The USF MCOM PA Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) with Accreditation-Continued status.

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.

Please visit the USF PA Program Application Timeline

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.)

Yes. All prerequisite coursework and degree requirements must be completed by December 31 of the year prior to matriculation.

No. There is no expiration date on prerequisite coursework. Applications are reviewed holistically to identify candidates most likely to succeed. While repeating prerequisites is not required, applicants who have been out of an academic setting for several years may benefit from refresher coursework to prepare for the rigor of the program.

All required prerequisite courses and associated labs must be completed. Please refer to the Admissions Requirements page for specific details.

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

Direct patient care experience may be obtained in a wide range of healthcare settings and roles. Job title is less important than the level of direct patient interaction and involvement in care. Acceptable experiences include work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient facilities, or similar settings, under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider (e.g., physician, PA, nurse). Common roles include patient care tech (PCT), medical assistant (MA) certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency medical technician (EMT), medical scribe and others. No single role is preferred; the quality and scope of patient care responsibilities are what matter most.

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

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.

We strongly discourage students from working during the program due to the rigorous coursework and intensive demands.

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/.