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Physician Assistant Program - Jacksonville

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates of the NSU PA Program Jacksonville will receive the degree, Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant. All students must enroll in all courses, regardless of previous work or education history.

Yes, a baccalaureate degree must have been received prior to matriculation into the physician assistant program. See Requirements for Admission for more information.

No, it is not up to the student to provide clinical sites or preceptors for their clinical rotations. The program will assign students to clinical sites and preceptors from its inventory of clinical resources.

No, all classes for the program are based in Jacksonville, Florida. Currently, there is no distance learning or part-time format available. Occasionally, the curriculum is delivered via recorded lectures and Zoom sessions; however, the program is entirely full-time and residential.

The successful applicant to the NSU PA Program Jacksonville will have combination of life, educational and work experience that shows a commitment to patient care, an understanding of the PA profession and the ability to perform in a demanding academic and professional setting. Competition for entrance into PA programs is strong.

Although not required, healthcare experience is highly recommended. This experience can be either paid or volunteer and should include exposure to mid level practitioners. Additionally applicants may gain valuable information from the material available as Associate Members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Past educational performance, while not indicative of current abilities, can predict performance in the program. Every attempt should be made to enhance overall and science course GPA prior to application. The first year is extremely demanding and the applicant will benefit by taking courses that simulate this type of education.

On average, the program receives 1,000 applications per year. The admission process is rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply prior to the CASPA application deadline.

The maximum class size is 60 students.

No, but all science prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the Fall semester prior to matriculation.

The NSU Jacksonville Physician Assistant Program is a rigorous and immersive educational experience that requires students to make attendance and academic performance their top priorities. 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 rotations across various locations in the state, with schedules that can vary significantly. Additionally, students are not allowed to work for preceptors, at clinical sites affiliated with Nova Southeastern University, or in any capacity—paid or unpaid—for the NSU PA Program. This includes roles such as instructional faculty, clinical staff, or administrative personnel. Any such employment constitutes a conflict of interest and is strictly prohibited.
Clinical experience is NOT required for admission, but it will substantially enhance an applicant's application. It is important that one is very familiar with the career they are planning to pursue. We value the type of experience more than the total number of hours.
Yes, financial aid is available to those who apply and are eligible. Most NSU students receive financial aid from public and private sources. Part of entry planning should include financial preparation. For additional questions, students are referred to 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 at Jacksonville by calling (904)-245-8990.

Prior to matriculation, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, 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.

Required Courses: The college requires applicants to earn a grade of "C" or better in each of the following required subjects:

  • College Math - 3 semester hours (sh.)
  • English - 6 sh..
  • Humanities/Arts - 3 sh.
  • Social Sciences - 9 sh.
  • General Chemistry (I & II) including labs - 8 sh.
  • Microbiology including laboratory - 4 sh.
  • General Biology OR Zoology including laboratory - 4 sh.
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology - 6 sh.
  • Biochemistry - 3 sh.
  • Genetics - 3 sh.
  • Medical Terminology - 1 sh.

Yes. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is REQUIRED for admissions at this time

Students are strongly discouraged from maintaining full-time or part-time employment during the program due to its demanding, full-time nature. This ensures they can fully commit to their studies and succeed in the program.
Student volunteer experience should provide as much exposure/experience as possible to the roles and responsibilities of physicians, physician assistants and/or other medical professionals, whose primary responsibility is patient care.

No. See the list of prerequisites on the web site.

Yes. Each applicant is viewed equally; therefore, each must complete all prerequisite course work outlined in the flyer. No exceptions or substitutions. Course credit is not given for previous work of life experience.

The Program does not offer certificates. Students must complete the entire 27-month program as outlined for the M.M.S. degree requirements regardless of previously completed course work or degrees.
All prerequisite courses must be completed from regionally accredited colleges or universities. Any applicant with foreign education is required to have a course by course with GPA calculation foreign evaluation showing U.S. equivalency.
Information about admission requirements and the application process is available on the program's website and the University Catalog. Applicants can request appointments through Graduate and Professional Admissions.
Individual advisement appointments (in person or by phone) by admissions are very limited due to the increasingly large number of applicants; however, applicants are encouraged to reach out for any needed clarifications.
Appointments are limited due to the large number of applicants. Information about admission requirements and the application process is available on the program's website and the University Catalog. Applicants can request appointments through Graduate and Professional Admissions.
Information about admission requirements and the application process is available on the program's website and the University Catalog. Applicants can request appointments through Graduate and Professional Admissions to learn more about the program admission requirements.

Committee members change from year to year and consist primarily members of the PA Program, faculty, and may be augmented by local, practicing Physician Assistants, other practitioners, and other members of the community.

A single applicant interviews with a team of 2-4 interviewers. This format is flexible and individual interviewers may be used in some cases. Please be flexible when coming to campus for interviews.

There are some IMG/FMG's practicing as PA's in Florida that never attended PA school; however, this opportunity was discontinued several years ago. No longer may an IMG/FMG become a PA in Florida without attending an accredited PA program and passing the national NCCPA/PANCE boards for PA's.

We accept IMG/FMGs but their process is different and covered under admission requirements. To learn more about the admission process for applicants with international education, please follow up with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

No. While you may note that there are some IMG/FMG's in Florida , practicing as PA's that never attended PA school, this opportunity was discontinued several years ago. No longer may an IMG/FMG become a PA in Florida without attending an accredited PA program and passing the national NCCPA/PANCE boards for PA's.

The applicant pool varies from year to year, with a wide range of applicants applying to the program annually. Interviews are offered to the most competitive applicants.
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