In order to successfully complete the Master of Science in Physician Assistant at Keiser University all physician assistant students must possess the abilities and skills in the areas of sensation, communication , motor function, intellectual capability, and behavioral/social proficiency.
The following skills are required:
OBSERVATION
The student must be able to demonstrate sufficient attention and accuracy in observation skills (visual, auditory and tactile) in lecture, laboratory, inpatient, and outpatient settings. The student will be able to accurately observe a patient near and at a distance; recognizing non-verbal and verbal signs.
COMMUNICATION
The student must be able to communicate effectively, respectfully and efficiently in the written and verbal forms of English with supervising or consulting physicians, program professors, colleagues, instructors, patients, and other members of the health care team. The student must be able to communicate effectively, responsively and empathetically; and exhibit sensitivity with patients of all ages, gender, cultures, ethnicities, and personalities regardless of race or cultural differences.
MOTOR
The student must have sufficient motor skills to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. The student must be able to perform the typical physician assistant duties not limited to physical examination, treatment interventions and general patient care. The student must possess motor coordination to respond in emergent situations and provide medical care quickly.
INTELLECTUAL, CONCEPTUAL, INTEGRATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE
The student must possess intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities necessary for problem solving and diagnosis. The student must be able to integrate visual, auditory, sensory, tactile, and spatial information in clinical problem solving. The student must be able to demonstrate the ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information. The student must demonstrate the ability to acquire, retain and apply new and learned information.
BEHAVIORAL
The student must demonstrate ethical and professional attitudes reflected in appropriate behavior or conduct. The student must be able to function with integrity and in an ethical manner. The student must possess attributes of dependability, flexibility, tolerance, respect, and empathy. The student must be able to adapt to a changing environment. The student must be able to function under stress, accept supervision and apply feedback. The student must posses the emotional health for utilization of judgment and cognition.
