PA student taking another student's blood pressure in class

CHA/PA Program Course Descriptions

The information below pertains to the Colorado Curriculum, which was adopted in 2018 and applies to students graduating in 2021 and beyond.

Summer Semester

MPAS 5000 Summer Immersion
Jacqueline Sivahop, PA-C
This first year course is designed to introduce learners to the Anschutz Medical Campus, fundamentals of learning strategies, PA professional roles, wellness and resilience and the clinical presentation curriculum.

Fall Semester

MPAS 5001 Hematology, Infection, Inflammation and Malignancy I (4.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a first-year integrated learning environment covering both the basic sciences and clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with hematologic, infection, inflammation and malignancy conditions.

MPAS 5002 Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary and Renal I (5.0 cr.)
Kristen Oase, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a first-year integrated learning environment covering both the basic sciences and clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with gastrointestinal, genitourinary and renal conditions.

MPAS 5003 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary I (5.0 cr.)
Kate LaPorta, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a first-year integrated learning environment covering both the basic sciences and clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.

MPAS 5020 Clinical Skills I (3.0 cr.)
Kristen Oase, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a first-year longitudinal learning experience to facilitate the development of various clinical skills through discussion and simulation.

MPAS 5030 Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy, and Professional Practice I (1.0 cr.)
Tanya Fernandez, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a first-year longitudinal learning experience dedicated to role development of a practitioner who cares for patients across the lifespan including professionalism, advocacy, preventative medicine and patient wellness.

MPAS 5050 Clinical Experiences I (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a preparatory course that provides a fundamental orientation to the clinical environment.

MPAS 5983 Global Track Elective I – 1st Year (1.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Registration is restricted to those students enrolled in authorized Track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA Program Global Health Track Liaison and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

Spring Semester
MPAS 5004 Dermatology and HEENT I (4.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a first-year integrated learning environment covering both the basic sciences and clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with dermatologic, head, ears, eyes, nose and throat conditions.

MPAS 5005 Musculoskeletal and Neurology I (4.0 cr.)
Kelsey Dougherty, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a first-year integrated learning environment covering both the basic sciences and clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions.

MPAS 5006 Endocrinology and Reproduction I (4.0 cr.)
Tanya Fernandez, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a first-year integrated learning environment covering both the basic sciences and clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with endocrine and reproductive conditions.

MPAS 5007 Psychiatry I (3.0 cr.)
Kate LaPorta, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a first-year integrated learning environment covering both the basic sciences and clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with psychiatric conditions.

MPAS 5021 Clinical Skills II (3.0 cr.)
Kristen Oase, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a first-year longitudinal learning experience to facilitate the development of various clinical skills through discussion and simulation. This is a continuation of MPAS 5020.

MPAS 5031 Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy, and Professional Practice II (1.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a first-year longitudinal learning experience dedicated to role development of a practitioner who cares for patients across the lifespan including professionalism, advocacy, preventative medicine and patient wellness. This is a continuation of MPAS 5030.

MPAS 5051 Community Clinical I (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to ambulatory medicine and an understanding of pediatric and family practice medicine.

MPAS 5911 Pediatric Critical and Acute Care—1st Year (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to pediatric critical and acute care and pediatric inpatient medicine. Students must complete application process and be accepted before enrollment.

MPAS 5984 Global Track Elective II – 1st Year (1.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, MS, PA-C
Registration is restricted to those students enrolled in authorized Track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA Program Global Health Track Liaison

IPCP 5000-005 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (1.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
This course develops core competencies in teamwork and collaboration, values and ethics, and quality and safety for first-year health professions students. The course will be taught in a team-based format requiring individual preparation before each session followed by the application of that learning through team-based activities.

All Semesters

MPAS 5951 CHA/PA Independent Study-1st Year (1.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 16 hours during the semester they are enrolled.

MPAS 5952 CHA/PA Independent Study-1st Year (2.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 32 hours during the semester they are enrolled.

MPAS 5953 CHA/PA Independent Study-1st Year (3.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 48 hours during the semester they are enrolled

Summer Semester

MPAS 6051 Community Clinic I (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in a variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6052 Community Clinic II (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in including variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6671 Guatemala Clinical Immersion Experience I (2.0 cr.)
Claudia Luna-Asturias, LCSW
Two-week Spanish language immersion experience followed by a two-week primary care clinic experience in the country of Guatemala.

MPAS 6672 Guatemala Clinical Immersion I for Global Health Track (2.0 cr.)
Claudia Luna-Asturias, LCSW
Two-week Spanish language immersion experience followed by a two-week clinic experience in the country of Guatemala for fulfillment of Global Health Track requirements. Requisite: Spanish language immersion experience followed by a two-week clinic experience in the country of Guatemala for fulfillment of Global Health Track requirements.

MPAS 6680 Global Health Track Elective Experience I– 2 Weeks (2.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Two-week experiential learning opportunity associated with interprofessional track area of interest. Registration is restricted to those students enrolled in authorized Track. Permission must be given from a CHA/PA Program Associate Director and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

MPAS 6689 Global Health Track Elective Experience II– 4 Weeks (3.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Four-week experiential learning opportunity associated with interprofessional track area of interest. Registration is restricted to those students enrolled in authorized Track. Permission must be given from a CHA/PA Program Associate Director and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

Fall Semester

MPAS 6001 Hematology, Infection, Inflammation and Malignancy II (4.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a second-year integrated learning environment applying advanced principles of clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with hematologic, infection, inflammation and malignancy conditions.

MPAS 6002 Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary and Renal II (5.0 cr.)
Kristen Oase, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a second-year integrated learning environment applying advanced principles of clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with gastrointestinal, genitourinary and renal conditions.

MPAS 6003 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary II (5.0 cr.)
Kate LaPorta, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a second-year integrated learning environment applying advanced principles of clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.

MPAS 6020 Clinical Skills III (3.0 cr.)
Kelsey Dougherty, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a second-year longitudinal learning experience to facilitate the development of various clinical skills through discussion and simulation.

MPAS 6030 Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy, and Professional Practice III (1.0 cr.)
Tanya Fernandez, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a second-year longitudinal learning experience dedicated to role development of a practitioner who cares for patients across the lifespan including professionalism, advocacy, preventative medicine and patient wellness.  This is a continuation of MPAS 5031.

MPAS 6051 Community Clinic I (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in a variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6052 Community Clinic II (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in including variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6053 Community Clinic III (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in including variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6612 Pediatric Critical and Acute Care - 2nd year (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will develop assessment and patient management skills in care of pediatric patients in critical and acute care and inpatient settings. Restricted to CHA/PA students. Students must complete application process and be accepted before enrollment.

MPAS 6673 Global Track Elective III – 2nd Year (1.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Registration is restricted to those students enrolled in authorized Track. Permission must be given from a CHA/PA Program Associate Director and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

IPHE 6000-005 Interprofessional Health Care Ethics & Equality (1.0 cr.)
SOM Faculty
To improve population health, quality of care, and reduce health care costs through the creation of a patient-centered, collaborative practice-ready workforce with competencies in: quality and safety, values and ethics and teamwork and collaboration in the context of systems and systems-based practice.

Spring Semester

MPAS 6004 Dermatology and HEENT II (4.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a second-year integrated learning environment applying advanced principles of clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with dermatologic, head, ears, eyes, nose and throat conditions.

MPAS 6005 Musculoskeletal and Neurology II (4.0 cr.)
Kelsey Dougherty, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a second-year integrated learning environment applying advanced principles of clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for presenting with musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions.

MPAS 6006 Endocrinology and Reproduction II (4.0 cr.)
Tanya Fernandez, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a second-year integrated learning environment applying advanced principles of clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for presenting with endocrine and reproductive conditions.

MPAS 6007 Psychiatry II (3.0 cr.)
Kate LaPorta, PA-C
Learners will be immersed in a second-year integrated learning environment applying advanced principles of clinical medicine necessary for a primary care provider to care for patients presenting with psychiatric and behavioral health conditions.

MPAS 6021 Clinical Skills IV (3.0 cr.)
Kelsey Dougherty, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a second-year longitudinal learning experience to facilitate the development of various clinical skills through discussion and simulation. This is a continuation of MPAS 6020.

MPAS 6031 Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy, and Professional Practice IV (1.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Learners will be engaged in a second-year longitudinal learning experience dedicated to role development of a practitioner who cares for patients across the lifespan including professionalism, advocacy, preventative medicine and patient wellness.  This is a continuation of MPAS 6030.

MPAS 6052 Community Clinic II (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in a variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6053 Community Clinic III (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in a variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6054 Community Clinic IV (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will learn clinical skills in a variety of settings. Skills will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6674 Global Health Track Elective IV –2nd Year (1.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Registration is restricted to those students enrolled in authorized Track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA Program Associate Director of Curriculum and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

All Semesters

MPAS 6640 Emergency Medicine Preceptorship (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will develop assessment and patient management skills in care of patients in emergency medicine settings

MPAS 6651 CHA/PA Independent Study I -- 2nd Year (1.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 16 hours during the semester they are enrolled.

MPAS 6652 CHA/PA Independent Study II -- 2nd Year (2.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by the Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 32 hours during the semester they are enrolled.

MPAS 6653 CHA/PA Independent Study III -- 2nd Year (3.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 48 hours during the semester they are enrolled.

MPAS 6670 Women's Health Preceptorship (2.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Students will develop assessment and patient management skills in women's health under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

 

Summer Semester

MPAS 6985 Global Health & Disasters (2.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
This course prepares its participants for international experiences and future global health work. This is an interactive training course which incorporates readings, lectures, small group problem based learning exercises, technical skill sessions and a disaster simulation exercise. Permission must be given from a CHA/PA Program Associate Director and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

All Semesters

MPAS 6905 Surgery (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves student participation as a member of a surgical team in a teaching hospital. Students will learn clinical skills for pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative surgical medicine. This will include history taking, physical diagnosis, assessment and patient management. Students will observe or participate in surgical procedures under the supervision of community clinical preceptors.

MPAS 6913 Pediatric Critical & Acute Care (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation as a member of the critical and acute care or inpatient team in a pediatric teaching hospital. Restricted to CHA/PA students. Students must complete application process and be accepted before enrollment.

MPAS 6920 Neonatology (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation in the care of neonates in a teaching hospital. Attendance at morning rounds, making case presentations and participating in the night and weekend call schedule are required. Students are encouraged to attend deliveries and perform circumcision and other procedures with appropriate supervision.

MPAS 6930 Primary Care I (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation in the care of patients in an ambulatory pediatric practice, including health maintenance, diagnosis and treatment, patient/parent education and follow-up. Course may be used to fulfill requirement of service to a rural (regular tract students only) or medically underserved population.

MPAS 6932 Academic Inpatient Pediatric Medicine (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation as a member of the house-staff pediatric inpatient team in a teaching hospital. Attendance at morning rounds, making case presentations and participating in the night and weekend call schedule are required.
 
MPAS 6936 Pediatric Elective - 4 Week Rotation (Sec I-IV) (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This Clinical experience involves active participation in a specialty area of pediatric medicine for 4 weeks.

MPAS 6938 Adolescent Medicine (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation in the care of patients in a clinical setting specializing in adolescent medicine with an emphasis on the medical, psychosocial, developmental, educational and sexual issues that are unique to adolescents.

MPAS 6940 Primary Care II (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation in the care of patients in a family medicine setting, including health maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment, patient education, and follow-up for patients of all ages.

MPAS 6942 Inpatient Adult Medicine (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation as a member of the house staff inpatient team in a teaching hospital. Attendance at morning rounds, making case presentations and participating in the night and weekend call schedule are required.

MPAS 6944 Care of Hospitalized Adult Patients (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation in an inpatient setting at University of Colorado Hospital. The student will be exposed to adults and elderly requiring acute, chronic, and emergent care. There is potential for exposure to behavioral and/or mental health conditions as well.  Participation in night and weekend call and attendance at meetings and conferences may be required.  Restricted to CHA/PA students who have completed 6644. 

 

MPAS 6947 Primary Care III – 4 Week Rotation (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This course involves active participation in an obstetrics and gynecology practice. Attendance at deliveries is encouraged and participating in the night and weekend call schedule may be required.

MPAS 6948 Emergency Medicine (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
The course involves active participation in an emergency department. Attendance at meetings, conferences, and participating in the night and weekend call schedule are required.

MPAS 6952 Rural Track Family Medicine (Sec I-II) (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This block is comprised of two sections, which must be completed in sequence in a single family medicine practice located in rural Colorado. The sequence involves participation in the care of patients in a family medicine setting, including health maintenance, diagnosis and treatment, patient education and follow-up for patients of all ages.

MPAS 6970 Adult Elective – 4 Week Rotation (Sec I-IV) (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
This Clinical experience involves active participation in a specialty area of adult medicine for 4 weeks.

MPAS 6971 Guatemala Clinical Immersion Experience II (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Four-week clinic experience in the country of Guatemala.

MPAS 6972 Guatemala Immersion II for Global Health Track (4.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Four-week rotation in the country of Guatemala in fulfillment of Global Health Track requirements.

MPAS 6974 Primary Care IV (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
The course involves active participation in an internal medicine adult practice in either the outpatient or inpatient setting. Participating in the night and weekend call schedule may be required.

MPAS 6975 Behavioral & Mental Health (4.0 cr.)
Roberta Knott, PA-C
Course involves participation in the care of patients in a behavioral or mental health setting.

MPAS 6978 Clinical Connections I (1.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C                                                                           

This course will provide additional preparation to students for their clinical careers after graduation, including professionalism and medical topic discussions. Students will complete their capstone project within this course, utilizing multimedia technology and evidence-based research.

MPAS 6979 Clinical Connections II (1.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C                                                                           

This course is the second in a series of two, which provides additional preparation to students for their clinical careers after graduation, including professionalism and medical topic discussions. Students will complete their capstone project within this course, utilizing multimedia technology and evidence-based research.

MPAS 6983 Global Health Track Elective (4.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
Registration is restricted to those students enrolled in an authorized Track. Permission must be given from a CHA/PA Program Associate Director and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

MPAS 6985 Global Health & Disasters (2.0 cr.)
Amy Akerman, PA-C
This course prepares its participants for international experiences and future global health work.  This is an interactive training course which incorporates readings, lectures, small group problem-based learning exercises, technical skill sessions and a disaster simulation exercise.  Permission must be given from the CHA/PA Program Global Health Track Liaison and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.

MPAS 6991 CHA/PA Independent Study I – 3rd Year (1.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 16 hours during the semester they are enrolled.

MPAS 6992 CHA/PA Independent Study II – 3rd Year (2.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 32 hours during the semester they are enrolled.

MPAS 6993 CHA/PA Independent Study III – 3rd Year (4.0 cr.)
Rebecca Beutel, PA-C
Approval is required by an Associate Director. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 48 hours during the semester they are enrolled.