Program Goals

Goal #1:  Prepare UF School of PA Studies Graduates to enter clinical practice with the essential knowledge and skills.

• Benchmark: Achieve a first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) that exceeds the national average
• Rationale: As clinical knowledge and skills evolve, it is imperitive that the UF School of PA Studies match curriculum to current practice standards as demonstrated through PANCE performance.
• Outcome:

Goal #2: Admit students from varied backgrounds and experiences to enhance the physician assistant workforce. 

• Benchmark: At least 50% of matriculated students from each cohort will have one or more of the following markers as self-reported via CASPA:
  • First generation college student 
  • Disadvantaged background 
  • Veteran status 
  • Second career
• Rationale: Admitting students from varied backgrounds and life experiences strengthens the physician assistant workforce and matches the UF School of PA Studies mission to educate students who will serve the people of Florida and the nation. Students who bring different perspectives enrich classroom discussion, improve collaborative problem‑solving, and contribute to more well‑rounded clinical training.
• Outcome:

Goal #3: Demonstrate and encourage professional involvement and service for faculty and students.

• Benchmarks:
  • Student: Student membership in Florida Academy of PAs or American Academy of Physician Associates >70% of each cohort 
  • Faculty: Greater than or equal to 1 presentation at university, state, or national conference by UF SPAS principal faculty member and greater than or equal to 1 faculty serving on a college, university, state, or national committee related to the PA education mission.
  • Program: Participation in greater than or equal to one community service activity annually
• Rationale: Engagement in professional organizations, scholarly work, committee service, and community outreach strengthens the educational environment and models the professionalism expected of future clinicians. Together, these activities foster ongoing growth, leadership development, and a service‑minded culture for students and faculty.
• Outcomes:

• UF SPAS Faculty Involvement Details

Goal 4: Ensure that matriculated students are supported to successfully complete the program.

• Benchmark: 95% or more of matriculated students complete the program (calculated as 5 year rolling average)
• Rationale: Supporting high levels of program completion demonstrates that students are appropriately prepared at entry and receive the academic, professional, and personal resources needed to meet program requirements.
• Outcome: