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 Medical Science.
- Format: full-time, in person in Chicago.
- Duration: 24 months.
- Entry: late May or early June 2027; exact date TBA.
- Interview: Zoom, September-December 2026.
- Format: group PBL case plus one-on-one interviews; not MMI.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.30 overall and science GPAs, six prerequisites under the published timing rules, at least 1,000 direct patient-care hours at submission, three or more recommendations, CASPA, and Northwestern's supplemental. Domestic applicants have no GRE, Casper, PA-CAT, MCAT, or other test requirement. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opened.
- September 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern: CASPA verification deadline.
- September 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern: Northwestern supplemental deadline.
- September-December 2026: virtual interviews.
- Late May/early June 2027: classes begin; exact date TBA.
How selection works
Completed applications are reviewed in order under rolling admissions. Northwestern considers academics, care experience, recommendations, essays, honors, and CASPA experiences. About 150 applicants interview; offers may follow interview days and require a deposit within ten business days. Official next steps
Interview details
Confirmed
The Zoom interview day includes an information session, an interactive group problem-based-learning patient case, and several one-on-one interviews with faculty, alumni, or clinical partners. Northwestern calls this conversational and explicitly says it is not MMI. Official next steps
Not published
The school does not publish interview counts or durations, group size, prompts, file access, scoring rubric, or weights.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants who can collaborate on a patient case, think aloud without dominating a group, and connect substantial direct care to clear reasons for PA training. Official interview description
Practice and next step
Record an answer about resolving disagreement during a team-based patient case. Review whether you listen, clarify the shared goal, contribute evidence, and move the group toward a decision. Adjust one weakness, record a second response, and compare the attempts.
Frequently asked questions
Does Northwestern use MMI?
No. It describes conversational one-on-one interviews and a group PBL case.
Are interviews virtual?
Yes, by Zoom for the 2026-27 cycle.
Is a standardized test required?
Not for domestic applicants.
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