Physician Assistant Studies Graduate Competencies

The Gardner-Webb University PA Program Graduate Competencies reflect new PA graduates’ skills, attributes, and behaviors as they enter medical practice. Our competencies are informed by the mission, values, and goals of the GWU PA Program and modeled after PAEA’s Core Competencies for the New PA graduate and the Competencies for the PA Profession by the four national PA organizations. Upon completion of the GWU PA Program, our graduates will be able to:

GWU PA Graduate CompetencyARC-PA 5-Domains of Core Competencies
B4.03, 5th edition Standards
1. Elicit an appropriate medical history and perform an appropriate physical exam on any patient in any setting.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS)
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
2. Document an appropriate medical record for any patient in any setting.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
3. Interpret and synthesize the information derived from the history, physical exam, and other patient-related data to guide the formation of a thorough differential diagnosis.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS)
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
4. Order and interpret high-value laboratory and diagnostic tests based on patient-specific factors.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
5. Identify, discuss, perform, and order appropriate therapy and treatment modalities to manage commonly occurring diagnoses.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS)
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
6. Evaluate clinical situations that require referral, consultation, or elevation of care.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS)
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
7. Utilize patient-centered communication skills to counsel and educate patients and their families.
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS)
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
8. Apply principles of interprofessional practice to work in collaborative healthcare teams.
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
9. Display an attitude of professional concern that encompasses the impact that individual patient circumstances have on healthcare decisions and outcomes.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS)
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
10. Utilize principles of evidence-based practice.
  • Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving
  • Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
11. Demonstrate knowledge of the PA profession, its development and trends, the regulatory environment, and the US healthcare system.
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)
12. Exhibit ethical behavior and professional conduct.
  • Interpersonal skills (IP)
  • Professional Behaviors (PB)