Physician Assistant

Goals and Competencies

Department/Program: Master of Science in Medicine, Physician Assistant
Program Director: Andrew Zolp, MSM, PA-C, Program Director
Date updated/submitted: August 2026

Mission

The Department of Physician Assistant at Western Michigan University is dedicated to educating competent, caring physician assistants to practice primary care medicine in all areas of society.

Goal #1: The Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program is committed to developing physician assistants who exhibit professionalism in varied roles with multiple populations across society.

Measures

1. 95% of students will score “3.5” or higher on the professionalism assessment as part of the summative evaluation.  Rating scale: 0 to 5.

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		 Professionalism Evaluation
Score – 0 to 3
(Below BM)		Score – 3.5 to 5
(Meets BM)
2023 *380 students – 0%38 students - 100%
2024400 students- 0%40 students- 100%
2025400 students- 0%40 students- 100%

* This measure was implemented with class of 2023

2. 95% of students will receive a final professionalism score of “satisfactory” or better on all (9-11 depending on placements) preceptor evaluations of the student.  Rating scale: unacceptable, needs work, satisfactory, good, exceeds based on question: “Demonstrating proper professional appearance and attitude, ethical conduct and respect for patients, families and the healthcare team” 

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		Preceptor Evaluation regarding Professionalism
Needs Improvement
(Below BM)		Satisfactory or better
(Meets BM)
2023380 students- 0%38 students- 100%
2024400 students- 0%40 students- 100%
2025400 students- 0%40 students- 100%
   3-year average- 100%

Goal #2: The Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program graduates physician assistants well-versed in the utilization of evidence-based medicine in the management of patients.

Measures

  1. 95% of students will pass the evidence-based competency measure on the summative evaluation.
Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		EMB Summative Eval
95% or greater
(Meets BM)
20233838 students = 100%
20244040 students=100%
20254040 students=100%
  3-year average  100%

2. 95% of students will receive a final score of “satisfactory” or better on all evidence-based (9-11 depending on placements) preceptor evaluations of the student.  Rating scale: unacceptable, needs work, satisfactory, good, exceeds based on question “Recommending medications; taking into account side effects, patient profile, drug interactions and evidence based recommendations”

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		Preceptor Evaluation regarding using evidence-based medicine
Needs Improvement
(Below BM)		Satisfactory or better
(Meets BM)
2023380 students- 0%38 students- 100%
2024400 students- 0%40 students- 100%
202540 0 students- 0%40 students- 100%
   3-year average 100%

Goal #3: The Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program graduates will effectively work and communicate with patients, physicians, and other health care professionals. 

Measures

1. 95% of students will receive a final communication score of “satisfactory” or better on all (9-11 depending on placements) preceptor evaluations of the student.  Rating scale: unacceptable, needs work, satisfactory, good, exceeds based on the following questions: “Summarizing and articulating pertinent patient data in a concise and accurate manner to preceptor of record or other provider”. “Providing appropriate patient and family education and/or appropriate anticipatory guidance.”

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		Preceptor Evaluation regarding communication
Needs Improvement
(Below BM)		Satisfactory or better
(Meets BM)
2023380 students – 0%38 students – 100%
2024400 students – 0%40 students – 100%
2025400 students- 0%40 students- 100%
   3-year average 100%

2. 100% of all students will receive 3.5 or higher on the summative exam regarding communication.  Rating system: 0-5. 

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		Summative Evaluation regarding communication
69.9% or less
(Below BM)		70% or greater
(Meets BM)
2023380 students- 0%38 students- 100%
2024400 students- 0%40 students- 100%
2025400 students- 0%40 students- 100%

3. Student impression of their Interprofessional Education Experience will rate 50% or greater for “Strongly Agree” plus “Agree”. 

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		End-of-Program Survey student impression on Interprofessional Education Experience
(Below BM)50% or greater for “Strongly Agree” plus “Agree”
(Meets BM)
202338Did not fall below BM91.67%
202440Did not fall below BM76.47%
202540Did not fall below BM85%
   3-year average = 84.38%

Goal #4: The Western Michigan University Physician Assistant program encourages students to continue a strong tradition of service to the community. 

Measures

1. Participation in MAPA charity drive. BM set at 50% student participation for event (s).

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		Participation in MAPA Charity Drive
49.9% or less
(Below BM)		50% or greater
(Meets BM)
2023400 students- 0%100% of students
2024400 students- 0%100% of students
2025400 students- 0%100% of students
   3-year average = 100%

2. The PA program will participate in a minimum of two charity event per cohort.

Class ofNumber of
students in
cohort		Number of Charity Drives per Cohort
0-1
(Below BM)		2 or more
(Meets BM)
2023400 events- 0%3 Events
2024400 events- 0%2 Events
2025400 events- 0%2 Events
   3-year average = 100%

The program uses the following assessment tools for testing student success in meeting the aforementioned learning outcomes:

Instrument, Activity, AssignmentPurposeHow Graded
Case StudiesCritical medical thinkingRubric
Diagnostic Skill ProjectPractical clinical applicationFaculty reviewed, student self-corrected
End-of-Semester ReviewEvaluate student performance and professionalismDiscussion and observation
End-of-Rotation Exam (EOR)Summative evaluation of knowledgeMultiple choice exam
History and Physicals (H&P)Practical clinical applicationRubric
Hands-on Diagnostic SkillsDemonstrate proficiency of clinical skillsFaculty observation, Rubric
Lecture and Lab ExamsSummative evaluation of medical knowledgeMultiple choice exam, Rubric
Mentoring EvaluationExternal evaluation of student preparednessRubric
Mentoring H&PPractical clinical applicationRubric
Mentoring Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan Note (SOAP)Practical clinical applicationRubric
Module ExamSummative evaluation of medical knowledgeMultiple choice exam
Online CDC ActivityStandardized contentSelf-evaluated
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)Practical clinical experience 
Critical medical thinking		Faculty observed, Rubric
Preceptor EvaluationExternal evaluation of student preparednessRubric
Presentation
(Individual or Group)		Peer to peer education Student collaborationFaculty observation, Rubric
Role-PlayingStudent immersion into medical disparity and patient educationFaculty observation
Simulated PatientPractical experience Critical medical thinkingFaculty observed, Rubric
Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan Note (SOAP)Practical clinical applicationRubric
Summative EvaluationSummative evaluation of medical knowledge Critical medical thinking Practical clinical applicationMultiple choice questions, Faculty observation, Rubric
Team Based Learning (TBL) ActivityCritical medical thinkingRubric, Multiple Choice Questions
Written AssignmentCritical medical thinkingRubric
Written Group Work ActivityStudent collaboration
 
Critical medical thinking		Rubric Rubric

Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program Competencies

The Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program's exit competencies identify the measurable knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional behaviors that students are expected to demonstrate upon graduation. Consistent with nationally recognized physician assistant competency frameworks, these outcomes encompass medical knowledge, patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, clinical reasoning and problem-solving, and technical and procedural skills. The competency-specific learning outcomes serve as the foundation for curriculum design, student assessment, and program evaluation. By graduation, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency across all competency domains and possess the qualifications necessary for entry into clinical practice as an entry-level physician assistant committed to ethical practice, patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, and continuous professional development.

Competencies

1. Medical Knowledge

  • 1.1 Apply biomedical, clinical, and behavioral science knowledge to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of medical and surgical conditions across the lifespan.
  • 1.2 Recognize normal and abnormal clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic findings and incorporate them into clinical decision-making.
  • 1.3 Apply evidence-based principles of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy to patient care.
  • 1.4 Integrate principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and screening into clinical practice.

2. Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities

  • 2.1 Formulate a prioritized differential diagnosis using synthesized patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic data. 
  • 2.2 Develop patient-centered diagnostic, therapeutic, and management plans using current evidence and clinical judgment.

3. Clinical and Technical Skills

  • 3.1 Perform focused patient assessments appropriate to the clinical situation including history and physical exam.
  • 3.2 Safely and effectively perform technical procedures expected of an entry-level physician assistant.
  • 3.3 Document patient encounters accurately and develop appropriate orders, prescriptions, referrals, and therapeutic plans.
  • 3.4 Provide patient-centered education and preventative care recommendations.

4. Interpersonal Skills

  • 4.1 Communicate effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals through accurate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.
  • 4.2 Collaborate effectively as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team.
  • 4.3 Adapt communication strategies to meet the needs of diverse patients, situations, and healthcare environments.

5. Professional Behaviors

  • 5.1 Demonstrate respectful, ethical, and accountable behavior in all professional interactions.