Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Why the physician assistant profession?
Practise explaining why the PA role fits your experiences and goals. Review whether you distinguish the profession clearly, use specific evidence, and connect your motivation to patient care; then record again with a sharper answer.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 28 months, 123 credits.
- Location: Skokie, Illinois.
- Entry: January 2027.
- Interview: required personal interview.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Provisional.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 cumulative and science GPAs, 55 C-or-better prerequisite credits, 200 direct-care hours, three recommendations including one PA and a $25 supplemental. Official requirements
Important dates
- December 1: recurring verified-CASPA deadline.
- January 4, 2027: first day of the university's Spring 2027 term; the admissions page says PA cohorts begin in January.
- January 2027 entry: intended cycle, inferred from the recurring admissions contract and current academic calendar rather than explicitly labelled by the program.
Exact interview and offer dates are not public. Official admissions
How selection works
Faculty review considers academic history, GPAs, statement, recommendations, healthcare experience, optional shadowing and leadership. Final decisions follow the required interview. Official requirements
Interview details
Confirmed
A personal interview assesses PA-role understanding, motivation, maturity, intellectual qualities, insight and interpersonal skills.
Not published
Modality, location, format, duration, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric and weights are not public. Official requirements
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants seeking a Skokie-based January start who meet the care-hour requirement and are comfortable with provisional accreditation. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your care experience supports your motivation and role understanding. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much direct care is required?
At least 200 verified hours.
Is PA shadowing required?
No, but it is recommended.
Is the interview format published?
No. Only the personal interview and assessed qualities are confirmed.
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