Are you interested in studying physician assistant in Florida, but you don’t know the right physician assistant to apply to? Then this guide is for you because we will be talking about the best physician assistant schools and programs in Florida in it.
The world needs qualified healthcare professionals, now more than ever. We rely on not only doctors and nurses to take care of us, but also physician’s assistants.
In many ways, physician assistants do the hard work of healthcare, diagnosing illness, developing treatment plans for patients, prescribing medications, and acting as a patient’s principal healthcare provider in many cases.
That’s important work. And to do it well, physician assistants must have extensive medical training. That means not only going to a good school but passing the many classes and tests one must face.
It’s tough work to be sure, but there’s good news. Like every other medical professional, physician assistants are in high demand and earn good salaries. See Best Chiropractic Schools in the US.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistants take home an average of $115,390 per year, and the field is expected to grow by 31% over the next few years, much faster than average.
But before you can start earning that money, you have to go to physician assistant school. So read on, and take your first steps toward that important and lucrative career.
Here are the best physician assistant schools in Florida
- University of Florida
- Nova Southeastern University
- Barry University
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Myers
- Nova Southeastern University, Orlando
- Nova Southeastern University, Jacksonville
- South University
- Keiser University
1. University of Florida
Founded in 1972, the University of Florida has a historically successful PA program. The program has produced around 2,500 graduates, of which the majority remain in Florida for clinical practice.
Many stay involved with the UF community and share advice with current PA students or go on to work at the University of Florida Health.
The University of Florida College of Medicine adapted its curriculum to match how a new generation of students learn. See the University of Florida Acceptance Rate.
In order to support this shift in teaching, the George T. Harrell Medical Education Building was constructed. The state-of-the-art facility houses medical and PA students together, serving as a national model.
Spanning over 95,000 square feet, the learning space includes an experiential learning theater, study rooms, and examination rooms to practice clinical care.
Ranking in the top 50 of all US medical schools for NIH research dollars, the UF College of Medicine is renowned for its research achievements.
PA students can work alongside physicians and scientists to perform cutting-edge research. From deep brain stimulation to gene therapy, there is a topic for every student.
2. Nova Southeastern University
The physician assistant program at Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale has been continuously accredited since its inception in 1993.
Over 1,400 graduates from the program work in all areas of medicine, from the government to healthcare leadership.
Due to the program’s success, it is the model for many of NSU’s PA programs. By utilizing the resources through the school’s College of Healthcare Sciences, the program aims to help students reach their maximum potential.
Nova Southeastern University utilizes innovative approaches to provide the best education for students.
The school was one of the first PA programs to include Point of Care Ultrasound in the curriculum. POCUS increases diagnostic confidence, decreases treatment delays, and improves patient safety.
The NSU PA POCUS initiative is directed by Rachel Krackov, a PA and certified sonographer. Along with students, this initiative continues to train faculty on the technology.
Each year, Nova Southeastern University students participate in medical mission trips to various countries where they have the opportunity to use their skills.
Traveling to Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, PA students bring medical technology to areas without immediate access to medical imaging.
3. Barry University
At Barry University, students are educated in the practice of collaborative medicine. The school emphasizes leadership, healthcare technology, and clinical practice.
In order to apply knowledge for individualized patient care, students are required to utilize medical literature as soon as their first semester. In addition, many classes and meetings are conducted through interactive videoconferencing.
Barry physician assistant students are also dedicated to community service and providing healthcare to those without access.
In March 2020, several physician assistant students built medical relief kits for the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian.
Along with other medical students, these physician assistant students participated in a mission trip to the affected area to provide medical relief. They were able to expand their clinical skills while aiding vulnerable community members.
As a result of the unique teaching strategies and opportunities for hands-on experience, physician assistant students go on to achieve success.
An average of 98% of students pass the national certification exam on their first try. In comparison, the national exam pass rate for first-time takers averages 95%.
4. Nova Southeastern University, Fort Myers
The physician Assistant Program at Fort Myers currently has ten full-time faculty members, including a Medical Director.
These faculty members have been published in JAAPA, JPAE, JAMA, and other publications. As fellows of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants, professors are leaders in the profession.
As a result of the dedicated faculty members, NSU Fort Myers PA students go on to succeed. Over 95% of students complete the program and go on to pass their certification exam.
After graduation, NSU Fort Myers alumni go on to lead state PA organizations, receive prestigious fellowships, or own their own medical practices.
Rodelein Joseph, a PA from the Class of 2016, is the founder and CEO of Medsembly. This upcoming application works to connect healthcare workers.
NSU at Fort Myers aims to produce PAs from increasingly diverse backgrounds. This mission is accomplished through the diverse body of applicants from rural and underserved areas.
In addition, the program visits local high schools and colleges to recruit and educate diverse PAs.
Conclusion
All you have read in this guide was written on the best physician assistant schools and programs in Florida. It was written to make your selection of school easier. Don’t hesitate to send in your questions to us using the comment section.
Last Updated on June 25, 2023 by Admin
