July 15, 2021
Physician Assistant
Welcome to the Florida State University School of Physician Assistant Practice.
On behalf of the Dean, faculty and staff of the FSU College of Medicine PA Program, I welcome you to our website. Our faculty of PAs, physicians and biomedical scientists are in the process of developing a world class program that will assist you in your goal to become a practicing physician assistant.
Our 27-month, 7-semester, 111 credit hour program was designed to prepare our graduates to practice medicine as part of the Physician-PA Team. Upon completion, our graduates will receive the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice degree.
The PA Program at FSU is extremely challenging with a strong emphasis in the biomedical sciences, simulation and procedural skills. Although challenging, you will find a welcoming environment and an unrivaled network of support provided by an inter-professional TEAM who is committed to your academic and professional success.
I want to extend our best wishes for your success in your goal to become a physician assistant. Please review our website and please contact us if you have any questions, PAinfo@med.fsu.edu.
Benjamin J. Smith, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Program Director and Associate Dean
School of Physician Assistant Practice
At its September 2022 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) extended Accreditation-Probation status for the Florida State University School of Physician Assistant Practice program sponsored by Florida State University until its next review in September 2024.
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.
Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.
Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website