Strong PANCE outcomes: A first-time PANCE pass rate of 100% is above the national average.
Stricter prerequisite grades: A minimum of B- in prerequisites is tougher than the typical C. Recheck your transcript before you invest in the application.
Recency matters: Prerequisites expire after 5 years for anatomy, physiology, and microbiology; up to 10 years old with waiver approval. Older science coursework may need to be retaken.
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Northwestern College is located in Iowa. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.
At a glance
Location: Iowa
Institution type: Private
Program length: 27 months
Class size: 32 students
Start month: May
Application deadline: September
In-state tuition: $93,960
Minimum overall GPA: 3.3
Minimum science GPA: 3.3
Minimum PCE hours: 500 hours
Letters of recommendation: 3
First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Accreditation status: Continued
Admission requirements
GRE: No
CASPer: No
TOEFL (international applicants): Yes
Supplemental application: Yes (fee $100)
Shadowing: Yes
Letters of recommendation: 3: Healthcare professionals, previous employers, academic references
Patient care experience: 500 hours minimum
Interview format: Interview invitations are sent for August 30th, September 6th, September 13th, and October 18th; Unsure if it is virtual or in-person interview
Prerequisites
Minimum prerequisite grade: B-
Prerequisite expiration: 5 years for anatomy, physiology, and microbiology; up to 10 years old with waiver approval
In-progress prerequisites accepted: Yes
AP or CLEP credit accepted: Yes
Online coursework accepted: Yes
Required coursework
Human Anatomy (BIO 221 preferred or BIO 121)
Human Physiology (BIO 222 preferred or BIO 122)
Microbiology (BIO 203)
Organic Chemistry (CHE 321)
Biochemistry (BIO/CHE 326 or BIO 327WI or BOI 355)
Genetics (BIO 202WI or BIO 327WI)
Psychology (PSY 100SS or PSY360)
Statistics (MAT 116QR or MAT 208QR)
Cost
In-state tuition: $93,960
Supplemental application fee: $100
Seat deposit: $500
Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.
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Program website: Northwestern College
Admissions page: Admissions information
Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 712-707-7000
Address: 101 7th Street SW, Orange City, IA 51041
Program information last verified June 23, 2026. Requirements change, always confirm directly with the program before applying.
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