NSU’s Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences PA - Fort Lauderdale

Nova Southeastern University | 7 COURSE OF STUDY The Physician Assistant Program Fort Lauderdale curriculum is completed following a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Graduates of foreign institutions should refer to item 2a under application procedures on page 15 . The comprehensive curriculum, completed in a consecutive manner, is oriented to primary care and prepares the student to practice in a wide variety of clinical settings. Due to the highly integrated and compact curriculum, the department requires matricu- lants to complete the entire program in the scheduled curriculum at this campus. No advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning will be granted. There are two parts to the program. 1. Didactic period (first 15 months) • The first 15 months of study consist of basic sciences and clinically related didactic courses. • The curriculum content is organized using a systems approach. • The course delivery is taught using a lecture format. • Students are generally in class Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • There are occasional evening and/or weekend hours. • All courses are required and must be successfully completed before advancing to the clinical year. 2. Clinical year (last 12 months) • The clinical year can only begin after all didactic courses have been completed. • The year is devoted to 12 months of clinical training in nine required rotations. • The rotations are in family medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, general surgery, and internal medicine. • Students are also required to complete three-week rotations in women’s health and behavioral medicine. • In addition, students have three elective rotations in any area of medicine they wish to pursue. ■ two six-week elective rotations ■ one four-week elective rotation ROTATION DETAILS Each required rotation has assigned readings and learning objectives. At the end of each rotation, a written comprehensive examination is administered and must be passed. During rotations, students will be supervised by licensed practitioners as they actively participate in patient assessments, perform common laboratory procedures, in- terpret common diagnostic examinations, and help manage common medical problems. The work hours during clinical rotations are set by the preceptor and can include evening and weekend hours. Students are required to work a minimum of 40 hours per week; however, many rotation sites require students to work more hours per week. DEGREE Upon completion of the course of study, students will have earned a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant (M.M.S.) degree. The role of the physician assistant requires a high level of expertise and responsibility. The applicant must possess the ability and desire to complete a rigorous academic and clinical program and make a commitment to continued learning.