2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Physician Assistant
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351091200	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	87 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-1071 Physician Assistants	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as physician assistants SOC Code 29-1071 (Physician Assistants).

The content includes but is not limited to anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physical diagnosis, pathophysiological basis of disease, electrocardiography/cardiology, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, clinical diagnostic imaging, medical ethics/risk management, introduction to medicine, surgical problems and procedures, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency medicine and psychiatry.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 87 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Recognize interdependent relationship with supervising physician.
13.0	Maintain competency.
14.0	Promote acceptance of the role
15.0	Promote preventive health care.
16.0	Demonstrate professional behavior.
17.0	Establish effective interpersonal relationships with patients, professionals, and others.
18.0	Establish health status data base.
19.0	Analyze health status data base to formulate management plan.
20.0	Formulate health management plan.
21.0	Implement health management plan.
22.0	Monitor health management plan.

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Physician Assistant
CIP Numbers:	1351091200 A.S.
Program Length:	87 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		29-1071

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations–The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the health care delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively–The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including communication styles and barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, a formatting and confidentiality and specific formats of letter writing.	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Analyze elements of communication using a sender-receiver model.	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities–The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
03.02	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment and fraud. 	
03.03	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
03.04	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
03.05	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
03.06	Identify standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
03.07	Describe advance directives. 	
03.08	Describe informed consent. 	
03.09	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
03.10	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
03.11	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
03.12	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
03.13	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of health care workers including legislated scope of practice 	
03.14	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
03.15	Recognize and report abuse including domestic violence and neglect. 	
03.16	Distinguish among the five schedules of controlled substances.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts–The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
04.02	Identify personal health practices and environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
04.03	Identify psychological reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
04.04	Identify complementary and alternative health practices. 	
04.05	Discuss the adverse effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and both legal and illegal drugs on the human body and apply safety practices related to these and other high risk behaviors. 	
04.06	Explain the basic concepts of positive self image, wellness and stress. 	
04.07	Develop a wellness and stress control plan that can be used in personal and professional life. 	
04.08	Explore and utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food guide (www.choosemyplate.gov).	
04.09	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures–The student will be able to:	
05.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
05.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
05.03	Explain and apply the theory of root- cause analysis.  	
05.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
05.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
05.06	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions). 	
05.07	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
05.08	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
05.09	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
05.10	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
05.11	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.12	Discuss The Joint Commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org). 	
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations–The student will be able to:	
06.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
06.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
06.03	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and first aid. 	
06.04	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures–The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define principles of infection control including standard and transmission based precautions.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
07.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
07.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare–The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills. 	
08.03	Recognize technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.04	Interpret information from electronic medical documents. 	
08.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills–The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
09.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. telephone etiquette, courtesy and self-introductions). 	
09.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
09.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
09.05	Conduct a job search. 	
09.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
09.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
09.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
09.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development). 	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS–The student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
10.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis B.	
10.03	Identify community resources and services available to the individuals with diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
10.04	Identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
10.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills–The student will be able to:	
11.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
11.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
11.03	Make, use and convert using both traditional and metric units. 	
11.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
11.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
11.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
11.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
11.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
11.09	Calculate ratios.	
Physician Assistant (12-22)	
12.0	Recognize the interdependent relationship with supervising physician–The student will be able to:	
12.01	Accept that the role of the physician assistant is limited by the: supervising physician, legislation and regulations, local circumstances, individual competencies, hospital regulations, patients, and other health professions.	
12.02	Resist compromises in the practice of medicine when conflicting with professional ethics.	
12.03	Express professional opinion on matters of patient care, even if different from supervising physician’s opinion.	
12.04	Express the limitations of the role when necessary to the supervising physician, other health professionals, and patient and family.	
13.0	Maintain competency–The student will be able to:	
13.01	Engage in period review of professional skills (self-assessment, etc.)	
13.02	Devise and maintain program of formal and informal CME based upon recognized needs.	
13.03	Acquire knowledge and skills essential to incorporating into practice proven new evaluation/treatment modalities.	
13.04	Maintain an ongoing library of appropriate journals and books.	
13.05	Maintain membership in professional organizations.	
13.06	Obtain/maintain certification as a PA.	
13.07	Critically review the current medical literature.	
14.0	Promote acceptance of the role–The student will be able to:	
14.01	Explain role by actions and words to others.	
14.02	Display sensitivity to the partial overlapping and possible sharing of responsibilities with other health professionals.	
14.03	Use formal and informal conflict resolution techniques including adjusting activities, fostering improved working relationships and helping behavior.	
14.04	Transmit reference materials to relevant professionals concerning physician assistant functions and utilization.	
14.05	Assess within the work group the behavior of individuals and group actions to facilitate problem solving or prevent problems from arising.	
14.06	Know and implement strategies useful in gaining acceptance of the role within the community.	
14.07	Give talks to groups interested in the PA concept.	
14.08	Seek out or counsel prospective PA students.	
14.09	Write articles for local newspaper about the PA concept.	
14.10	Submit articles for publication.	
14.11	Initiate contact with other physicians in the area to promote the PA concept.	
14.12	Participate in community health programs.	
14.13	Initiate change in routine protocol.	
15.0	Promote preventive health care–The student will be able to:	
15.01	Educate patient and family concerning health care measures, including periodic physical examinations, blood pressure screening, exercise and diet, daily dental hygiene and periodic checkups, regular vision checkups, screening for glaucoma, testicular self-exam, breast self-examination/Mammography, pap smear, warning signs of cancer, use of tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, use of seat belts and child restraints in cars, childhood and adult immunization, accident prevention, poisoning prevention, prevention of acquired infections (i.e., pneumonia’s, STD’s, hepatitis), prevention of common childhood conditions, safer sex methods, environmental hazards, occupational hazards, and prevention of family violence.	
15.02	Perform screening examinations, including well baby checkups, periodic physical examinations, prenatal examinations, and chronic disease checkups (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, etc.)	
15.03	Provide sex education, including contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, sexual dysfunctions, dyspareunia, vaginismus, safer sex methods, and sexuality in the physically impaired.	
15.04	Provide counseling to patient and family concerning anxiety reaction, obsessive-compulsive neurosis, depression (non-psychotic), maladaptive disorders, marital,. divorce, family relationship problems, adjustments to aging, social isolation, developmental problems of adolescence, behavior problems of children and adults, chronic illness/handicapping conditions, death and dying, psychosomatic illness, mental retardation, sexual problems (e.g., impotency, frigidity, dyspareunia), alcohol/drug abuse, acute/self-limiting illness, and terminal illness.	
15.05	Review, recommend and/or distribute patient education materials e.g., health education pamphlets, books, films, slide shows, tapes, and the use of models, community health groups, and the use of other patients as resources.	
16.0	Demonstrate professional behavior–The student will be able to:	
16.01	Demonstrate attributes, such as empathy, objectivity, recognition of personal and professional limitations; stress coping mechanisms and confidence in professional identity.	
16.02	Demonstrate attributes by showing respect for the feelings and attitudes of others, maintaining patient confidentiality, accepting personal and professional limitations by admitting to errors, accepting criticism, seeking continued intellectual growth, persisting in effecting constructive change and showing patience in dealing with the change process.	
17.0	Establish effective interpersonal relationships with patients, professionals, and others–The student will be able to:	
17.01	Adapt suitable interviewing style in order to enhance communication, elicit relevant biopsychosocial history, ascertain patient’s understanding of historical data, decide on appropriate mode/procedures of presenting information, question patients in terms that are appropriate to their level of understanding, clarify clues to other history data, modify interviewing techniques where appropriate, solicit feedback concerning communication, provide feedback concerning communication, and determine patient’s understanding/acceptance of health problems.	
17.02	Accept personal, cultural, and professional factors affecting health, accept patient’s limitations in perceiving health status, accept patient’s ability (inability) to comply with therapeutic programs, accept existing uncertainties in the management of personal health, accept and respect feelings and attitudes of others, and acknowledge limitations of community resources.	
17.03	Assist patient/family in handling/expressing feelings, regarding personal problems, illness/death, acceptance of patient’s condition/progress, and the relationship of patient’s psychological needs to physical condition.	
17.04	Recognize changes in patient’s psychological state by observing patient’s general appearance and behavior, mood changes, and identify factors influencing patient’s psychological state.	
17.05	Maintain relationship with referred patient by explaining why referral is necessary, continuing to monitor referred patient’s progress, providing information pertinent consultation/referral, and updating patient’s record according to referral outcomes.	
17.06	Demonstrate concern of patient’s privacy, modesty, anxieties during the examination by explaining procedures, draping patient appropriately, checking on patient’s comfort, warming instruments, responding to patient’s inquiries, reassuring patient during all interactions and using a chaperone.	
17.07	Transmit and record information by preparing patient summaries, including admission and discharge notes, writing accident/incident reports, writing problem oriented progress notes, preparing correspondence, recording immunizations on special records, performing careful telephone interviews, completing insurance forms, and writing problem lists.	
18.0	Establish health status data base–The student will be able to:	
18.01	Modify data gathering process to take into account sex of including problem-specific examination, follow-up versus initial the patient, the problem, age of the patient, physical condition of the patient, pathophysiogy and problem  of examination, insurance examination, compensation examination, school examination, sports examination and postpartum examination.	
18.02	Elicit pertinent medical and psychological history by eliciting chief complaint, obtaining history of present illness, obtaining past medical history, and reviewing body system.	
18.03	Perform complete or problem-specific physical examination as pertinent.	
18.04	Obtain information from screening and diagnostic tests as pertinent by ordering and/or  performing screening and diagnostic tests, obtaining specimens, understanding the indications for and significance of abnormal results for screening and diagnostic tests ordered as outlined by American Academy of Physician Assistants.	
18.05	Record and transmit findings by summarizing pertinent aspects of history and physical examination and preparing patient summaries and progress notes.	
19.0	Analyze health status data base to formulate management plan–The student will be able to:	
19.01	Differentiate between normal and abnormal information contained in the data base and gather additional information as indicated by abnormal findings in the adult and child history and physical examinations, newborn physical examinations, diagnostic tests and geriatric multi-disciplinary assessment.	
19.02	Based on assessment of data base, establish, with physician consultation, a working diagnosis of common problems, including, but not limited to the diagnostic clusters as outlined by American Academy of Physician Assistants.	
20.0	Formulate health management plan–The student will be able to:	
20.01	Prioritize problems to be managed	
20.02	Formulate a management plan for problems identified.	
20.03	Devise plan to coordinate multiple treatment modalities.	
20.04	Select therapeutic measures by considering patient’s sociocultural environment, cost implications of decision on behalf of the patient and motivation of patient to comply with recommended treatment.	
20.05	Select supportive services to be involved in patient care, to include the supervising physician, the patient’s family, other health professionals and community resources and services.	
20.06	Describe parameters of patient education relating to immediate problems, and others, such as:  planning limitation of activities and planning scheduled follow-up.	
20.07	Implement appropriate The Joint Commission patient safety goals.	
21.0	Implement health management plan–The student will be able to:	
21.01	Educate patient and family concerning immediate problem(s), follow-up to deferred problems, home care, pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood as outlined in American Academy of Physician Assistants.	
21.02	Contact selected supportive services to be involved in patient care.	
21.03	Provide information pertinent to consultative/referral.	
21.04	Provide treatment of common problems by carrying out the management plan, including the  initiating of the following medical therapies/procedures when indicated such as administer medications, all routes, perform musculoskeletal therapies, perform pulmonary therapies, eye, ear, nose and throat therapies, cardiovascular therapies, gastrointestinal therapies, genitourinary therapies, obstetrical/gynecological therapies, surgical procedures and initiate basic management for emergency situations as outlined by American Academy of Physician Assistants.	
22.0	Monitor health management plan–The student will be able to:	
22.01	Assess degree of patient compliance.	
22.02	Assess progress toward desired result.	
22.03	Determine economic impact of management plan.	
22.04	Recognize undesirable effects of treatment plan.	
22.05	Redirect patient efforts based upon results of treatment plan	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Special Notes
The program must meet the requirements of:

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
12000 Findley Road, Suite 240
Duluth, GA 30097

Prerequisites:  Students must have completed postsecondary education including successful completion of TOEFL and CPT, prior to being admitted to the Physician Assistant Program.  A background in the medical field is strongly recommended in order to aid the student in this program.  Upon successful completion of this program, the student will receive an associate degree in science for physician assistant.  Students completing this program may apply to take the national certification examination:

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Examination
2845 Henderson Mill Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30341
(770) 493-9100

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements.  Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The CORE should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the appropriate career and technical student organization for providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors.  Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp .

Program Length

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  The standard length of this program is 87 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.