Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Resolve a disagreement on the care team
Practise resolving disagreement without dismissing either colleague. Review whether you clarify the clinical risk, invite both perspectives, protect the patient, and name a practical next step; then record again with one improvement.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 27 months, seven terms and 116 credits.
- Location: Orange City, Iowa.
- Seats: 32.
- Interview: in-person individual and group interviews.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need minimum 3.3 overall and science GPAs, eight prerequisites with B- or better, at least 500 patient-care hours and 16 PA-shadowing hours by matriculation, three recommendations and written responses. At least 100 care hours and eight shadowing hours must be complete at application. GRE and Casper are not required. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: application opened.
- August 1, 2026: priority deadline.
- September 1, 2026: CASPA verified deadline.
- September 11, 18 and 25, 2026: in-person interviews.
- Summer 2027: target entry implied by the 2026 admissions cycle; the exact start date is not published.
Older 2026 start details elsewhere on the site are stale. Official admissions page
How selection works
Qualified candidates receive invitations from mid-August through mid-September. The assessment considers program and profession understanding, interpersonal skills, commitment to learning, self-awareness, critical thinking, problem solving and cultural competence. Decisions are expected within six weeks. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
Interview days are in person in Orange City and include both individual and group interviews. Published domains cover PA and program understanding, interpersonal skills, learning, self-awareness, critical thinking, problem solving and cultural competence.
Not published
Exact duration, prompts, interviewer roles, file access, rubric and quantitative weights are not public. Official admissions page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with strong academic preparation, documented patient care and shadowing, and comfort contributing thoughtfully in both individual and group interviews. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response about resolving a disagreement on a care team. Review your listening, collaboration and cultural awareness. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Northwestern University?
No. This is Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.
Are the interviews in person?
Yes; the published 2026 dates are in Orange City.
Is the GRE required?
No.
How much patient care is required?
Five hundred hours by matriculation, with at least 100 at application.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published