The University of Florida (UF) Physician Assistant (PA) School is a highly respected institution that offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to become competent and compassionate physician assistants. The UF PA School is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is ranked among the top PA programs in the country.
Program Overview
The UF PA School offers a 28-month MPAS program that includes both didactic and clinical components. The didactic component consists of 12 months of classroom instruction, during which students learn about the fundamentals of medicine, pharmacology, and patient assessment. The clinical component consists of 16 months of hands-on training in various clinical settings, including primary care, surgery, and specialty medicine. Students also have the opportunity to participate in elective rotations and research projects.
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the UF PA School, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completing prerequisite coursework in sciences and mathematics, and gaining healthcare experience. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The UF PA School uses a holistic admissions process, which considers a range of factors, including academic performance, healthcare experience, and personal characteristics.
| Admissions Requirement | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Must be earned from an accredited institution |
| Prerequisite Coursework | Must include sciences and mathematics, such as biology, chemistry, and statistics |
| Healthcare Experience | Must be direct patient care experience, such as working as a medical assistant or nurse |
| GRE Scores | Must be submitted as part of the application process |
Curriculum and Clinical Experience
The UF PA School curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of medicine. The didactic component of the program includes courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient assessment. The clinical component of the program provides students with hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings, including primary care, surgery, and specialty medicine. Students also have the opportunity to participate in elective rotations and research projects.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are an essential part of the UF PA School curriculum. Students participate in a range of rotations, including internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery. These rotations provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in different clinical settings and to develop their skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Internal Medicine: Students learn about the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Pediatrics: Students learn about the diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases, such as asthma, allergies, and infections.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Students learn about the diagnosis and treatment of women's health issues, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health.
- Surgery: Students learn about the principles and practices of surgery, including patient assessment, surgical techniques, and post-operative care.
Faculty and Research
The UF PA School faculty consists of experienced physician assistants and medical professionals who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. The faculty includes experts in a range of fields, including primary care, surgery, and specialty medicine. The UF PA School also has a strong research program, with faculty and students involved in a range of research projects, including studies on patient outcomes, healthcare policy, and medical education.
Research Opportunities
The UF PA School offers students the opportunity to participate in research projects and to present their findings at national conferences. Students can work with faculty members on research projects, or they can design and conduct their own research studies. The UF PA School also has a range of research resources, including libraries, databases, and research facilities.
What are the admissions requirements for the UF PA School?
+The admissions requirements for the UF PA School include earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completing prerequisite coursework in sciences and mathematics, and gaining healthcare experience. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
How long does the UF PA School program take to complete?
+The UF PA School program takes 28 months to complete, including 12 months of didactic instruction and 16 months of clinical training.
Is the UF PA School accredited?
+Yes, the UF PA School is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
