Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

Yes. A baccalaureate degree must be completed prior to matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program. Prospective students are to refer to the Requirements for Admission tab for additional information. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 Orlando 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 Orlando 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 information 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, Leya Taylor, at (407) 264-5758 or email your questions to ltaylor3@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.

Although healthcare experience is not required, greater consideration is given to students with healthcare experience.

• 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.

No.  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 64 students.

No. 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.

• The NSU Orlando 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.

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. 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.

• Yes. 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  International or Foreign Medical Graduates 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.