Eleanor Dana Hall
30 Hazel Street
Telephone: (203) 576-2400
Curriculum
The PA curriculum is a rigorous 28-month Master of Science program composed of didactic and clinical phases. In the didactic phase of the program, students learn the tenets of basic medical sciences, clinical medicine (pathophysiology of disease and pharmacology), clinical skills (history taking and physical exam along with clinical procedures), global and public health, and patient education and counseling. The research semester teaches the basics of evidence-based medicine and research methods, where students develop necessary skills to successfully complete a capstone research project. Prior to the clinical phase, students are oriented to each clerkship in the Clinical Seminar course. The clinical phase of the program, during the last 13 months of the program, includes 7 core clerkships (internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, emergency medicine, family medicine, behavioral health, obstetrics/gynecology), an elective and a special population selective clinical clerkship. During the didactic phase, instruction is provided by experienced faculty from the basic science departments and the PA Institute. During the clinical phase, students are instructed by their clinical preceptors who are licensed and board-certified practicing clinicians.
Program Goals
The University of Bridgeport PA Institute (PAI) has established goals that support the mission and outcomes of the program. Each goal has defined benchmarks and associated data that demonstrate how they are being met. For the most current report on goals please visit the program’s website: https://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-ms/goals-outcomes
Program Competencies
Graduates of the University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Institute will be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas:
PO1: Elicit and interpret an accurate medical history from a patient. (PK)
PO2: Perform an appropriate physical examination and accurately interpret findings. (PK)
PO3: Utilize pertinent patient data and diagnostic interpretation to formulate a differential diagnosis. (PK)
PO4: Demonstrate clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to create a management plan. (PK)
PO5: Accurately perform the technical skills utilized in care of the patient. (PK)
PO6: Demonstrate effective communication skills necessary to work in healthcare teams. (HLC, ICP)
PO7: Demonstrate culturally sensitive care with a patient-centered approach. (PK, HLC))
PO8: Counsel and educate for disease prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle. (PK, SPH, HLC)
PO9: Understand the role of the PA and adhere to professional standards in healthcare settings. (ICP, PL, HCF)
PO10: Identify the roles of various providers in the healthcare team including alternative or complementary practitioners. (HCF)
Definitions of the abbreviations are as follows: Patient-Centered Practice Knowledge (PK), Society and Population Health (SPH), Health Literacy and Communication (HLC), Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Leadership (ICP), Professional and Legal Aspects of Health Care (PL) & Health Care Finances and Systems (HCF). Abbreviations are based on the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession.
Program Admissions
All admission’s information for the program is available on the main website found here: https://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-ms/admission-requirements
