Date of Award
Summer 8-2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Biological Science
Additional Department
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First Advisor
Leah Seurer
Second Advisor
Sarah Wittmuss
Third Advisor
Scott Druecker
Keywords
physician assistant, communication skills, PA education, ARC-PA, NCCPA, AAPA, interprofessional collaboration
Subject Categories
Medical Education | Medical Humanities
Abstract
Effective communication is a critical competency for physician assistants (PAs), impacting patient outcomes, interprofessional collaboration, and clinical decision-making. This paper explores the many communication challenges faced by PAs, including navigating supervisory relationships, clarifying scope of practice, building patient trust, and managing clinical interactions. It also examines how the national accrediting and certifying bodies such as the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and professional organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) shape communication training through formal standards. These frameworks influence curricular design, assessment methods, and lifelong learning requirements in PA education. Additionally, national conferences and interprofessional initiatives contribute to the continuous evolution of communication education. Through analyzing both institutional practices and governing standards, this paper highlights the central role of communication in preparing PAs to meet the demands of modern healthcare.
Recommended Citation
Evett, Camryn G., "FROM CLASSROOM TO WORKPLACE: EVALUATING COMMUNICATION CURRICULUM IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT EDUCATION" (2025). Honors Thesis. 434.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/434