NSU’s Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences PA - Orlando

Nova Southeastern University | 9 COURSE OF STUDY The Physician Assistant Program—Orlando curriculum is completed following a bach- elor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Graduates of foreign institutions should refer to the specific admissions requirements and application procedures detailed in the respective sections of this brochure. The comprehensive curriculum, completed in a consecutive manner, is oriented to primary care and prepares the student to practice in a wide variety of clinical settings. Due to the highly integrated and compact curriculum, the department requires matric- ulants to complete the entire program in the scheduled curriculum at the Nova South- eastern University Orlando Campus. There are two parts to the program. Didactic period (first 15 months) • The first 15 months of study consist of basic sciences and clinically related didactic courses. • The curriculum content is organized using a systems approach. • The course delivery is taught using a lecture format. • Students are generally in class Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. • There are occasional evening and/or weekend hours. • All courses are required and must be successfully completed before advancing to the clinical year. Clinical year (last 12 months) • The clinical year can only begin after all didactic courses have been completed. • The year is devoted to 12 months of clinical training with required, six-week clinical rotations. • The rotations are in family medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, prenatal care/gynecology, general surgery, behavioral health, and internal medicine. • There is one six-week selective rotation in orthopedics, dermatology, geriatrics, cardiology, neurology, otorhinolaryngology, endocrinology, pulmonology, or gastroenterology. • There also is one elective rotation of four weeks that may include other selec- tives or specialties that are also required. ROTATION DETAILS Each required rotation has assigned readings and learning objectives. At the end of each required rotation, a written comprehensive subject examination is administered and must be passed. During rotations, students will be supervised by licensed practi- tioners and will actively participate in patient assessments, perform common laboratory procedures, participate in surgery, interpret common diagnostic examinations, and help manage common medical problems. The attendance hours during clinical rotations are set by the preceptor and can include evening and weekend hours. Students are required to work a minimum of 36 hours per week; however, many rotation sites require students to work longer hours. DEGREE Upon successful completion of the course of study, students will have earned a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant (M.M.S.) degree. The role of the physician assistant requires a high level of expertise and responsibility. The applicant must possess the ability and desire to complete a rigorous academic and clinical program and make a commitment to continued learning.