A physician assistant is a licensed medical practitioner who has completed a medical school-style program. They do physical examinations on patients under the direction of a physician. In the healthcare job market, the Physician Assistant profession is in high demand, and chances to enter the industry are expanding faster than the national average. If you’re interested in becoming a physician assistant, you may enroll in one of Florida’s finest pa schools. These institutions are recognized and provide programs that will provide you with the necessary skills and expertise to work effectively in the healthcare field.
Florida’s schools are among the world’s most prestigious and well-known big research institutes. Florida boasts a number of well-known PA schools, all of which are managed by experienced professionals and equipped with cutting-edge technology to help students gain knowledge and experience. PA schools in Florida are post-secondary institutions where you may earn a degree to work as a physician assistant. This program is available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate coursework takes two to five years to complete, whereas postgraduate coursework takes two to three years. There are several possibilities for you to experience Florida in addition to the academic rewards. You’ll be able to aid those in need and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives once you graduate.
Below is a list of the top PA schools in Florida. Check out the list for a better understanding of the colleges and universities that offer PA programs and other important factors about these schools as well.
University of Florida
Although the University of Florida was barely defeated by its in-state competitor, it remains one of Florida’s finest PA schools. A Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies is awarded upon completion of the program. Admission to this school requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree as well as the completion of numerous STEM coursework. Applicants having at least one year of relevant professional experience are more likely to be accepted. It takes two years to finish this curriculum. Lectures and laboratory sessions comprise the first year. The second year includes 12 clinical rotations in a variety of disciplines, including intensive care and pediatrics.
Founded In: 1972
Tuition: In-state $53,505, Out-of-state $86,841.84
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 36.6%
GPA: 3.5
Rank: 1
Contact: 352-294-8150
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at the University of Florida for students
- The Gold Family Scholarship: Educational Fund
- Physician Assistant Foundation Scholarships: Award money of $2,000-$3,000
- National Medical Fellowships. INC: Award money of $500- $10,000
- Health Professions Scholarship Programs: Educational Fund
Apply for Admission
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is another excellent medical school in Florida. The school provides only one PA program, which is designed to train primary care physicians and enhance health care delivery in underprivileged communities. The NSU PA school in Florida prepares students to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and adaptable in the medical field. Graduates who finish this program will also be qualified to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
Founded In: 1964
Tuition: $30,900
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 80.1%
GPA: 3.79
Rank: 2
Contact: 954-262-1109
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Nova Southern University for students
- Presidential Scholars: Full tuition
- Razor’s Edge Scholarship: $24,000
- The Fischler Academy Scholarship: $20,000
- NSU Freshman Dean’s Award: $5,000-$19,000
Apply for Admission
Adventhealth University
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at AdventHealth University is designed to prepare you to be a licensed physician assistant via outstanding academic and clinical training. The school’s PA program prepares you with the information and abilities you’ll need to do your job well. It also instills professionalism while broadening your knowledge beyond primary care. Furthermore, this PA school instills in you a sense of responsibility for continuing education and development in the area.
Founded In: 1992
Tuition: $12,240
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 50.5%
GPA: 2.7 minimum
Rank: 3
Contact: 407-303-7742
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at AdventHealth University for students
- President Scholarship: Award of $3,600
- Leadership Scholarship: Award of $2,400
- RaiseMe Scholarship: Educational Funds
Apply for Admission
Barry University
Barry University is regarded as one of Florida’s premier PA schools. It is a well-regarded institution with one of the best programs. The Commission on Education for Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has accredited the school’s pa program. The program allows you to get the skills you’ll need to satisfy today’s healthcare demands. You must have completed high school to be considered for the Barry University PA program. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is also required, as well as a letter of recommendation.
Founded In: 1940
Tuition: $30,014
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 51%
GPA: 2.3 minimum
Rank: 4
Contact: 305-899-3964
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Barry University for students
- Barry University Torch and Shield Fund: $1,000
- Coca Cola Endowed Scholarship: $1,974
- Goizueta Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Minority Science: Varies
Apply for Admission
Keiser University
Keiser University is a small private university in Florida with several campuses. It is well-known for its health-related programs, particularly the physician assistant program. At the Fort Lauderdale site, the institution offers a Master’s in Physician Assistant. Keiser’s program is 24 months long, which is slightly shorter than most of the other programs on this list. The first 12 months are devoted to classroom education and laboratory experience, while the latter 12 months are devoted to clinical practice. Students rotate through nine different specializations. During their residencies, they must work 40 hours a week.
Founded In: 1977
Tuition: $92,567.68
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 85%
GPA: 2.8 minimum
Rank: 5
Contact: 888-453-4737
Financial Aid: Available
Apply for Admission
Florida Gulf Coast University
The Florida Gulf Coast University’s PA program is one of the top programs in the state. On campus, students get 15 months of physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, clinical medicine, clinical integration, and clinical skills training. The following 12 months are spent on 4-week supervised clinical rotations at off-campus healthcare facilities. Primary-care medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, women’s health, general surgery, and emergency medicine are among the core clinical rotations. The Pa program at FGCU additionally includes three optional rotations that are organized dependent on the student’s desire and the program’s needs.
Founded In: 1991
Tuition: $55,024 in-state, $138,479 non-resident
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 66.7%
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Rank: 6
Contact: 239-590-1000
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Florida Gulf University for students
- Florida Benacquisto Scholarship: Educational Fund
- President’s Gold: $5,000 per year for 4 years
- President’s Silver: $3,000 per year for 4 years
- Blue and Green Scholar’s Award: $15,000 per year for 4 years
Apply for Admission
Gannon University
The Physician Assistant Program at Gannon University is a five-year entry-level Master’s degree program. The pa program at GU offers an excellent curriculum that prepares students for clinical practice by providing them with the necessary information and abilities. Graduates of this school are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. In medical and surgical practice settings, they provide a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic treatments in primary and specialized care.
Founded In: 1925
Tuition: $54,900
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 75.5%
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Rank: 7
Contact: 814-871-7000
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Gannon University for students
- Presidential Scholarship: Full Tuition
- Founder’s Scholarship: Upto $23,000
- Academic Excellence Award: $20,000 to $23,000
- Knight Achievement Award: $18,000 to $19,000
Apply for Admission
Florida State University
A 27-month, seven-semester, 111-credit-hour Pa program is available at Florida State University. This institution is one of Florida’s top-ranked pa schools. The biomedical sciences, simulation, and procedural skills are the core of FSU’s PA program. The curriculum is meant to equip graduates to work as part of a Physician-PA Team in medicine. Graduate students will get a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice degree once they have completed the program.
Founded In: 1851
Tuition: $65,333 in-state
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 36%
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Rank: 8
Contact: 850-645-0264
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs open at Florida State University for students
- FSU College of Medicine Foundation Scholarships: Educational Funds
- Regional Campus Scholarships: Award of $5,000
Apply for Admission
South University- Tampa
A Master of Science in Physician Assistant is available from South University. Basic medical ideas and ideas are covered in the PA curriculum. This equips students with the information, abilities, and attitudes essential to operate as medical professionals who will contribute to the healthcare industry as valued members. The unique aspect of attending South University is that graduates are qualified for licensing in all 50 states in the United States. In fact, after you’ve completed the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant-NCCPA’s Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), you’re ready to go.
Founded In: 1899
Tuition: $90,000
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: Open admission policy
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Rank: 9
Contact: 855-884-2408
Financial Aid: Financial Aid available through FAFSA
Apply for Admission
Florida International University
The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University provides a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. The institution offers a wide, multidisciplinary curriculum that will equip you to work as a physician assistant in a collaborative setting. Clinical innovation and research are included in the curriculum, which will prepare you to become a socially responsible, community-based physician, scientist, and health professional. You will gain leadership skills and an understanding of the necessity of communicating successfully with patients and health care teams at the conclusion of your program at FIU College of Medicine.
Founded In: 1965
Tuition: $6,546 in-state, $18,945 out-of-state
ACT/SAT: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 57.5%
GPA: 3.0 minimum
Rank: 10
Contact: 305-348-4162
Financial Aid: N/A
