Master in Physician Assistant Studies

Becoming a physician assistant offers a unique opportunity to impact people’s lives. It is a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding career with the flexibility to practice in nearly any medical specialty.

Our Physician Assistant (PA) program, accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., trains highly skilled physician assistants in primary care. Our commitment to excellence is proven by the success of our graduates.

We emphasize patient-centered care and community outreach, ensuring our graduates have the skills and professionalism to collaborate effectively with physicians and other health professionals.

Learn more about the program

Program highlights

  • 27-month program
  • Simulation center with the latest technologies
  • Anatomy and 3D printing lab
  • Patient-centered care and community outreach activities, including NeighborhoodHELP household visits
  • Interprofessional workshops with multiple health care disciplines
  • Partnerships with top regional health care systems for quality local clerkships
  • 7 clerkship rotations: family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, OB/GYN, pediatric, emergency medicine, psychiatry

Information Sessions

PA Information Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00pm.

Register here

Meet our Paws Up Students

Ingrid Garrido

Ingrid Garrido
BS in Dietetics and Nutrition
Honors College | Florida International University
Before PA school, Ingrid worked as a medical assistant in urgent care and urology, and as a nutrition educator for Women, Infants, and Children in Broward County.

  • Why Ingrid chose FIU

    I chose FIU because of the strong academic foundation and support I experienced during my undergraduate years. I was confident that the university’s resources and commitment to student success would help me excel in graduate education, while its proximity to home and family provided the ideal environment for balance and growth.

    Describe FIU PA
    FIU PA is a diverse and dynamic program made up of students from different clinical and personal backgrounds. This creates a collaborative environment where we are constantly learning from each other’s experiences and perspectives.

    Favorite part of FIU PA?
    My favorite part of FIU PA is its partnership with Baptist Health, which has allowed me to complete clinical training at renowned institutions like the Miami Cancer Institute. This experience has been invaluable, giving me the opportunity to serve Miami’s rich Hispanic culture.

    Advice for prospective students?
    This program is challenging, but it’s achievable with dedication and discipline. It’s all about putting in the time, staying consistent, and believing in yourself! If you stay focused and trust the process, you’ll surprise yourself with how much you’re capable of accomplishing.

    Future plans?
    After graduation, I plan to stay in the Miami area to serve the local Hispanic community that has shaped my training. While I am still exploring different specialties such as oncology, I hope to work in an inpatient setting that allows me to continue learning while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Khanh Phan

Khanh Phan
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Vietnam
Before PA school, Khanh earned the equivalent of a medical doctor degree in Vietnam and worked as a physician for several years before moving to the U.S. in 2020.

  • Why Khanh chose FIU

    I chose FIU because of its mission to serve the community and promote patient-centered care. I was drawn to the opportunities to learn from diverse experiences and give back through programs like NeighborhoodHELP

    Describe FIU PA
    FIU PA is challenging, collaborative and inspiring. It helps students to grow into confident, compassionate and skilled health care providers.

    Favorite part of FIU PA?
    I love the strong sense of community and mentorship—everyone genuinely supports each other. The beautiful FIU campus also brings calm and motivation during long study days.

    Advice for prospective students?
    Stay resilient and organized and learn to manage your time wisely. Enjoy the journey—it’s demanding but incredibly rewarding. Ask for help when you need it and never lose sight of your purpose.

    Future plans?
    I plan to practice Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, with interests in chronic disease management, nephrology, and endocrinology.