PAS 5006 Pharmacokinetics: Principles and Practice for Physician Assistants
This graduate-level course provides physician assistant students with a comprehensive understanding of pharmacokinetics, the study of how drugs move through the body, and its critical role in optimizing patient care. Rooted in the mission of integrating study, spirituality, service, and community, this course emphasizes the ethical, compassionate, and patient-centered application of pharmacological principles to improve health outcomes and address disparities. Students will explore the four key pharmacokinetic processes—absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion—and learn how factors such as age, genetics, disease states, and lifestyle influence drug behavior. Through case studies, simulations, and interactive discussions, students will develop the skills to design and adjust medication regimens that maximize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. The course also examines the ethical and spiritual dimensions of pharmacotherapy, encouraging students to reflect on the moral responsibilities of prescribing medications and the impact of treatment decisions on patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Prerequisite
Admission to the Physician Assistant Program
Distribution
Physician Assistant Studies