An official Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSA's) list has been published for Navy PAs
Thanks to our PA Specialty Leaders present and past, our PA Assistant Specialty Leaders for their work on this framework and content.
The official list of KSAs for Navy PAs can be found here:
KSAs are Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities that Naval personnel are supposed to possess in order to do their jobs well.
In order to ensure Naval medical personnel meet and exceed their operationally-focused KSAs, Navy Medicine has developed standardized enterprise-wide Naval Medical Readiness Criteria (NMRC) in support of readiness performance metrics. The KSAs are divided into categories, as above.
The Navy Surgeon General signed a memo in July 2020 which established the NMRCs. It is well worth the read, and can be downloaded here:
The memo references two enclosures listing Critical Wartime Specialties. One has to do with Combat Casualty Care Teams, and the other with Non-Combat Casualty Care Teams. They are also worth a read, and can be downloaded below:
Each of the Medical Specialties represented has each of the three Categories (as above) and Skill Sets within each. Those Skill Sets can be Knowledge or Performance items. Performance items are those which require a practical application test. Some have requisite training courses, and some have a frequency at which the training should be renewed. They also list the Authoritative Data System that the training is tracked in. It is intended that those data systems will then feed a "dashboard" that can be used to monitor the training at various levels such as corps, command, or individual.
NAPA members (current and former) can also list their KSAs obtained/maintained in their profiles, but this is not an authoritative data system.
Full listings of the Naval Medical Readiness Criteria can be found on the Naval Medical Force Development Center's page on Max.gov (you may need to click this link, log in to Max.gov, then click this link again)
The official list of KSAs for Navy PAs can be found here:
The KSAs are re-presented below in a more readable and screen-friendly format. Click each of the categories below for its official description, and then click on nested sub items to expand them.
Category 1: Core Practice/Clinical Currency
Core Practice/Clinical Currency
Fundamental training and skills, usually obtained through medical education and maintained through Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) experience and/or partnerships. This category of requirements links to the attainment of core practice, clinical currency, and KSA Threshold for medical personnel.
List items:
PA Certification
Board Certified and Eligible to Maintain Within the Initial Period of Eligibility for Certification
- Initial certification, once per career
- Maintaining continuing certification by completing Maintenance of Certification (MOC), every 24 months per NCCPA
- Current certification on file by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), every 24 months per NCCPA
- Passage of Physician Assistant National Certification and Recertification Exam (PANCE), once per career
- Passage of Physician Assistant National Recertification Exam (PANRE), once per 10 years per NCCPA
These are Performance, to be considered On-The-Job Training (OJT), tracked in JCCQAS, and are a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Qualifying Degree
Qualifying degree
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Bachelor of Science programs or Certificate of Completion programs (considered on a case by case basis)
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accredited PA programs and National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certification
These are Knowledge, once per career, tracked in JCCQAS, and are a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Inpatient Experience
Clinical - Inpatient Experience
- Maintain annual non-ICU inpatient ward skills:
- Recommended 10 days on inpatient service annually
- Requirement as determined by the Service Consultant/Specialty Leader and may require civilian partnership to be established for requirement to be met
- If requirement cannot be met, an annual waiver may be approved by appropriate authority for the specific service
These are Performance, to be renewed every 36 months, considered On-The-Job Training (OJT), tracked in JCCQAS, and are a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Clinical Affiliation and Privileges
Clinical Affiliation and Privileges
Clinical
- Credentials
- Maintain core Physician Assistant privileges and maintain an affiliation with a clinical setting per Service requirement
- Outpatient
- Provide care in an outpatient setting consisting of minimum Service requirement to maintain core privilege set
***If requirement cannot be met, an annual waiver may be approved by appropriate authority for the specific Service
These are Performance, to be renewed every 12-24 months, considered On-The-Job Training (OJT), tracked in JCCQAS, and are a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Active Clinical Practice
Active Clinical Practice
- Case log of 8 clinical hours/month performed at MTF/VA within the primary clinical specialty as foundational Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) for medical care required to perform in Garrison and Deployed.
- Other Training Affiliation Agreements (TAA)/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Off Duty Employment may be included.
***For inclusion, external workload must be reported to the MTF Moonlighting POC
These are Performance, to be renewed every 12 months, considered On-The-Job Training (OJT), tracked in JCCQAS, and are a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Category 2: Expeditionary Skills for Readiness Currency
Expeditionary Skills for Readiness/Readiness Currency
Combat Specialty Knowledge
Individual skills specific to operating in an expeditionary environment.
Category 2 Readiness Criteria ensures transference of Category 1 skills to the expeditionary environment, including patient care during combat operations. Category 2 Readiness Criteria also includes general platform training requirements for an individual specialty across the potential operating environment to which the individual would be assigned. This category of requirements links to the attainment of readiness currency.
Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS)
Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS)
This is an Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 4 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform.
This is Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, available through the Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) course through DHMRTI in San Antonio, tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 5 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform.
This is both Knowledge and Performance, to be renewed every 24 months, available locally at many duty stations through the NMRTC, tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 5 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform.
This is both Knowledge and Performance, is required once per career but can be renewed every 48 months for currency, available locally at many duty stations through the NMRTC, tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
All healthcare providers require this.
This is both Knowledge and Performance, to be renewed every 24 months, available locally at many duty stations through the NMRTC, tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Expeditionary Skills - Combat Casualty Care
Expeditionary Skills - Combat Casualty Care
- Successfully complete Combat Casualty Care Course (C4), or Tactical Combat Medical Course (TCMC)
- Review Joint Trauma System (JTS) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) within 12 months of deployment
- Service specific Role 1 and 2 training prior to deployment
- Complete validated exercise and/or courses (in person, simulated and/or online) requirement as determined by Service Consultant/Specialty Leader
These are Performance, required once per career, tracked in JCCQAS, and are a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
The Combat Casualty Care Course (C4) is available through DHMTRI.
The Tactical Combat Medical Course (TCMC) can be challenging to get a slot in as preference is given for Army with orders to deploy, though they do accept Navy students. This is excellent training aimed at Role I/II and BAS operations. A web search may help you find where and how to apply.
Knowledge of Combat Stress/PTSD
Knowledge of Combat Stress/PTSD
Maintain Training in Initial Evaluation and Management of Combat Stress/PTSD
Complete validated exercise and/or courses (in person, simulated and/or online) requirement as determined by Service Consultant/Specialty Leader
This is Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, can be completed as above, is tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Editor's note: I've checked My Navy Portal, NKO/NEL, Relias, JKO, FLTMPS, ESAMS, and the VA and have not found an online training module listed for either "PTSD" or "Stress". If you know where we're supposed to go for this training, could you please contact me so I can post it here and others will then also know where to find it? (I'm probably missing something obvious!) -- Thanks!, Ari
Concussion Training for Medical Personnel
Concussion Training for Medical Personnel
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 8 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, can be completed at Joint Knowledge Online as "Concussion Training for Medical Personnel" course number US1116, is tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Triage, Treatment, and Management of (CBRNE) Exposure
Triage, Treatment, and Management of CBRNE Exposure
Demonstrates Proficiency with Triage, Treatment, and Management of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-yield Explosives (CBRNE) Exposure
Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) CBRNE course or completion of individual Service training requirement/courses
- Emergency Preparedness Response Course (EPRC) - Basic Awareness, course number US261-HB
- Emergency Preparedness Response Course (EPRC) - Clinician, course number US017
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 8 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
These are Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, can be completed at Joint Knowledge Online, as the course numbers above, are tracked in FLTMPS, and are NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Indoctrination & Orientation
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Indoctrination & Orientation
EMF 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 8 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, can be completed at Relias health, as the course "EMF-150 Indoctrination and Orientation", is tracked in FLTMPS, and is NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Damage Control Resuscitation
Damage Control Resuscitation
- Demonstrate competency in establishing a walking blood bank
- Complete validated exercise and/or courses (in person, simulated and/or online) requirement
Training To Be Determined and approved as per Specialty Leader.
These are Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, are completed as per Specialty Leader, tracking is TBD, and are a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Fresh Whole Blood
Fresh Whole Blood
Training To Be Determined and approved as per Specialty Leader.
EMF 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 8 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, completed as per Specialty Leader, tracking is TBD, and is NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Initial Management of a Dental Condition
Perform Initial Management of a Dental Condition
Perform Initial Management of a Dental Condition (Broken Tooth, Infection, Temp Filling, Etc.)
- Complete dental rotation, validated exercise and/or courses (in person, simulated and/or online) requirement as determined by Service Consultant/Specialty Leader
- Case log of 12 patients/yr at base dental clinic
This is Performance, to be renewed every 12 months, is considered on-the-job training, tracking is in JCCQAS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Initial Management of Disease and Non-battle Injuries
Perform Initial Management of Disease and Non-battle Injuries
Perform Initial Management of Disease and Non-battle Injuries:
- Demonstrating competency in:
- Infectious/Tropical Disease patients
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary conditions
- Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
Complete validated exercise and/or courses (in person, simulated and/or online) requirement as determined by Service Consultants/Specialty Leader
This is Performance, to be renewed every 36 months, can be obtained through various means such as Just in Time Training from USHUS Tropical Medicine instructors or a Global Health Course, tracking is in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Knowledge of Tactical Evacuation and Theater Movement
Knowledge of Tactical Evacuation and Theater Movement
Med/AEROEVAC: Familiarization of Concepts and Procedures for Patient Movement in Theater
Complete validated exercise and/or courses (in person, simulated and/or online) requirement as determined by Service Consultant/Specialty Leader
This is Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, can be completed at Relias health, is tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Analgesia for the Trauma Patient
Manage Analgesia for the Trauma Patient
Demonstrate competency in managing pain for the trauma patient
This is Performance, to be renewed every 36 months, course and tracking are to be determined, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Detainee Healthcare
Detainee Healthcare
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 7 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is Knowledge, to be renewed every 36 months, can be completed at Joint Knowledge Online as the "Medical Ethics and Detainee Operations Basic Course" course number US019, is tracked in FLTMPS, and is NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Initial Medical Care on Environmental Injuries
Perform Initial Medical Care on Environmental Injuries
Perform Initial Medical Care on Environmental Injuries:
- Demonstrate competency in treating inhalation injuries
- Demonstrate competency in management of cold and hot weather injuries
This is Performance, considered on-the-job training, to be renewed every 36 months, completed at an NMRTC, tracked in an individual's local training folder, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Course Completion or Equivalent Service Course
Completion of service specific tier as per specified in DoDI 1322.24
This is Performance, is available at NMRTC's, to be renewed every 36 months, tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric
Navy Trauma Training Course (NTTC)
Navy Trauma Training Course (NTTC)
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 2 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is both Knowledge and Performance, is available at the Naval Trauma Training Center (NTTC) through NMOTC, to be renewed every 36 months, tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Maintenance of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
This is Performance, to be renewed every 24 months, available locally at many duty stations through the NMRTC, tracked in FLTMPS, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner (SAMFE)
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner (SAMFE)
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 1 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is both Knowledge and Performance, performed once per career, available locally at many duty stations through the NMRTC, tracked in FLTMPS, and is NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Telehealth in Theater
Telehealth
Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency of utilizing telehealth in theater
This is Performance, considered on-the-job training, is not tracked, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Theater Medical Information Program (TMIP)-J, AHLTA-T, and TC2
Theater Medical Information Program (TMIP)-J, AHLTA-T, and TC2
- Theater Medical Information Program (TMIP)-J
- AHLTA-T is a deployable version of AHLTA that operates as a standalone (e.g. on a laptop in a BAS without a network connection) and then synchronizes data to the main AHLTA system when a network connection becomes available.
- ATTRS course "Theater Medical Information Program (TMIP)-J AHLTA-T", number 081SDL19-60MC4-0002
- TMIP CHCS - Caché (TC2) is a deployable CHCS cache that allows documentation, ordering, and results, and then transmits the resultant health data to later be viewed in the Electronic Health Record in the Theater Medical Data Store (TMDS)
- ATTRS course "Theater Medical Information Program (TMIP)-J TC2", number 081SDL19-67CMC4-0001
- AHLTA-T is a deployable version of AHLTA that operates as a standalone (e.g. on a laptop in a BAS without a network connection) and then synchronizes data to the main AHLTA system when a network connection becomes available.
Editor's note: I have had much better luck getting into ATTRS from .mil network computers than from home with my CAC reader.
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) 150 individual platform training requirement: Required for 8 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
These are Knowledge, performed every 36 months, available through ATTRS, tracked in FLTMPS, and are NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Perform Initial Medical Care to Injured Military Working Animals
Care to Injured Military Working Animals
Perform Initial Medical Care to Injured Military Working Animals:
- Complete validated exercise and/or courses (in person, simulated and/or online) requirement as determined by Service Consultant/Specialty Leader
This is Performance, periodicity, course, and tracking are to be determined, and is a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Category 3: Platform Training for Readiness
Category 3 - Platform Training for Readiness
Readiness Proficiency/Operational Platform
Team/Unit-level training specific to a platform or unit to which a Service member is assigned. This category of requirements links to the attainment of readiness proficiency and, as such, joint interoperability.
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Build Team Training
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Build Team Training
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Phase IIA training, course B-300-2406
Required for 1 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is Performance, performed every 36 months, available through the Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Institute (NEMTI) onboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton California, tracked in FLTMPS, and is NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Field Training and Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE)
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Field Training and Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE)
Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMF) Phase IIB training, course B-300-2407
Required for 3 out of 8 personnel assigned to EMF 150 platform
This is Performance, performed every 36 months, available through the Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Institute (NEMTI) onboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton California, tracked in FLTMPS, and is NOT a Joint Expeditionary Scope of Practice (ESP) / Joint Metric.