This culminating course prepares students for entry into clinical practice through professional engagement, scholarly presentation, and comprehensive assessment. Students will travel to and actively participate in the state Physician Assistant (PA) conference, where they will present their capstone evidence-based medicine (EBM) projects to a professional audience. Attendance and participation in conference sessions promote exploration of current trends, challenges, and innovations in clinical practice while fostering professional identity and engagement with PA organizations.
On campus, students will complete summative written, oral, and practical assessments—including objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)—to demonstrate mastery of program-defined competencies in medical knowledge, patient care, communication, professionalism, systems- based practice, and practice-based learning. Workshops and lectures will address professional transition topics, including job search strategies, contract negotiation, licensure, certification, malpractice, and wellness. Certifying exam preparation will be included. By integrating professional development, scholarly dissemination, and summative evaluation, this course ensures readiness for the responsibilities and expectations of clinical practice. Pre-requisite(s): Admission into the LMU Chat PA Program and Successful Completion of the Didactic Phase