Expand your clinical effectiveness or pursue non-clinical roles impacting community health, disease-prevention, education, research and other initiatives. Earn your dual degree in just three years.
Four Florida PA Programs: Consistent, Outstanding Outcomes
The NSU PA Department has over 25 years of experience in preparing over 3,400 physician assistants to make a difference in health care as part of a team. Close collaboration about curriculum and careful resource management has resulted in continuously positive results for our students.
You can add value to your education with proper point-of-care ultrasound training, or enter a concurrent enrollment program for both PA/M.M.S. (Master of Medical Science) and MPH degrees. Becoming a PA at NSU means opening a world of possibilities.
Quick Facts
Delivery Options
The NSU PA degree is offered in four locations: Fort Lauderdale/Davie, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Orlando.
Start Dates
This cutting-edge program begins late May (Four programs on four campuses).
Tuition
Degree Completion
The PA program (Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree) totals 144 credit hours and can be completed in 27 months.
Fast Facts
96%
NSU PA graduates enjoy a 96% pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE): Five-Year Average of First Time Test Takers
Top-Ranked Program
Join a program ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report
PA History Society
The PA Program is proud to be a supporter of the Physician Assistant History Society.
Source: 2019 average pass rates among all four NSU PA program locations.
Community Caring and Support
All four of NSU’s Physician Assistant degree programs embody a strong community service commitment to support urgent local and global community needs — particularly health care delivery for rural and underserved areas. Support activities vary by program/region and include:
- Rural rotations with student housing provided
- Free physicals for high schoolers
- Holiday “Angel Trees” for low income families
- Fundraising marathons
- Global outreach efforts, including specific mission trips and “Clean the World” initiatives
Earning Potential
Is a PA Career Right for Me? - 5 Questions to Ask
Thousands of people apply to NSU PA programs each year — and there are far fewer slots than applicants. Students who are accepted discover that the curriculum and career are as challenging as they are rewarding. Your answers to the five questions below can help you decide if pursuing PA licensure is the right choice for you.
- Do you have prior health care experience?
- Are you strong academically — especially in science?
PA program curriculum is demanding — especially your first year. You want to make sure you’re academically ready. - Do you love interacting with people?
You’ll spend long, busy days caring for and working with many different types of people and personalities. PAs must be great communicators and listeners; patient; compassionate; confident; and detail oriented. - Are you a team player?
Since many Physician Assistants work for or with physicians, collaborative skills are key. Think less medical rock star, more invaluable team expert. - Are you a self-starter who embraces a challenge?
The PA program is an intensive commitment: it requires a dedicated internal drive to succeed. Students who get frustrated easily or need others to help motivate them will likely struggle.
Important Tips Before You Apply
There are two different applications you’ll need to submit as part of the admissions process.
- Start by submitting your CASPA application first.
- Once that application is verified by CASPA, you will then be sent the NSU Supplemental Application via an online link.
Expand Your Options: Earn Your Dual PA/MPH
