Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates of the NSU PA Program at Fort Lauderdale program will receive the degree, Master of Medical Science (M.M.S) degree in Physician Assistant.

The NSU PA Program does not offer a certificate option. All students must complete the full 27-month curriculum leading to the Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) degree, regardles of prior coursework, degrees, or professional experience.

Yes. A baccalaureate degree must be completed prior to matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program. See Requirements for Admission for additional information.

No. See the prerequisite requirements on this page.

• Applicants must have compledted a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to matriculation, with a minimum cumulative and sicne GPA of 3.0 on a four-point grading scale. As with any other university or college, higher GPAs are more competitive.
• All science prerequisites must be completed by the end of the Fall semester prior to matriculation.
• All prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better. Sicence grades above "C" are more competitive.

The goal is to be competitive and academically prepared to successfully handle the demands of the Program's curriculum. However, the Committee on Admissions does not base its decision soley on grade point averages.

Yes. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is currently required for admission. There is no minimum GRE score required to apply. GRE scores are considered as part of a holistic application review in conjunction with other academic an non-academic factors.

No. All entry-level classes for the program are taught in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. At this time there is no distance learning or part-time format for our program. It is required that you are located in South Florida for the duration of the program.

• Admission to PA programs is highly competitive. Successful applicants to the NSU PA Program Fort Lauderdale typically demonstrate a combination of life experience, academic preparation, and work or service involvement that reflects a strong commitment to patient care, an understanding of the PA profession, and the ability to perform well in a rigorous academic and professional environment. 
• Although not required, healthcare experience is strongly recommended. Such experience may be paid or volunteer and is most valuable when it includes exposure to Physician Assistants or other advanced practice providers. Applicant ae also encouraged to learn more about the profession through availalbe professional resources such as Associate Memberships in the  American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and engagement with the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA).
• Academic performance is an important consideration in the admissions process. While past eductional performance does not solely define current ability, it can be predicitive of success in the program.
• Applicants are encouraged to strengthen their overall and scienc GPAs prior to applying. The first year of the Program is academically demanding, and applicants may benefit from completing coursework that reflects a similarly rigorous academic environment. 

• Nationally, admission to Physician Assistant programs is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to present a strong academic record, relevant healthcare or service experience, and a clear understanding of the PA profession.
• Admission to the NSU PA Program in Fort Lauderdale is competitive. The applicant pool varies from year to year and includes individuals with a wide range of academic backgrounds and experiences. Interview invitations are extended to the most qualified applicants based on a holistic review of their application materials.

Both! There is a group discussion to help break the ice and observe communication skills in a group. After, each applicant interviews with 3-4 interviewers. The format is the same for those who interview live and via Zoom.

In recent years, the NSU PA Program Fort Lauderdale has received 1400 or more applications each year. We traditionally interview approximately 250 people. There is no guaranteed number of applications or interviews in any given year. 

Yes. The Program uses a rolling admissions process, and applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit their CASPA applications as early as possible, prior to the published deadline.

Applicants may apply while prerequisite coursework is still in progress. All science prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the fall semester prior to matriculation. 

No. Coursework substitutions are not permitted. Applicants must meet the prerequisite requirements as outlined on this page.

Yes. All applicants are reviewed equally; therefore, completion of all required prerequisite courses is mandatory, regardless of prior degrees earned.

All prerequisite courses must be completed at regionally accredited colleges or universities. Applicants with foreign education are required to submit a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation, including a GPA calculation, demonstrating United States equivalency.

Clinical experience is not required for admission; however, it may substantially strengthen an applicant’s application. Familiarity with the physician assistant profession is strongly encouraged. Greater consideration is given to applicants with prior healthcare experience. The program values the type of experience more than the total number of hours.

Student volunteer experiences should provide meaningful exposure to the roles and responsibilities of the physician assistant, whose primary responsibility is patient care. Experiences that allow for observation of or participation in patient-centered clinical settings are strongly encouraged. Greater consideration is given to applicants with prior volunteer experience. 

Clinical rotation sites and preceptors are arranged by the program. Students are assigned to approved clinical sites and preceptors through the program’s established network of clinical resources.

The program admits 76 students for each cohort. 

No. All entry-level classes for the program are taught in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At this time, there is no distance learning or part-time format for our program. It is required that students are located in South Florida for the duration of the program. While some course content may occasionally be delivered through recorded lectures or synchronous Zoom sessions, students are expected to participate in the program on campus.

• The NSU Fort Lauderdale Physician Assistant Program is an immersive educational experience that requires students to prioritize attendance and academic performance. Due to the demanding nature of the curriculum, outside employment is strongly discouraged throughout the 27-month program. During the clinical phase, students may be assigned to rotation sites across various locations within the state, and schedules may vary significantly.
• Students are not permitted to work for preceptors, at clinical sites affiliated with Nova Southeastern University, or in any capacity, paid or unpaid, for the NSU Physician Assistant Program. This includes positions such as instructional faculty, clinical staff, or administrative personnel. Any such employment is considered a conflict of interest and is strictly prohibited.

Yes. Financial aid is available to applicants who apply and meet eligibility requirements. Many NSU students receive financial assistance from public and private sources. Financial preparation should be considered as part of the enrollment planning process. For additional information, applicants are advised to contact the NSU Financial Aid Office.

No. On-campus housing is not available for this program. Students accepted into the Program typically secure housing in nearby communities. Additional information and resources related to local housing options may be obtained by contacting the NSU Housing office. 

• Yes. All admission requirements must be met by all applicants, including International Medical Graduates. Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by a U.S.-based credential evaluation service. International transcripts submitted without an official course-by-course evaluation and GPA calculation demonstrating U.S. equivalency will not be considered. Information about accepted evaluation services is available through the University.
• It is also important to note that there is no examination or alternative pathway that allows International Medical Graduates to bypass the NSU PA Program, obtain a Physician Assistant license, or achieve national certification. All International Medical Graduates accepted into the program are required to complete the full curriculum. Coursework completed in foreign medical schools cannot be substituted for courses within the NSU PA Program.

• No. In the past, a limited pathway allowed some International or Foreign Medical Graduates to practice as Physician Assistants in Florida without completing a PA program. This pathway has been discontinued and is no longer available. Currently, individuals seeking licensure as a Physician Assistant in Florida are required to graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program and successfully pass the national NCCPA PANCE examination.
• The NSU PA Program does accept applicants with international medical education; however, the admissions process differs and is outlined within the Program’s admission requirements. Applicants with international education are encouraged to review these requirements carefully and to follow up with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions for additional guidance.