The Physician Assistant Program is a two year educational experience 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 medical skills and to expand their knowledge by participating in structured clinical experiences under the supervision of physician’s assistants, surgeons, and physicians. 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. The Physician Assistant Program does not grant advanced standing to students accepted in the program.

Transfer of Credit

Miami Dade College Transfer of Credit Policy only applies to pre-requisite or pre-professional courses required in the Physician Assistant Program. The P.A. Program uses the Miami Dade College policy as follows:

a. Transfer credits are only accepted from regionally accredited colleges and universities or nationally accredited institutions that participate in the Florida Course Numbering System unless a written agreement between Miami Dade and a specific post-secondary institution has been previously approved.
b. Courses from previous college(s) will be evaluated after the student has been admitted to MDC.
c. MDC will determine how many credits, if any, will apply toward a degree.
d. Students who have taken courses in non-English speaking countries must have an official certified translation made of their credits and submit this translation to the Admissions Office.
e. College courses completed more than 10 years prior to the date of enrollment at Miami Dade may require validation by examination.

Advanced Placement

The Miami Dade College Physician Assistant Program does not provide advance placement or credit to enrollees based upon experiential learning.

Applicants to the Miami Dade College Physician Assistant Program will not be considered for advanced placement unless they have been previously enrolled in an accredited Physician Assistant Program and have successfully completed all coursework (earned a grade of “C” or above) while enrolled in the P.A. Program. Individuals who have previously completed courses that are part of the P.A. Program’s current curriculum may request advanced placement if:

a. a grade of “C” or above has been earned in each course completed.
b. the course work being considered for advanced placement is no more than 5 years old from the time the student would enroll in the P.A. Program.
c. the applicant has completed all required program application materials and has been selected into program. All applicants must participate in a competitive admissions process.

Experiential Learning

No credit for experiential learning will be awarded to a student in the Miami Dade College Physician Assistant Program.

Employment while enrolled in the PA Program

The PA program is an intensive, demanding course of study that requires a full time commitment. For this reason, we strongly discourage students from working while in the program.

* This is not necessarily the order in which all students will complete the eight rotations. Most clinical rotations are offered every term to maximize the utilization of sites available to students. Students must meet the requirements of the clinical facility assigned.