About the program
The Touro University Illinois 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 Programs is to educate capable students from diverse backgrounds to meet the challenges of practicing medicine in collaboration with physicians and other members of the health care team. The curricula are formulated to sensitize the student to diverse populations and the complexities of healthcare delivery that influence patients and their families. Students engage in community service to foster effective communication, compassion, and dedication. We encourage research and create life-long learners trained to utilize evidence to deliver safe, effective patient-centered care to patients and their communities."
Successful PANCE pass rates, World-class faculty devoted to instruction in the clinical disciplines. Robustly detailed curriculum and motivated instructors who will ensure students gain not merely knowledge but, the ability to apply this information using evidence-based medicine and compassion to treat each patient.
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. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 1 outstanding at application
Program overview
Touro University Illinois offers a 28-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree currently holding Provisional ARC-PA accreditation, with its inaugural cohort scheduled to begin in January 2027. Because the program is new and carries provisional status, applicants should factor that into their decision-making, particularly if licensure timelines in their target state are sensitive to accreditation standing. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants and does not offer part-time or distance learning options, making it a full-time, in-person commitment.
The admissions bar is moderately competitive. Matriculants have averaged a 3.64 overall GPA and a 3.49 science GPA, though the stated minimums sit at 3.00 for both. The patient-care threshold is relatively accessible at 200 hours, and while paid experience is recommended, it is not required - a practical consideration for applicants still building their clinical résumé. Healthcare experience beyond direct patient care hours is required. The program uses rolling admissions with a final deadline of December 1, 2026, so applying early carries a real strategic advantage.
The curriculum blends asynchronous learning, case-based and problem-based approaches, collaborative team-based work, and early clinical exposure - a design that reflects current thinking about how clinicians actually learn and practice. The program's mission centers on training students from diverse backgrounds to practice collaboratively within interprofessional teams, with explicit attention to underserved and diverse patient populations, community service, and evidence-based, patient-centered care. Research literacy and lifelong learning are woven into that framework rather than treated as electives.
Prerequisite science coursework must have been completed within the past ten years, and applicants may enter with no more than one outstanding prerequisite. Required courses include two semesters each of general chemistry and general biology with labs, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics - a fairly standard science foundation. Three letters of reference are required, and interviews are conducted in a traditional format that can be completed remotely, as an onsite interview is not required.
Total tuition runs $157,230 with a $1,500 seat deposit. There is no separate tuition rate for in-state versus out-of-state students, so cost is the same regardless of residency. Estimated class size is 45 students, suggesting a relatively small cohort where faculty access should be meaningful.
An applicant should choose this program if they are comfortable with its provisional accreditation status, value a mission-driven curriculum emphasizing diverse and underserved populations, and can benefit from rolling admissions by submitting a strong application well ahead of the December deadline.