Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

• Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to matriculation, with a minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 on a four‑point grading scale. 
• All science prerequisites must be completed by the end of the Fall semester prior to matriculation.

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 and non-academic factors.

• Admission to PA programs is highly competitive. Successful applicants to the NSU Jacksonville PA Program 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 Physician Assistant profession, and the ability to perform well in a rigorous academic and professional environment. 
• Although not required, prior 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. Applicants are also encouraged to learn more about the profession through available professional resources, such as Associate Membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and engagement with the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA).
• Academic performance is an important consideration in the admissions process. While past educational performance does not solely define current ability, it can be predictive of success in the program. 

• Applicants are encouraged to strengthen their overall and science 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 Jacksonville 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.

The NSU PA Program Jacksonville receives a high volume of applications each year, reflecting the competitive nature of Physician Assistant education. 

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.

• A variety of resources are available to help applicants learn more about the program and admission requirements. Many common questions are addressed through orientation sessions and information posted on the program website. Applicants are also welcome to reach out to the admissions team with specific questions or requests for clarification. 
• For further information, contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, Samantha Gaulden, at (904) 245-8912 or email your questions to sg871@nova.edu.

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. 

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. 

Yes. 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 maximum class size is 60 students. 

No. The didactic phase of the NSU Jacksonville PA program is offered exclusively in Jacksonville, Florida. The curriculum is delivered in a fulltime, residential format, and a distance learning or part-time option is not available. 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.

• No. The NSU Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Physician Assistant Program office at (904) 245-8990.

• 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.