Introduction
Our Master of Science (MS) in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program has an innovative curriculum that provides you with exceptional educational experience.
PAs are nationally certified, state-licensed medical providers who perform the following:
- Diagnose illnesses
- Develop and manage treatment plans
- Prescribe medications
- Provide patient education and preventive counseling
- Perform procedures
- Assist with surgery
The first 12 months of our program include lectures, small-group discussions and case-based training to prepare students for clinical rotations.
This is followed by 18 months of clinical rotations that provide students with enhanced training in a broad range of clinical practice areas.
Our approach to the MS in Physician Assistant Studies program
Our extensive resources provide plenty of benefits in the following ways:
- Advanced practice training opportunities in various fields of clinical practice prepare you to take leadership roles in clinical practice, research and service.
- Intensive academic, research and clinical training offers a comprehensive educational experience.
- Working with PA mentors throughout all phases of training enhances the learning experience.
Program mission
The Rush University PA program mission is to educate advanced health care providers to practice evidence-based medicine with competence, professionalism and compassion driven by academic excellence and service to diverse communities.
Program vision
The program strives to be a national leader in educating exceptionally qualified PAs to transform clinical and professional practice.
Program goals
The goals of the program are as follows:
- Matriculate and retrain qualified students from diverse backgrounds.
- Prepare competent PAs with the medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviors required for entry-level practice.
- Prepare graduates to work on interprofessional healthcare teams.
- Support the institution and community through student service activities.
A summary of our performance on goals is available online.
| Class graduation year | Number of first-time takers | Program first-time taker pass rate | National first-time taker pass rate for the class graduation year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 28 | 93% | 95% |
| 2021 | 30 | 100% | 93% |
| 2022 | 24 | 92% | 92% |
| 2023 | 30 | 100% | 92% |
| 2024 | 32 | 94% | 92% |
The full NCCPA summary is available online.
Data Points | Graduated Classes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2022 | Class of 2023 | Class of 2024 | |
| Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) | 30 | 30 | 40 |
| Entering class size | 30 | 32 | 32 |
| Graduates | 24 | 30 | 32 |
| *Attrition rate | 20% | 6% | 0% |
| **Graduation rate | 80% | 94% | 100% |
View the ARC-PA student attrition report.
Program length and location
Attendance in the program is on a full-time basis only and takes 30 months to complete.
This is a full-time, Chicago-based, on-campus program. During the first year, 30-50% of classes are blended online and in-person.
All clinical rotation activities are in-person and in the Chicago area. Employment during the program is prohibited; this includes participation in Rush University work-study programs.
While on clinical rotations, you may not provide services within the preceptor’s practice apart from those rendered for educational value and as part of the clinical instruction experience.
You may not receive compensation of any type for duties performed within the preceptor’s practice.
Program tuition for the MS in Physician Assistant Studies
We know your education is a big investment. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best financial decisions for you and your family.
Tuition for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program is $13,739 per term.
There are no additional institution fees associated with attendance. Tuition is subject to change with a potential 2-5% increase annually.
“Rush makes it very apparent from the first day you’re here that they have all the resources available for you to go into leadership.”
– Shay Schwimmer, PA student & Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants student representative
“As educators, we’re showing students that, on an individual level, we can make a difference and shape our career. By the time they graduate, they’re ready to be our colleagues.”
– Kayla Martinez, assistant professor
Career opportunities for graduates of the Masters in PA Studies program
Physician assistants (PAs) often serve as patients’ principal health care providers.
PAs practice in every state and every medical setting and specialty to improve health care access and quality.
They receive thousands of hours of medical training and are versatile, collaborative members of the health care team.
Job prospects for the PA profession are very strong. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked the PA profession as the second-best job in health care.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects PA jobs to increase by 28% from 2023 to 2033.
Job growth is much faster than the average for all occupations. This makes it one of the top 10 professions for future job growth in the next 10 years.
Hear from some of our recent students, their experiences and why they chose Rush University.
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(312) 563-3234
pa_admissions@rush.edu
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