Fsu Pa Program: Transforming Students Into Skilled Clinicians

The Florida State University (FSU) Physician Assistant (PA) Program is a prestigious educational institution that has been transforming students into skilled clinicians for over two decades. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, the program is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education in the art and science of medicine, preparing them to become competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, clinical training, and community service, the FSU PA Program has established itself as one of the top PA programs in the country.

Program Overview

The FSU PA Program is a 27-month master’s degree program that is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program is designed to provide students with a broad-based education in the principles and practices of medicine, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent PA. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical rotations, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the demands of the healthcare profession.

Curriculum and Coursework

The FSU PA Program curriculum is divided into two phases: the didactic phase and the clinical phase. The didactic phase, which lasts for 12 months, provides students with a foundation in the basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Students also receive instruction in the principles of medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions. The clinical phase, which lasts for 15 months, provides students with hands-on training in a variety of clinical settings, including primary care, surgery, and specialty medicine.

Clinical Training and Experience

The FSU PA Program provides students with a wide range of clinical training and experience, including rotations in primary care, surgery, and specialty medicine. Students work alongside experienced physicians and PAs, gaining hands-on experience in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The program also includes a variety of elective rotations, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals. With over 500 clinical sites throughout the state of Florida, students have access to a diverse range of clinical experiences, from rural health clinics to urban hospitals.

Clinical Rotation Sites

The FSU PA Program has established relationships with a variety of clinical rotation sites, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Students have the opportunity to work in a range of settings, from primary care to specialty medicine, and gain experience in a variety of patient populations, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and underserved communities.

• Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
• Capital Regional Medical Center
• Leon County Health Department
• Primary Care Clinics
• Surgical Centers

Admissions and Requirements

Admission to the FSU PA Program is highly competitive, with a limited number of seats available each year. Applicants must meet a range of requirements, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and completion of prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program uses a holistic admissions process, considering a range of factors, including academic performance, clinical experience, and personal characteristics.

Prerequisite Coursework

The FSU PA Program requires applicants to complete a range of prerequisite coursework, including:

1. Biology: 2 semesters
2. Chemistry: 2 semesters
3. Mathematics: 2 semesters
4. Physics: 1 semester
5. Psychology: 1 semester
6. Statistics: 1 semester