Program Overview
The Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program is a rigorous and competitive 27-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree offered by Miami Dade College, a renowned institution in Florida. This program prepares graduates to become nationally certified and state-licensed Physician Assistants (PAs) who can provide comprehensive healthcare services under the supervision of physicians.
Program Highlights
- High Pass Rates: Miami Dade graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), exceeding the national average.
- Experienced Faculty: The program is led by a team of dedicated and experienced faculty with a vast knowledge of medicine and PA practice.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students have access to modern classrooms, simulation labs, and clinical training sites equipped with the latest technology.
- Strong Clinical Partnerships: The program collaborates with prestigious medical centers and hospitals, providing students with diverse and hands-on clinical experiences.
- Career Support: The program offers a robust career support system that includes career fairs, networking events, and resume and interviewing preparation.
Curriculum
The MPAS curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in medical knowledge and skills. It includes coursework in the following core areas:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Ethics
- Physical Diagnosis
- Clinical Medicine
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry
Clinical Rotations
Students complete a variety of clinical rotations in various medical specialties, including:
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Family Medicine
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants to the Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program must meet the following criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Completion of prerequisite courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
- At least 1,000 hours of documented patient care experience
Application Process
The application process for the Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program is highly competitive and involves the following steps:
- Submit an online application
- Provide transcripts and GRE scores
- Submit letters of recommendation
- Write a personal statement
- Complete an interview
Program Costs
The total cost of the Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program is approximately $72,000 for Florida residents and $115,000 for non-Florida residents.
Career Outlook
PAs are in high demand due to the increasing need for healthcare providers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for PAs is projected to grow much faster than average, with an expected 31% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030. PAs can earn a median annual salary of $120,810 in the United States.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying to the Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not meeting the minimum eligibility requirements
- Applying with a low GPA
- Not providing strong letters of recommendation
- Making errors on the application or personal statement
- Not preparing adequately for the interview
A Step-by-Step Approach to Success
Follow these steps to increase your chances of admission to the Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program:
- Prepare early: Begin gathering transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation well in advance of the application deadline.
- Meet the eligibility requirements: Ensure that you have a strong academic record and have completed all prerequisite courses.
- Gain patient care experience: Volunteer or work in a healthcare setting to gain hands-on experience.
- Write a compelling personal statement: Showcase your passion for healthcare and why you are a suitable candidate for the program.
- Practice your interview skills: Prepare for common interview questions and practice answering them concisely and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average GPA of admitted students?
The average GPA of students admitted to the Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program is typically between 3.5 and 4.0.
2. Is the PANCE pass rate high?
Yes, Miami Dade graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on the PANCE, exceeding the national average.
3. How much does the program cost?
The total cost of the program is approximately $72,000 for Florida residents and $115,000 for non-Florida residents.
4. What are my career prospects as a PA?
PAs are in high demand and have excellent career prospects. They can earn a median annual salary of $120,810 and find employment in various healthcare settings.
5. How long does the program take to complete?
The Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program is a 27-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
6. What clinical rotations are included in the program?
Students complete clinical rotations in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Psychiatry.