About the program
The Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale 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: "To provide a dynamic physician assistant training program dedicated to excellence in academic and clinical medicine with an emphasis on primary care, yet also in a variety of clinical environments; to foster lifelong learning in an environment that cultivates innovation and interprofessional collaboration; to produce exceptional and compassionate clinicians committed to providing quality health care in diverse communities; to prepare graduates to advocate for the physician assistant profession through service and leadership with integrity."
The NSU Fort Lauderdale program has a large diverse faculty resulting in a low student faculty ratio. The curriculum offers high-fidelity simulation and Point-of Care Ultra sound to immediately answer specific clinical questions throughout the didactic and clinical phases. Clinical training includes 6 core rotations and 3 electives resulting in first-time PANCE pass rates consistently above the national average.
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. 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
Nova Southeastern University's Fort Lauderdale PA program awards a Master of Medical Science degree and runs 27 months, with the next cohort beginning May 2027. It holds ARC-PA Continued accreditation, accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, and does not offer part-time or distance learning options.
The program's mission centers on primary care excellence while preparing graduates to function across a range of clinical settings. It explicitly emphasizes lifelong learning, interprofessional collaboration, service to diverse communities, and professional advocacy - themes that show up concretely in the curriculum rather than existing only on paper. The didactic phase uses a hybrid of traditional instruction, organ- and systems-based learning, case-based and problem-based learning, and asynchronous content, giving students exposure to multiple pedagogical formats. Early clinical exposure is built in, and the program integrates high-fidelity simulation and point-of-care ultrasound training throughout both the didactic and clinical phases. Clinical training consists of six core rotations plus three elective rotations, and the program reports first-time PANCE pass rates consistently above the national average. A large, diverse faculty contributes to a low student-to-faculty ratio, which is notable for an incoming class of 76 students.
The GPA floor is a 3.00 for both overall and science coursework, though matriculants typically arrive with a 3.69 overall and 3.62 science GPA, so competitive applicants should aim well above the minimum. Paid direct patient care and healthcare experience are recommended but not required, making this program accessible to applicants who have not yet secured extensive hands-on hours, though most successful candidates will have some exposure. The GRE is required; the MCAT is not accepted. Applicants must also submit a writing assessment and at least two letters of reference.
Science prerequisites include general chemistry with lab (8 credits), general biology with lab (4 credits), human anatomy (3 credits), human physiology (3 credits), and microbiology with lab (4 credits). There is no time limit on how old prerequisites can be, and up to two outstanding prerequisites are permitted at the time of application. Tuition totals $100,331 with a $1,000 seat deposit; no separate in-state or out-of-state tuition differential applies.
Admission is rolling on a first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of January 15, 2027, so submitting a complete application early carries a real strategic advantage. Interviews may be traditional, panel, or group format and are not required to be conducted onsite.
An applicant should assess fit here by honestly weighing whether the primary care and community service mission aligns with their clinical goals, and by applying early given the rolling review process.