Frequently Asked Questions PA Program Fort Lauderdale

Are you ready for a career as a Physician Assistant? NSU's accredited Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant prepares you for a rapidly-changing health care world.

Find answers to common questions that future PA students may have before applying to the Orlando program.

Graduates of the NSU Orlando Physician Assistant program earn a Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) degree. All students are required to enroll in the degree program, regardless of their prior professional or educational

You must have earned a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to matriculating into the Physician Assistant program. For more information, see the admissions requirements on our website.

No. Students enrolled in the Orlando PA program will be assigned to clinical sites and preceptors from its established network of clinical partners and resources.

The program is a full-time residential program in which all courses are taught at our Orlando, Florida campus. Students are expected to live and study in the Orlando area for the duration of the program.

A successful applicant typically demonstrates a strong combination of life experience, academic achievement, and professional knowledge that illustrates a commitment to patient care. Competitive candidates show a clear understanding of the PA profession and the ability to thrive in a rigorous academic and clinical setting.

While not required, healthcare experience is highly recommended. This can be either paid or volunteer work and should include exposure to mid-level practitioners.

Academic performance is a key consideration in the admissions process. While past grades don’t define current potential, they can help predict an applicant’s ability to succeed in the program. Applicants are encouraged to strengthen both their overall and science GPAs before applying. The first year of the program is especially rigorous, so taking courses that reflect the intensity and pacing of the PA curriculum can be beneficial. A consistently strong academic record or a clear upward trend in recent coursework is viewed favorably during the admissions review.

Orlando PA Program

About the Physician Assistant Degree

Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) Pass Rates

Dual Admission

Alumni Association

The program typically receives over 1,000 applications annually. Admission is highly competitive, so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to the program through CASPA.

The maximum class size is 64 students.

Applicants may apply with no more than two missing or in progress prerequisite courses at the time of application. All science prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the fall semester prior to matriculation. All non-science prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation.

Healthcare experience is not required but is highly recommended.

Yes, financial aid is available to those who apply and are eligible. Most NSU receive financial aid from public and private sources. When preparing to enter the program, it’s important to also plan for the financial responsibilities associated with PA school. For more information and guidance, please contact the NSU Financial Aid Office.

No. Students accepted into the program can find housing in some of the neighboring communities. More housing information can be obtained from the office of the NSU PA Program in Orlando by calling (407) 264-5150.

All applicants must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better, though higher grades — especially science courses — are more competitive. While GPA is an important factor, it is not the sole consideration for admission. The applicant’s goal should be to present a well-rounded application that reflects academic readiness and a strong commitment to the PA profession.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination), including the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections, are required for admission into the program.

Since your goal is to become a physician assistant, your volunteer experience should provide you with meaningful exposure to patient care and the roles of healthcare professionals, especially PAs, physicians and other providers involved in primary patient care. Look for opportunities that allow you to observe and assist with primary patient care, gain familiarity with clinical environments, and understand the tools, procedures, and workflows used in medical settings. Even if unpaid, this kind of hands-on experience can help you better understand the profession and strengthen your application.

All prerequisite courses must be completed as listed. Please refer to the official list of prerequisites on our website for full details.

The PA program requires all students to complete the entire curriculum at the specified campus. No advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning will be granted.

The program does not offer a certificate option. All students must complete the full Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) degree curriculum.

All prerequisite courses must be completed at the college level. Transcripts from foreign institutions must be officially evaluated and translated to reflect U.S. equivalency of college-level coursework, grades, and semester units.

Individual advisement appointments (in person or by phone) with someone from the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions are very limited due to the volume of applicants. Please carefully review the PA program brochure, catalog, and website, which contain all necessary guidance.

Appointments are limited due to the large number of applicants. Information about the admission requirements and application process are outlined on the NSU Orlando PA program website and in the University Catalog.

You can meet with a counselor or adviser at your current college or university. College counselors/advisers are usually familiar with general education requirements and can help you select appropriate courses. If they have any questions, they are welcome to contact our program or admissions office.

The Committee on Admissions is composed of program faculty, and its membership may change from year to year.

Interviews are conducted one-on-one with a panel of 2-4 committee members using a flexible format.

All applicants, including International Medical Graduates (IMG's), must meet the same admission requirements. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a U.S.-based (NACES approved) credential evaluation service. Courses completed in medical school cannot be substituted for NSU PA program coursework. Please see our website for a listing of suggested services used by our international applicants. International transcripts that are submitted without official evaluation will not be considered.

Please note that there is no test which IMGs can take to challenge the NSU PA program in Orlando, obtain a PA license, or become nationally certified as a PA. All IMGs accepted into the program must complete the entire program.

Graduates of foreign institutions where English is not the primary language of instruction must present transcripts showing at least 18 semester hours at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Of these 18 semester hours, applicants must complete 3 credits each in English Composition, English Literature, and Public Speaking, as well as 9 elective credits. ESOL and physical education courses will not fulfill these requirements.

While you may note that there are some IMG/FMGs in Florida, practicing as PAs that never attended PA school, that route was closed legislatively several years ago. Florida no longer allows International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to become PAs without successfully completing an accredited PA program and passing the national NCCPA certification exam.

Admission is highly competitive. The program receives over 1,000 applications each year, but only 64 students are admitted. There is no formula to predict acceptance, as applicants come from a variety of backgrounds. Focus on submitting a complete and well-prepared application that reflects your academic readiness, healthcare experience, and commitment to the PA profession. We also recommend applying to multiple programs to increase your chances.