About the program
The South 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: "The mission of the South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) program is to educate a diverse student population and prepare graduates to practice the art and science of medicine who provide high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered healthcare that is responsive to the needs of all individuals."
We offer gross cadaver dissection and procedures through our partnership with CAMLS; We also have early clinical exposure starting in the second quarter of didactic; Offer Emergency Medicine Certificate Program; ATOM Program participation with first assist exposure; Community involvement through multiple programs with special focus on the underserved/underrepresented.
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
Program overview
South University Tampa offers a 27-month MSPA program with ARC-PA continued accreditation, admitting a class of approximately 60 students each January. The next cohort begins January 2027, with a rolling admissions deadline of August 1, 2026 - meaning early application is a practical advantage, not merely a suggestion.
The program's mission centers on training a diverse student body to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented populations. That community focus is reflected in actual curriculum design rather than aspirational language: students engage in community outreach programs during training, and the program holds early clinical exposure beginning in the second quarter of the didactic year, which gives students meaningful patient contact well before the clinical phase begins. The didactic curriculum blends case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and team-based learning. Practically, students benefit from gross cadaver dissection and procedural training through a partnership with CAMLS, as well as participation in the ATOM program, which provides first-assist exposure. An Emergency Medicine Certificate Program is also available, a distinguishing feature for applicants drawn to acute care.
The average matriculant carries a 3.66 overall GPA and a 3.56 science GPA, against a stated minimum of 3.00. Competitive applicants will sit meaningfully above the floor. The program recommends but does not require paid direct patient care or healthcare experience, which lowers the bar compared to programs that enforce strict hour minimums - though applicants should recognize that recommendations still carry weight in a competitive pool. There is no prerequisite time limit, which accommodates applicants who completed science coursework some years ago. Required prerequisites include general chemistry with lab (8 credits), general biology (6 credits), and lab-based courses in human anatomy, human physiology, and microbiology (4 credits each). The GRE is required; the MCAT is not accepted.
Three letters of reference are required. Interviews are conducted onsite and use both a traditional format and Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) stations, so applicants should prepare for both structured panel-style questions and the brief, scenario-based format MMIs require. Total tuition runs $97,704 with a $1,000 seat deposit. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants, though international candidates should review program-specific requirements directly on the website. No part-time or distance learning options exist.
An applicant who fits this program well will be serious about community-oriented care, prepared to engage in an active-learning environment from day one, and ready to submit materials early given the rolling review process.