About the program
The Rosalind Franklin 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 Physician Assistant Program is to educate and prepare competent, compassionate, and ethical physician assistant leaders who, as integral members of the interprofessional healthcare team, will provide quality patient-centered care to a diverse population."
Human Cadaver Lab, On-site and off campus Simulation labs, DEI, Interprofessionalism, commitment to underserved populations
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. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Rosalind Franklin University in Illinois offers an MS in Physician Assistant Studies delivered over 24 months, with the next cohort beginning May 2027. The program holds ARC-PA Continued accreditation and accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, making it geographically accessible to a broad pool of candidates. With an estimated incoming class size of 67, it is a moderately sized program relative to many in the field.
The stated mission centers on preparing competent, compassionate, and ethical PA leaders who function as integral members of interprofessional healthcare teams, with particular emphasis on serving diverse and underserved populations. This commitment is reinforced by dedicated curriculum elements around diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as a deliberate interprofessional education framework. Applicants drawn to team-based, community-oriented practice will find the mission genuinely reflected in how the program is structured.
Instruction blends case-based, collaborative, team-based, and organ/systems-based learning approaches, suggesting students should be comfortable working through clinical problems in group settings rather than relying solely on lecture-driven formats. Access to a human cadaver lab along with both on-site and off-campus simulation labs provides hands-on anatomical and clinical skills training throughout the preclinical phase.
The academic bar is accessible by national standards. Minimum GPA requirements sit at 2.75 for both overall and science coursework, though matriculants typically arrive with a 3.56 overall and 3.51 science GPA, so competitive applicants should target well above the floor. Required prerequisites include Human Anatomy (3 credits), Human Physiology (3 credits), and Microbiology (3 credits), all completed within the past ten years, with no more than two outstanding at the time of application. Paid direct patient care experience and general healthcare experience are each recommended but not required, which may lower the barrier for applicants still building clinical hours - though those with documented experience will likely stand out in a rolling admissions review.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of December 1, 2026, so earlier submission meaningfully improves the chance of securing an interview. The interview format is a Multiple Mini Interview, and it can be completed remotely rather than requiring an onsite visit. A minimum of two reference letters is required. The seat deposit is $500 upon acceptance.
Total tuition is estimated at $118,000 for the program with no separate in-state or out-of-state rate distinction. There is no part-time option and no distance learning component, meaning applicants must be prepared for a full-time, in-person commitment across the 24-month span.
An applicant should choose this program if they are genuinely aligned with interprofessional, team-based education and motivated by service to underserved communities, and if they can move to the Chicago area for a continuous two-year commitment beginning in May 2027.