Equipment

EQUIPMENT LIST   

Below is a list of medical equipment that you will need for the courses, PA505 History and Physical Exam, PA510 Physical Diagnosis I, PA511 Physical Diagnosis II, and PA512 Physical Diagnosis III.  You will also use the equipment in the SEMC, throughout the clinical year, and even during your careers.  

You will need to have the equipment/items listed below by the 3rd week of classes.  

We invite medical equipment representatives to the PA Program Orientation so that you can handle the equipment and ask questions. You are not required to purchase from these vendors and neither the college nor the PA Program benefit from any sales that take place through these vendors. Often these vendors offer group pricing and special extended warranties not found elsewhere and will ship your purchases for free.  Ultimately, you are free to obtain the equipment in any manner you choose but it is suggested that you wait until after program orientation to have a better understanding of what is needed. 

1. Consultation Jacket (two)

This is a short white jacket (like a men’s suit jacket).  They come in several styles and are available at most uniform stores.  

2. Stethoscope

For auscultation of the heart, lungs, and abdomen.  Look for one with good fitting, soft earpieces, a short double tube, and a dual head with a bell and diaphragm.  

Approx cost: $150 - $200

3. Sphygmomanometer

Portable adult sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff).  Get a high quality instrument if you plan to keep and use this in your practice and with family and friends.  

Approx cost: $20

4. Neurological/reflex hammer

For neurological testing.  

Approx cost: $10.00

5. Diagnostic Kit

 The small portable version is NOT recommended for learning.

• • Ophthalmoscope

For eye examination.  The optional panoptic head is very useful.

• • Otoscope with disposable ear speculums

For examination of the distal portion of the ear canal, the nares, and trans-illumination.  Also an Insulflator bulb for the pediatric ear exam

Approx Cost: $400 - $500+

6. Tuning forks

512 Hz for distinguishing between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss and 128 Hz for testing vibratory sense

 OR 

256 Hz as an initial assessment for vibratory sense and conductive/sensorineural hearing loss

Approx cost: $5 - $10

7. Thermometer

For measuring body temperature. (Standard under the tongue type is acceptable)

Approx cost: $5 - $10

8. Bag

To hold all of this equipment/supplies (camera bag or other type of gadget bags with multiple compartments are preferred over traditional medical bags)

Approx cost: varies

General Supplies (required for use in a physical examination): 

• • time piece (wrist watch/smart phone)-to measure heart rate and respiration

  • hand-held pocket (Rosenbaum) eye chart - for measuring visual acuity (often included with a diagnostic kit)

  • 2 small objects (coin, paper clip, bottle cap, etc.) - for testing stereognosis

  • “bobby pin” or paper clip - for testing two-point tactile discrimination

Provided to you by PA Program at Orientation

Pen Light:  For examination of the mouth and visual reflexes 

Tape Measure: For various specialty exams

Additional Supplies provided in lab

• • 2 distinctive scents (e.g. coffee, cinnamon) in resealable containers for testing olfaction

  • tongue depressors - for examining the mouth

  • gauze (2 x 2) and latex-free gloves - for examining the mouth

  • cotton tipped applicators - for neurological testing 

  • latex gloves

  • cotton balls - at assess light touch