The Didactic Curriculum

The didactic phase is comprised of classroom and laboratory instruction in basic science, behavioral science and clinical medicine. Classes are held, for the most part, from Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 and 6:00, and Friday between the hours of 8:00 and 4, although some classes require evening, early morning or weekend sessions. Students are required to attend all classes as ALL CLASSES ARE MANDATORY. Students should have no other commitments during these hours. See “Mandatory

Attendance Policy” for specific program requirements.

At the beginning of each course, students receive a syllabus and course outline describing the purpose of the course, the format, the objectives, and required readings. Students also receive instructional learning objectives for each course, which provide the basis for examinations and guide the student in studying.

 Students are responsible for each objective delineated in the syllabus regardless of whether it is covered in class. Faculty members will determine the method of teaching and evaluation for the courses they teach. Some evaluation methods will be traditional, such as written tests, and others will not. Students are expected to meet the competencies determined by each instructor, in the manner required.

 To appropriately prepare students to practice as physician assistants, the course load during the didactic year is rigorous with substantial reading assignments. Reading/Preparation before each class is essential.  Reviewing course topics each evening is the best preparation for written examinations. “Cramming” the  night before will not give sufficient time to learn all the material needed. The course objectives found in the syllabus are the best guide for comprehensive preparation and gaining foundational clinical knowledge.

 There are a number of skills are required by physician assistants- medical knowledge, oral and written communication skills, clinical skills such as performing a physical examination, technical procedural skills, and most importantly, critical thinking skills. Each component is equally important. The comprehensive exam at the end of the curriculum assesses each of these modalities. Therefore, prepare for each class session equally.