinical experience introduces the student to the evaluation of patients in a broad primary care setting. Problems addressed include acute and chronic care and preventive healthcare maintenance.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 402.
Primary Care Preceptorship.
(6)
Six-week supervised clinical clerkship serves as the student’s culminating experience in primary care medicine. Students function at advanced level in care of patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 403.
Clerkship Emergency Medicine.
(4)
Supervised clinical clerkship in Emergency Medicine. This clinical experience introduces the student to patient care in an emergency and acute care setting. The student will additionally gain experience in procedures commonly employed in emergency medicine.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 404.
Clerkship Surgery.
(4)
Supervised clinical clerkship in General Surgery. This clinical experience introduces the student to the pre-operative and post-operative care of the general surgical patient in the office and hospital setting. Additionally students will assist in surgery.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 405.
Clerkship Pediatrics.
(4)
Supervised clinical clerkship in Pediatric Medicine. This clinical experience introduces the student to health assessment and anticipatory guidance in pediatrics from newborn through adolescence in a family practice setting.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 406.
Clerkship Women’s Health.
(4)
Supervised clinical clerkship in Women’s Healthcare. This clinical experience introduces the student to the assessment of the female patient from family planning and pregnancy through menopause.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 407.
Clerkship Behavioral Medicine.
(4)
Supervised clinical clerkship in Behavioral Medicine. This clinical experience provides students with the opportunity to care for patients with behavioral/psychiatric problems commonly encountered in the primary care setting.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 408.
Clerkship General Internal Medicine.
(4)
Supervised clinical clerkship in Internal Medicine. This clinical experience introduces the student to the acute and chronic care of adult patients in the hospital setting with a focus on internal medicine.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 409.
Clerkship Elective.
(0)
Supervised clinical clerkship. This clinical experience allows the student an opportunity to elect an area of clinical practice. Students may choose a specialty area of personal interest or an area not covered by other clerkships.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 418.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine III– GI-Nutrition-Metabolism.
(3)
This course focuses on the pathophysiology associated with common disorders of the gastrointestinal system. Additionally the student will be introduced to human nutritional requirements and the physiology of metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 420.
Clinical Seminar I.
(0)
Clinical Seminar I focuses on professional practice issues. Topics include the history of medicine and the PA profession and issues of importance in the emerging health care system.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 421.
Clinical Seminar II.
(0)
Clinical Seminar II continues with professional practice issues. Topics include medical ethics, patient counseling, coping with illness and injury, responses to death and dying and advance directives.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 422.
Clinical Seminar III.
(0)
Clinical Seminar III continues in the presentation of professional practice issues. Topics include health policy, reimbursement, HIPAA rules and regulations. Additional sections continue during phase III to include issues of importance to a new graduate PA.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 423.
Independent Study.
(1-14 to a maximum of 14 ∆)
This variable credit course will focus on a formal research project conducted by the PA student with faculty supervision.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 425.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine III– Human Sexuality and Reproduction and Endocrinology.
(5)
This course focuses on human sexuality and reproduction and endocrinology and integrates the biological, behavioral and population aspects of medicine through a series of lectures, problem-based learning tutorials and laboratories.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 501.
Foundations of Medical Science I– Population Health.
(1)
This course is an orientation to population health. Topics include: public health, epidemiology, health promotion and disease prevention, health policy, intervention, models for change, and rural health.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 502.
Foundations of Medical Science I– Foundations of Research Methodology.
(1)
An overview of evidence-based medicine (EBM), medical informatics, and medical research methodologies. It includes accessing and critically evaluating the medical literature as well as the structuring of research studies.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 510.
Foundations of Medical Science II– Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine I.
(2)
An introduction to the major biological principles of pediatric and adolescent health care including embryology, anatomy, normal physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Behavioral perspectives emphasize the effect of health and disease on children and families.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 511.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine II.
(2)
This course continues with the principles of pediatric and adolescent health care. Emphasis is on the presentation, evaluation and treatment of the common neurologic, psychiatric, cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal disorders seen in this age group.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 512.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine III.
(2)
This course continues with the principles of pediatric and adolescent health care. Emphasis is on the presentation, evaluation and treatment of the common nutritional, metabolic, gastrointestinal, endocrine and reproductive system disorders seen in this age group.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 515.
Foundations of Medical Science II– Adult and Geriatric Medicine I.
(2)
This course begins with the major biological principles of adult and geriatric health care, including anatomy, normal physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Behavioral and population perspectives are addressed.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 516.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Adult and Geriatric Medicine II.
(2)
This course continues with the principles of adult and geriatric health care. Emphasis is on the presentation, evaluation and treatment of common neurologic, psychiatric, cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal disorders seen in this age group.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 517.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Adult and Geriatric Medicine III.
(2)
This course continues with the principles of adult and geriatric health care. The emphasis is on the presentation, evaluation and treatment of the common nutritional, metabolic, gastrointestinal, endocrine and reproductive system disorders.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 520.
Foundations of Medical Science II– Pharmacology I.
(2)
This course provides a basic foundation in pharmacology through selected prototype drugs and a more thorough understanding of pharmacotherapeutics. The emphasis will be on clinical application of prototype drugs, their therapeutic effects and toxicities.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 521.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Pharmacology II.
(2)
This course continues to provide a foundation in pharmacology through selected prototype drugs and a more thorough understanding of pharmacotherapeutics.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 522.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Pharmacology III.
(2)
This course focuses on selected prototype drugs and an emphasis on the drug class, the generic names of drugs, organ system effects, including drug metabolism, elimination and drug-drug interactions.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 525.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Emergency Medicine.
(2)
This course is designed to prepare students to evaluate and treat common patient problems seen in emergency departments.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 530.
Foundations of Medical Science II– Clinical Skills I.
(2)
This course begins with an introduction to basic exam skills and a focus on orthopedic skills and continues as a shared course with the M.D. program’s Foundations of Clinical Practice.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 531.
Foundations of Medical Science III– Clinical Skills II.
(1)
This course serves as a platform for the demonstration of skills learned in Clinical Skills I. It includes competency exams in Neurosciences and Cardiovascular/Pulmonary/Renal Medicine and a 1/2 day/week clinical experience.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 532.
Foundations of Medical Science IV– Clinical Skills III.
(1)
This course continues with the demonstration of skills learned in Clinical Skills I & II. It includes competency exams in GI/Nutrition/Metabolism and Endocrinology/Human Sexuality and Reproduction, and a 1/2 day/week clinical experience.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 535.
Clinical Seminar I.
(1)
This course introduces the student to the physician assistant profession including the history of the profession and current trends, the PA-MD-patient relationship, scope of practice, and an overview of the professional and political PA organizations.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 536.
Clinical Seminar II.
(1)
This course focuses on issues relevant to the practice of medicine: special patients, critical thinking, electronic medical record, case presentations, delivery of health care to rural /underserved patient populations and substance abuse.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 537.
Clinical Seminar III.
(1)
This course focuses on two broad areas of interest: 1) transition to medical practice from student to licensed PA and 2) health policy and legal issues relevant to PA practice.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 540.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Dermatology.
(2)
This course focuses on the major biological principles of dermatology including anatomy, normal physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 541.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Orthopedics.
(2)
This course focuses on the major biological principles of the musculoskeletal system including anatomy, normal physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 542.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Human Structure, Function and Development.
(4)
This course focuses on human anatomy, histology and embryology.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 543.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Mechanisms of Disease Genetics and Neoplasia.
(2)
This course provides an overview of broad mechanistic concepts providing a conceptual structure for approaching disorders of the organ systems related to genetics and neoplasia.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 544.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine I– Mechanisms of Disease Infection and Immunity.
(2)
This course provides an overview of broad mechanistic concepts providing a conceptual structure for approaching disorders of the organ systems related to infection and immunity.
Restriction: admitted PAST program.
PAST 545.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine II– Neurosciences.
(4)
This course provides a foundation in the basic medical and clinical science of the nervous system. Focus is on neurology, psychiatry, and behavioral medicine .
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 547.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine II– CV-Pulmonary-Renal.
(4)
This course provides a foundation in the basic medical and clinical science of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal systems, including the pathophysiology associated with common disorders of these organ systems.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 550.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine III– GI-Nutrition-Metabolism.
(4)
This course provides a foundation in the basic medical and clinical science of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the pathophysiology associated with common disorders of this organ system.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 552.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine III– Human Sexuality, Reproduction, Endocrine.
(4)
This course provides a foundation in the basic medical and clinical science of the endocrine and human reproductive systems, including the pathophysiology associated with common disorders of these organ systems.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 560.
Clerkship Family Practice.
(3)
This supervised clerkship is a first-year field experience and covers the health care needs of patients across the life span. The course surveys major aspects of primary health care.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 561.
Clerkship Women’s Health and Prenatal Care.
(3)
This supervised clerkship focuses on the management of women’s health care in a family practice setting. Clerkship activities include evaluation and management of common gynecological conditions/disorders and routine prenatal care.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 562.
Clerkship Pediatrics.
(3)
This supervised family practice-pediatric clerkship focuses on the development of skills in the health care of pediatric and adolescent patients.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 563.
Clerkship Behavioral Medicine-Psychiatry.
(3)
This supervised clerkship focuses on the healthcare of patients with behavioral health problems commonly seen in the primary care setting. Field experience may be in the office setting as well as clinic/in-patient settings.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 564.
Clerkship Emergency Medicine.
(3)
This supervised clerkship focuses on the triage, evaluation and management of patients in the emergency setting.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 565.
Clerkship General Internal Medicine.
(3)
This supervised clerkship focuses on the care of the adult patient in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. It is the foundation for subspecialty (elective) courses such as cardiology, endocrinology, etc.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 566.
Clerkship Elective.
(1)
This supervised clerkship provides an opportunity for the student to choose a clinical field experience in an area of personal interest.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 568.
Clerkship Surgery.
(3)
This supervised clerkship focuses on the care of the surgical patient. Activities include experience in the operating room as well as pre- and post-operative care and assessment of the patient in the office setting.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 575.
Clerkship Long Term Care and Primary Care.
(5)
This supervised clerkship incorporates elements of patient care gained from the Family Practice and specialty clerkships. The student will learn to function at a higher level in the clinical management of the patient.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 600.
Program to Practice.
(2)
This course prepares the student for clinical practice. Topics range from medical coding to state medical practice laws. It also includes the final graduate-level capstone projects and oral/written summative evaluations.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program.
PAST 610.
Independent Study.
(1-14, may be repeated once ∆)
This course is designed to develop specialized skills, which may include: research, development of a particular interest and development of an overseas or cultural clerkship.
Restriction: admitted to PAST program and permission of instructor.
