Q. What degree does the NSU PA program offer?

A. Students graduating in 2006, and 2007 will receive both a B.S. degree in Physician Assistant Studies and a Masters degree in Medical Science.  Those graduating in 2008 and beyond will receive a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree in Physician Assistant.

Q. Must I have a bachelors degree to enter the program.

A. No you do not. We require a minimum of 90 semester hours including pre-requisite courses. See the requirements for admissions for more information.

Q. Do you have a distance learning option for the entry level program?

A. No. All entry-level classes for the program are taught in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. At this time there is no distance learning or part-time format for our program. You will live and work in South Florida for the duration of the program.

Q. What is the profile of the successful applicant to the NSU PA Program?

A. The Successful Applicant to the NSU PA Program 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 is strong for entry into this program.

Although not required, health care experience is highly recommended. This experience can be either paid or volunteer and should include exposure to mid level practitioners. Our applicants have an average of 30+ months of health care experience. Additionally many former applicants gained valuable information from the material they had access to 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.

Q. How many graduates have passed the NCCPA (PANCE) examination?

A. As of Fall 2007, we have 938 graduates of our program (the first class graduated in 1995). Of all of our graduates that have taken the PANCE, we have a greater than 90% first time pass rate (90% of all PANCE takers from NSU passed on the first attempt).  For the five most recent years the first-time pass rate is summarized thusly:

Q. How many people apply to the NSU PA program each year?

A. In recent years, the program has received approximately 770 or more applications each year. We traditionally interview approximately 160-180 persons. There is no guaranteed number of applications or interviews in any given year.

Q. How many open positions are available in the NSU PA program each year?

A. We anticipate 85-90 positions will be available each year beginning with the class entering in June.

Q. Are the three NSU PA Programs related, and how does it affect my application process?

A. The programs in Ft. Lauderdale, Naples and Orlando are distinct. As such, applications must be made to each if you wish to be considered at all three. While admission requirements and prerequisites are similar, each considers applicants independently and there is no guarantee that an interview at one program will lead to an interview at another.

Q. Do I need to have completed the pre-requisite courses before I can apply?

A. No. Pre-requisites MUST be completed by the time of matriculation (starting the program) in June, but you must be enrolled in those classes by the time of your interview. It is possible to get accepted into the program contingent on completion of those courses with satisfactory grades. We make every attempt to accommodate individual situations, but you MUST complete courses by the time school starts. Proof of registration and progress may be required to verify such.

Q. How many hours of clinical experience do I need?

A. There is no set number, but the more the better. It is important that one is very familiar with the career he/she is planning to make a commitment to. We value the type of experience more than total number of hours. Clinical experience is NOT required for admissions, but will enhance your application substantially when compared to others that apply to the program.

Q. Is there financial aid available?

A. Yes. Many of our students have some form and combination of financial aid from public and private sources. Part of planning for entry should include planning for the financial situation faced by our students. We recommend that our student not work during the program. Much of that information can be obtained from the NSU Financial Aid Office.

Q. Is there housing convenient to the University?

A. Yes. Students find housing in many of the neighboring communities. NSU housing information can be obtained online at www.nova.edu/reslife.

Q. Can I send my application directly to NSU?

A. No. You must apply through the centralized application service called CASPA. You do however, have to submit an online application directly to the program after your CASPA application is completed. There is an additional $50 fee for that supplemental application.

Q. How important is one's GPA?

A. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.90 on a 4.0 scale (both cumulative and science GPA) in order for your application packet to be considered for review. All prerequisites courses must be passed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better. As with any other university or college, higher GPAs are more competitive. Science grades above a "C" are more competitive. Once again, your goal is to be competitive and academically prepared to successfully handle the demands of the program's curriculum. However, THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE DOES NOT BASE ITS DECISION SOLELY ON GRADE POINT AVERAGES. It evaluates the application packet as a whole; therefore, strong reference forms/letters of recommendation, prior "hands-on" health care experience and a demonstrated commitment to under served communities are EQUALLY important.

Q. Are there any standardized test required for admissions?

A. Yes. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and Writing Assessment are required.

Q. I do not work in the medical field. What type of volunteer work should I do, to accumulate hours for "Clinical Experience"?

A. Keep in mind that your goal is to become a physician assistant; therefore, your volunteer experience should provide you with as much exposure/experience as possible to the roles and responsibilities of physicians, PA's and or other medical professional, whose primary responsibility is patient care. Familiarity with the "tools of the trade," hospital, and various medical procedures is valuable.

Q. Can Prerequisite courses be substituted with something else?

A. No. See the prerequisites on this page.

Q. I already have a baccalaureate degree do I still have to complete all the prerequisite courses?

A. 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.

Q. But what if I only want a certificate?

A. The program does not offer only a certificate. Every student must complete the entire curriculum regardless of previously completed course work or degrees.

Q. I'm applying to the program, but I still need to complete one or two prerequisites during the Spring semester following the application deadline. Will this reduce my chances of getting admitted into the program?

A. It's possible, especially if you need to take any science courses. Keep in mind that you are competing against HUNDREDS of applicants, many of whom have fulfilled ALL admission requirements, for one of 85-90 seats in the program. Your goal is to be as competitive as possible.

Q. Can someone review my application, transcripts, reference forms, resume and personal statement before I turn them in?

A. No. Read the PA program's brochure, catalog and online material very carefully. Everything you need to know is explained in these documents.

Q. Who's on the PA Admission Committee?

A. Committee members change from year to year and may consist of representatives from the PA Program, other programs and departments affiliated with Nova Southeastern University, practicing Physician Assistants, and other practitioners and other members of the community.

Q. Are interviews individual or with a group of applicants?

A. 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.

Q. What are the costs in the PA program?

A. Please consult the current catalog or PA program brochure for most recent costs. Based on 2007-2008 costs, you can expect the following approximate costs:

• Tuition (approximate) - $21,785 per 12 months for Florida residents and $22,495 for out-of-state. (we are a 27 month program)
• Post Acceptance Fees ($1,000 total)
• Acceptance Fee (Due within 2 weeks of acceptance) - $500
• Deposit (due January 31) - $250
• Pre-Registration Fee (due March 31) - $250
• HPD General Access Fee - $125 per year
• Student Services fee - $750 per year
• Graduation fees - approximately $300
• Physical examination course equipment - $550
• Required books - $1250
• Recommended books - $500
• NCCPA Review Course and books (optional) - $400
• NCCPA PANCE (National Entry Level Board Exam) - $425
• Florida State Licensing Fees (Initial) - $400; Prescriptive License - $225
• Parking - free on campus
• Computer lab, e-mail account, MDConsult database - free on campus
• Computer (home) - approximately $1500-2000

Q. I am a medical doctor from another country. Do I still have to complete the requirements?

A. Yes. All of the requirements must be met by everyone, including International Medical Graduates (IMG's). All transcripts from other countries must be evaluated by an evaluation service within the United States. (Please see Evaluation Services for a listing of suggested services used by our applicants who are graduates of medical schools from other countries.) International transcripts that are submitted without official evaluation will not be considered.

Also, please note that there is no test which IMG's can take to challenge the NSU PA program, obtain a PA license or become nationally certified as a PA. All IMG's accepted into the program must complete the entire program. Courses previously taken in medical school can not be substituted for courses to be taken in the NSU PA program.

Q. I am a medical doctor from another country. Can I be a PA in Florida without going to PA school?

A. 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 shut off approximately 10 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.

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