FAQ
What are the estimated costs related to the program?
Tuition: $25,000 per year; $50,000 for the total program
Application Fee ($50)
Registration Fee ($145)
Education Fee per semester $600 ($1800 per year)
Required student equipment for program ($550)
Required text books for program ($4,682)
Recommended books for program ($500)
NCCPA PANCE ($425)
Withdrawal Fee ($100)
What is the accreditation status and what does it mean?
For graduates to be eligible to sit for the national board exam, they must successfully complete an accredited physician assistant program. According to ARC-PA, provisional accreditation is recognition granted for a limited period of time to a new physician assistant program that, at the time of the initial provisional site visit, has demonstrated its preparedness to initiate a program in accordance with the standards. Provisional accreditation visits are conducted during the calendar year prior to enrollment of the charter class of students. Accreditation assures the public that the program meets or exceeds standards set by the ARC-PA. Provisional accreditation does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. All students who are admitted and graduate while Keiser University - Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program is provisionally accredited are eligible to take the PANCE exam.
What is PANCE?
PANCE is the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination.
What is the program first time PANCE rate for the five most recent classes?
There is no data available because the program is new.
PANCE Pass Rates
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2015 |
2016 |
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What is ARC-PA?
ARC-PA is the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
Where can I find the procedure for student withdrawal, tuition and fees?
The policy/procedure for student withdrawal is found in the Keiser University catalog on page 387. Policies and procedures for refunds of tuition and fees are found in the University catalog on page 68.
Can I work while attending the Physician Assistant Program?
Due to the intensity and time demands associated with the program, students are strongly discouraged from working while in the program. There may be classes that meet during the evening hours or weekends as the schedule permits; students must be available to attend these sessions. The intensity of study required for successful completion of the program makes working a significant distraction.
Where can I find the policy and procedure for processing student grievances?
The policy for processing student grievances is found on page 60 of the Keiser University Catalog.
What kind of degree is granted with the completion of the program?
A Master of Science in Physician Assistant will be granted upon successful completion of the program.
Can a student attend the physician assistant program on a part-time basis?
The physician assistant program is a full-time program only. Students will complete their course of study in six semesters or 24 months. The first matriculating class will begin January 2010 and finishes 24 months later.
Can I transfer credits to reduce the number of courses I must take?
Because of the nature of the program, no advance standing or transfer of credits will be granted. Each class is an integral part of the academic experience and is necessary for success in this program.
Can I defer my acceptance into the program for a future class?
No, the physician assistant program will not defer admissions. Offers of acceptance will be valid only for one entering class. Applicants must repeat the entire admissions process. No preferential treatment will be granted.
Where do students do their clinical rotations?
Keiser University physician assistant students will be assigned to various clinical sites to meet the nine required clinical rotations. Students will not be required to supply their own clinical sites. Clinical sites include inpatient, outpatient, long term care and office settings. Students may request clinical sites but the ultimate determination is made by the clinical coordinator.
Is a laptop computer required?
Laptop computers will not be required. However, all students must have access to a computer and printer. Keiser University library has computers available for student use.
What if I have not completed my pre-requisites at the time of application?
All pre-requisites must be completed prior to starting the program. Students must provide official transcripts to the Graduate Admission Office reflecting completion of all required coursework.
How many students will be enrolled each year?
The first class will enroll 25 students.
How long is the physician assistant program?
The program is 24 months in length. The first 12 months will consist of didactic courses and the last 12 months will be clinical instruction.
What clinical rotations are required?
Required clinical rotations will be: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Psychiatry, Prenatal/GYN, Long Term Care and one elective.
Do you have a waiting list?
The program expects to have a waiting list.
Do I need a baccalaureate degree to attend?
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign equivalent evaluated by a recognized evaluation agency, will be required to attend the physician assistant program.
Is a GRE required?
The GRE is required.
How do I apply?
Upon provisional accreditation, the first class of students will apply directly to:
Keiser University, Graduate School
Master of Science in Physician Assistant
1900 W. Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Subsequent classes will apply to the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The website is http://portal.caspaonline.org//. The phone number is (617) 612-2080.
Are applicants required to have health care experience?
Candidates for admission to the physician assistant program will be required to demonstrate evidence of healthcare experience. In addition, physician assistant shadowing and volunteering are required.
Where should I obtain references?
It is recommended that candidates seek references from individuals who are well acquainted with them academically, personally and/or professionally. Three letters of recommendation are required with two letters from healthcare professionals.
If I am on the alternate list and not accepted, do I need to reapply the following year?
Yes, candidates on the alternate list who are not offered a seat for the current admissions cycle must reapply through CASPA the following year.
Is a criminal background check or drug screen required?
Yes. Criminal background checks and drug screens are required.
When will the program begin?
The program will matriculate the first physician assistant class in January 2010.
What is the deadline for applying to the physician assistant program?
The deadline for application for the January 2010 class is December 18, 2009
Is financial aid available?
Yes, many of our students will use some form of financial aid from public and/or private sources. Part of planning for entry should include planning for the financial situation faced by students.
How important is GPA?
Applicants must have the minimum GPA to be considered:
Undergraduate GPA: 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
Cumulative Science GPA: 3.0
Cumulative Prerequisite GPA: 3.0
Are any standardized tests required for admission?
Yes, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
I already have a baccalaureate degree; do I need to complete all the prerequisite courses?
Yes. All prerequisite courses will be required for admission to the physician assistant program. There are no exceptions or substitutions.
I am a medical doctor from another country. Do I still have to complete the requirements?
Yes. All of the requirements must be met by all applicants. Transcripts from other countries must be evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency. There are no institutional policies or practices that favor specific groups of applicants.
What happens to me as a student if the program loses its accreditation?
You will be eligible to sit for the PANCE regardless of any subsequent changes in program accreditation status.