Physician Assistant Program - Jacksonville

Orientation

Dear PA Class of 2015,

Welcome to the Nova Southeastern University's Physician Assistant Program and your first step toward a rewarding and challenging career as a Physician Assistant. The Academic Year will begin May 24, 2013 with an Orientation ceremony and luncheon. Our faculty and staff are committed to providing you with the finest resources as well as the best learning opportunities possible. Our goal is to make your experience at Nova Southeastern University the best available in the nation.

Additionally, you will find important information provided by Mrs. Lindsay Cepeda, the admissions counselor for the Physician Assistant-Jacksonville program. Now that the admission process is complete, Mrs. Cepeda will serve as your point of contact for the orientation. Of prime importance are the background check, physical exam, and immunization requirements. These requirements must be met before entry into the program, as you will be coming in contact with patients during the first year. Please return the forms to the Magnus Health Portal as soon as possible so that your transition into the program will proceed smoothly.

In addition to the above material, you will find other vital information from Dr. Hugh Rappa, the Academic Director, which will need to be completed before you matriculate into the program.

Again, congratulations on your selection and welcome to Nova Southeastern University's Physician Assistant Program. We look forward to seeing you and your family on May 24th. If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kerry L. Whitaker, MSHS, PA-C
Program Director
Department Chair & Assistant Professor

Orientation Day

Orientation for the entering class of 2013 will be on Friday, May 24th at 9:00 a.m. Please complete and submit the Orientation Attendance Questionnaire. Dress for the Orientation Ceremony is business attire.

Please bring with you the completed Student Information Sheet and the Parking Permit Application along with a photocopy of your vehicle registration.

Welcome Letter from Academic Director

NSU PA Program Academic Director

Diagnostic Equipment Information

Students in the Physician Assistant Program will be required to have their own diagnostic equipment in order to perform physical examinations. The PA Diagnostic Equipment List will let you know what you need.

An equipment fair will be held during the first week of class, and it is advisable to hold off on purchasing equipment before orientation. If you would like to know more about the options offered at the equipment fair, you can review the 2013 NSU-PA Diagnostic Equipment Order Form. This resource will provide you an opportunity to research your options and make purchases in advance and with the support of their families to arrive at educated decisions.

Lab Bag Information

Please order your lab bag as soon as possible. Complete the order form and return it with your orientation attendance confirmation form.

Summer Booklist

Students are responsible for obtaining the textbooks and materials listed on the Summer 2013 Booklist.

Health Insurance

The Health Professions Division is concerned for the health and welfare of its students. Therefore, a program of student health insurance is required. You may choose to be covered by your own personal hospitalization/health unsurance coverage or you may select a policy that will be offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield through Nova Southeastern University. You will meet with a representative from Blue Cross/Blue Shield during orientation week to discuss the coverage. If you would like to learn about the student health insurance policy offered by NSU go to the Student Medical Center webpage and then on the right click onto health insurance. If you decide not to take the NSU health insurance you will be directed to fill out the waiver form, which you can also find by clicking on health insurance. However, you cannot fill out this waiver form until you are registered for the 2013/2014 academic year which you will do during orientation week.

AAPA/FAPA

An important part of your education includes knowledge of and participation in the organizations that represent and promote the Physician Assistant profession.

"Introduction to the PA Profession" is just one of the courses you will be registered for this summer. This course requires participation in both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. You will find more information about each organization including membership application below. The cost for these memberships has been factored into your financial aid and the benefits are priceless.

Prior to May 24th, please complete and submit your applications for membership to both the

Bring a copy of your registration confirmation to both organizations to orientation on May 24th.