The Physician Assistant Program is a two year (24 months) educational program consisting of 88 semester credits. During the first year at Miami Dade College, students will complete course work in basic sciences, general studies, clinical medicine, history, and physical examination techniques, and surgical and technical clinical skills. Many of these courses have both a lecture and a laboratory component. During the second year, students are provided with opportunities to develop clinical skills and to expand their knowledge by participating in structured clinical experiences under the supervision of physician assistants, physicians in a variety of specialities. In order to provide students with a broad range of clinical experience, the program utilizes numerous hospitals, primary care centers, and free standing clinical settings within the State of Florida.

Who are Physician Assistants?

Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, the PA conducts physical exams, diagnoses and treats illnesses, orders and interprets tests, counsels on preventive health care, assists in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, they are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification exam every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and successful completion of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure.

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