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 first year (4 terms over 15 months) consists of intensive, didactic classroom and laboratory education. This educational process is designed to give the student practical and useful information to begin the practice of medicine with the supervision of a physician. The courses of study are required PRIOR to beginning the clinical education phase.

(Note: We understand that many applicants have completed similar courses in other institutions. No course exemptions for previous course work completed prior to admission will be considered except by expressed permission of the Program Director and the Dean, College of Allied Health and Nursing. The curriculum is subject to change and /or modification at any time).

The course of study in the didactic/academic 15 months includes Gross Anatomy, Functional Basis of Health & Disease, Physical Diagnosis, Medical Terminology, Biomedical Principles (Pharmacology Prep), Introduction to the PA Profession, Cultural Issues and Disparities in Healthcare, Health Care Delivery Systems (The Business of Medicine), Microbiology, Legal and Ethical Issues, Pharmacology, Clinical Medicine and Surgery (a multi discipline of all medicine and surgery), Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Problem Solving, Social and Behavioral Sciences & Psychiatry, Electrocardiography, Women's Health, Life Support Skills and Procedures, Clinical Procedures and Surgical Skills, Domestic Violence training, OSHA "Blood borne Pathogen" training, Clinical Year Preparation, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Environmental and Occupational Health, Introduction to Healthcare Research, and Statistical Methods for Healthcare Research.

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 available in this education phase: Prenatal Care & Gynecology, 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.