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Physician Assistant Program

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Physician Assistant Program

FAQs

Has the USF MCOM PA program received accreditation yet?

Yes. USF MCOM PA Program has been granted the status of Accreditation-Continued by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of South Florida Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of South Florida.

Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards.

The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2031. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.


How long does it take to complete the program?

The USF MCOM PA Program curriculum is delivered over 24 continuous months. The program begins with a 12-month didactic phase followed by a 12-month clinical phase.

What are the USF MCOM PA Program application dates?

When does the program start and how many students will be accepted?

The program accepts 50 students per cohort. First day of mandatory class attendance typically begins the first Monday of May of each year. (Dates are subject to change.)

Do you accept applications to the program with one outstanding prerequisite?

Prerequisite coursework must be completed by December 31st of the year prior to matriculation.

My prerequisite courses were taken several years ago, do I need to repeat the prerequisite courses?

We will be reviewing each application individually, looking for those applicants who will most likely be successful in the program. The prerequisites are meant to be a guide for students to have a better understanding of what we believe will make for a successful student in our program. Although there is no mandate for applicants to repeat prerequisite coursework, applicants who have not been in an academic setting for several years may benefit from taking prerequisite coursework to prepare them for the demands of the program.

Will my application be considered if I took a prerequisite science course without a lab?

No. All prerequisite coursework (including labs) must be completed.

Will a genetics class be sufficient to substitute for the biochemistry prerequisite?

No. Only equivalent courses based on course descriptions and syllabus will be accepted.

I have over 500 hours medical experience as a (medical interpreter, scribe, CNA, MA, athletic trainer, phlebotomist, EMT, nurse, medical transporter, etc.). Will these hours count towards the direct patient care prerequisite?

Hands-on patient care experiences can come from a variety of places. Many types of patient care hours will be considered. The title of a position is not as important as what the applicant was doing in terms of patient contact and interaction with the patient, their family, and other healthcare providers (physicians, PAs, nurses, etc.).

I have a graduate (Master or Doctorate) degree already. Do I still need to take the GRE? 

Yes. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Test is required of all applicants. Official scores are required from tests taken within the past five years.

I am an international student. Will I be considered as an applicant to the USF MCOM PA program?

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Permanent Resident Aliens must possess a valid Green Card at the time of application.

Degree and prerequisite coursework taken outside of the U.S. is not accepted (regardless if made equivalent by a U.S. institution).

If you meet these requirements and have the prerequisites as listed on the USF MCOM PA Program website, your application will be considered.

Can I work during the program?

We strongly discourage students from working during the program due to the intensity of the coursework.

How do I schedule up an appointment to meet with an academic advisor or find out about college tours?

There are a couple of resources available at USF and USF Health for prospective PA students who seek academic advising (i.e. review of transcripts, application advice):

The USF Division of Health Professions Advising webpage has links to the various USF Pre-Health Professions Advisors.

The USF Health Preadmissions and Outreach webpage contains information regarding the USF Health programs specifically. Their contact and advising scheduling information can be found there (be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page for all information provided). You do not need to be a current student USF student to take advantage of either of these resources.

Is there a USF Pre-PA Group?

Yes! The Pre-PA Society is an official USF Student Organization. The organization is dedicated to educating fellow students about the growing PA profession, encourage and support students interested in the field, and aid students in the preparation and application process. The group provides an opportunity for early networking opportunities in the health care field and facilitates social functions and peer interactions among Pre-PA students. The students usually meet every week or two in the evenings in the Marshall Student Center during the fall and spring semesters. They will often have a PA, PA student or a faculty representative from one of the PA programs at their meetings to answer questions and discuss the profession. You can connect with the group through BullSync or through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USFPrePA/.