About the program
The University of Florida 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 School of Physician Assistant Studies is to educate students to become physician assistants who will serve the people of Florida and the nation as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in a diverse and ever changing healthcare environment."
Simulation lab, non-prosected cadaver lab,
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: no. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available.
Prerequisite coursework
up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
The University of Florida offers a 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree with ARC-PA Continued accreditation, beginning in June 2027. The program is based in Florida, accepts out-of-state applicants, and does not accept international applicants. There is no part-time or distance learning option, making it a full-time, on-campus commitment.
The program's mission centers on preparing PAs to serve Florida and the nation as members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams in diverse and evolving clinical settings. Curriculum delivery relies on case-based, problem-based, and organ/systems-based learning approaches, which tend to reward applicants who are comfortable with active, self-directed learning rather than passive lecture formats. Students gain hands-on experience through a simulation lab and a non-prosected cadaver lab, both of which provide structured opportunities to develop clinical and anatomical skills before entering rotations.
With a matriculant overall GPA of 3.8 and a science GPA of 3.7, this program draws competitive applicants. The academic bar is high, and prospective applicants should assess their transcripts honestly before applying. Required prerequisites include general chemistry with lab (8 credits), human anatomy with lab (4 credits), human physiology (4 credits), microbiology with lab (4 credits), and statistics (3 credits). No more than two prerequisites may be outstanding at the time of application. The GRE is required; the MCAT will not be accepted as a substitute.
The program requires at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care, and that experience must be paid, not volunteer. General healthcare experience is also required separately, so applicants should ensure their hours meet both conditions. The incoming class size is approximately 60 students.
The application deadline is August 1, 2026, under a regular review cycle, meaning all applications are evaluated after the deadline passes rather than on a rolling basis. A minimum of three letters of reference are required. The seat deposit is $200, and the program maintains separate tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, so applicants should verify current tuition figures directly with the program. Interviews include both a traditional format and a Multiple Mini Interview, and onsite attendance is not required for the interview.
Applicants who are strongest here will have a high science GPA, substantial paid patient care experience, comfort with active learning models, and a genuine interest in serving Florida's population and broader national healthcare needs - candidates who check those boxes and confirm the tuition implications of their residency status will be well-positioned to evaluate fit.