Thank you for your interest in the Physician Assistant Program (Masters of Clinical Medical Science) at Larkin University. . Our faculty find new and innovative ways to educate our students in a student-centered learning environment. We are dedicated to preparing highly qualified healthcare providers who complement physicians in primary healthcare delivery.
Larkin University has applied for Accreditation – Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Larkin University anticipates matriculating its first class in October 2025, pending achieving Accreditation – Provisional status at the June 2025. ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation – Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Prospective candidates should be aware that enrolling in a program that is not yet accredited may affect their eligibility for certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) and could pause limitations in obtaining licensure in certain states. For further information about our accreditation process and its implications, please contact our Admission Office by email: PAadmissions@larkin.edu; or by phone 305-760-7480
Applicants for the Physician Assistant Program must have:
GRE (Graduate Record Examination). PACAT is recommended but not required.
Patient Care Experience: Although not required, prior healthcare experience is highly recommended. Higher consideration will be given to applicants who have a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience. This can include registered nurse, paramedic, EMT, physical therapist, nursing assistant, medical assistant, or clinical research coordinator, health educator scribe. These hours must be completed by the time of submission of the application.
Professional References: Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation. These should come from professionals who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications, such as healthcare professionals, (e.g. physician assistant, physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse) professors, or supervisors. Recommendations submitted by relatives, personal healthcare providers, friends are not acceptable.
Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement in which the applicant explains their motivation for becoming a Physician Assistant, their understanding of the PA role, and their career goals.
Technical Standards: Applicants must meet the technical standards
required to complete the program, which include physical, cognitive, and
behavioral abilities.
Background Check and Drug Screening: Applicants that have been granted a seat in the
Larkin PA Program will be required to have a background check and drug
screening prior to admission.
Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants must have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better:
Sociology
These technical standards are intended to ensure that each candidate has the academic and physical ability to acquire competencies, as defined by the National Commission on Accreditation of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the Accreditation Review Commission for Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the PA Education Association (PAEA), and the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).
The Physician Assistant Program is committed to preparing students and graduates that possess the necessary intellectual ability and skills required to successfully and safely provide medical care to patients. Technical Standards, as distinguished from academic standards, refer to physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of the curriculum. These standards ensure that graduates possess the intellectual, physical, and social competencies, including the ability to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data, that cumulatively represents the essential functions of professional practice within health-related careers. It is expected in this age of technology that students have sufficient computer skills and are comfortable with electronic communication and media to successfully and professionally function as a PA student. All candidates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations, and to render a wide spectrum of patient care as required by the curriculum. The students must meet these technical standards for enrollment, continuation, promotion, and graduation from the Program, and must be prepared to indicate their ability to meet these standards as a condition of acceptance and during registration for each semester.
Larkin University PA Program is committed to creating a respectful, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students and does not discriminate based on race, sex, age, sexual preference, gender identity, ethnicity, handicap, or socioeconomic status. Out of that commitment, and in accordance with both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Program offers support to those individuals who may require a disability accommodation. If a candidate states they are unable to meet the technical standards due to a diagnosed disability, Larkin University will determine whether the candidate can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation. This includes a review of whether the accommodations requested would jeopardize patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework and clinical rotations deemed essential to graduation.
A candidate with a documented disability who wishes to request academic accommodation is encouraged to contact the University Student Affairs and Admissions Office, phone: 305-760-7508
All candidates, with or without reasonable accommodation, are required to meet the technical standards described herein; including patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. These technical standards must be maintained from matriculation to graduation from the program.
Observation
Candidates must demonstrate sufficient attention and accuracy in observation skills (visual, auditory, and tactile) in the classroom, demonstrations, visual presentations, lectures, laboratory studies, patient’s bedside in the basic medical, clinical, and outpatient settings. They must demonstrate adequate visual acuity to observe and interpret information from a distance and up close, including reading medical texts and charts, observing patient conditions, and recognizing physical signs and symptoms. They must possess the ability to perform physical assessments and interpret clinical data using auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses. This includes listening to heart and lung sounds, palpating body structures, and detecting abnormal odors.
Communication
Candidates must demonstrate effective verbal & non-verbal (hearing, observing, written) communication skills with peers, faculty, patients, families, and healthcare providers from different social & cultural backgrounds, varying degrees and types of infirmities, and various personalities with sensitivity. Students must effectively demonstrate the ability to communicate with patients with empathy, articulate medical information clearly, provide instructions and document patient interaction accurately, while handling sensitive and stressful situations professionally. When communication is limited, students must be able to communicate using written, computer, or telephonic formats to accurately obtain a medical history from the patient or their health care proxy.
Motor/Sensory Function
Candidates must have the motor and sensory function to perform typical clinical procedures, treatment interventions, and general care of patients required of physician assistants, including, but not limited to, fully participating in curriculum requirements in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings, performing physical examinations, conducting emergency interventions, and performing procedures such as: suturing, Incision and drainage, inserting central or peripheral lines, and other procedures fundamental in medicine. Candidates must have good coordination of motor skills necessary to respond to emergencies quickly and appropriately. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads which may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and/or rapid ambulation. They must execute motor movements that demonstrate safety and efficiency in the various learning settings.
Cognitive/Intellectual Function
Candidates must demonstrate sound critical analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills required to undertake the full curriculum, achieve the level of competency required by the faculty, and meet the demands of total patient care. They must possess the ability to recall and apply a significant amount of medical knowledge and skills. Students must be able to assimilate and learn large amounts of complex, technical information in the form of lectures, discussions, videos, handouts, and clinical exam demonstrations. They must be able to synthesize and apply concepts arising from various disciplines to create diagnostic and therapeutic plans. They must demonstrate accurate and efficient reading skills of the English language and the ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information. They must demonstrate appropriate judgment in patient assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation and intervention, planning, time management, and use of resources. They must perform problem-solving tasks quickly and efficiently in an environment that may change rapidly, without warning, and/or in unpredictable ways. Students must comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.
Behavioral and Social Attributes
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism and possess the emotional stability to exercise sound judgment, manage physical and emotional stress, exhibit sufficient interpersonal skills to interact with people at all levels in a culturally diverse society, and form compassionate relationships with patients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. They must adhere to ethical standards and demonstrate respect for confidentiality. They must possess the ability to handle emotional demands of patient care including dealing with life threatening conditions and patient suffering. They must demonstrate personal qualities that facilitate effective therapeutic interactions (e.g., compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty, benevolence, confidentiality).
Ethical and Legal Standards
Candidates must follow all ethical and legal standards pertaining to patient care including informed consent, patient privacy, and professional conduct as mandated by laws and regulations. They must meet all legal standards required for licensure as Physician Assistants. Upon admission to the Physician Assistant program, candidates must disclose in writing any legal offenses or criminal charges against them prior to their admission. During their tenure, students are required to disclose any legal offenses or criminal charges promptly to the Program Director. Such disclosures will be assessed to ensure they do not impede the student’s ability to provide safe, effective patient care and meet program requirements. Students must maintain a clear legal record and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, as any legal issues may impact their standing in the Program and their ability for licensure and certification. Failure to disclose prior or new legal offenses can lead to disciplinary action including dismissal from the Program.
Students in the Larkin University Physician Assistant Program are expected to meet all Technical Standards essential for successful completion of the Program and for entrance into professional practice. Maintaining these standards is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of patient care and upholding the integrity of the PA profession. If a student fails to meet the Technical Standards they may be subject to dismissal from the Program.
Topic | Date | Time |
Larkin’s new Physician Assistant (PA) program | August 28th | 12:00 PM |
Larkin’s Unique Physician Assistant (PA) program | November 5th | 12:00 PM |
Each of you has been selected to be part of the “Larkin family” because of your determination, and commitment to improving your preparation for a career in the health profession. We are thrilled to welcome you to the L.I.O.N. Pride community. We want to ensure that you are prepared to get started as soon as you arrive on campus for Orientation. Please read this webpage in its entirety. If you have any questions, please email the Office of Admissions at PAadmissions@larkin.edu
All of us at Larkin look forward to welcoming you to our campus!
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is due at the time of acceptance. Your Letter of Acceptance will indicate the deposit deadline dates. This fee will be applied to your 1st-semester tuition. Please pay through our secure, online payment system.
Apply early to ensure funding is available for the 1st day of class. Students will not be permitted to attend class if tuition and fees are not paid.
50 students matriculate in each class
Yes, a baccalaureate degree must have been received prior to matriculation into the physician assistant program. See Requirements for Admission for more information.
No, but all the pre-requisites must be completed before the start of the program
Yes. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required.
The program DOES NOT grant advanced standing under any circumstances. No prerequisite course completed before admission into the program or prior clinical experience will be accepted as substitution for any required coursework in the PA program.
Accepted applicants will be required to pay a $1,000. non-refundable deposit at the time of acceptance. Applicants will be notified of the due date upon receipt of the admissions letter. The deposit will be credited towards your tuition.
Classes are Monday- Friday, 8:00 am -4:00 pm. Students are not able to work during the program.
Larkin University is located in Miami Gardens and is a commuter campus. Nearby cities include North Miami Beach, North Miami, Ives Estates, and Opa-Locka. On-campus housing is not available, but several options are available to assist you in your housing search.
At this time, Federal Loans are not available. Larkin U Financial Services will assist students with applying for private student loans. A listing of private loan vendors is located on the Financial Services web page. Please note, private student loans approval is largely based on credit score. Apply early in case you need to address credit score.
Tuition and fees are divided among 3 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) and due on the first day of classes. Failure to pay tuition and fees will result in withdrawal from program.
Larkin U does not offer payments plans for tuition and fees. Students must secure funding before the start of the Program. Failure to do so will result in program withdrawal.
Students are required to have active health insurance and updated immunizations during enrollment at Larkin University. We have included the cost of health insurance coverage in our Cost of Attendance, and you are permitted to add this need to your loan funds request. If you will be accessing coverage through the ACA Marketplace at https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/, the open enrollment period begins November 1st for coverage. If you are losing employer coverage because of starting school, you may qualify to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period
No, due to the nature of our curriculum you will be automatically registered for classes as you progress in the program.
No, you will not. From the University Library you will have access to numerous online databases and textbooks needed to augment content information from faculty during your courses. The exam preparation materials are integrated into the curriculum and are provided as part of the cost to attend the program.