Program Spotlight: Northwestern University

Location:  Chicago, IL

Number of students:  30

Application Cycle:  CASPA and supplemental by October 1st (rolling admissions)

Interview dates:  August - January

Start date:  June

Length of Program:  24 months

Public/Private:  Private

HCE:  Not required, but recommended to have a minimum 6 months full time HCE (1000 hours)

GPA:  Minimum 2.8 with at least a C in prerequisites

Shadowing:  Encouraged

The Good Stuff:

•  Problem Based learning - learning occurs in small groups with an emphasis on self learning when tackling a problem
• Labs are not required for any prerequisites
• Basic Prerequisites - Biochemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology
• No expiration date on coursework

Program Link:  Northwestern University PA Program

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For the most up to date information on PA programs in one place, check out The Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs. (Affiliate link)

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Program Spotlight: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine

Location:   North Chicago, Illinois

Number of students:  70

Application Cycle:  April - December 1st through CASPA (rolling admissions)

Interview dates:  September - February

Start date:  Late May

Length of Program:  24 months

Public/Private:  Private (no preference for Illinois students)

HCE:  Strongly recommended (average of students is 800 hrs)

GPA:  Minimum overall and science of 2.75 with minimum C is all prerequisite

Shadowing:  Strongly recommended

The Good Stuff:

• Prerequisites are pretty basic - Biochem, anatomy/physiology, Psych, Microbiology.  And that's it!  There are some other recommended courses as well, but no biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, or any of that. 
• There's an option to a diversity statement, separate from your personal statement, to tell them more about yourself and why you would be a good fit for the program. 
• On the quarter system
• Interviews are MMI style (Multiple Mini Interviews)

Program Link:  Rosalind Franklin University PA Program

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For the most up to date information on PA programs in one place, check out The Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs. (Affiliate link)

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Program Spotlight: Midwestern University

Location:  Downers Grove, Illinois or Glendale, Arizona

Number of students:  86 at Downers Grove and 90 at Glendale

Application Cycle:  April - October 1st through CASPA(Separate for each program)

Interview dates:  September - January

Start date:  June

Length of Program:  27 months

Public/Private:  Private

HCE:  Preferred, but not required

GPA:  Minimum 3.0 science and overall GPA.  Must have at least a C in all coursework.  

Shadowing:  No requirement

The Good Stuff:

• Coursework must be completed by December of the year before matriculation
• For the interview, be prepared to do a writing sample and have a small group interview with faculty, and no individual interviews

Program Link:  Midwestern University - Downers Grove PA Program  // Midwestern University - Glendale PA Program

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For the most up to date information on PA programs in one place, check out The Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs. (Affiliate link)

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