Educating the next generation of PAs
Watch Our VideoThe Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is an accredited, graduate-level program awarding a Master of Medical Science degree. The Program features an innovative 24 month curriculum. Our mission is to prepare PAs to provide compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care as members of interprofessional teams. The graduates will be culturally sensitive, committed to continuous learning and professional development, and make significant contributions to communities and the advancement of the PA profession.
Meet Our Students
View impressions, advice and perspectives shared by current students and alumni.
NUPA was my first choice for so many reasons. The PBL curriculum truly stood out, and as someone who enjoys discussing through topics with others, I was sure it was how I wanted to learn during didactic year. Being at an academic medical center in the heart of a city was also important to me. I appreciate that we get the opportunity to learn and practice alongside the very population I hope to serve, as well as be taught by professionals you could have the chance to work alongside in the future."
Priya Khosa (she/her)
Second-Year Student, Class of 2025
PBL makes you think like a practicing clinician and also teaches you how to provide quality care to patients and develop a unique plan based on their needs, past, and social history. It is amazing to be able to go from a chief complaint to asking relevant questions in order to make a plan to examine the patient appropriately and finally using this information to order the proper labs and imaging tests needed."
Lisa Namatame (she/her)
Second-Year Student, Class of 2025
I was drawn to the Northwestern PA program for several reasons, a major one being its emphasis on training PAs who will provide high quality patient-centered care to diverse patient populations, which aligns with my goals as a future clinician. I wanted to attend a program where I would be challenged to understand not only the physiological aspects of medicine, but also the social determinants of health, and how they impact the lives of each patient both inside and outside of the clinic."
Jason Duncan (he/him)
Second-Year Student, Class of 2025
It’s truly incredible how quickly you move in PA school! I was nervous to step back into a fast-paced academic environment after four gap years, but it’s shown me how much I can handle. One of the best parts about our small class size is the collaboration that arises from it. Since day one, we have been leaning on each other’s unique previous clinical experiences. The program also brings in guest lecturers that are experts in their fields and it’s inspiring to see how passionate they are about the material and their respective fields."
Taylor Stack (she/her)
First-Year Student, Class of 2026
PBL is the heart of our curriculum, instrumental to our learning, and so much fun! It has pushed me to think critically and deeply about a wide variety of clinical presentations. It is a great way to apply what we are learning in class and put it into practice. Collaborating with my peers to solve patient cases not only enhances my learning but also prepares us to work effectively in teams, reflecting the core values of our profession. We all collectively have a wide variety of clinical experience and learn so much from each other."
Maria Sanchez (she/her)
First-Year Student, Class of 2026
We've all gotten to know each other really well in such a short period of time! I love that everyone works so well together and that we always try to help each other, whether that's through sharing resources or more directly in study groups. The positive class culture is definitely one of the best parts of coming to school every day!"
Cordelia Ko (she/her)
First-Year Student, Class of 2026
A Day in the Life of Lizzie Van Doorn
Follow Class of 2022 alumna Lizzie Van Doorn, MMS, PA-C, throughout her day as a cardiac surgery PA at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, where she assists her team during complex surgeries and provides excellent care to her patients.
PA Program Goals
We're working hard to be the national leader in PA education and to prepare physician assistants of the highest quality. Take a look at our program's main goals and what we're doing to achieve them.
PANCE Results
See the latest report on the PANCE pass rates for first-time test takers in our graduating classes. Our average first-time test-taker pass rate over the most recent 5 year period is 98%.
Accreditation
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program was reaccredited in March 2023.
