About the program
The Midwestern University (Downers Grove) 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 Midwestern University Physician Assistant Program prepares compassionate, skilled physician assistants who make a meaningful impact on their patients, communities, and the PA profession."
Midwestern University–Downers Grove PA program offers a strong clinical foundation with early patient exposure, state‑of‑the‑art simulation and cadaver labs, and extensive rotations across the Chicago area. Emphasis on interprofessional education, evidence‑based practice, and a supportive faculty environment prepares students for diverse clinical settings.
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: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. 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: No Requirement · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Midwestern University's Downers Grove campus offers a 27-month Master of Medical Science degree in physician assistant studies, with an incoming cohort of approximately 86 students and a June 2027 start date. The program holds continued ARC-PA accreditation, accepts out-of-state applicants, and considers international applicants with certain exceptions. There is no part-time or distance learning option.
The curriculum blends traditional didactic instruction with case-based learning, supported by simulation labs, cadaver labs, and clinical rotations distributed across the Chicago metropolitan area. Interprofessional education and evidence-based practice are built into the program's design, giving students exposure to diverse clinical settings alongside peers from other health professions. The mission centers on producing compassionate, skilled PAs who contribute meaningfully to patients, communities, and the profession itself.
On the academic side, the minimum required GPA is 3.00 overall and 3.00 in the sciences, though matriculants have averaged 3.88 overall and 3.86 in science - a competitive bar worth noting honestly. Prerequisite coursework includes eight credits of general chemistry with lab, four credits of general biology with lab, four credits of human anatomy, and three credits of statistics. No time limit applies to prerequisites, and up to two outstanding prerequisites are permitted at the time of application. Paid direct patient care hours are required, with a minimum of 500, and healthcare experience beyond that is recommended but not formally required.
Total tuition runs approximately $135,000 with no separate in-state or out-of-state rate distinction. The seat deposit is $500. Applicants must submit at least two letters of reference and complete the CASPer standardized situational judgment test. Interviews are conducted in a traditional format and do not require an on-site visit. Admission is rolling on a first-come, first-served basis, making early submission strategically important ahead of the September 1, 2026 deadline.
An applicant who has paid clinical hours, strong science coursework, and a GPA approaching or above 3.8 should assess whether the Chicago-area rotation network and interprofessional curriculum align with their intended practice environment before applying.