The Mission of the Larkin University Physician Assistant Program is to educate passionate and highly skilled Physician Assistants dedicated to serving the health and wellness needs of South Florida’s urban and rural areas

The Vision of the Larkin University Physician Assistant Program is to graduate competent physician assistants who will uphold the standards of the PA profession and practice evidence-based medicine in an interprofessional and collaborative team.

Educate Physician Assistants who acquire, comprehend, and can demonstrate the knowledge
and skills necessary to diagnose and treat patients in primary care settings.

Benchmark
1. Maintain PANCE first time pass rate at or above national average
2. Maintain 5-year performance rate at or above national average

Foster Community Engagement and Service Learning through interprofessional
collaboration.

Benchmark
1. 100% of Cohort will participate in at least one Community service or outreach activity
per year that addresses identified community needs.
2. PA students will participate in these community projects collaborating with students
from other health disciplines.

Enhance student retention through supportive interventions.

Benchmark
1. Implement a comprehensive Student Support System
2. Establish a retention Monitoring System by tracking at risk-students

Promote Diversity and Inclusion within the PA Program.

Benchmark
1. Establish a Diversity Recruitment initiative
2. Monitor and assess Diversity and inclusion Outcomes

Medical Knowledge (MK)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will have a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences
and the ability to apply that knowledge to patient care in various medical settings and across the life
span.

Competencies
MK1: Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and other
basic sciences to comprehend normal and abnormal bodily functions.
MK2: Proficiency in diagnosing and managing common medical conditions across the lifespan.
MK3: Understanding of pharmacological principles and safety in prescribing practices that includes
drug interactions, side effects, contraindications, and educating and counseling patients on the safe
use of prescribed and non-prescribed medications.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will communicate with patients, families, and members of the
healthcare team. This includes verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication.
Competencies
ICS1: Communicating medical information, treatment plans, and instructions to patients, family
members and other healthcare professionals while considering cultural nuances.
ICS2: Actively listening to patients while utilizing verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body
language, facial expressions, and allowing them to express concerns and preferences to enhance
communication and establish rapport.
ICS3: Developing proficiency in telehealth communication including conducting virtual consultations,
and ensuring patient comfort and understanding in remote settings.

Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will show clinical and technical skills in patient assessments,
documentation of health records, and proficiency in medical equipment and technology.

Competencies
CTS1: Conducting comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history, physical
examination, and formulation of differential diagnosis.   CTS2: Ordering, performing, and assisting with medical procedures and utilizing medical equipment
and technology.
CTS3: Managing data efficiently by using electronic health records and other health information
technologies to document patient information accurately.
CTS4: Working collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to
optimize patient care and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

Patient-Centered Care (PCC)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will show the ability to provide patient-centered care including
diagnosing, treating, and managing of medical conditions under a licensed physician’s supervision.

Competencies
PCC1: Communicating medical information clearly and understandably avoiding jargon
and ensuring patient comprehension of diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans.
PCC2: Engaging patients in the decision-making process regarding healthcare, while considering
patient’s values, preferences, and goals.
PCC3: Ensuring patients are informed of treatment options, benefits, and obtains informed consent
before implementing interventions.
PCC4: Assisting patients in making informed decisions on preventive measures and lifestyle
changes to improve their health.
PCC5: Prioritizing patient safety, recognizing potential risks, and addressing errors in healthcare.
Interprofessional

Collaboration (IPC)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will understand and navigate a larger healthcare system and
effectively collaborate with other members of the healthcare team.

Competencies
IPC1: Maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior, integrity, and accountability in all interactions
with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system.
IPC2: Working effectively with healthcare professionals and support staff to ensure the delivery of
effective and comprehensive interdisciplinary care.

Professionalism and Ethics (PE)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will maintain a high standard of professional behavior and
accountability. This includes a commitment to lifelong learning and staying current in medical
knowledge. They will exhibit professionalism by demonstrating integrity, honesty, awareness, and
sensitivity to social, legal, and ethical issues.

Competencies
PE1: Adhering to professionalism, such as appropriate dress code, punctuality, and professional
decorum.
PE2: Demonstrating commitment to patient confidentiality and advocacy.
PE3: Understanding medical ethics and exhibiting knowledge of laws and regulations governing the
practice of medicine.
PE4: Adhering to licensure requirements and scope of practice guidelines.
PE5: Committing to lifelong learning and staying updated on advancements within the profession
and medical knowledge.
PE6: Providing medically sound and ethically grounded patient-centered care within the scope of
practice of the profession.

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving abilities (CRPS)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will integrate medical histories, interpret diagnostic tests,
diagnose, and formulate therapeutic management plans for preventative, emergent, acute, and
chronic health conditions across the lifespan (prenatal, infant, child, adolescent, and elderly).

Competencies
CRPS1: Integrating medical histories, physical examination findings, ordering and interpreting
diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose acute, chronic, and emergent health conditions across the
life span.
CRPS2: Synthesizing information acquired through all aspects of patient encounters and the
medical literature to develop appropriate differential diagnoses and determine appropriate next
steps, assessments, and prognoses, and management plans for acute, chronic, and emergent
health conditions.
CRPS3: Formulating health management plans, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic
therapies, and patient education, in the prevention and treatment of acute, chronic, and emergent
conditions.

Practice-based Learning and Quality Improvement (PBL)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will commit to self-improvement and the ability to critically
evaluate one’s own practice and incorporate new knowledge into patient care.

Competencies
PBL1: Engaging in hands-on real-world clinical experiences and applying knowledge and skills
acquired during academic coursework.
PBL2: Encouraging reflection on experiences, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and setting
goals for continuous improvements.

PBL3: Continuously assessing and evaluating clinical practice to identify areas of improvement.
PBL4: Using evidence-based approaches to make informed decisions and implementing changes
that contribute to better patient outcomes.
PBL5: Encouraging self-assessment by fostering a sense of responsibility for one’s own
professional growth.

Cultural Competency (CC)
Graduates of the Larkin PA Program will be aware and respectful of the diversity of patients,
understanding the impact of culture on health and healthcare delivery, and providing care that is
sensitive to cultural differences.

Competencies
CC1: Understanding and acknowledging cultural backgrounds, biases, and values, while recognizing
and appreciating the diversity of cultures within the patient population.
CC2: Demonstrating awareness and sensitivity to variations in language, tone, and non-verbal cues
across diverse cultures.
CC3: Acquiring knowledge of cultural practice beliefs and health related behaviors of various patient
populations to enhance the quality of care.
CC4: Staying informed on cultural factors that impact healthcare decisions and outcomes.
CC5: Maintaining a humble attitude and willingness to learn from patients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.