Program Goals and Competencies

Benchmarks: The program reviews CASPA data, as reported on applicant demographics, to determine appropriate benchmarks for the following demographics. These benchmarks are based on the three-year running averages for each category among applicants to Charleston Southern University.

• Cumulative GPA: The program strives to maintain a 3-year running average of a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Science GPA: The program strives to maintain a 3-year running average on a science GPA of 3.3 or higher.

Summary: The program is currently meeting its benchmarks for cumulative and science GPAs among admitted students and continues to monitor these academic indicators to ensure sustained success across future cohorts.

Benchmark: The program measures effectiveness in meeting this goal using first-time PANCE pass rates.  The program strives for a five-year first-time taker average greater than or equal to the five-year national first-time taker average as reported by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Performance Summary Report

Analysis: The program’s five-year first-time PANCE taker average pass rate of 95% exceeds the national five-year average of 92%, demonstrating that the program meets its program-defined benchmark and goal.

Summary:The program meets this goal with a five-year first-time PANCE taker average pass rate of 95%, exceeding the five-year national first-time taker average of 92%. The program is committed to delivering high-quality curricular excellence that prepares students with the medical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required to provide patient-centered care. This benchmark is continually monitored to ensure CSU PA graduates remain well prepared to meet the evolving needs of healthcare.

Benchmark: As part of the Student Graduation Evaluation of the Program, students are asked to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in attaining this goal through the questions below. The program strives for a 3-year running average of 3 (Met Expectations) or higher on a 5-point Likert scale for both questions.

• Q1-Overall, the PA Program curriculum is effective in preparing students for entry into clinical practice.
• Q2-The CSU PA Program fosters a healthy, supportive Christian learning environment that prepares students for transition from student to clinician.

Analysis:The program continues to meet its goal of fostering a healthy, supportive Christian learning environment that prepares students for transition to clinical practice, with a three-year average of 100% of graduates rating both relevant measures as “Met Expectations” or higher.

Analysis:

• The program is successfully meeting its goal of fostering a healthy, supportive Christian learning environment that prepares students for transition to clinical practice, as demonstrated by a three-year average of 99% of graduates rating both measures as “Met Expectations” or higher.

Benchmark: The program strives for 100% of students and principal faculty to participate each year in at least one service, leadership, or scholarly activity. Examples include class officer roles in the Student Leadership Association; leadership positions within state or national PA organizations; community, university, or professional service; and the publication or presentation of scholarly work.

Analysis: The program maintains a goal of 100% annual participation by students and principal faculty and is effective in meeting this goal.

100% of each cohort joins the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (SCAPA)

Community Service/Initiatives:

• Collaborative support of the CSU PT Program’s annual Hustle for Heroes 5K
• East Cooper Community Outreach Wellness Pantry
• Ronald McDonald House breakfast for families
• Project Life Movement
• The Night to Shine Event with Seacoast Church
• Local school student mentorship/tutoring
• Trunk or Treat at A.C. Corcoran Elementary School
• Cooper River Bridge Run
• Spartan Race
• 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Buccaneer Field
• Murph Challenge
• Class of 2026 Weekly Run Club
• Class of 2026 RiverDogs Baseball game
• Joint student cookout with DPT students
• PA Prom night

CSU Operation Christmas Child (OCC)

Didactic & clinical cohorts partner to support the CSU initiative to pack the most OCC shoeboxes of any college/university in the US, a national record held by CSU for 7 consecutive years.

International Mission Trip & Global Health Elective Rotation Opportunity

• Annual Dominican Republic Mission Trip for clinical year students and PA faculty/staff
• Kenya medical mission elective

CSU Student Leadership Association (SLA)

Comprised of 9 PA students who exemplify leadership by identifying, scheduling, and leading community service, facilitating opportunities for state and national professional advocacy, and engaging in local community service.

100% of our principal faculty participate in service to the university and community, as well as pedagogical growth/development opportunities.

University & Program Committee Service:

• Academic Council, the Graduate Council, and the Global Education Committee
• Faculty serve as the chair or members of several program-level committees

Professional Organization Memberships:

• PA Education Association (PAEA)
• PAEA Board of Directors member
• American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
• South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (SCAPA)

Certifications/Licensures:

• NCCPA Certified PAs
• NCCPA Emergency Medicine CAQ (Certificate of Added Qualifications)
• SC Medical Licensees
• ACLS, BLS, PALs certified

Professional/Pedagogical Development:

• PAEA Program Directors Workshop
• PAEA Clinical Coordinator Workshop
• Pedagogical conferences and classes

University/Community/Church Service:

• CSU PA Student Bible Study leader
• Trail Life Troop Leader
• Adjunct Music Director & Pianist – Seacoast Church West Ashley
• Bible Study Fellowship member
• CSU Women of the Well Bible Study member
• Crossroads Community Church Kids Volunteer
• Northwood Church Greeter
• CSU Mock Interview Participant
• Career Fair at Carolina Voyager Charter School
• South Carolina Cancer Alliance Ambassador
• Youth Sports Coach (Baseball, Softball, Basketball)
• Seacoast Dream Center

Clinical Work Experience/Background:

• Emergency Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Trauma
• Critical Care
• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• OBGYN
• General Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Pathology
• Neurology

PLC-1 Assess and prioritize patient care needs across all ages and populations in primary care and specialty settings, integrating medical, behavioral, and social knowledge.

PLC-2 Incorporate current scientific evidence with clinical expertise to develop and implement evidence-based, patient-centered care decisions and sound clinical judgment.

PLC-3 Elicit an accurate medical history from patients.

PCL-4 Design and deliver patient education using verbal, nonverbal, and written modalities to promote disease prevention and health awareness for patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams.

PLC-5 Effectively engage patients, caregivers, and interprofessional team members through adaptable interpersonal and professional communication to ensure clear and accurate exchange of information, supporting collaborative care.

PLC-6 Analyze patient history and physical exam findings to formulate a prioritized, evidence-based differential diagnosis.

PLC-7 Evaluate clinical indications and patient data to recommend appropriate diagnostic studies that support accurate diagnosis and management.

PLC-8 Develop and implement a patient-centered therapeutic management plan, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, based on history, physical exam, and diagnostic study findings.

PLC-9 Perform a thorough, accurate physical exam aligned with the patient’s medical history to inform clinical decision-making.

PLC-10 Perform clinical procedures frequently encountered in general medical practice, including surgical wound management (e.g., staple, suture, drain placement/removal, basic skin biopsy, incision & drainage), topical and local anesthesia administration, simple laceration repair, injections and aspirations (e.g., trigger point, cyst, bursa, joint), intravenous access, venipuncture, bladder catheterization, nasopharyngeal swabs, and Pap tests, demonstrating technical proficiency and adherence to safety protocols.

PLC-11 Interpret diagnostic tests and imaging studies accurately and apply findings to guide patient evaluation and management decisions.

PLC-12 Exhibit professional behavior by applying ethical principles, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, and responding appropriately to patients, caregivers, and interprofessional team members.