If you wish to attend a PA school in Chicago, you should probably go for accredited programs as they offer the best experience for physician assistants.
Those best PA schools have been outlined in this post. It is well worth the read.
Chicago is a city in Illinois. It is about the third most populous city in the US. Studying an essential course in a famous city is incredibly smart.
Why is that? Because, getting a job after graduating will be an easy task. (treehouselodge.com)
However, if you do not know the schools to pick from for your physician assistant program, not to worry; we have made a list of the best-accredited schools and written all there is to know about them. The PA schools near Chicago are also inclusive.
All this article will cover are written below in the table of content.
Table of Contents
- What Is Physician Assistant PA?
- Why Should I Study Physician Assistant PA In Chicago?
- How Long Is a PA School In Chicago?
- How Much Do Physician Assistants PA In Chicago Earn?
- Can One Be Accepted Into Physician Assistant PA Schools In Chicago Without GRE?
- Can One Be Admitted Into PA Schools In Chicago With A Low GPA?
- Accredited Physician Assistant PA Schools In Chicago
- CONCLUSION
- REFERENCES
- RECOMMENDATION
What Is Physician Assistant PA?
Many countries term physician assistant different things. For instance, only in the United States and Canada will you refer to them as physician assistants.
According to Medicinenet, a physician assistant (PA) is a mid-level medical practitioner who works under the supervision of a licensed doctor (an MD) or osteopathic physician (a DO).
The physician assistant works for hand in glove with a physician.
Although the physician need not be present when the PA performs his or her duties, there must be a method of contact between the supervising physician and the PA at all times.
In addition, PAs can practice in virtually all medical and surgical specialties, including surgeries.
Why Should I Study Physician Assistant PA In Chicago?
Studying in Chicago is fun. Then, looking to become a physician assistant is worthwhile because there is a high need for professionals in this career path.
Also, the salary for PAs in Chicago is about the highest in the United states.
Furthermore, the study time is not as long as a regular physician. However, it is about 24 months and a maximum of 3 years.
You Can Read Best Accredited PA Programs In Ohio In 2024 | Cost, Schools, Requirements
How Long Is a PA School In Chicago?
The length of time you spend as a physician assistant depends on the previous qualification you have.
Pa schools in Chicago take an average of 24 months, which is 2 years. Some schools take 28 months.
If you studied pa as a bachelor’s degree, then there is a one year masters completion program for you to enroll for.
How Much Do Physician Assistants PA In Chicago Earn?
Salaries for Physician assistants are among the highest in the medical industry, in some cases, even rivaling those of doctors.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the almost 83,600 Physician Assistants working in the country earned an average of $86,410 in 2010.
Because the profession is highly attractive in Chicago, the growth rate is set to increase by 30 percent in PA jobs from 2010 through 2024.
While the average annual salary for Physician Assistants is high, locations, medical specialty, and experience tend to increase it further.
According to physicianassistantedu.org, the average annual Chicago salary is about $84,440.
What Career Opportunities Are Available For PAs?
We will list most of the careers available below;
- Physician Solo or Group Office
- Industrial Work Sites
- Hospital
- Community Health Center
- Surgical Center
- Indian Health Service
- Nursing Home
- Public Health
- Long Term Care Facility
- Federal Government
- Home Health Agency
- Medical Staffing Agency
- International Medicine
- Health Care Management
- Clinical Research
- Medical Education
- Medical Sales
How Can I Become a Physician Assistant in Chicago?
We already know that Chicago is a city in Illinois. The state rules cover for the city. To broaden this, we will write the general requirements on how to become a pa in Illinois since Chicago as a city has no particular requirements.
As a physician assistant, you will deal with nearly 60,000 victims who suffer from the top four causes of mortality in Illinois: heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, and strokes.
Besides helping the sick, physician assistants in Chicago also perform regular check-ups and physical exams as part of their many duties.
As the state’s population ages over the coming decades, the demand for PAs is set to rise.
These steps of how to become a physician assistant pa in Chicago and Illinois as a whole:
- Choose Among Accredited Illinois Physician Assistant Programs for Licensure
- Become Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- Apply for Licensure with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation
- Maintain the PA License
Step 1. Choose Accredited Illinois Physician Assistant Programs for Licensure
When browsing for good PA programs, Chicago students should keep in mind two things: admission requirements and accreditation.
This is because PA degree programs are at the graduate level and often require that you already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
However, having an undergraduate major or minor in the sciences or psychology can also be advantageous as these are general prerequisites for most PA programs.
The following bachelor’s degrees can easily transfer into a PA graduate program in Chicago. They include:
- Medical Assistant
- Biology
- Health
- Nursing
- Chemistry
Furthermore, here are some general requirements for entering into a PA school in Chicago. Although admission standards vary from program to program, here are the general ones;
- High GRE Score
- Some Clinical Experience
In general, international applicants who have received their bachelor’s or master’s degrees from outside the United States should must at least 30 credit hours of coursework in the United States prior to enrolling in a PA Program and submit TOEFL scores along with their applications.
Equally important to being able to meet the admission requirements is finding a program that meets the required accreditation for licensure in Illinois.
The state requires all pa programs to be approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association.
Additionally, programs must also be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Step 2. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)-Certification
Beginning 90 days before students graduate from their PA programs in Chicago, they can register for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Passing this exam is required for licensing, and the successful students will get NCCPA certificate called Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential.
Once you pass the exam, arrange your result and send directly to the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation as part of a license application.
The exam covers the major organ systems of the human body and their associated disorders. Practice exam questions are available for $35 and a $475 fee to register for the PANCE.
Step 3. Licensure with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation
After passing the PANCE, it is time to register for a license. The license application packet includes:
- Application for Licensure
- Certification of graduation from an accredited PA academic program
- $50 application fee
- PA-C certificate from the NCCPA
This is where things are done differently from other US states. Before you can begin practicing as a PAB, you need to establish a partnership with a physician, who will notify the Division of Professional Regulation by registering a Notification of Employment and a notice of any prescriptions the PA is authorized to write.
Step 4. Maintain the Illinois PA License
The first PA License is valid for three years; subsequently, licenses expire on March 1st of even-numbered years, every two years.
For the renewal, you post appropriate forms two to three months before expiration to the Division of Professional Regulation’s website. The fee to renew the PA License is currently $40 per year.
Furthermore, as your practice grows as Physician assistant, you may consider joining professional organizations in the field such as:
- Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants
Can One Be Accepted Into Physician Assistant PA Schools In Chicago Without GRE?
In Chicago generally, you need a student graduate Record Examination score to be able to enroll in a pa school in Chicago.
Is the GRE Required to apply? At Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, here is their response;
“The submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores is not required. If you desire to send official GRE scores, they should not be submitted until your intended CASPA application cycle has opened”.
In other words, yes, you can be accepted into a physician assistant school in Chicago without GRE.
Can One Be Admitted Into PA Schools In Chicago With A Low GPA?
As we stated earlier, Pa programs in Chicago is considered graduate degree program. This means that students must already have a bachelor’s degree.
Now, regarding the GPA score, most of the best accredited pa schools do not accept low GPA. However, the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine is ready to accept a minimum overall and science GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale due to recent changes.
Accredited Physician Assistant PA Schools In Chicago
There are several Physician assistant PA schools in Chicago.
Attending a PA school is not as important as attending a best and an accredited pa school in Chicago. If the school and pa program you attended is not accredited, you cannot practice in Chicago.
Because of this need, we have outlined the best-accredited pa schools in Chicago you can study at and be sure to get a license after passing PANCE.
Below is the list of the accredited physician assistant PA schools in Chicago.
- Northwestern University, Chicago
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine, North Chicago
- Rush University, Chicago
You Can Check: Accredited Physician Assistant PA Schools in Virginia 2024
#1. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago
The Feinberg School of Medicine offers the Northwestern University Physician Assistant program.
Basically, this best-accredited pa school in Chicago has her program for 24 months. The clinical component of this program consists of seven five-week rotations
Apparently, the mission of this best pa school in Chicago is to prepare physician assistants (PAs) to provide compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care.
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program was reaccredited in March 2013.
Actually, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued to the Northwestern University Physician Assistant Program. It means they remain accredited until the programs cease or stop complying with the accreditation standards.
Their next revaluation will be by March 2024.
Furthermore, the tuition for Physician Assistant students is $49,629 per year. This fee is just the tuition; all other direct and indirect expenses are not inclusive.
Lastly, this best physician assistant school has a 100% pass rate for first-time PANCE exam takes. For instance, in the most recent graduating Class of 2017, the first-time test-taker pass rate, was 100 percent.
#2. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine, North Chicago
Since its inception in 1991, more than 1,300 students have graduated from the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Rosalind Franklin University.
The faculty takes pride in educating students through innovative and interactive classroom activities, team-based learning, quality clinical rotation experiences, and state of the art simulation.
A typical pa program in this best-accredited pa school in Chicago entails a 24-month study time. The second-year consists of independent study courses, seminars, and clinical rotations.
Additionally, the fees are $48,901. This is the entire cost for the first year of the program.
Using the average of 6 years, Pa students have had an average PANCE pass rate of 99% and 96% for the first-time takers.
Lastly, for their accreditation, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to them. The next review will be by March 2024.
#3. Rush University, Chicago
Rush University offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies.
Basically, Rush University’s PA program offers a 30-month curriculum that provides its students with excellent training experience.
Your first 12 months will include lectures, small-group discussions, and case-based training to prepare you for clinical rotations. Then, the clinical training gives you opportunities in different clinical practice areas and your area of focused practice.
The Rush University physician assistant studies program is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Its PANCE pass rate is at 98% for overall students and 96% for first time takers.
In addition, the tuition for pa programs is $12,606 per term.
You can Also read Accredited Physician Assistant (PA) Schools in Michigan
PA Schools Near Chicago
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
The Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine (SOM) Physician Assistant (PA) Program began in 1997 and utilized a problem-based learning (PBL) format for delivery of its medical curriculum. The Program is part of the SIU School of Medicine.
Its learning approach utilizes PBL, simulated patients, innovative evaluation techniques, and clinical mentoring programs.
Basically, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to her Physician Assistant Program.
Furthermore, this best-accredited physician assistant program in Chicago lasts 26 months for those with bachelor’s in health-related courses.
In addition, there is also a 1- year Masters Completion Program (MCP) for students who already possess a PA bachelor’s degree and are currently practicing as a physician assistant.
In conclusion, $30,491 is the tuition for residents and $58,892.00 for non-residents. Other fees are not inclusive.
#4. Midwestern University, Downers Grove
Midwestern University’s Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) in Physician Assistant Studies is a continuous, full-time program of 27 months.
The Physician Assistant (PA) professional curriculum allows students to earn a graduate degree and satisfy the eligibility requirements for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The maximum allotted time for completion of this program is 40.5 months.
The first and second year tuition is typically $51,638, whereas the third year is $12,910. Other fees are not included.
Lastly, the 5-year average pass rate for first-time Midwestern University, Downers Grove test takers is 99%.
This best accredited physician assistant school has the continued accreditation status.
#5. Dominican University, River Forest, IL
Dominican University offers Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Her Physician Assistant Program aims to educate caring and skillful practitioners who seek to contribute to the public good by serving patients with wholehearted compassion and dedication.
First-year students study anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, diagnostic methods, evidence-based medicine and other topics. Second-year students complete hospital and clinical rotations in surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, emergency medicine and other specialty disciplines.
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status this physician assistant school in Chicago.
Basically, accreditation-Provisional is granted to schools that have not yet enrolled students; by so doing, they do not know if their program meets the ARC-PA Standards.
Additionally, the Estimated tuition and fees for the 24-month Physician Assistant Studies program are $99,890.
CONCLUSION
The best-accredited physician assistant schools in Chicago have been extensively discussed. Other PA schools near Chicago have been described too. This sums up all the pa schools in Illinois.
Each of these schools has distinguishing features that make them the best in their capacity.
In conclusion, please read through our list and learn all there is to know about the schools.
REFERENCES
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician_assistant
- https://www.physicianassistantedu.org/illinois/
- https://www.illinoispa.org/illinois-pa-programs/
- www.physicianassistantedu.org/job-description/
- https://www.niche.com/graduate-schools/search/best-masters-in-physician-assistant-programs/m/chicago-metro-area/
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