Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

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

Our Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program trains highly skilled physician assistants in primary care.

We equip our graduates with the skills and professionalism to collaborate effectively with physicians and other health professionals. 

Program highlights

  • 27-Month Program
  • 7 Clerkship Rotations: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN, Pediatric, Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry
  • NeighborhoodHELP Program Household Visits
  • Interprofessional Workshops with Multiple Healthcare Disciplines

Information sessions

MPAS Information Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm and on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm via Zoom.

Register here


MPAS Tours

MPAS tours are available the first Friday of the month in March, April, and May. Attendance is limited; please RSVP to paschool@fiu.edu

Meet our Paws Up Students

 

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My name is Karina Murillo Ruiz. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I served as a sergeant in the Army National Guard for six years. I graduated from FAU with a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Behavior.

Why did you choose FIU MPAS?
As a veteran, serving my community has been integral to my passion for medicine. Community service is more than a duty; it is an opportunity to connect and learn from diverse individuals on a larger scale. I believe that the FIU MPAS program mirrors my values of community outreach through the NeighborhoodHELP program, attracting me to their collaborative patient care focus in underserved communities.

How would you describe FIU MPAS?
The program is challenging but manageable with the support of faculty, classmates, and, most importantly, your loved ones. The demanding curriculum pushes you to reach your full potential and excel academically and professionally.

What is your favorite part of FIU and/or the FIU MPAS program?
The diversity among the students, faculty, and community makes me feel at home. My favorite aspect of the MPAS program is the hands-on experience it provides to train PA students in properly attending to and caring for all types of patients.

What advice would you give a prospective student?
Take a moment to reflect on your "why" when it feels impossible to keep going. Give yourself grace and lean on your support system throughout this journey. Remember that your motivation will come and go, but your discipline will keep you grounded.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Meeting patients' needs at a pain management clinic.

 

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My name is Shane Roback. I was born and raised in Utica, New York. In 2019, I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in sports coaching. Before PA school, I worked as an emergency room technician in Sarasota, Florida.

Why did you choose FIU MPAS?
FIU’s commitment and dedication to its students and community was a big selling point for me. This is shown in the NeighborhoodHELP program. FIU’s partnership with some of the top clinical sites across the state further emphasizes its dedication to providing excellent student opportunities.

What is your favorite part of FIU and/or the FIU MPAS program?
The people. The professors are very knowledgeable about their courses, and you can tell that they truly love what they do. It is fantastic that, as a class, we have become so close over the last few months; my classmates feel like a family.

How would you describe FIU MPAS?
The program is demanding, but I have gained so much knowledge within a short time. I cannot wait to apply the knowledge I’m learning in the classroom to the real world. 

What advice would you give to a prospective student?
Keep pursuing your goals! It took me three application cycles to get accepted into PA school. I have learned that the pre-PA process will have a lot of ups and downs. If you work hard every day, you will be successful, and it will be worth it!

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Working as a trauma surgery PA at a level one trauma center.