About the program
The Lincoln Memorial University – Tampa PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "Improve access to high-quality healthcare by training medical providers who value excellence, have a desire to serve underserved populations, and have developed the skills to become leaders in medicine."
The LMU SMS Tampa PA Program seeks to recruit students whose personal goals are consistent with both the LMU Tampa PA Program’s and Lincoln Memorial University’s mission. Students who are professional, compassionate, enjoy the study of medicine and have the desire to serve diverse medically underserved populations are an optimal fit for the LMU Tampa PA Program.
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Lincoln Memorial University's Tampa campus offers a 24-month Master of Medical Science degree in physician assistant studies, operating under provisional ARC-PA accreditation with a planned start date of January 2027. The program is built around a mission of improving healthcare access, specifically by training providers oriented toward serving underserved and diverse populations - a focus that runs through both its curriculum design and its stated recruiting priorities. Applicants whose professional goals align with that service orientation will find themselves well matched here; those drawn primarily to academic medical centers or research tracks may want to weigh that against the program's explicit emphasis.
The minimum GPA threshold sits at 2.80 for both overall and science coursework, which is accessible relative to many programs. Paid direct patient care is recommended but not required, and healthcare experience carries the same recommendation-only status - meaning the program does not screen out candidates who lack formal clinical hours, though competitive applicants would still benefit from having them. The incoming class is large at approximately 100 students, which shapes the learning environment. Tuition is estimated at $100,000 total, with a $1,000 seat deposit required upon acceptance.
Curriculum delivery blends several pedagogical models, including asynchronous, case-based, problem-based, team-based, and organ-systems approaches - a hybrid structure that suits students who can self-direct portions of their learning while also engaging in collaborative clinical reasoning exercises. There is no distance learning option and no part-time track, so full-time in-person commitment is expected.
Prerequisite science requirements include general chemistry and general biology at seven credits each with labs, four credits each of human anatomy and physiology with anatomy requiring a lab, three credits of microbiology, and three credits of statistics. There is no time limit on when these courses were completed, and up to two prerequisites may be outstanding at the time of application. International applicants are considered with certain exceptions noted on the program's website, and out-of-state applicants are welcome.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of November 1, 2026. The interview process may involve a traditional format, panel interview, or multiple mini interview, and attendance at an onsite interview is required. References from at least two individuals are necessary to complete the application.
Applicants should honestly assess whether a commitment to serving medically underserved communities is a genuine professional priority for them, as that mission is central to the program's identity and the profile of student it seeks to admit.