PA Program Competencies

York College, CUNY PA Program Competencies

The PA profession delineates the fundamental knowledge, skills, attitudes, and educational experiences required for clinical practice. The York College, CUNY PA Program has utilized this professional framework as the foundation in the development of our competencies, as follows:

Medical Knowledge (MK) - (ARC-PA Standard B4.03 d)

MK1: Apply foundational biomedical and clinical science knowledge to patient care across the lifespan for a diverse population.
MK2: Recognize emergent, acute, and chronic conditions through the appropriate assessment of patients.
MK3: Obtain a comprehensive medical history, conduct a relevant physical examination, and perform the appropriate assessments of patients.
MK4: Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments, including consideration for indication, contraindication, dosing, adverse effects, cost, access, and cultural preferences.
MK5: Demonstrate ongoing acquisition of medical knowledge through critical appraisal of current and emerging evidence.

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities (CRPS) - (ARC-PA Standard B4.03 b)

CRPS1: Formulate differential diagnoses for acute and chronic diseases using history, exam, and diagnostics.
CRPS2: Develop individualized management plans that integrate evidence-based medicine, patient values, and cultural, social, and environmental factors.
CRPS3: Recognize, assess, and triage emergent, acute, and chronic conditions common in urban communities.
CRPS4: Apply analytical reasoning and problem-solving methodologies to diagnose and treat patients.

Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS) - (ARC-PA Standard B4.03 a)

CTS1: Perform comprehensive and focused histories and physical exams while maintaining professionalism, empathy and respect throughout patient interaction.
CTS2: Safely and effectively perform essential clinical procedures, while providing accurate patient education on the indications, risks, and required post-procedure follow-up.
CTS3: Accurately interpret diagnostic studies and imaging, and apply the results to clinical contexts.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS) - (ARC-PA Standard B4.03 c)

ICS1: Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse patient populations, their families, and caretakers, with an emphasis on shared decision-making.
ICS2: Provide accurate patient education that promotes health behavior change, adherence to treatment, and that addresses patient questions and/or concerns in a professional manner.
ICS3: Deliver accurate patient case presentations to colleagues and supervisors that convey pertinent history, physical examination, and diagnostic study findings, along with an accurate assessment and management plan.
ICS4: Demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and cultural humility during challenging or emotionally charged conversations, including discussions involving bad news, uncertainty, and end-of-life planning.
ICS5: Effectively and meaningfully communicate as part of an interprofessional team, with attention to mutual respect and closed-loop communication.

Professional Behaviors (PB) - (ARC-PA Standard B4.03 e)

PB1: Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and respect in all interactions with patients, peers, faculty, and the community, upholding the values of the PA Profession.
PB2: Apply established safety practices to reduce errors, support quality improvement efforts, and contribute to an equitable, patient-centered care environment.
PB3: Consistently uphold ethical and legal standards of PA practice, including confidentiality, informed consent, accurate documentation, and awareness of the scope of practice.
PB4: Engage in ongoing learning, self-reflection, and professional growth.

Society and Population Health (SPH)

SPH1: Recognize and address social determinants of health and structural barriers affecting underserved urban populations.
SPH2: Apply evidence-based public health and preventive care principles in both patient encounters and community settings.
SPH3: Incorporate evidence-based guidelines and cost-conscious strategies to support equitable, high-quality care.
SPH4: Collaborate with community resources, public health agencies, and social support services to improve continuity of care and reduce disparities.