Contact Info
University of Colorado PA Program
Mail Stop F543
13001 E. 17th Place, Room E7019
Aurora, Colorado 80045
Phone: (303) 724-7963
Fax: (303) 724-1350
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
CHA/PA Program Overview
The three-year, innovative curriculum of the University of Colorado PA program is designed to integrate clinical and basic sciences to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice medicine as part of the health care team. Graduates practice in all areas of medicine and serve patients of all ages.
------------------------
Welcome from the Director
Welcome to the University of Colorado Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (CHA/PA) Program. I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our program and students. You will see that we are unique among Physician Assistant programs in terms of our curriculum and courses. We are proud to be a part of this dynamic educational program that is consistently among the top-ranked programs according to US News and World Report.
Over the past 50 years, over 1,200 CHA/PA graduates have entered the workforce. CHA/PA alumni can be found throughout Colorado and across the United States, practicing in a wide variety of primary and specialty care settings.
The program is also recognized for its unique educational value and comprehensive physician assistant training. Costs for our three-year program for both in-state and out-of-state students are lower or comparable to most two-year training experiences. In 2018, we launched the Colorado Curriculum. Based on current research in learning theory, this curriculum is designed to support learner mastery of the complex concepts of patient care. In addition to our extensive adult curriculum and integrated clinical training across all three years, we offer additional training in pediatric medicine and behavioral health as well as track options in rural and global health.
We are proud of our program and fortunate to be at the heart of a vibrant and growing health sciences center. The Anschutz Medical Campus has state-of-the-art hospitals, research centers, and nationally recognized health professional schools. Our campus was also built with a vision of interprofessional education; through our longitudinal interprofessional training curriculum, we are working together to prepare all our learners for team-based practice models of the future.
Thanks for your interest and I hope to see you on campus.
Jonathan Bowser
CHA/PA Program Director
Associate Dean of Physician Assistant Studies
Associate Professor, Section Head of Pediatrics
Newsletter
Would you like to receive our newsletter? It is sent quarterly to all those interested in CHA/PA. E-mail PA-info@ucdenver.edu to sign up.
Admission Requirements
The 2023-24 admission cycle will open late spring 2023. The deadline for the CASPA and supplemental applications is September 1.
The CASPA application needs to be complete (not verified) by September 1 to meet the deadline. CHA/PA has rolling admissions.
Required Materials
- Verified CASPA application including three letters of recommendation.
- CHA/PA Program supplemental application and a nonrefundable $55 supplemental application fee. The supplemental application for the 2023-24 admission cycle will be available mid-May 2023.
- CASPer is required for all applicants. CASPer is an online, video-scenario based, situational judgement test that assesses non-cognitive attributes. Results are valid for one admissions cycle. CASPer dates are posted each year on the CASPer website in mid-March. You will be required to enter your CASPA ID for the CASPer assessment.
- Neither the GRE nor the PA-CAT is required.
- We only review your CASPer score. We do not require or review the CASPer Snapshot.
Note that all applicants are required to submit verification of COVID vaccination and COVID booster in order to interview.
Please be sure to make the following e-mail addresses safe to receive in your e-mail account: kay.denler@cuanschutz.edu, michele.martinez@cuanschutz.edu, PA-Info@ucdenver.edu, and caspal@caspa.org. You should also check your Spam or Junk mail folders periodically to be sure that e-mails from CHA/PA and CASPA are received.
CHA/PA Program Admissions Process
The University of Colorado PA Program is a participant in CASPA (Centralized Application Service for PAs). To apply to our program, applicants must complete the CASPA application and a CHA/PA supplemental application.
The selection process for the PA Program is highly competitive. Potential applicants must demonstrate adequate preparedness to undertake the rigorous, accelerated program curriculum. Completion of prerequisite coursework, strength of the academic record, essays, letters of recommendation and interviews are all strongly considered in the admissions process. Positions are offered to applicants who appear to be the most highly qualified to meet the mission and goals of the program in terms of academic potential and previous achievement, character, motivation and understanding of the profession, and life experience. Invitations for interviews are extended to competitive applicants who appear to have a good chance of being accepted to the program. Applicants may not be accepted without an in-person interview. We will attempt to accommodate special interview scheduling requests, however, this is not guaranteed.
Applications are considered once all required materials are received by the program. Early submission of materials is highly encouraged as the program offers a rolling admissions process with interviews beginning in September. Offers of acceptance are made on a continual basis until the class is filled. Generally, admissions decisions are made by early spring. Forty-four positions are offered annually.
Some candidates for the PA Program may be offered a position as an alternate. Alternates not admitted to the program must reapply the next year. Each applicant offered a position in the class, must acknowledge acceptance or decline no later than the prescribed time in the acceptance letter, generally 10 business days. A nonrefundable tuition deposit of $1,000 must accompany the acceptance.
Final acceptance is contingent upon passing a criminal background investigation and receipt of final transcripts for all outstanding prerequisites. All students must meet the technical standards of the PA Program to be considered for admission.
CHA/PA is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations. If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access & Inclusion.
Prerequisites
Additional information is available via the prerequisite section of the admissions website.
General Information
- All prerequisites must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university. We accept courses from schools accredited by the Middle States Association (MS), North Central Association (NC), New England Association (NE), North West Association (NW), Southern Association (SA), and Western States Association (WS). Community college courses are generally acceptable for lower division coursework requirements.
- To be considered for admission, applicants must have a minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Applicants who are offered interviews commonly have cumulative and science GPAs in the higher range. See our Admission Statistics webpage for full details on average GPAs of accepted students. Applicants with GPAs of less than 3.0 for either the cumulative or science GPA will not be considered.
- A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required to be completed prior to matriculation to the program. Applicants from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply, provided they meet the prerequisite course requirements.
Note: Health care experience is not required.
International students and students with credits from outside of the United States (including foreign medical graduates)
The following are required of international students or students receiving degrees outside of the United States:
- All prerequisite requirements as prescribed on the website. Science prerequisites must be completed at a college or university in the United States. Science courses completed at Canadian Institutions will be evaluated on an individual basis.
- Transcripts: Only accepted students need to submit WES evaluations. If an accepted student studied abroad for a semester or longer and the study abroad program was not affiliated with a US school or program of study that provides credits and grades according to the US system, he/she must submit official foreign transcript reports from World Education Services (www.WES.org). The service may take several weeks to process your foreign transcript. If an applicant studied abroad by a sponsoring US sending school and the credits and grades for that study appear on the US sending school transcript, and are included in the number of total credits and the cum GPA, a WES evaluation is not required. An official copy of the transcript and official transcript evaluation must be mailed from the evaluating agency directly to the CHA/PA Program. The transcript must be in English. The World Evaluation Services organization at www.wes.org is the preferred evaluation organization.
- English Proficiency Testing: Students whose native language is not English or who have not completed a degree at an institution where English was the language of instruction must demonstrate language proficiency by submitting scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) given by the Education Testing Service (www.ets.org). The following minimum TOEFL scores are required for consideration of admission to the UCDHSC Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program:
- Internet Based Testing (iBT): 85 with a minimum of 20 in each section
- Computer Based Testing (CBT): 230 or higher
- Paper Based Testing (PBT): 570 or higher
Study Abroad Courses
Study abroad is defined as courses that are taken through a foreign institution while the student is currently enrolled at a U.S. institution. If you have attended a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. institution and all courses, hours and grades appear on the U.S. transcripts, these courses should be entered as instructed on the CASPA application. We do not require transcript evaluation for these courses. For courses taken at a foreign institution that do not appear on the student's U.S. transcript, a WES evaluation is required if the student is accepted.
Interprofessional Education and Tracks
Educational content is enhanced through the applications of family-centered care, behavioral and psychosocial perspectives as well as social and community initiatives for health and wellness. The program has integrated content in public health, oral health, professionalism, and interprofessional education. Students with a personal area of interest may also have the opportunity to participate in specialized tracks to enhance learning in Rural, Global Health, and Pediatric Critical and Acute Care.
Clinical Experience and Affiliates
The curriculum includes a fully integrated clinical curriculum across all three years with clinical rotations in the hospital and community settings. During clinical experiences, students participate in history-taking, physical examination and assessment, development of a differential diagnosis and clinical decision-making and planning of treatments and interventions. Students work closely with preceptors and other members of the health care team and are evaluated on skills and competencies required for patient care.
As a part of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the faculty of the entire school of medicine and affiliates contribute greatly to the quality of the learning experiences provided at the CHA/PA Program. Affiliations with the University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Denver Health and Hospitals in addition to community centers and clinics provide a network of clinical rotations to enhance the training of students. The faculty within the departments of Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and others regularly participate in both classroom and clinical training of the CHA/PA Program students.
Degree
The University of Colorado PA Program has gained national recognition for its curriculum in primary care medicine. The Program confers a Professional Master’s Degree (MPAS). In accordance with the mission of the program, the CHA/PA Program curriculum provides comprehensive physician assistant education in primary medical care with additional training in pediatrics and the need for service to disadvantaged, at risk and medically underserved populations. There are specific requirements that all students must complete to receive the MPAS degree from our fully accredited PA Program. Graduates are well prepared to perform in primary care practice with patients across the lifespan. Historically our students have performed above the national average in score and passing rate on the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examinations.
Graduation and awarding of the Masters of Physician Assistant Studies is based upon the following requirements:
- Successful completion of all coursework and rotations of the University of Colorado PA Program
- Exhibiting professionalism throughout the course of study
- Successful completion of the Comprehensive Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills Examinations
Degree Requirements
Year 1
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
MPAS 5000 | Summer Immersion | 10 |
Hours | 10 | |
Total Hours | 10 |
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
MPAS 5001 | Hematology, Infection, Inflammation and Malignancy I | 4 |
MPAS 5002 | Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary and Renal I | 5 |
MPAS 5003 | Cardiovascular and Pulmonary I | 5 |
MPAS 5020 | Clinical Skills I | 3 |
MPAS 5030 | Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy and Prof Practice | 2 |
MPAS 5050 | Clinical Experiences I | 4 |
MPAS 5983 | Global Health Track Elective I - 1st Year | 1 |
Hours | 24 | |
Spring | ||
MPAS 5004 | Dermatology and HEENT I | 4 |
MPAS 5005 | Musculoskeletal and Neurology I | 4 |
MPAS 5006 | Endocrinology and Reproduction I | 4 |
MPAS 5007 | Psychiatry I | 3 |
MPAS 5021 | Clinical Skills II | 3 |
MPAS 5031 | Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy and Prof Practice | 2 |
MPAS 5051 | Community Clinic I | 2 |
MPAS 5911 | Pediatric Critical and Acute Care --1st year | 2 |
MPAS 5944 | Care of Hospitalized Adults - 1st Year | 2 |
MPAS 5984 | Global Health Track Elective II - 1st Year | 1 |
IPCP 5000 | Interprofessional Collaborative Practice | 1 |
Hours | 28 | |
Total Hours | 52 |
Year 2
Year 2 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
MPAS 6051 | Community Clinic I | 2 |
MPAS 6052 | Community Clinic II | 2 |
MPAS 6671 | Guatemala Clinical Immersion Experience I | 2 |
MPAS 6672 | Guatemala Immersion I for Global Health Track | 2 |
MPAS 6680 | Track Elective Experience I– 2 Weeks | 2 |
MPAS 6689 | Track Elective Experience II– 4 Weeks | 3 |
Hours | 13 | |
Total Hours | 13 |
Year 2 | Hours | |
---|---|---|
All Semesters: | ||
MPAS 6640 | Emergency Medicine Preceptorship | 2 |
MPAS 6670 | Women's Health Preceptorship | 2 |
Hours | 4 | |
Fall | ||
MPAS 6001 | Hematology, Infection, Inflammation and Malignancy II | 4 |
MPAS 6002 | Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Renal II | 5 |
MPAS 6003 | Cardiovascular and Pulmonary II | 5 |
MPAS 6020 | Clinical Skills III | 3 |
MPAS 6030 | Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy and Prof Practice | 2 |
MPAS 6051 | Community Clinic I | 2 |
MPAS 6052 | Community Clinic II | 2 |
MPAS 6053 | Community Clinic III | 2 |
MPAS 6612 | Pediatric Critical and Acute Care —2nd year | 2 |
MPAS 6644 | Care of Hospitalized Adults - 2nd Year | 2 |
MPAS 6673 | Global Health Track Elective 1 - 2nd Year | 1 |
IPHE 6000 | IPE Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity | 1 |
Hours | 31 | |
Spring | ||
MPAS 6004 | Dermatology and HEENT II | 4 |
MPAS 6005 | Musculoskeletal and Neurology II | 4 |
MPAS 6006 | Endocrinology and Reproduction II | 4 |
MPAS 6007 | Psychiatry II | 3 |
MPAS 6021 | Clinical Skills IV | 3 |
MPAS 6031 | Foundations in Prevention, Advocacy and Prof Practice | 2 |
MPAS 6052 | Community Clinic II | 2 |
MPAS 6053 | Community Clinic III | 2 |
MPAS 6054 | Community Clinic IV | 2 |
Hours | 26 | |
Total Hours | 61 |
Year 3
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
All Semesters: | ||
MPAS 6905 | MPAS 6905 - Surgery | 4 |
MPAS 6913 | Pediatric Critical and Acute Care—3rd year | 4 |
MPAS 6920 | Neonatology | 4 |
MPAS 6930 | Primary Care I | 4 |
MPAS 6932 | Academic Inpatient Pediatric Medicine | 4 |
MPAS 6936 | Pediatric Elective II - Four Week Rotation (Sec I, II, III, IV) | 4 |
MPAS 6938 | Adolescent Medicine | 4 |
MPAS 6940 | Primary Care II | 4 |
MPAS 6942 | Inpatient Adult Medicine | 4 |
MPAS 6944 | Care of Hospitalized Adults | 4 |
MPAS 6947 | Primary Care III | 4 |
MPAS 6948 | Emergency Medicine | 4 |
MPAS 6952 | Rural Track Family Medicine (Sec I, II, III) | 4 |
MPAS 6970 | Adult Elective II - 4-week Rotation (Sec I, II, III, IV) | 4 |
MPAS 6971 | Guatemala Clinical Immersion Experience II | 4 |
MPAS 6972 | Guatemala Immersion II for Global Health Track | 4 |
MPAS 6974 | Primary Care IV | 4 |
MPAS 6975 | Behavioral & Mental Health | 4 |
MPAS 6978 | Clinical Connections I | 1 |
MPAS 6979 | Clinical Connections II | 1 |
MPAS 6983 | Global Health Track Elective I - 3rd Year | 4 |
MPAS 6985 | Global Health & Disasters | 2 |
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Summer.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
Learners will be engaged in a first-year longitudinal learning experience to facilitate the development of various clinical skills through discussion and simulation.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
Learners will be engaged in a preparatory course that provides a fundamental orientation to the clinical environment.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to ambulatory medicine and an understanding of pediatric and family practice medicine.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to pediatric critical and acute care and pediatric inpatient medicine. Restricted to CHA/PA students. Students must complete application process and be accepted before enrollment. Pre-requisite: Students must complete application process and be accepted before enrollment.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to hospitalized adult inpatient medicine.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 16 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students:
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 32 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursing an independent course of study for 48 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Retrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Retrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
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.Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
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. Requisite: Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
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. Requisite: Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
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. Requisite: Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
Learners will be engaged in a second-year longitudinal learning experience to facilitate the development of various clinical skills through discussion and simulation. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Requisite: Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Students will develop assessment and patient management skills in care of patients in emergency medicine settings. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to hospitalized adult inpatient medicine.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 16 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 32 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 48 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Students will develop assessment and patient management skills in women's health under the supervision of community clinical preceptors. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Two-week Spanish language immersion experience followed by a two-week primary care experience in the country of Guatemala. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Summer.
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. Registration restricted to CHA/PA students only
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Summer.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Spring.
2 week experiential learning opportunity associated with interprofessional track area of interest. Restricted to CHA/PA Students in authorized track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA program Associate Director of Curriculum and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty. Prerequisite: Restricted to CHA/PA Students in authorized track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA program Associate Director of Curriculum and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Summer.
2 week experiential learning opportunity associated with interprofessional rural track. Restricted to CHA/PA Students in authorized track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA program Associate Director of Curriculum and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty. Prerequisites: Restricted to CHA/PA Students in authorized track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA program Associate Director of Curriculum and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Summer.
4 week experiential learning opportunity associated with interprofessional track area of interest. Restricted to CHA/PA Students in authorized track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA program Associate Director of Curriculum and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty. Prerequisites: Restricted to CHA/PA Students in authorized track. Permission must be given from the CHA/PA program Associate Director of Curriculum and Course Directors from the SOM Faculty.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Summer.
An elective clinical experience for 2nd year Physician Assistant students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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 circumcisions and other procedures with appropriate supervision. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The course involves active participation in an ambulatory primary care practice with exposure to patients and caregivers across the lifespan, including pediatric, adolescent, women of child-bearing age, adult and geriatric patients. The student will have exposure to patients requiring acute, chronic, emergent and preventative care.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 43.
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This course involves active participation as a member of the housestaff 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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This clinical experience involves active participation in a specialty area of pediatric medicine for 4 weeks. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 43.
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The course involves active participation in an ambulatory primary care practice with exposure to patients and caregivers across the lifespan, including pediatric, adolescent, women of child-bearing age, adult and geriatric patients. The student will have exposure to patients requiring acute, chronic, emergent and preventative care.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Clinical experience designed to give the student an introduction to hospitalized adult inpatient medicine.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The course involves active participation in an ambulatory primary care practice with exposure to patients and caregivers across the lifespan, including pediatric, adolescent, women of child-bearing age, adult and geriatric patients. The student will have exposure to patients requiring acute, chronic, emergent and preventative care.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The course involves active participation in an emergency department or urgent care practice. Attendance at meetings, conferences, and participating in the night and weekend call schedule are required. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This block is comprised of three 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. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This clinical experience involves active participation in a specialty area of adult medicine for 4 weeks. Restrictions: Course restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Four week clinic experience in the country of Guaemala. Requisite: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Four-week rotation in the country of Guatemala in fulfillment of Global Health Track Requirement
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The course involves active participation in an ambulatory primary care practice with exposure to patients and caregivers across the lifespan, including pediatric, adolescent, women of child-bearing age, adult and geriatric patients. The student will have exposure to patients requiring acute, chronic, emergent and preventative care.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course involves participation in the care of patients in a behavioral or mental health setting. Prerequisite: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
This course involves clinical preparation modules, courses, workshops and practice activities.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This course is a continuation of MPAS 6978.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Third year clinical affords students the opportunity to present a patient encounter using multimedia technology and evidence-based research. This forum will encourage discussion of a vast array of medical conditions. Restrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Retrictions: Restricted to CHA/PA Students enrolled in Track; Must receive approval from Associate Director of Curriculum.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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. Requisites: 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.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 16 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 32 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Approval is required by the Associate Director of Curriculum. This course is offered to those students that are pursuing an independent course of study for 48 hours during the semester they are enrolled. Restricted to CHA/PA students.
Grading Basis: Pass Fail with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
A- MPAS Majors Only
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
CHA/PA Faculty and Staff
Jonathan M. Bowser, MS, PA-C, Program Director, Associate Dean, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Section Head
Tai Lockspeiser, MD, MHPE, Medical Director, Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Jacqueline Sivahop, Ed.D., PA-C, Associate Program Director - Program Quality, Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Amy Akerman, MPAS, PA-C, Faculty, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
TBD , Clinical Coordinator
Miguel Perez, Clinical Services Coordinator
Kay Denler, MS, Section Administrator, Director of Admissions and Program Systems
Kelsey Dougherty, MMSc, PA-C, Faculty, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Tanya Fernandez, MS, PA-C, Faculty, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Ruhiyah Issah, Didactic Coordinator
Michele Martinez, Admissions Coordinator
Rachel Hess, Faculty, Instructor of Pediatrics
Kate LaPorta, MHS, PA-C, Faculty, Clinical Instructor of Pediatrics
Rebecca Maldonado, MSHPE, PA-C, Faculty, Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Roberta Knott, MPAS, PA-C, Clinical Site Educator, Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Kristen Oase, PA-C, MS, Faculty, Instructor of Pediatrics
Denise Ogden, MA, PA-C, Faculty, Clinical Instructor of Pediatrics
Adjunct Faculty
Claudia Luna-Asturias, LCSW
Amanda Miller, PA-C
Contact Info
University of Colorado PA Program
Mail Stop F543
13001 E. 17th Place, Room E7019
Aurora, Colorado 80045
Phone: (303) 724-7963
Fax: (303) 724-1350
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
LICENSE is a mnemonic for highlighting the vision and goals of the Colorado Curriculum.
Longitudinal
The Colorado Curriculum is a 3‐year, spiral‐design curriculum that progresses from foundational concepts to more complex topics and skills in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Integrated
The Colorado Curriculum integrates basic science, clinical medicine, and professional practice in didactic and active learning sessions for each clinical presentation.
Clinical Presentations
The Colorado Curriculum is anchored in over 70 clinical presentations arranged in 7 body system blocks, and drives learning through a case‐based approach.
Entry Ready
The Colorado Curriculum prepares students to meet all professional competencies to practice in primary care medicine, including interprofessional team practice, meeting the needs of the profession and the communities it serves.
Needs-Based
The Colorado Curriculum uses continuous quality improvement measures and assessments to monitor and respond to all stakeholder needs, including learners, faculty, patients, preceptors, and the community.
Student/Learner Centered
The Colorado Curriculum places learners/students at its center, encouraging reflective practice and wellness as they grow to be lifelong learners.
Experiential
The Colorado Curriculum grounds all learning in the context of the clinical encounter, using 4 threads to integrate and apply content to specific cases, patient populations and clinical settings.
CHA/PA Core Competencies
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED OF CHA/PA PROGRAM STUDENTS UPON GRADUATION
GRADUATE CORE COMPETENCIES
Upon graduation CHA/PA students are expected to demonstrate competencies in specific areas. Performance should be commensurate with that of a new practitioner. The CHA/PA program provides educational experiences to support student development of requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes.
I. PATIENT CARE
CHA/PA graduates must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate and effective for health promotion, disease prevention and the treatment of health problems. Graduates are expected to:
A. Communicate effectively and demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients and their families
B. Elicit a detailed and accurate history from their patients
C. Make informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions based on patient information and preferences, up-to-date scientific evidence, and clinical judgment
D. Perform competently all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures considered essential for the area of practice, including an appropriate physical exam
E. Develop and implement patient management plans and health care services, including plans for health promotion, disease prevention, and medical and surgical conditions
F. Provide education and counseling to patients and families regarding health care management
G. Use information technology to support patient care decisions and patient education
H. Work under the supervision of a physician and with other health care professionals from other disciplines to provide patient-focused care
II. MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE
CHA/PA graduates must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical information (including epidemiological and socialbehavioral sciences) and demonstrate the application of that knowledge to patient care. Graduates are expected to:
A. Demonstrate an investigatory and analytical approach to clinical problem-solving
B. Know and apply basic science and clinical knowledge appropriate to their clinical practice
III. PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT
CHA/PA graduates must be able to evaluate their practice in the context of current scientific evidence. Graduates must be able to access, critically evaluate and apply this evidence to improve patient care.
A. Analyze current practice and identify areas for practice improvement
B. Identify, locate and assimilate evidence from scientific studies related to their patients’ health
C. Obtain and use information to benefit their own patient population
D. Apply knowledge of study designs and statistical methods to the appraisal of studies and other information on diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness
E. Use information technology to manage information, access on-line information; and support their own continued learning
IV. INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
CHA/PA graduates must be able to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their patients families, and professional colleagues from a variety of disciplines. Graduates are expected to:
A. Create and sustain a therapeutic and ethically sound relationship with patients
B. Use effective listening skills and elicit and provide information using effective nonverbal, explanatory questioning and writing skills
C. Work effectively with others as a team member or leader of a health care team or other professional group, under the supervision of a physician
D. Use effective communication skills to refer patients to other health care providers or systems
V. PROFESSIONALISM
CHA/PA graduates must demonstrate commitment to professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to diverse patient populations. Graduates are expected to:
A. Demonstrate respect, compassion, and integrity; responsiveness to the needs of patients and society that supersedes self-interest; accountability to patients, society and the profession; and commitment to excellence and on-going professional development
B. Demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, informed consent and business practices
C. Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ culture, age, gender and disabilities
VI. SYSTEM-BASED PRACTICE
CHA/PA graduates must demonstrate awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value. Graduates are expected to:
A. Understand how their patient care and professional practices affect other health care professionals in the health care organization, the larger society and how these elements of the system affect their own practice
B. Know how medical practice and delivery systems differ from one another, including methods of controlling health care costs and allocating resources
C. Practice cost-effective health care and resource allocation that does not compromise quality of care
D. Advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities
E. Know how to partner with health care managers and providers to assess, coordinate and improve health care and know how these activities can affect system performance.