The Florida State University Physician Assistant (PA) Program is a highly competitive and reputable program that offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, the program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to become competent and compassionate physician assistants. In this article, we will provide expert admission guidance to help applicants increase their chances of being accepted into the FSU PA Program.
Program Overview
The FSU PA Program is a 27-month program that consists of 12 months of didactic instruction and 15 months of clinical rotations. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is designed to prepare students for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The program has a strong focus on primary care and rural health, with a emphasis on providing healthcare services to underserved populations.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the FSU PA Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of prerequisite coursework, including:
- Biological sciences: 12 semester hours
- Chemistry: 8 semester hours
- Physics: 4 semester hours
- Mathematics: 6 semester hours
- Psychology: 3 semester hours
- Statistics: 3 semester hours
- Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum science GPA of 3.0
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit official scores to the program
- Gain a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience
- Submit three letters of recommendation, including one from a healthcare professional
- Write a personal statement that outlines their motivation for pursuing a career as a physician assistant
| Prerequisite Coursework | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| Biological sciences | 12 |
| Chemistry | 8 |
| Physics | 4 |
| Mathematics | 6 |
| Psychology | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
Application Process
The application process for the FSU PA Program typically begins in April of each year, with a deadline of October 1st for the following year’s class. Applicants must submit their application through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The application includes:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Official GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Application fee
Interview Process
Once the application is reviewed, selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with the program’s admission committee. The interview is an essential part of the admission process, as it allows the committee to assess the applicant’s communication skills, motivation, and fit with the program. The interview typically lasts 30 minutes and includes a combination of behavioral and scenario-based questions.
What is the average GPA of accepted students to the FSU PA Program?
+The average GPA of accepted students to the FSU PA Program is 3.5 or higher.
How many hours of direct patient care experience are required for admission to the program?
+A minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience is required for admission to the program.
What is the deadline for submitting the application to the FSU PA Program?
+The deadline for submitting the application to the FSU PA Program is October 1st of each year.
In conclusion, the FSU PA Program is a highly competitive and reputable program that offers a comprehensive education in physician assistant studies. To increase their chances of being accepted, applicants should strive to exceed the minimum admission requirements, gain significant direct patient care experience, and prepare thoroughly for the interview process. By following these guidelines and staying focused on their goals, applicants can increase their chances of being accepted into the FSU PA Program and starting a successful career as a physician assistant.
