About the program
The University of Dubuque 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: "Our mission is to prepare competent and compassionate physician assistants in a learning environment promoting Christian values, service, the pursuit of life-long education, and team practice. We share the University of Dubuque's commitment to: A hospitable Christian environment which respects other faith traditions; Relationships which encourage intellectual, spiritual, and moral development; Excellence in academic inquiry and professional preparation; A diverse and equitable community where Christian love is practiced; Stewardship of all God's human and natural resources; Zeal for life-long learning and service."
Faculty members include practicing PAs and physicians with over 100 years of combined clinical experience • Students have the privilege of learning in a new facility built to house the PA department, inclusive of a state of the art cadaver lab, clinical skills lab, and exam rooms. Emphasis on primary care. Small class sizes and engaging learning environment. Community service opportunities.
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 not considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 7 Years
Program overview
The University of Dubuque offers a 27-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, fully accredited by ARC-PA with Continued status, with a cohort beginning in August 2027. The program is grounded explicitly in a Christian institutional mission that emphasizes compassionate care, service, lifelong learning, and team-based practice - a framework that will resonate with applicants who are comfortable in a faith-informed academic community that also states a commitment to respecting other faith traditions and fostering a diverse, equitable environment.
With an incoming class of approximately 30 students, this is a small, cohort-based program with no part-time or distance learning options, meaning applicants should expect an immersive, residential experience. Faculty bring more than 100 years of combined clinical experience as practicing PAs and physicians, and the program places particular emphasis on primary care preparation. Students work in a purpose-built facility that houses a cadaver lab, clinical skills lab, and dedicated exam rooms - infrastructure that supports hands-on learning from early in the curriculum. Community service opportunities are woven into the program's culture, consistent with its broader institutional mission.
The applicant profile is moderately competitive. Matriculants carry a mean overall GPA of 3.65 and a science GPA of 3.64, though the program sets its minimum threshold at 3.00 for both overall and prerequisite coursework. Prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past seven years and include eight credits of general chemistry, four credits of general biology, four credits each of human anatomy and physiology, three credits of microbiology, and three credits of statistics. Applicants need a minimum of 500 direct patient care hours, and while paid experience is recommended rather than required, healthcare experience broadly is mandatory. The program accepts out-of-state applicants but does not consider international students.
Total tuition sits at $105,000 with a $1,000 seat deposit required upon acceptance. Applications are reviewed on a post-deadline batch basis rather than on a rolling schedule, with a deadline of October 1, 2026, for the August 2027 start. At least three letters of reference are required, and selected candidates will complete an in-person Multiple Mini Interview, so applicants should prepare for a station-based format that evaluates communication, reasoning, and interpersonal skills rather than a traditional one-on-one interview.
An applicant who is drawn to small-cohort training, primary care emphasis, a faith-centered institutional culture, and hands-on facility resources - and who meets the GPA and patient-care minimums - should evaluate whether Dubuque's mission and community environment genuinely align with their own professional values before applying.