By Sondra Nantes, MMSc, PA-C, and Max Benlulu, MPAP, PA-C
Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) are highly skilled healthcare professionals who receive comprehensive education in generalist medicine using the medical model. This education includes didactic class time and clinical rotations, which enables the graduates of this program to practice in various specialties, such as family medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. In the ever-evolving field of emergency medicine, PAs must possess a broad understanding of multiple specialties, along with specialized training in acute care. The curriculum of the South University West Palm Beach PA Program stands as a prime example of how educational institutions are adapting to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
One of the program’s unique strengths is that it places a special emphasis on emergency medicine training. We offer a 4-credit class focused solely on this field, providing students with medical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and diagnostic abilities to handle any situation. We also provide training in various diagnostic modalities, such as point-of-care ultrasonography, as well as procedural training, including suturing, central line insertion, and incision and drainage techniques. This course ensures that students are competent in all aspects of medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, and disposition.
Our program’s curriculum highlights the importance of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in emergency medicine. POCUS has become an essential tool for healthcare professionals in emergency medicine, providing real-time imaging of internal structures for rapid diagnosis and treatment. Training in POCUS includes a Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) examination during trauma evaluation, ultrasound guided IV placement, bedside ultrasound for acute urinary retention, evaluation of fluid status, as well as general bedside ultrasound skill for abscess evaluation and abdominal pain.
One student’s testimonial speaks to the quality of education and its positive impact on their clinical rotations. “Upon entering my emergency medicine rotation, I felt a profound sense of confidence, enthusiasm, and extensive readiness. The comprehensive education received at South University equipped me with all the essential tools to surpass expectations within the emergency room setting. Not only was I instilled with clinical aptitude and medical knowledge during my didactic training in emergency medicine, but I was also instilled with a deep sense of empathy, respect, and invaluable tips and techniques that rendered my experience in the ER exceptionally fulfilling. I express my deepest gratitude to South University for fostering my growth as both a proficient clinician and a compassionate individual, both during my didactic education and throughout my immersive five-week rotation in the emergency room.”
The curriculum is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the healthcare industry, ensuring that students are up to date with the latest advancements in emergency medicine. As a result, students are excelling in their clinical rotations after their didactic education and are well prepared to provide high-quality care to patients in the Emergency Department. Overall, the South University’s West Palm Beach PA Program’s emphasis on emergency medicine training along with its evolving curriculum is providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient and compassionate healthcare providers.
For more information about South University, our programs and enrollment process, call (561) 273-6500 today and ask for Admissions.