FAQs

Application Information

Admissions Information

Program Information

  • Are information sessions available?

    Yes, MPAS Information Sessions are held the second Tuesday each month at 3:00 pm via Zoom. Please register by emailing paschool@fiu.edu.

    Note: Dates are subject to change as needed (email will be sent to those registered).

  • Is the Master in Physician Assistant Studies program accredited?

    At its 2021 March meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Florida International University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Florida International University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in 2023 March.

    Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation-Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

    Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.

    Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

    The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.

  • When do the Master in Physician Assistant Studies classes begin?

    Classes begin the first week of August, but students are required to attend a professional development seminar in the last week of July.

  • Is there on-campus housing available?

    At this time, there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students, but students can visit off-campus housing for options near campus. Our program also creates a Facebook page where students can network to find roommates and other resources from the incoming class.

  • Will students be able to work while attending classes?

    The program is very demanding and intense; therefore, students are strongly discouraged from working while committing to the program. The program requires a full-time commitment for the duration of the program i.e., days, nights, and weekends.

  • What can I expect in terms of clinical rotations?

    Clinical rotations include seven core rotations of 4 weeks duration in the following areas: family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, women's health, surgery, and emergency medicine. In addition, there are two four-week electives in which students may choose to gain additional experience in one of the above areas or other sub-specialty areas of interest.

    Clinical rotations are done within an extensive network of locations which include hospitals, medical centers, and inpatient and outpatient clinics.

  • If I am accepted at FIU, can I select any of my own rotations during the clinical year?

    The program determines the clinical placements for the seven core rotations. Students can submit a "wish list" for the 2 four-week elective rotations. This may include further experience in a core rotation area, a sub-specialty of interest, and/or placement in a desired geographic area. The program does its best to match the student with the site providing an optimal clinical education experience.

  • Where will the clinical rotations take place?

    The clinical educational experiences are done predominantly in South Florida. Placement is determined by PA program faculty who customize rotations to best complement a student's academic and clinical experiences, expertise, and personality. Each student will do rotations in health care institutions of various sizes, populations, settings, and resources to ensure positive and diverse clinical experiences.

  • What degree do students earn?

    Graduates earn a Master in Physician Assistant Studies. They are eligible to take the National Certifying Examination for Physician Assistants and apply for Licensure with the Florida State Medical Board as Physician Assistants.

    For further information, contact: