About the program
The Dominican University PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The mission of the Dominican University Physician Assistant Studies Program is to graduate physician assistants who provide highly competent, patient-centered, and compassionate health care. Our physician assistants will serve as an integral member of healthcare teams and will demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to lifelong learning."
on-campus simulation lab, Anatomage tables, interpersonal relationships with professors, retention specialist, small cohort
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: no. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 7 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Dominican University's Physician Assistant Studies Program in Illinois awards a Master of Medical Science degree through a 24-month, full-time curriculum that begins in January 2027. The program holds ARC-PA continued accreditation, accepts out-of-state applicants, and does not offer part-time enrollment or distance learning options. International applicants are not eligible. With an incoming class of approximately 30 students, the program is deliberately small, and that size shapes much of its character - applicants can expect close relationships with faculty and access to a dedicated retention specialist designed to support students through the program's demands.
The curriculum blends case-based, problem-based, organ-systems, and team-based learning approaches, reflecting a practical, integrative educational philosophy. The mission centers on producing competent, patient-centered clinicians who contribute meaningfully to healthcare teams and commit to lifelong learning and service. On-campus resources include a simulation lab and Anatomage tables for anatomy instruction, tools that support hands-on preparation before clinical rotations.
The admitted cohort is academically competitive, with matriculants averaging a 3.83 overall GPA and a 3.78 science GPA, though the program's stated minimums are 3.00 for both. Applicants should interpret the gap between minimums and actual matriculant averages as a realistic indicator of the competitive pool. Healthcare experience is required, but paid direct patient care is recommended rather than mandatory - a meaningful distinction for applicants whose experience includes volunteer or unpaid roles. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past seven years, and applicants may enter with no more than two prerequisites still outstanding. Required science coursework includes general chemistry (7 credits with lab), human anatomy (4 credits with lab), microbiology (4 credits with lab), human physiology (3 credits), and statistics (3 credits).
Applications open on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of August 1, 2026, so submitting early is strategically important. Three letters of reference are required. Interviews are conducted in a Multiple Mini Interview format and are not required to be completed on-site. Total tuition sits at $116,918 with a $1,500 seat deposit upon acceptance; there are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students.
Applicants who thrive in small, collaborative academic environments, bring solid science preparation, and want a program that pairs modern instructional technology with accessible faculty mentorship should evaluate whether this structure aligns with how they learn best.