5 Essential Facts About The Miami Dade Physician Assistant Program: 2025 Admissions, Low Tuition, And Unique Dual Degree
Are you looking for a direct and affordable path to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) in Florida? The Miami Dade College (MDC) Physician Assistant Program, located at the Medical Campus, is one of the most distinctive and highly sought-after PA programs in the nation, offering a unique educational model that sets it apart from the standard Master's-level programs. As of late 2024, the program is preparing for its 2025 application cycle, making now the critical time to ensure your application portfolio is competitive.
This article provides the most current and essential information on the MDC PA program, covering everything from its unique degree structure and updated 2025 admissions timeline to its crucial PANCE pass rates and surprisingly low tuition costs for Florida residents. Understanding these key details is the first step to securing your spot in this competitive 27-month program.
The Unique MDC PA Program Structure: A Dual Degree Pathway
Unlike the vast majority of Physician Assistant programs across the United States, which confer a Master of Medical Science (MMS) or Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) degree, the Miami Dade College PA program offers a unique dual-degree pathway.
The program is structured to award students an Associate in Science (A.S.) in Health Science alongside a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Health Science with a Physician Assistant Studies Concentration. This 27-month, full-time curriculum is intensive, with the first year dedicated to foundational coursework in basic and applied sciences. This unique structure makes the MDC PA program a highly accessible option for students who may already hold an undergraduate degree or are seeking a streamlined, yet rigorous, academic path.
Program Duration and Curriculum Overview
The total duration of the program is 27 months, divided into two primary phases: the didactic year and the clinical year.
- Didactic Year: This phase focuses on classroom instruction, labs, and foundational medical knowledge, covering subjects essential for clinical practice.
- Clinical Year: Students transition to hands-on training, completing a series of clinical rotations across various medical specialties. This practical experience is crucial for developing the skills required for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and entry-level practice.
Your Roadmap to Acceptance: 2025 Admission Requirements and CASPA Deadlines
Gaining admission to the Miami Dade College PA program is highly competitive, requiring meticulous planning and adherence to strict deadlines. All applicants must apply through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
The 2025 CASPA application cycle for the MDC PA program is set to run from April 24, 2025, to November 1, 2025. Meeting the minimum requirements is not enough; successful applicants typically exceed the baseline for key metrics.
Key Admission Requirements for the 2025 Cycle
To be considered for admission, prospective students must demonstrate a strong academic background and significant clinical preparation.
- PA-CAT Score: A minimum score of 525 or higher on the Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) is required. This specialized exam assesses knowledge in core science subjects.
- Direct Patient Care Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a high number of direct patient care hours. While a minimum is set, higher levels of experience are highly favored by the admissions committee.
- Shadowing Hours: Documented shadowing hours with a practicing Physician Assistant are essential to show a clear understanding of the PA role.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of all prerequisite science and general education courses is mandatory. A core requirement includes Human Anatomy & Physiology, including labs, totaling 6-8 semester hours. Other necessary sciences typically include Microbiology, Chemistry, and Statistics.
- Veterans Preference: Veterans of all branches of the U.S. Military are given preference during the admissions process.
Cost Breakdown: Affordable Tuition for Florida Residents (2025 Data)
One of the most compelling reasons to choose the MDC PA program is the significant cost advantage, particularly for in-state residents. The program's tuition is substantially lower than that of many private or Master's-level programs.
Based on the most recent data for the 2025 cycle, the approximate tuition costs are clearly delineated between residents and non-residents, offering a massive financial incentive for Floridians.
Approximate 2025 Tuition Costs (Excluding Fees and Other Expenses)
| Residency Status | Didactic Year Tuition (Approx.) | Clinical Year Tuition (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| MDC Tuition Residents | $6,793.85 | $3,247.25 |
| MDC Tuition Non-Residents | $25,474.55 | $13,399.25 |
While these figures represent tuition only—and students should budget for additional costs like books, fees, equipment, and living expenses—the in-state tuition rate makes the MDC PA program one of the most cost-effective routes to a PA career in the country.
Analyzing Program Outcomes: PANCE Pass Rates and Accreditation Status
A program’s success is often measured by its graduates' performance on the national board exam, the PANCE. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) ensures the program meets rigorous standards, and its accreditation status is essential for licensure.
PANCE Performance and Accreditation
The Miami Dade College PA program has a strong track record of student success on the PANCE.
- Five-Year Average Pass Rate: The program boasts a five-year first-time taker average PANCE pass rate of 90%. This figure is a critical indicator of the quality of education and preparation students receive.
- Accreditation Status: The program is fully accredited by the ARC-PA. However, the ARC-PA requires continuous monitoring and review. For instance, the program submitted a required analysis after the 2020 cohort's PANCE pass rate was 85% or less, demonstrating the program's commitment to continuous improvement and accountability. A review of the program by the ARC-PA is scheduled for September 2025.
The program’s commitment to meeting or exceeding the national average PANCE score ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to enter the healthcare workforce.
Preparing Your Competitive Application for the Medical Campus
The MDC PA program is located on the Medical Campus, a hub for healthcare education in South Florida. Applying successfully requires more than just meeting the minimum GPA; it demands a strategically assembled application that highlights clinical maturity, academic readiness, and a clear understanding of the PA profession.
Prospective students should focus on maximizing their direct patient care experience hours and achieving a competitive score on the PA-CAT. Furthermore, applicants must be prepared to complete a 10-panel drug screening through American Data Bank’s "Complio" system, which is used by the Medical Campus for compliance tracking.
For those accepted, the program provides high-quality education and training opportunities, primarily in primary care, designed to serve a diverse cultural background of students. The unique degree structure, combined with its affordability and strong outcomes, solidifies the Miami Dade College Physician Assistant Program as a premier choice for future PAs.
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