The Florida State University (FSU) Physician Assistant (PA) Program is a highly competitive and reputable program that aims to educate and train future physician assistants to provide high-quality patient care. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, the program is part of the FSU College of Medicine and is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program's mission is to develop compassionate and competent physician assistants who are prepared to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations, with a focus on rural and underserved communities.
Program Overview
The FSU PA Program is a 28-month master’s degree program that includes both didactic and clinical training. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of physician assistant practice, including patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management. The curriculum includes coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, as well as clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including primary care, surgery, and specialty care. Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio allow for personalized attention and mentorship, while state-of-the-art facilities provide students with access to the latest technology and resources.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the FSU PA Program is highly competitive, and applicants must meet certain requirements to be considered. These requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of prerequisite coursework in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, as well as take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or higher, and applicants must also have a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Must be from an accredited institution |
| Prerequisite Coursework | Must include biology, chemistry, and mathematics |
| Minimum GPA | Must be 3.0 or higher |
| GRE Scores | Must be submitted as part of the application |
| Patient Care Experience | Must be at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience |
Curriculum and Clinical Rotations
The FSU PA Program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of physician assistant practice. The curriculum includes coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, as well as clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including primary care, surgery, and specialty care. Clinical rotations are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings, and are supervised by experienced physician assistants and physicians. Elective rotations are also available, allowing students to pursue their interests and gain experience in specialized areas of practice.
Clinical Rotation Sites
Clinical rotation sites for the FSU PA Program include a variety of hospitals, clinics, and private practices in the Tallahassee area and beyond. Students have the opportunity to rotate through a number of different sites, including rural and underserved areas, and to gain experience working with diverse patient populations. Clinical rotation sites are selected based on their ability to provide students with high-quality educational experiences, and are evaluated regularly to ensure that they meet the program’s standards.
- Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
- Capital Regional Medical Center
- Leon County Health Department
- Rural clinics and private practices
What is the average GPA of admitted students to the FSU PA Program?
+The average GPA of admitted students to the FSU PA Program is 3.5 or higher. However, GPA is just one factor considered in the admissions process, and applicants with a strong overall application, including patient care experience and a personal statement, may be considered even if their GPA is lower than the average.
How many students are accepted into the FSU PA Program each year?
+The FSU PA Program accepts a class of 40 students each year. This small class size allows for personalized attention and mentorship, and provides students with a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
What is the job placement rate for graduates of the FSU PA Program?
+The job placement rate for graduates of the FSU PA Program is over 95%. Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers, and many go on to practice in a variety of settings, including primary care, specialty care, and rural and underserved areas.
