Selection to the Physician Assistant Program is highly competitive; therefore, selection criteria have been established. Applicants who meet program requirements will be placed into the selection pool for interview. Selection priority will be granted according to the following:

1. Completion of the general education courses with GPA of 2.5 or higher.
2.  *Completion of the required natural sciences courses with GPA of 2.7 or above, taken within the last five years of application to the PA Program.
3. Previous health care career education and/or documented experience a plus.
4. English competency in oral and written communication skills.
5. Submission of 3 recommendation letters with at least one from a health professional.
6. Preference given to State of Florida residents.

Applicants must complete all natural sciences and general education courses no later than the end of spring term of application year. All science courses taken more than five years ago must be repeated.

Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to consider the above criteria and reapply for admission the following year.

Completion of General Education and Science courses and grades attained will enter into the “selection process”. Since the program awards an associate's degree, it does not meet requirements for admission to medical school. Therefore, the program should not be considered a means of entry into a medical college. Students should review the College Catalog for specific course descriptions, including pre and co-requisite course requirements.

The following general education pre-requisite courses must be completed before enrollment in the PA program to obtain an A.S. degree in Physician Assistant:

What Are the Qualities of a Good Candidate?

Intelligence, the ability to relate to people, capacity for calm and reasoned judgment in encountering emergencies, and a demonstrated commitment to patients are qualities essential for the physician assistant. The ideal candidate has the academic ability, prior health care experience, and personal maturity to successfully complete the program and to insure a productive career as a physician assistant. The program's selections committee is seeking candidates who: (1) sincerely want a career as a physician assistant and have a good understanding of the role of the PA; (2) can successfully complete a college level program essentially heavy in basic sciences; (3) have experience in the delivery of health care; (4) have a thorough understanding of the role of a primary care practitioner; (5) have a thorough understanding and commitment to the team concept in health care; (6) can thrive in a service career providing help and care to other people; (7) have the maturity and tolerance to work calmly under stress; (8) can communicate effectively and efficiently both in writing and in speech; and (9) can demonstrate a commitment to community service.

Why Is Health Care Experience an Advantage?

The career as a Physician Assistant is primarily one of working with physician and other medical/allied health providers in delivering health care to people. The program is two years in duration and there is much to learn; therefore, prior health care experience, preferably within the last five years, (not including experience obtained as part of a training program), provides a head start in learning clinical approaches, procedures, and terminology. Prior clinical experience is also considered important because it implies a candidate has knowledge of the kinds of medical problems encountered, and can work with a variety of health care personnel. Moreover, a candidate exposed to health care has a better chance to understand the stresses involved in the delivery of health care as well as all aspects of the industry.

Is There a Residence Requirement?

The selections committee will accept applications from candidates residing in the United States but preference will be given to residents of the State of Florida when all other factors are deemed equal. The mission of the college includes meeting the educational needs of those residing in the state and local community.

To apply to the Physician Assistant Program at the Medical Center Campus, complete the following steps:

• If you have not been enrolled at Miami Dade College during the past 12 months, complete an Application for Admission or Readmission to College Credit Courses. Choose the Medical Center Campus as the “preferred” campus.
• Make an appointment to take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT) through Testing Services, Room 1303, Medical Center Campus, 305-237-4275, or through the testing center at any of the other MDC campuses. You should register at least one month in advance of taking the test, and you should take the test before the date that program application materials are due.
• If you have previously attended any other college or university, arrange for that institution to send official transcripts to the Registrar at the Medical Center Campus by the due date for program application materials.
• Complete the prerequisite courses.
• Submit an Application for Program Selection to the Physician Assistant Program Coordinator at the Medical Center Campus.

Where Do I Send My Application Materials?

You may send your MDC application to:

Miami Dade College
Medical Center Campus
New Student Center
950 NW 20 th Street
Miami , FL 33127

Applications for College admission may also be filled out on line at http://www.mdc.edu.
Note:   You have to be connected to the Internet to access this web site

You must also send the following:

• Application fee (check or money order – no cash)
• Send with your Application for Program Selection, professional documentation and letters of recommendations