Physician assistants have a rewarding and high-profile career as one the most sought-after healthcare professionals. Physician assistants (PAs) play a vital role in medical care, working alongside physicians, surgeons, and nurses. They are in charge of a wide range of duties, including anything from physical examinations to the diagnosis of disease. Let us know Best Physician Assistant Schools Programs In Florida.
Students who want to become PAs must complete a master’s degree program in PA studies. In most cases, the program requires three years of full-time study, including classroom and clinical work. PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to get a professional license. Students in PA programs take various classes to help them prepare for the certification test and their future professions. Pathology, anatomy, diagnostics, and medical ethics are all part of the foundational training.
Physician assistants gain technical expertise outside of the classroom via on-the-job training. Student clubs, labs for research, and chances for service learning are all standard features of many programs. Real-world experiences assist PA students in learning about their position in healthcare, how to provide the best care possible for their patients, and technical training.
Since being a PA is one of the professions with the most significant growth, many students around the nation decide to enroll in one. More people over 65 in Florida than anywhere else in the country. Physician assistants in Florida make an average of $96,000 a year.
Students interested in pursuing a physician assistant (PA) career may choose from various well-regarded schools. The following is a list of Florida’s finest physician assistant schools ranked by US News and World Report. College Gazette’s job is to break a tie on the US News & World Report list.
The University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Since its inception in 1972, the University of Florida’s PA program has been a long-standing success. It has generated more than 2,500 graduates, of which most stay in Florida to work in the field. It’s not uncommon for UF alumni to remain connected to the university, guide current PA students, or even work at UF Health.
The University of Florida’s College of Medicine redesigned its curriculum to better fit today’s students’ needs. George T. Harrell Medical Education Center was built to accommodate this new teaching method. It is a national paradigm for accommodating medical and PA students in one modern building. The 95,000-square-foot classroom area features an interactive learning theater, study rooms, and clinical care examination rooms.
Regarding NIH funding, the UF College of Medicine is among the nation’s top 50 medical schools. Physician Assistant (PA) students may participate in cutting-edge research alongside doctors and scientists. From gene therapy to deep brain stimulation, every student has a topic.
The University of Miami (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Accreditation of the NSU Fort Lauderdale PA program dates back to 1993. More than 1,400 program alums now work in government and healthcare administration. Due to its popularity and success, this is the model for many of NSU’s PA programs. For students, this program utilizes the College of Healthcare Sciences to help them achieve their full potential.
NSU uses cutting-edge techniques to provide students with the best education possible. One of the first PA programs to include Point Care Ultrasound into the curriculum was the school. Diagnostic confidence is increased, therapy delays are reduced, and patient safety is improved with POCUS. Rachel Krackov is a licensed sonographer and registered nurse in the NSU POCUS effort. This program also aims to educate faculty members about the latest technological advancements.
Students from NSU go on medical mission trips yearly, where they get to put their training to good use. Students from the PA program go to Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic to introduce medical technology to regions where it is not readily available.
The University of Barry (Miami Shores, FL)
Students at Barry University are trained in the art of collaborating with others in the medical field. At this institution, a lot of emphases is placed on clinical practice, healthcare technology, and leadership. From the beginning of their studies, students are expected to read medical journals to put what they have learned into practice and provide specialized patient care. Videoconferencing is used for courses, meetings, and other events.
Students at Barry University’s School of Physician Assistant Studies are also committed to giving back to the community by providing treatment to those who cannot afford it. In the wake of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas in March of 2020, a group of physician assistant students assembled medical assistance packs. These PA students went on a mission trip to the impacted region with other medical students to help those in need. They improved their clinical abilities while helping others in need in their neighborhood.
Many PA students go on to successful careers due to their professors’ innovative teaching methods and many possibilities for practical training. Students often pass the national certification test on their first attempt in 98 percent of cases. In contrast, first-timers’ national test pass percentage is about 95%.
Fort Myers, Florida’s Nova Southeastern University (Fort Myers, Fl)
Ten full-time faculty members, including a Medical Director, are employed at the Fort Myers Physician Assistant Program. These professors’ work has appeared in various journals, including JAAPA, JPAE, and JAMA. Since they are fellows of both the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants, professors are thought leaders in their fields.
Students at NSU Fort Myers, PA, prosper as a consequence of the hard work of the instructors. More than 95% of students finish the course and pass the certification test. They become leaders of state PA organizations, get high-profile fellowships or establish their medical practices after graduating from NSU Fort Myers’ PA program. Assembly was founded by Rodelein Joseph, a Class of 2016 PA. Using this new software, healthcare personnel can communicate with one another.
It is the goal of NSU in Fort Myers to create PAs from a more diversified background. The vast pool of candidates from rural and underdeveloped regions helps to fulfill this goal. In addition, the program visits high schools and universities in the area to recruit and educate a wide range of PAs from varied backgrounds.
The University of Central Florida, Gainesville (Orlando, FL)
PA students at NSU learn from medical professionals who directly impact the profession’s future. The Florida Academy of Physician Assistants’ director, editorial board member, and exam writing committee are all NSU academic members. These lecturers provide PA students with a high-quality education.
Orlando’s Nova Southeastern University regional campus features buildings that encompass 60,000 square feet. With easy access to I-4, PA students may study and practice their craft in a vibrant metropolis at the cutting edge of health care. The most up-to-date medical technologies may be available at campus labs and clinics.
The school’s health clinics provide low-cost healthcare to the residents of South Florida. By working with patients under the guidance of renowned academic doctors, PA students receive valuable experience in the field. The university’s medical facilities are well-stocked with recent tools and techniques. The NSU Health Clinics not only educate students but also serve the general public by offering quality treatment at an affordable price.
University of Florida, Gainesville (Jacksonville, FL)
The PA program, housed at NSU’s regional campus in Jacksonville, offers the local community more than 20 years of experience. This initiative was created to promote the PA profession and provide access to high-quality healthcare in the primary care environment.
You may choose from a range of PA programs at Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, the school provides a dual PA/MPH program and an emergency medicine certificate. In addition to being accredited, each of NSU’s PA programs offers a high level of clinical training. Students who want to broaden their analytical capabilities and have a better understanding of community health may do so by earning a dual PA/MPH degree in only three years. To work in a high-acuity emergency department, advanced practitioners need to have a credential in emergency medicine.
Due to its small enrollment of around 60 students each year, the Jacksonville program maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio. It is an excellent way for students to get one-on-one attention from their lecturers and an exceptional education. NSU’s faculty members are leaders in the PA community, and they put their knowledge to good use by assisting their students.
The University of the South (Tampa, FL)
Several factors contribute to South University’s PA program’s success, including the dedication of its instructors. Professors assist students in discovering their unique set of skills and interests in the healthcare industry by drawing on their many years of professional experience. Smaller groups of students are supervised and mentored by faculty members at South throughout the program.
South’s demanding course of study prepares for the board exams and success in clinical settings. Students attend classes in medical interviewing and documentation, physical diagnosis, medical ethics, and public health, to name just a few. The Physician Assistant Senior Seminar is a required course for all students in addition to their regular classroom instruction. Using a system-based approach, this capstone course covers a wide range of medical issues in-depth.
Many students can finish the PA program because of the high level of education and staff assistance. Most South PA students have a successful career in healthcare after graduating from this year’s Class of 2020. At South, students have the tools and opportunity to succeed as PAs.
Keiser University / Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
At Keiser University, the PA program may be completed in as short as 24 months. As part of the first year, students attend lectures in the classroom and clinical exam labs. The Keiser curriculum places a strong emphasis on evidence-based medicine and critical thinking. As each student selects a patient treatment issue, they review relevant medical literature to determine the diagnostic and therapy options that best serve their patients.
Keiser University’s PA program requires nine full-time clinical rotations, each lasting five weeks. Most of your time will be spent learning about family practice, women’s health, general surgery, and psychiatry. Under the guidance of an authorized preceptor, students can put what they’ve learned throughout the course into practice in the real world.
In the last five years, a staggering 97 percent of Keiser University’s PA students have passed their board tests. This remarkable number exceeds the class-graduating year’s national exam pass percentage.
Conclusion
So if you are looking for the best physician assistant schools in Florida, read all details mentioned above. Hope you get all the required information about becoming a physician assistant; you’ll need to commit between two and three and a half years of full-time study (generally under three years for most Florida programs).
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How much time does it take to become a Florida physician assistant?
Answer: There are 27 months in the Physician Assistant program. In the first year of medical school. Students study anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and surgical technical skills.
Question 2: How do I become a PA in Florida?
Answer: There are various routes to becoming a physician assistant in Florida.
- To become a licensed Florida physician assistant, you must choose the appropriate program.
- Take and pass the National Certification Exam for Physician Assistants (PANCE)
- Take the first step toward becoming a physician assistant in Florida.
- Keep the License up to date.
Question 3: How much money does a PA bring in in Florida?
Answer: In Florida, a physician assistant makes an average yearly pay of $101,374. As of July 6, 2022, there have been 310 wages recorded.
Question 4: How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
Answer: Three academic years in all.
Find out more about enrolling in a PA program here: List of required courses and programs to become a PA (healthcare experience hours, standardized exams, prerequisite coursework, GPA, etc.) A master’s program typically lasts three academic years or around 26 months. The curriculum includes both in-class and practical instruction.
Question 5: What can I do to increase my chances of getting accepted into a PA program?
Answer: To get into PA school, I may say it is a competitive endeavor. One must make some effort to get into a PA program or school. It can increase your chances of being accepted by boosting your GPA, volunteering in the health care field, and calling solid letters of reference.
