Nova Southeastern University PA Program: Josh's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Josh applied to seven PA programs in one cycle, received three interviews, and was accepted at all three — enrolling at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. He had a 3.63 overall GPA, 1,500 HCE hours, 480 PCE hours, 270 shadowing hours, and roughly 1,000 volunteer hours. His advice is two words long.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?

3 interviews, 3 acceptances

In this post:

Where will you be attending? (if you’re comfortable sharing)

Nova Southeastern University Ft Lauderdale

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Josh's profile is a good illustration of how HCE and volunteer depth can compensate for a modest PCE total. With 480 patient care hours he would fall below the minimum at many programs, but 1,500 healthcare experience hours, 270 shadowing hours, and around 1,000 volunteer hours gave committees plenty to evaluate. Three interviews, three acceptances suggests his applications were well matched to programs whose requirements he met. His note about personal questions is also a useful expectation to set: interviewers often spend more time on who you are than on your statistics, so know your own story well.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

The amount of personal questions I received.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Josh was accepted at every program that interviewed him. His shadowing total (270 hours) was more than half his patient care total — an unusual balance that clearly worked. [VERIFY] Confirm Nova Southeastern's current PCE requirements.

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Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?

How to ace the physician assistant school interview (affiliate link)

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Be confident!

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc)

Instagram: gin_andjosh

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: Florida State University
Overall GPA: 3.63
Science GPA: 3.62
GRE: 304
Total HCE hours: 1500
Total PCE hours: 480
Shadowing hours: 270
Other volunteer hours: 1000
LORs: 3 letters- PA, MD, Past instructor
How many times did you apply?: 1 cycle
Age: 23
Gender: Male
How many programs did you apply to? 7

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Nova Southeastern University PA program?

Josh was accepted with a 3.63 overall GPA and a 3.62 science GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm Nova Southeastern's current published minimum GPA requirements directly with the program.

Does Nova Southeastern's PA program require the GRE?

Josh submitted a 304 GRE. [VERIFY] Confirm the current testing policy before registering for the exam.

How many patient care hours do you need for PA school?

It varies widely by program. Josh was accepted with 480 PCE hours alongside 1,500 HCE hours, which is below the minimum at many schools. Check each program's stated requirement and how it distinguishes patient care from healthcare experience.

What kinds of questions do PA schools ask in interviews?

Often more personal than applicants expect. Josh was surprised by how many personal questions he received. Programs already have your statistics — the interview is where they assess character, motivation, communication, and fit, so be ready to talk about yourself in specifics.

Do volunteer hours matter for PA school?

Yes, as a separate category from patient care experience. Josh logged around 1,000 volunteer hours, which helped demonstrate commitment and community involvement alongside his clinical hours.

How can I be featured in an Accepted! post?

Email [email protected] or use the contact form at The PA Platform to share your acceptance story.

CLOSING

Josh's answers are the shortest we've published and his outcome was three for three. Sometimes a well-matched school list, solid academics, and genuine confidence in the interview room is the entire story.

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Nova Southeastern University PA Program: Josh's Acceptance Story