Pre-Clinical

Main Content

This 14-month curriculum is delivered through focused 8-week, system-based courses sequenced to optimize knowledge integration and retention. Each course integrates pathophysiology, clinical medicine, physical examination, diagnostics, and pharmacology, guiding students from foundational concepts to applied clinical reasoning. Learning is reinforced through active modalities, including virtual reality, case-based learning, and early supervised patient encounters.

System-based instruction is complemented by coursework that emphasizes patient-centered, evidence-informed care. Through a capstone research project, population and public health initiatives, and community engagement, students build competencies in critical appraisal of medical literature, awareness of health systems, and understanding of the patient experience.

TCU support extends beyond the classroom with a strong emphasis on student well-being. Each student participates in a longitudinal Mentoring, Engagement, & Development (MED) group led by PA faculty. The curriculum is intentionally designed with minimal scheduled lectures during assessment periods and includes two spring breaks and a summer break, reinforcing balance, self-care, and sustained academic performance.