Program Goals
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program strives to:
- Graduate students who have obtained the foundational knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary for physician assistant certification and practice.
- Provide an innovative curriculum and resources within a supportive learning community.
- Emphasize evidence-based primary care practice, highlighting a holistic, patient-centered approach to health and wellness.
- Promote effective and professional communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with patients, their families, peers, consultants and healthcare team members.
- Incorporate the critical thinking, clinical reasoning and medical decision-making skills reflective of quality patient care.
- Emphasize inter-professional and team relationships across disciplines and health professions.
- Value the highest standards of professionalism and the fundamental importance of ethical practice and social justice, thereby reflecting principals of Catholic social teaching and intellectual inquiry.
- Align with the Liberal Arts Goals of St. Catherine University.
- Promote leadership skills and abilities.
- Foster an appreciation for research and participate in the generation of new knowledge.
- Advance understanding of diversity, global responsibility and competence in providing effective medical care in diverse settings.
- Collaborate with clinical and community partners for reciprocal benefits.
- Recruit, retain and support the development of a highly qualified faculty.
- Remain responsive to the healthcare needs of the community within the context of healthcare reform.
