If you are considering becoming a physician assistant (PA), you may wonder which Illinois schools are the best. There are several excellent PA programs in the state, so deciding which one to attend can be challenging.
However, by considering factors such as program size, PANCE pass rate, location, tuition, curriculum, and clinical rotations, you can narrow down your choices and find the right school.
This blog post will overview the top five PA schools in Illinois. We will also get into some of the factors you should consider when making your decision. So, if you are looking for more details on the best PA schools in Illinois, keep reading!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How many years will it take to become a physician's assistant?
The length of time it takes to become a physician's assistant varies depending on the program you choose to attend. Most PA programs take three years to complete, but some programs can be completed in as little as two years.
How much does a physician assistant make per hour?
The average hourly wage for a physician assistant in Illinois is $41.43. Read more about the PA salaries here.
At what age can I apply for a PA school?
There is no minimum age requirement to apply for a PA school. However, most programs require that applicants have at least a bachelor's degree. Additionally, many programs require that applicants have some healthcare experience. So, while there is no minimum age, most PA programs are geared towards older students.
What is the job outlook for physician assistants?
The job outlook for PAs is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the occupation will grow 31% from 2019 to 2029 — this growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations nationwide.
What are the prerequisites for becoming a physician assistant?
To be eligible for admission into a PA program, you will need to have completed certain prerequisite coursework. These courses typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and math classes. You can find a complete list of prerequisite coursework for PA programs on individual schools' websites.
So, which PA Programs are the best in Illinois?
Rush University
City: Chicago.
Rush University is one of the top PA programs in the nation. The school offers a 30-months PA program that includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics coursework. Students in the program also complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. The average class size is 30.
U.S. News & World Report shows Rush University's PA program as number two in the nation. Additionally, the program is accredited by the ARC-PA.
Admission requirements: To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, applicants must have completed prerequisite biology, chemistry, and physics coursework.
TUITION
Resident tuition: $100,848
Nonresident tuition: $100,848
PANCE PASS RATE
First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate: 99%
Southern Illinois University
City: Carbondale
Future Physician Assistants will rely heavily on autonomy, medical expertise, and critical thinking skills. That's why Southern Illinois University uses evidence-based learning techniques to prepare PAs for a career in which they can exercise these qualities fully.
Admission requirements: To qualify, you must have a baccalaureate from an accredited college or university in the U.S. by matriculation. You also need 30 semester hours (including all prerequisite courses) from a regionally accredited school in the U.S. You are required to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
The program takes 26 months.
TUITION
Resident tuition: $70,000
Nonresident tuition: $120,000
PANCE PASS RATE
First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
City: Chicago
The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science aims to develop leaders with both education and experience so they will be able to meet patients' needs and reflect them by being ethical professionals throughout their careers.
Admission requirements: For consideration in this program, you must have an accredited degree from a university or college of higher learning. This includes grades on your transcript that are "C" or better in all prerequisite coursework and are required to have been taken within the last ten years by the time of enrollment. An overall GPA of 2.75 is required.
The program takes a minimum of 24 months to complete.
TUITION
Resident tuition: $86,174
Nonresident tuition: $86,174
PANCE PASS RATE
First-time PANCE pass rate: 98%
Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate: 99%
Midwestern University
City: Downers Grove
The PA program prepares you to be an essential medical team member, combining clinical skills with administrative know-how. You will deeply understand how health care delivery systems work and what it takes for patients to meet their needs in any setting.
Admission requirements: To be eligible, applicants must have at least a 3.00 GPA in science and comprehensive studies with credentials from regionally accredited colleges or universities. The courses should be completed with a C grade or above.
The program length is 27 months.
TUITION
Resident tuition: $116,186
Nonresident tuition: $116,186
PANCE PASS RATE
First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate: 99%
Northwestern University
City: Evanston
The graduates of this program will be well-rounded, highly qualified professionals who appreciate cultural diversity. They'll also continue their education by pursuing professional development activities that enhance abilities and provide new insights into the field as it constantly changes with time.
Admission requirements: The CASPA calculated GPA needs to be at least 2.80 on a four scale for admittance into this program, but there's no minimum science grade point average requirement. Applicants must also present a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience in their CASPA materials.
Similar to most schools, this program takes 24 months.
TUITION
Resident tuition: $95,904
Nonresident tuition: $95,904
PANCE PASS RATE
First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Conclusion
From the list of the top five schools above, we can see that there are many excellent physician assistant programs in Illinois. All schools have high first-time pass rates on the PANCE, and all have tuition under $120,000.
If you want to become a PA in Illinois, any of the above schools would be a great choice!
Whichever school you choose, you're sure to receive a top-notch education that will prepare you for a successful career in this rewarding field.