There are only six accredited physician assistant programs in Illinois five of which are in Chicago and one in Carbondale. All of the six will prepare you to take (and pass) the PANCE Physician Assistant National Certification Exam.
But before you can graduate and become a primary care provider, you need to find and get accepted into one of these physician assistant programs in Illinois, which well detail in this article. First, though, lets look at the five physician assistant schools in Chicago, IL.
1. John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County | Malcolm X College
Youll need a strong commitment and history working with and in under-served communities to get into this educational facility. It gives priority to applicants who have that experience and are from IL.
Theres only 25 open seats. The program offers two degrees in 78 credit hours. You can get an associate in applied science or master of medical science. This is the only facility that offers the AA.
Selection will be based on your academics, hours spent handling patients, interviews, statements, essays, application, pre-admission exam, along with other factors.
Deadlines is Jan. 15 each year.
Contact: John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Malcolm X College, 1900 West Van Buren, Suite 3241, Chicago, IL 60612; Phone: 312-850-3532; Fax 312-850-3536
2. Midwestern University PA program in Chicago
Midwestern University, which offers a master in medical science, accepts about 80 new students each year.
After 27 months of study, youll be ready to take the PANCE, which 99 percent of graduates from 2007-2011 from the medical education institution passed the first time.
The rate is impressive when you consider that 92 percent is the national average.
Selection will be based on GPA, GRE scores, commitment, experience, and desire to work in medicine; along with other items.
Application deadline is Oct. 1.
Contact: Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515; Phone: 630-515-6034; Admissions email: admissil@midwestern.edu
3. Feinberg School of Medicine PA program in Chicago at Northwestern University
Just starting in 2010, Feinberg is one of the physician assistant schools in Illinois where theres not a lot of PANCE data yet.
The only graduating class, which was from 2012, had a PANCE first-time pass rate of 96 percent.
But dont let that scare you off from this 24-month, 108-credit hour master of medical science degree.
Only about 30 students get in each year and admissions is based on GPA, GRE scores, experience in health-care, personal statement, along with other items.
Deadline for admission is Dec. 1.
Contact: Northwestern University, Abbott Hall, 4th Floor, 710 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 312-503-1851; Fax: 312-503-2729; email: paprogram@northwestern.edu
4. Rosalind Franklin University PA Program in Chicago
Rosalind-Franklin has granted hundreds of masters of medical science degrees since it opened in 1991
This is a 24-month course and clinical education. Graduates over the last five years who have taken the PANCE have a 95 percent first-time pass rate.
Entrance to this private educational facility will be based on academics, GRE scores, experience working with patients, along with other items.
About 65 students are admitted each year.
Deadline to apply is Dec. 1.
Contact: Rosalind Franklin University, College of Health Professions, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064; Phone: 847-578-8686; email: pa.admissions@rosalindfranklin.edu
5. Rush University PA Program in Chicago
A private institution, Rush University like Rosalind Franklin doesnt give preference to IL residents.
The coursework and clinicals last for 33 months and there are about 30 students admitted each year.
Youll need more than 1,500 hours of direct patient contact to be a competitive candidate at this medical education facility.
Entrance is also based on GPA, GRE scores, and other items.
Dec. 1 is admissions deadline.
Contact: Rush University, 600 South Paulina Street, Suite 1021F-AAC, Chicago, IL 60612; Phone: 312-563-3234; email: pa_admissions@rush.edu
Physician assistant school outside of Chicago
6. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale is the only one of the PA schools in Illinois that is outside Chicago.
Less than 35 students are admitted yearly to this 26-month long master of science degree, which features a curriculum that is problem-based learning and clincials
Admissions will be based on academic past, having more than 2,000 hours of health-care experience, letters of recommendation, among other items.
Over the last five years, graduates had a first-time PANCE pass rate of 97 percent
Application deadline varies each year, beginning April 15 and ending September 1.
Contact: Southern Illinois University, Lindegren Hall, 129, Mail Code 6516, Carbondale, IL 62901-6519; Phone: 618-453-8851; Fax: 618-453-7216; Email: pa_advisement@siumed.edu
I hope this article has been of benefit to you by listing the six accredited physician assistant programs in Illinois.