Top Physician Assistant Schools In Florida

Requirements to become a Physician Assistant in Florida

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) in Florida (FL) requires you to complete a master’s degree program from an accredited school. Following this you will need to obtain the necessary certification and state licensure before you can work there.

Florida has several options when it comes to accredited PA schools, ensuring aspiring physician assistants access to quality education and training.

Accredited PA Schools in Florida – 2024

Physician assistant schools in Florida are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

There are 16 accredited PA schools in Florida – of which 11 are fully ARC-accredited. Additionally, 5 schools hold provisional and/or probationary accreditation, marked with an asterisk (*).

All of these institutions provide excellent opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career as a physician assistant. Students considering these programs should carefully review each school’s specific offerings, including class sizes, graduation rates, housing options, etc. to find the best fit for their educational journey.

Please note: The majority of schools use the CASPA application system so please double check application deadlines on the CASPA website.

Barry University – Miami Shores

• 11300 NE 2nd Avenue Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
• 305-899-3000

Located in the vibrant city of Miami Shores, Barry University is a moderately sized, private institution with just under 9,000 students. The physician assistant program at Barry University is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Class sizes are bigger than most – admitting 76 students each year. To gain admission, applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree in any area of study, along with GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and healthcare experience.  The program takes 28 months to complete.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn a Master of Clinical Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MCMSc-PAS) degree. This qualification enables them to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) required for licensure as a physician assistant in Florida.

AdventHealth University – Orlando

In the heart of Orlando, AdventHealth University offers a physician assistant program that could be an appealing choice for those who wish to study in a larger urban setting.  AdventHealth is a small, private institution with just 1,600 students. It is ARC-PA accreditation, ensuring that the PA program maintains high educational standards.

Class sizes for the physician assistant program are small admitting only 30 students per year. To secure admission, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree, with specific prerequisite courses in subjects such as biology and chemistry. Competitive GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and prior healthcare experience are often required.

The vibrant and dynamic urban environment of Orlando further enhances the overall appeal of the program, providing students with numerous opportunities for clinical exposure and growth.

Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers

Nestled in the scenic setting of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public institution with approximately 14,600 students.  FGCU’s location offers a picturesque backdrop for learning. On top of this, FGCU takes care of its students by providing onsite accommodation, making it convenient for those who want to live close to campus.

Admission to FGCU’s physician assistant program is competitive with only 20 students being selected each year. Classes begin in August and take 27 months to complete. The intensive curriculum includes 15 months of rigorous on-campus instruction with an additional 12 months dedicated to supervised clinical rotations at healthcare sites off-campus.

FGCU’s program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), ensuring its commitment to high-quality education.

Florida International University- Miami

Situated in the bustling metropolis of Miami, Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university that, since its foundation in 1965, has grown into a prominent institution of higher education in the state.

FIU offers a top physician assistant program within a vibrant urban environment. It is accredited by ARC-PA, underscoring its commitment to excellence in education. The program admits 45 students each year. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, completion of specific prerequisite courses, and competitive GRE scores. You will also need 3 letters of recommendation and prior direct patient care experience.

The program will take 27 months to complete split between an initial 15 months of didactic coursework and a final 12 months of immersive clinical rotations. These rotations provide students with invaluable hands-on experience across various medical specialties, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world practice.

Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Orlando

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) has established a strong presence across Florida with its physician assistant programs located in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Orlando. NSU is known for its commitment to healthcare education and its PA programs are designed to provide aspiring healthcare professionals with a comprehensive education.

The program prides itself on small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention from experienced faculty members. This promotes close-knit learning communities where students can engage deeply with the material. Accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), it meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence. Admission requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite classes in subjects like biology and chemistry, competitive GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and relevant healthcare experience.

Whether you choose to study in the urban environment of Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, or the serene setting of Fort Myers, NSU’s program offers a comprehensive and high-caliber education to prepare future physician assistants for success in the healthcare field.

South University – Tampa

South University is a private institution committed to quality healthcare education. The PA program typically maintains small class sizes, fostering strong faculty-student interactions and personalized learning. It is also accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), emphasizing its dedication to delivering a top-notch education in healthcare.

Upon successful program completion, graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree. This credential positions them to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), a pivotal step toward becoming a licensed physician assistant.

University of Florida – Gainesville

The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville is a public institution known for its academic excellence and commitment to healthcare education. Located in the charming town of Gainesville, UF’s campus offers a mix of rich history and modern amenities, providing a unique blend of academic and recreational opportunities.

UF’s physician assistant program, with its varying class sizes, promotes an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. Moreover, UF’s program holds accreditation from ARC-PA, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality education in the field of healthcare.

Admission to the program is competitive but ensures that students are part of a highly motivated and diverse cohort.  Upon successful program completion, you will earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. As a final step, you will then sit the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), a critical step toward becoming a licensed physician assistant.

University of South Florida – Tampa

• 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620, USA
• 813-974-2011

Situated in the vibrant city of Tampa, the University of South Florida (USF) offers a physician assistant program in an urban setting with access to a diverse healthcare ecosystem.

USF is a public institution with nearly 50,000 students. It is dedicated to excellence in healthcare education, and its physician assistant program is accredited by ARC-PA, underscoring its commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals.

The program typically takes around 24 months to complete. The curriculum integrates advanced instruction in biomedical sciences with problem-based, clinically focused small-group learning –  preparing students to tackle real-world healthcare challenges with confidence.  PA students will also collaborate with peers from the colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy, fostering a deep understanding of working within diverse healthcare teams.

Florida PA Certification and Licensing

Once you have completed an accredited PA program in Florida aspiring PAs must also then sit and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. Exams administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). This comprehensive exam will assess your knowledge and clinical skills in various medical areas. The exams are available to sit year-round at multiple locations throughout Florida.

Licensure and Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.

In Florida, direct supervision of PAs isn’t mandatory; however, supervising physicians must be available for consultations. A written agreement between PAs and physicians is required to define the scope of practice and prescribing privileges. PAs in Florida can prescribe, administer, and dispense Schedule II-V substances within the boundaries of state law and without the requirement for an additional Controlled Substance License.

The Florida Board of Medicine governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Florida. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:

Address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C03, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3253
Phone: (850) 488-0595
Website: https://flboardofmedicine.gov

Physician Assistant Salary and Job Outlook Florida

As of 2024, in Florida, there are 8,480 employed physician assistants with an average salary of $110,930. This represents an hourly wage of $53.33, and is 12.93% above the national average of $125,270. The top 10% of PAs in Florida earn a significant $162,630, while even the bottom 10% earn a respectable $42,980.

The job outlook for physician assistants remains extremely promising, with the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a job growth rate of 27% between 2022 and 2032. This is much faster than the average for all occupations – making it a lucrative and stable career choice for those considering this path.