Physician Assistant Programs in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

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Becoming a Physician Assistant in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Embarking on a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, offers a rewarding opportunity to work in the healthcare field. PAs are vital members of medical teams, providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. This guide outlines the steps to becoming a PA, including education paths, local programs, and certification requirements.

About Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene, is a dynamic city located in southeastern Florida. It offers a mix of urban sophistication and coastal charm, making it an attractive place to live and work. For more information, visit the official Ft. Lauderdale website.

PA Programs in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding area offer several accredited PA programs for aspiring Physician Assistants:

1. Nova Southeastern University
   Located in the Davie neighborhood, Nova Southeastern University offers a comprehensive PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program emphasizes clinical practice and research. More details can be found on their PA program page.

2. Barry University
   Situated in Miami Shores, approximately 30 miles from Ft. Lauderdale, Barry University provides a well-rounded PA program focusing on primary care and preventive medicine. Visit their PA program page for more information.

3. Florida International University
   Located in Miami, about 35 miles from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida International University offers a PA program that integrates classroom learning with clinical experience. Details are available on their PA program page.

PA Employment Opportunities in Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale hosts several major healthcare facilities offering employment opportunities for PAs:

1. Broward Health Medical Center
   Located in the Sailboat Bend neighborhood, Broward Health Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the region. Explore their employment opportunities for PAs.

2. Holy Cross Health
   Situated in the Coral Ridge neighborhood, Holy Cross Health is known for its comprehensive medical services. Visit their careers page for job openings.

3. Cleveland Clinic Florida
   Found in Weston, approximately 20 miles from Ft. Lauderdale, Cleveland Clinic Florida is a renowned medical center offering various PA positions. Check their careers page for more information.

Prerequisites for PA Programs

To enroll in a PA program, candidates typically need:

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field.
• Completion of prerequisite courses such as psychology, biology, and chemistry.
• Clinical experience involving patient interaction.
• GRE scores, as required by many programs.

PA Certification and Licensure Requirements in Florida

To practice as a PA in Florida, candidates must:

• Graduate from an ARC-PA accredited program.
• Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the NCCPA.
• Submit a licensure application to the Florida Department of Health, including a $305 fee.
• Establish a supervision agreement with a licensed physician.
• Complete a criminal background screening.

For more details, visit the Florida Board of Medicine.

Licensure Reciprocity

Florida does not currently have specific licensure reciprocity agreements with other states. PAs moving to Florida must meet the state’s licensure requirements.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is a fulfilling path with numerous opportunities. Begin your journey by researching local PA programs and reaching out to schools for more information. Take the first step towards a rewarding healthcare career today.