Best PA Schools in Iowa

Physician assistants are trusted medical experts on health care teams within hospitals, clinics, offices, long-term care residencies, and other settings. These healthcare professionals diagnose illnesses, develop and carry out treatment plans, perform medical procedures, and much more.

Iowa is home to several highly-ranked physician assistants (PA) programs, making it an excellent state for students interested in pursuing a career as a PA. In this blog post, we will look at the top PA schools in Iowa and what makes each one stand out.

University of Iowa 

The PA program at the University of Iowa is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. The University of Iowa offers a Physician Assistant (PA) program through its College of Medicine. The program is designed to prepare students for the clinical, ethical, and legal aspects of working as a PA. The curriculum includes a combination of didactic coursework and hands-on clinical experience, and students have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients in different settings.

Des Moines University 

Des Moines University offers a PA program that the Accreditation Review Commission accredits on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the medical sciences, as well as the skills needed to be an effective PA. The curriculum includes anatomy, pharmacology, and medical ethics coursework and hands-on clinical experience.

Through Des Moines University’s physician assistant master’s degree, you will receive rigorous preparation that will help you to lead and thrive in a growing profession focused on creating healthier lives for everyone. Because our physician assistant degree program provides vital medical and surgical knowledge required for success, our graduate students’ first-time PANCE pass rate is consistently above the national average.

With DMU’s ARC-PA-accredited master of science physician assistant program, you will gain a broad range of expertise and skills that set you up for success.

Northwestern College Iowa

Northwestern College’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) is a faith-integrated 27-month graduate program that provides training for students seeking certification and licensure as a physician assistant (PA). Students will complete 116 graduate credits over seven consecutive academic terms, including four terms of face-to-face training followed by three times of clinical rotations with concurrent online courses designed to facilitate the integration of classroom material with clinical experiences.

Northwestern's graduate school plans to accept 32 students annually, allowing for meaningful collaboration among students and faculty. The PA program builds on the reputation of Northwestern College’s nationally recognized pre-health, nursing and other health science programs. Through hands-on experiential learning, faith integration, and supportive faculty teaching, you'll be equipped to serve all patients with exceptional, individualized medical care. 

University of Dubuque

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program (MSPAS) is the study of medicine modeled on the medical-school curriculum that involves both didactic and clinical education training. As part of the Office of Graduate Studies at the University of Dubuque, this program will prepare students to become clinicians educated in all healthcare aspects. Upon completing the MSPAS program, graduates will be prepared to sit for the PA National Certification Examination (PANCE) and pursue careers as physician assistants.

Students and Faculty of the MSPAS program are active in the classroom and clinical setting. Their work contributes to advancing access to high-quality healthcare by developing exceptional PAs trained with an emphasis on primary care. Through small class sizes and an engaging learning environment, the University of Dubuque fosters the development of skills to diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care while keeping our mission at the forefront.

Applying for PA Schools

Applying for Physician Assistant (PA) school can be a competitive and lengthy process, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be a manageable one. Here are some critical steps to take when applying for PA school:

  1. Meet the Prerequisites: PA schools typically require a certain number of undergraduate coursework in science and healthcare-related subjects. Make sure you have met these prerequisites before applying.

  2. Obtain relevant healthcare experience: Most PA schools require applicants to have some form of healthcare experience, such as working as a medical assistant, EMT, or nurse. Gaining experience in the healthcare field will help you stand out as a candidate and provide you with a better understanding of the PA profession.

  3. Take the GRE: Many PA schools require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the application process (and required scores change school to school). Make sure to prepare adequately and schedule the exam well in advance of the application deadline.

  4. Submit your application: Once you have met all the requirements, you can submit your application. Double-check that all the necessary materials are included and that your application is completed correctly.

  5. Interviews: Some PA schools conduct interviews as part of the application process. Prepare for these interviews by researching the school and practicing your responses to common interview questions.

Applying for PA school can be challenging, but it's essential to stay organized, meet all the requirements, and put your best foot forward. Remember to start early, research the schools you are interested in, and present yourself as the best candidate possible.

Study a PA Course in Iowa

These four schools offer some of the best PA programs in Iowa. However, each program has its own unique strengths and focus, so students need to research each one and determine which one best fits their needs and career goals. Additionally, it's essential to consider the location, cost, and availability of clinical rotation sites and the program's accreditation.

In conclusion, Iowa is an excellent state for students interested in pursuing a career as a PA, and the state is home to several highly-ranked PA programs. The University of Iowa, Des Moines University, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and Mercy College of Health Sciences are all excellent options for students interested in this field. Make sure to research each program carefully and choose the one that best fits your needs and career goals.