Program Overview

Mission   

Educate the next generation of physician assistants by engaging students who are dedicated to advancing health equity and delivering an innovative educational model that reduces barriers for PA learners. We are committed to preparing students to deliver high quality patient-centered care to the Hawaiian island communities and medically underserved populations across the nation.  

Vision  

To cultivate a student-centered culture of inclusion and excellence that develops graduates who serve their communities and improve healthcare delivery.   

Core Values  

The HPU MMS-PA Program embraces the Hawaiian values of aloha, pono, kuleana, mālama, and lōkahi.  

• Aloha - the essence of being and acting with love, kindness, grace, unity, humility, and a mutual understanding of respect. 
• Pono - behavior and practice of integrity; righteous, honest and moral, and an energy of necessity. 
• Kuleana - responsibility and rights, concern for all interests, property, and people. 
• Mālama - to take care of, tend, attend, care for, preserve, protect 
• Lōkahi - unity, agreement, harmony, inclusivity, united as one.
  
  

Program Goals 

1. Educate learners with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes for entry-level practice as physician assistants.   
2. Recruit, matriculate and graduate a diverse student body, with a focus on representation of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and residents of Hawai’i.
3. Foster a student-centered learning environment that values excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and learner self-awareness.
4. Empower graduates to identify and address priority health concerns in their communities.

Year One: Didactic Phase – 60 credits, all required 

Spring 1: 20 credits

Course Number and Title: PA 6000 - Biopsychosocial & Preventive Medicine I  
Course Credits: 2 

Course Description: Explores human behavior from a biopsychosocial perspective and develops a foundational understanding of health in the context of social and behavioral science. This includes considering the interconnection of biology, culture, interpersonal feelings and beliefs, sexual and gender identity, and how individuals interact with their physical and social environment. Application of knowledge in this course prepares students to create empathic and empowering relationships with patients and engage in effective communication and patient counseling/education with a patient-centered approach that considers individuals within their individual life context and identity. This is the first course in two-part series. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the MMS-PA Program 

Course Number and Title: PA 6100 - Anatomy I  
Course Credits: 2 

Course Description: Introduces students to an in-depth study of human anatomy that includes anatomical and medical terminology and foundational information on human development and structure. Using a regional approach, this course focuses on the functional knowledge of normal human gross anatomy as a foundation for understanding clinical manifestations, diagnosis, complications, and management related to trauma and disease for specific body regions. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in basic science, patient assessment, and clinical medicine. This is the first course in a three-part series.  

Prerequisite: Admission to the MMS-PA Program 

Course Number and Title: PA 6200 - Basic Science I  
Course Credits: 3 

Course Description: Develops foundational knowledge of medical science in physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, genetics, and epidemiology. The physiology and pathophysiology component covers normal and disorder state of the specific organ system under study and etiology of diseases. The microbiology component focuses on identifying disease pathogens and understanding immunologic response. The genetic components focus on heritable disorders, genetic mechanisms, patterns of inheritance, genetic/environmental factors and its application to clinical diagnoses and precision medicine. Epidemiology focuses on incidence and distribution of disease and possible control of disease. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in anatomy, pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, and clinical medicine. This is the first course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the MMS-PA Program 

Course Number and Title: PA 6300 - Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics I  
Course Credits: 3 

Course Description: Provides knowledge of the general principles of pharmacology including classification, site and mechanisms of action, toxicity, and integration of knowledge of basic medical science to understand how drugs interact with the human body. Includes a focus on selection and the rational for use of medications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease, dosing and monitoring of medication, and drug interactions. This is the first course in a three-part series. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in basic science and clinical medicine. This is the first course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the MMS-PA Program 

Course Number and Title: PA 6400 - Clinical Medicine I 

Course Credits: 6 

Course Description:  

Provides foundational knowledge of normal and abnormal human development, and periodic well care for persons of all ages. A systems-based approach is used to intensively study diseases and disorders across the lifespan, including the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, relevant historical information, physical examination findings, appropriate diagnostic studies, management, and prognosis for each condition. Concepts are reinforced and assessed in small groups and on-site sessions, with case-based clinical reasoning and critical thinking exercises, development of differential diagnoses, applied medical documentation, and opportunities to practice oral presentation, interpersonal communication, counseling, and patient education skills. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in anatomy, basic science, pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, and patient assessment. This is the first course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the MMS-PA Program 

Course Number and Title: PA 6500 - Patient Assessment I 

Course Credits: 3 

Course Description: Develops the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record a complete medical history, using accurate medical terminology to document findings. Best practices, benefits, and limitations in telemedicine and virtual patient care are also discussed. Instruction is provided in physical examination techniques across the lifespan, and normal physical findings, common variants, and classic physical abnormalities are discussed in the context of each age group. Students also learn to select and interpret laboratory studies, radiologic imaging, and other diagnostic testing in preparation for patient care. Course skills are further developed and practiced through structured exercises and community experiences, and assessed in on-site evaluation sessions. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in anatomy, basic science, and clinical medicine. This is the first course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the MMS-PA Program 

Course Number and Title: PA 6600 - Professional Development I 

Course Credits: 1 

Course Description: Introduces the history of physician assistant (PA) practice, the PA role, professional organizations in the profession, and current topics in PA practice. Ethical concepts related to intellectual honesty, academic integrity, and professional conduct are discussed. Cultural and social awareness, with an emphasis on native and indigenous communities, are emphasized and explored in on-site sessions. This is the first course in a two-part series. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the MMS-PA Program 

Summer 1: 20 credits 

Course Number and Title: PA 6120 - Anatomy II 
Course Credits: 4 

Course Description: Provides an in-depth study of human anatomy that includes anatomical and medical terminology and foundational information on human development and structure. Using a regional approach, this course focuses on the functional knowledge of normal human gross anatomy as a foundation for understanding clinical manifestations, diagnosis, complications, and management related to trauma and disease for specific body regions addressed throughout the course sequence. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in basic science, patient assessment, and clinical medicine. This is the second course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite PA 6100 Anatomy I and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6220 - Basic Science II  
Course Credits: 3 

Course Description: Develops foundational knowledge of medical science in physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, genetics, and epidemiology. The physiology and pathophysiology component covers normal and disorder state of the specific organ system under study and etiology of diseases. The microbiology component focuses on identifying disease pathogens and understanding immunologic response. The genetic components focus on heritable disorders, genetic mechanisms, patterns of inheritance, genetic/environmental factors and its application to clinical diagnoses and precision medicine. Epidemiology focuses on incidence and distribution of disease and possible control of disease. Where possible, this course will align with topics in anatomy, pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, and clinical medicine and is a progression of topics covered throughout the course sequence. This is the second course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite PA 6200 Basic Science I and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6320 - Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics II  
Course Credits: 3 

Course Description: Provides knowledge of the general principles of pharmacology including classification, site and mechanisms of action, toxicity, and integration of knowledge of basic medical science to understand how drugs interact with the human body. Includes a focus on selection and the rational for use of medications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease, dosing and monitoring of medication, and drug interactions. Where possible, this course will align with topics in basic science and clinical medicine and is a progression of topics covered throughout the course sequence. This is the second course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite PA 6300 Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics I and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6420 - Clinical Medicine II 

Course Credits: 6 

Course Description: Provides knowledge using a systems-based approach to intensively study diseases and disorders across the lifespan, including the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, relevant historical information, physical examination findings, appropriate diagnostic studies, management, and prognosis for each condition. Concepts are reinforced and assessed in small groups and on-site sessions, with case-based clinical reasoning and critical thinking exercises, development of differential diagnoses, applied medical documentation, and opportunities to practice oral presentation, interpersonal communication, counseling, and patient education skills. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in anatomy, basic science, pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, and patient assessment. This is the second course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6400 Clinical Medicine I and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6520 - Patient Assessment II 

Course Credits: 3 

Course Description: Continues to build the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record a complete medical history, using accurate medical terminology to document findings. Expanded instruction is provided in physical examination, with an emphasis on specialized examination techniques and expected findings in the context of diseases and disorders across the lifespan. Students also learn to select and interpret laboratory studies, radiologic imaging, and other diagnostic testing in preparation for patient care. Course skills are further developed and practiced through structured exercises and community experiences, and assessed in on-site evaluation sessions. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in anatomy, basic science, and clinical medicine. This is the second course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6500 and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6620 - Professional Development II 

Course Credits: 1 

Course Description: Provides instruction in the practice of evidence-based medicine, with a review of basic statistics, methods, and ethical standards in research. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and apply clinical research findings to patient conditions and scenarios. In addition, health delivery systems and health policy in the United States are discussed and contrasted with other models around the world. Care for oneself as part of professional development is emphasized in this course, with a focus on personal wellness, recognition of clinician impairment, and prevention of burnout. This is the second course in a two-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6600 and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Fall 1: 20 credits 

Course Number and Title: PA 6030 - Biopsychosocial & Preventive Medicine II 
Course credits: 2 

Course Description: Expands on topics introduced in PA 6000 and explores the interconnection between biology, psychology, and socio-economic factors to identify the multiple factors that influence lifestyle behaviors and the resulting impact on health outcomes. Applies the biopsychosocial model of health to the practical application of health promotion and disease prevention interventions that considers individuals within their life context and identity. The course will explore frameworks and activities that support health promotion such as reducing deterrents to healthy behavior, improving social and economic resources, building community capacity, and behavior positive approaches to risk mitigation. This is the second course in a two-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6000 Biopsychosocial & Preventive Medicine I and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6130 - Anatomy III  
Course credits: 2 

Course Description: Provides an in-depth study of human anatomy that includes anatomical and medical terminology and foundational information on human development and structure. Using a regional approach, this course focuses on the functional knowledge of normal human gross anatomy as a foundation for understanding clinical manifestations, diagnosis, complications, and management related to trauma and disease for specific body regions addressed throughout the course sequence. Where possible, this course will align with topics in basic science, patient assessment, and clinical medicine. This is the third course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite PA 6120 Anatomy II and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6230 - Basic Science III  
Course credits: 3 

Course Description: Develops foundational knowledge of medical science in physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, genetics, and epidemiology. The physiology and pathophysiology component covers normal and disorder state of the specific organ system under study and etiology of diseases. The microbiology component focuses on identifying disease pathogens and understanding immunologic response. The genetic components focus on heritable disorders, genetic mechanisms, patterns of inheritance, genetic/environmental factors and its application to clinical diagnoses and precision medicine. Epidemiology focuses on incidence and distribution of disease and possible control of disease. Where possible, this course will align with topics in anatomy, pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, and clinical medicine and is a progression of topics covered throughout the course sequence. This is the third course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6220 Basic Science II and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6330 - Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics III  
Course credits: 3 

Course Description: Provides knowledge of the general principles of pharmacology including classification, site and mechanisms of action, toxicity, and integration of knowledge of basic medical science to understand how drugs interact with the human body. Includes a focus on selection and the rational for use of medications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease, dosing and monitoring of medication, and drug interactions. Where possible, this course will align with topics in basic science and clinical medicine and is a progression of topics covered throughout the course sequence. This is the third course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6320 Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics I and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6430 - Clinical Medicine III 

Course Credits: 6 

Course Description: Provides knowledge using a systems-based approach to intensively study diseases and disorders across the lifespan, including the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, relevant historical information, physical examination findings, appropriate diagnostic studies, management, and prognosis for each condition. Concepts are reinforced and assessed in small groups, with case-based clinical reasoning and critical thinking exercises, development of differential diagnoses, applied medical documentation, and opportunities to practice oral presentation, interpersonal communication, counseling, and patient education skills. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in anatomy, basic science, pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, and patient assessment. This is the third course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6420 and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6530 - Patient Assessment III 

Course Credits: 3 

Course Description: Continues to build the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record a complete medical history, using accurate medical terminology to document findings. Expanded instruction is provided in physical examination, with an emphasis on specialized examination techniques and expected findings in the context of diseases and disorders across the lifespan. Students also learn to select and interpret laboratory studies, radiologic imaging, and other diagnostic testing in preparation for patient care. Course skills are further developed, practiced, and assessed through structured exercises and community experiences. Where possible, this course aligns with topics in anatomy, basic science, and clinical medicine. This is the third course in a three-part series. 

Prerequisite: PA 6520 and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Course Number and Title: PA 6700 - Patient & Society 

Course Credits: 1 

Course Description: Introduces societal issues which impact health, including social determinants of health, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, systemic racism, and climate. The impacts of disability, stress and illness, identity, and sexual orientation on health outcomes are addressed. Instruction is provided in violence identification and prevention, and medical ethics is discussed through topics of neonatal viability, consent and confidentiality, end of life care, and death & dying. The role of the physician assistant in improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice for patients and communities through advocacy and service is emphasized, and students gain skills to positively impact these issues at the local, state, and national level. 

Prerequisite: PA 6620 and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Year Two: Clinical Phase – 49 credits, all required 

Spring 2 

Course Number and Title: PA 7000 - Preparation for Clinical Phase 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: Expands upon clinical medicine knowledge and skills from the didactic phase and prepares the student to begin clinical year rotations. Includes advanced information and instruction covering a range of medical topics including pre-, intra, and post-operative care, clinical and technical skills, including procedures, and interprofessional practice. The course also includes basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support training, on-site instruction and assessment in applied clinical skills and procedures, specialized physical examination of the male and female genitourinary systems, and formative evaluation of the student’s patient assessment, medical decision-making, and clinical management skills. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all didactic phase courses and promotion to the clinical phase of the program 

Summer 2 

Course Number and Title: PA 7350 - Clinical Phase Seminar 

Course Credits: 2 

Course Description: Provides instruction and practice in medical billing and coding. Best practices in patient safety are discussed, along with prevention of medical error, quality improvement, and risk management as part of ongoing professional practice. 

Prerequisite: PA 7000 and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Fall 2

Course Number and Title: PA 7900 - Transition to Practice 

Course Credits: 2 

Course Description: Expands upon PA 6600 and PA 6620, in preparation for graduation and clinical practice, including the certification, licensure, and credentialing processes, curriculum vitae preparation, and the search for a professional position. Includes an on-site comprehensive summative evaluation with knowledge-, skill-, and behavioral-based assessments to ensure the student has demonstrated competence and readiness to enter clinical practice. The course also incorporates a concise review of clinical medicine material to prepare students for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) following graduation.  

Prerequisite: PA 7350 and successful completion of all prior semester courses 

Spring 2/Summer 2/Fall 2 – sequence varies by student 

Course Number and Title: PA 7100 Emergency Medicine Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in the field of emergency medicine. Students will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the didactic phase of education, along with continuing to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning through evidence- based approaches to the evaluation and management of acute, urgent, and emergent medical conditions commonly encountered in emergency medicine across the life span. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). This course is one of seven core clinical rotations.  Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Course Number and Title: PA 7200 Surgical Medicine Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in the field of surgery with focus on the role of the PA on a surgical patient management team. Students will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the didactic phase of education, along with continuing to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning through evidence- based approaches to the evaluation and management of medical conditions that require surgical intervention in both inpatient and outpatient surgical settings. This includes management for pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s).  

Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). This course is one of seven core clinical rotations.  Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Course Number and Title: PA 7300 Internal Medicine Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in internal medicine in a hospital-based inpatient setting. Students will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the didactic phase of education, along with continuing to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning through evidence-based approaches to the evaluation and management of acute, chronic, emergent, and life-threatening conditions commonly encountered in the inpatient settings. Students will also work to incorporate health promotion, disease prevention, patient education and counseling in their patient encounters. In addition, students will work toward expanding their knowledge of the role of the PA as part of a hospital interdisciplinary team through active participation and engagement as part of the inpatient team. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). This course is one of seven core clinical rotations.  

Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Course Number and Title: PA 7400 Behavioral Medicine Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in the field of behavioral medicine. Students will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the didactic phase of education, along with continuing to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning through evidence- based approaches to the evaluation and management of mental health conditions encountered in an ambulatory and/or inpatient behavioral health setting. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). This course is one of seven core clinical rotations.  

Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Course Number and Title: PA 7500 Family Medicine Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in the field of family medicine. Students will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the didactic phase of education, along with continuing to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning through evidence- based approaches to the evaluation and management of acute, urgent, and chronic conditions encountered in the outpatient family medicine settings throughout the life span. Populations include pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. Students will also work to incorporate health promotion, disease prevention, patient education and counseling in their patient encounters. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). This course is one of seven core clinical rotations.  

Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Course Number and Title: PA 7600 Women’s Health Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description:  This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in women’s health. Students will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the didactic phase of education, along with continuing to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning through evidence- based approaches to the evaluation and management of common gynecologic related medical conditions and pregnancy care. This includes prenatal and post-partum care and managing normal pregnancy versus acute, urgent, or emergent pregnancy-related problems. Students will also work to incorporate health promotion and disease prevention as well as advocacy for healthy lifestyles, preventive medicine practices and patient support. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). This course is one of seven core clinical rotations.  Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Course Number and Title: PA 7700 Pediatric Medicine Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in pediatric medicine.  Students will actively engage in applying the medical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the didactic phase of education, along with continuing to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning through evidence- based approaches to the evaluation and management of common, acute, chronic, and emergent conditions commonly encountered in the infant, child, and adolescent patient population. Focus is on the further acquisition of medical knowledge and clinical skills needed to effectively recognize, manage, and treat the infant, child, and adolescent patient population. Students will also work to incorporate health promotion, disease prevention, patient and family/caregiver education and counseling in their patient encounters. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). This course is one of seven core clinical rotations.  

Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Course Number and Title: PA 7800 Elective Rotation 

Course Credits: 5 

Course Description: This is a five-week course that provides PA students in the clinical phase of the PA program experiential learning in one of the core discipline rotations or an elective specialty. This rotation will be coordinated with the program to ensure it meets program goals and continues to cultivate the knowledge and skills to achieve program learning outcomes. Students will work under the supervision of a Program determined licensed healthcare professional and/or their designee(s). Each PA student must successfully complete one elective clinical rotation prior to graduation.   

Prerequisite: Current MMS-PA student and successful completion of all prior semester courses. 

Total program credit hours for MMS-PA degree: 109 

PAs are a vital part of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. According to the National Commission on the Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA), there are 159,000 nationally certified PAs in the U.S. who treat 9.9 million patients per week. One PA treats over 70 patients each week, often providing healthcare where a patient would normally not be able to get timely access to care. PAs are found in every medical specialty and practice setting. The demand for PA practice remains high with national expected job growth for PAs of 31% in the next ten years. In the state of Hawaiʻi PA practice has grown by 36% between 2016-2020. 

Upon graduating from a nationally accredited PA school (PA programs are accreditated by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant), PAs must obtain national board certification and state licensure. While practice laws vary by state, in general, PAs are licensed to perform diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and health maintenance services in any setting where physicians provide care and can fill gaps in care as part of physician-PA collaborative practice. 

Additional information about PA education and PA practice can be found at: 

The American Academy of PAs (AAPA) What is a PA? 

The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Advisors and Pre-PA Students page 

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) PAs Do That