Back to Nova Southeastern University
Welcome to the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Fort Lauderdale Physician Assistant Program. We are pleased to welcome you as the newest members of our PA student community and congratulate you on your achievement of being selected into this competitive and respected program.
Your journey begins with orientation on Monday, 18th, 2026, where you will be introduced to program expectations, academic policies, campus resources, and support services designed to promote your success. Orientation also marks the start of meaningful professional relationships with your peers, faculty, and staff—relationships that will support you throughout your training and into your professional careers.
The faculty and staff of the NSU Fort Lauderdale PA Program are committed to your growth and development. We encourage you to engage actively in your education, take ownership of your learning, and approach each experience with curiosity and professionalism. The path ahead will be demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding.
Again, congratulations on your acceptance! We are proud to welcome you to the NSU Fort Lauderdale campus and look forward to supporting you as you prepare to become skilled, ethical, and compassionate physician assistants.
Sincerely,
Diana E. Cherkiss, MMS, MPH, PA-C
Program Director
Email: diana.cherkiss@nova.edu
Orientation Day Schedule
- May 18-20, 2026
- Location: NSU's Fort Lauderdale campus
- The final orientation schedule will be posted by April 30, 2026. Orientation for the Fort Lauderdale PA program will be 3 days, including the formal orientation ceremony, introduction to program policies and procedures, tools for success, and time to meet each other and the faculty and staff.
- Attendance for all orientation events is mandatory. Students will not be excused from any portion of orientation.
- The expected attire for orientation week is described below:
- Slacks, shirt and tie, socks and closed-toe shoes, and dresses or skirts at knee level or below. Cocktail/formal dresses or low-cut blouses/tops are unacceptable. Shorts, cutoffs, skirts above the knee, jeans, see-through clothing, halter tops, tube tops, and exercise clothes are also unacceptable.
Summer 2026 Course Information
Registration for the Summer 2026 term will be coordinated by the Academic Coordinator, Ms. Krystal Tamewitz. Her email is ktamewit@nova.edu. Please check your email regularly after April 1 for correspondence regarding orientation.
Summer 2026 Book List
Students are responsible for obtaining the textbooks and materials listed on the Summer 2026 Booklist (list to be posted at a later date). Recommended textbooks and materials are selected by the course directors to enhance student learning; however, students are not required to obtain recommended textbooks and materials.
Some textbooks are available online through the Health Professions Division, (HPD), Library system. Students are to review the booklist to identify which books are available online. Books, whether online or not, can be purchased through the NSU bookstore.
PA Diagnostic Equipment List
Students in the Physician Assistant Program are required to have their own diagnostic equipment in order to perform physical examinations. All equipment on the PA Diagnostic Equipment List is required.
The program will host an equipment fair during orientation with the Welch-Allyn representative to answer any questions you have. It is recommended to order through our direct link (when available). You may order your equipment at any time prior to orientation, or wait until after the equipment fair.
The Class of 2027 will be selling Equipment Bags with all required materials (excluding Welch-Allyn products) as a class fundraiser. Information will be provided once it is available.