Physician Assistant Program Competencies

The Mississippi Christian University Physician Assistant Program provides competency-based education designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, clinical skills, professional behaviors, and critical-thinking abilities necessary for clinical practice.

Students must demonstrate competency in five core domains:

Medical Knowledge

Understanding and applying biomedical and clinical knowledge to patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion, and disease prevention.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Communicating effectively and professionally with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and members of the healthcare team.

Clinical & Technical Skills

Obtaining patient histories, performing physical examinations and clinical procedures, interpreting diagnostic information, and accurately documenting patient care.

Professionalism & Professional Practice

Demonstrating ethical behavior, accountability, respect, cultural awareness, teamwork, and an understanding of the professional and regulatory responsibilities of PA practice.

Clinical Reasoning & Problem Solving

Applying evidence-based information, clinical judgment, and critical-thinking skills to evaluate patients and develop appropriate management plans.

For a complete description of the Program’s competencies and expected graduate outcomes, please review the MCPA Core Competencies for Graduates.