Competencies and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
(Aligned to ARC-PA 6th ed.: A2.05, A3.11g, B1.01b, B1.03e, B3.05, B4.03)

The University of Tampa Physician Assistant Medicine Program is designed to ensure that graduates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary for entry-level clinical practice. At graduation, each student is expected to meet defined Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), which serve as measurable evidence of academic and professional achievement.

These PLOs are aligned with the program’s five competency domains. While PLOs describe what students must demonstrate by program completion, the competency domains describe how graduates apply these abilities in clinical practice.

To support competency-based education, the program uses a milestone framework to define developmental expectations and track progression over time. Milestones are used by faculty and students to guide feedback, remediation planning when needed, and readiness decisions for graduation and entry-level practice. Level 3 (Competent) is the expected level at graduation. Level 4 is an aspirational post-graduate development benchmark and is not a graduation requirement.

Program Competencies and PLOs

Competency/PLO 1: Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)

Graduates will demonstrate the clinical and technical skills necessary to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care.

Sub-competencies

1. Perform clinical procedures and interventions safely and effectively.
2. Conduct focused and comprehensive physical examinations.
3. Demonstrate technical proficiency and psychomotor skill in routine bedside and ambulatory clinical tasks.
4. Interact with patients in a manner that supports rapport, understanding, and patient education.
5. Maintain safety, infection control, and risk prevention in all clinical environments.

Competency/PLO 2: Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving (CRPS)

Graduates will apply clinical reasoning to develop accurate assessments and appropriate management plans across patient populations and settings.

Sub-competencies

1. Formulate prioritized differential diagnoses and accurate problem representations.
2. Select and justify diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
3. Manage acute, chronic, emergent, preventive, and longitudinal care across settings under appropriate supervision and within PA scope.
4. Evaluate outcomes and revise care plans appropriately.

Competency/PLO 3: Interpersonal and Communication Skills (COM)

Graduates will communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team to facilitate shared decision-making and patient-centered care.

Sub-competencies

1. Demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal communication with patients.
2. Create accurate, timely, and professional written documentation.
3. Engage patients and families in shared decision-making.
4. Navigate difficult or emotionally sensitive conversations with professionalism and empathy.

Competency/PLO 4: Medical Knowledge (MK)

Graduates will apply foundational and clinical medical knowledge to deliver safe and effective patient care.

Sub-competencies

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
2. Distinguish normal from abnormal clinical findings.
3. Apply evidence-based medicine and appraise medical literature critically.
4. Engage in reflective practice, self-assessment, and lifelong learning activities to maintain and improve competence.

Competency/PLO 5: Professional Behaviors (PB)

Graduates will consistently demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of patient care, team interactions, and personal development.

Sub-competencies

1. Model integrity, accountability, empathy, and respect.
2. Uphold ethical and legal standards in clinical care.
3. Protect patient privacy, confidentiality, and autonomy.
4. Engage in self-assessment, quality improvement, and risk management.
5. Participate in service to the community and profession consistent with professional expectations.

Milestones and How Competency Progression Is Assessed

The program evaluates student progress through milestone-based assessments across both the didactic and clinical phases. See the PA Program Milestones (PDF).

Didactic Phase (Competency Progression): Students are assessed longitudinally through the ASCEND series (ASCEND I–III), which supports competency-based progression and early identification of learners needing support.

Clinical Phase (Continuation of Progression): Competency progression continues during supervised clinical practice experiences through the PA Competencies course sequence (PAM 710, 711, 712).

Summative Evaluation: The program’s summative evaluation of student readiness for graduation is completed in a standalone course (PAM 800). PAM 800 uses multiple assessment modalities (for example, End of Curriculum examination, OSCE, procedural skills assessment, and evidence-based medicine assessment) to verify achievement of all program-defined competencies required for entry-level clinical practice.