Physician Assistant Program - Fort Lauderdale
Curriculum
Overview
The entry-level physician assistant program at NSU, leading to a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree, is a fully integrated program encompassing basic science, clinical, and professional work. All students must complete the entire curriculum, regardless of their previous educational preparation.
The PA-S(1): Academic Education (15 months)
The course of study in the 15 month didactic/academic phase includes a curriculum that builds on student knowledge of the basic sciences, introduces clinical medicine and fosters the development of the critical thinking process.
Courses include Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Physical Diagnosis, Medical Terminology, Health Care Dynamics, Microbiology, Legal and Ethical Issues, Pharmacology, Clinical Medicine and Surgery (a multi-discipline review of all medicine and surgery), Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Problem Solving, Social and Behavioral Sciences & Psychiatry, Clinical Procedures and Surgical Skills, Domestic Violence training, OSHA "Blood borne Pathogen" training, and Interpretation of the Medical Literature.
See " Timeline" for specific curriculum outline
The PA-S(2): Clinical Education (12 months)
The second year consists of clinical rotations in hospitals, private practices, and other patient care areas over the remaining 12 months of the program. Some electives may be available for choice by the student. The following areas of concentration are required in this education phase: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine.
During the second year, students are required to return to campus after each rotation. These "End of Rotation" events include testing, review seminars, job preparation and didactic instruction in contemporary clinical medicine and surgery topics.
