Program Overview

Larkin University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies strives to provide opportunities to students of diverse backgrounds to become leaders in medicine with a commitment to make a transformational difference in improving healthcare in their community.  We provide a nurturing environment that will foster collegiality, leadership, and professionalism. Located in Miami, Florida, the program focuses on an innovative, rigorous curriculum working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary format to respond to the health needs of our culturally diverse patients and communities. Our Program is preparing students to become responsible healthcare professionals who will provide holistic care, promoting inclusiveness and compassion.  Our L.I.O.N promise of Leadership, Innovation, Opportunity and Nurturing is what differentiates us from other physician Assistant programs.

Curriculum overview

The Larkin University Physician Assistant Program is a full-time, intensive, and rigorous educational program that spans over 28 months for a total of 128 semester hours and awards a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The program prepares students by integrating 15 months of classroom instructions followed by 12 months of supervised clinical practice experiences providing them with a solid foundation. This instruction is provided to the students by highly competent faculty who are experts in their respective fields, state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, and technology. The curriculum integrates problem-based learning in classroom instruction and clinical scenarios that enhance their clinical reasoning and prepare them to enter the medical field. Upon graduation, the student will have the knowledge and clinical skills required to practice medicine in urban, rural, and underserved areas under the supervision of a licensed physician.

The Larkin PA Program is comprised of a Didactic phase and a Clinical phase.  

  • The didactic phase is divided into 4 semesters (15 months) of classroom, laboratory instructions in medical sciences and clinical skills. The instruction is conducted primarily on campus. Students are also allowed to have limited patient interaction during their physical diagnosis lab where they are taken in small groups to a local community clinic to learn history-taking skills.
  • The clinical Phase of 12 months duration is divided into six 5 weeks rotations, one 10 weeks of family medicine rotation and two elective rotations. The supervised clinical rotations are conducted in various medical settings including Hospitals, and community centers, provide specialty medical offices, urgent care, ambulatory care centers, and long-term care facilities.
  • Upon completion of the clinical year, students return to campus for a one-month period dedicated to final evaluations and presentations. During this time, they complete their end-of-program comprehensive exam and final summative evaluation, which are critical in assessing their overall competencies. Additionally, students present their capstone project, a culmination of their learning that integrates research, evidence-based practice, and clinical experience. To further support their success, students are offered a PANCE board review during this month. Successfully completing these evaluations certifies the students’ competencies for graduation and establishes their eligibility to sit for the national certification examination. This final phase ensures that they are well-prepared to embark on their professional careers.


For specific course listings by semester, Click Here

For a complete listing of courses and course descriptions, see Larkin University Catalog.

Program Timeline

National Certification Exam (PANCE) pass rate

PANCE Pass Rate not available until 2027