Admission / Apply

Physician Assistant Studies in Downers Grove

Click here to apply online at CASPA

Admission Requirements
Prerequisite Courses
International Students
Technical Standards for Admission
Application Process and Deadline
Interview / Selection Process
Matriculation Process
Reapplication Process
Articulation Agreement
Related Links

Physician Assistant Studies Admission

The Midwestern University PA Program considers applicants who possess the academic and professional promise necessary for development as competent, caring members of the healthcare community. The admissions environment is highly selective with more than 1,200 applications received each year for 86 seats. The application deadline is October 1, 2011, however, the PA Program uses a rolling admissions process so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Competitive Admissions

Completed applications received on or before the application deadline are reviewed to determine applicant eligibility for interviews. The following criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates: science and cumulative grade point averages (GPA), rigor of undergraduate and prerequisite courses, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores, letters of recommendation, healthcare experience, knowledge of the profession, and motivation for a career as a PA. Competitive candidates are typically invited to campus for interviews during the months of September through January.

The PA Program does not offer an extended course of study beyond the usual length of the program. The PA Program does not grant advanced standing in the PA Program for the completion of any previous coursework.

Admission Requirements for the PA Master's Program

Students seeking admission to the PA Program must submit the following documented evidence:

1. Minimum cumulative science and overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Competitive applicants typically have science and overall GPA's of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
2. GRE scores from the general test using the Midwestern University institution code 1769.
   • The test must have been taken no earlier than January 1, 2007 and no later than October 1, 2011. Given the revised GRE design and reporting methods in 2011, applicants are encouraged to take the exam before August 1, 2011. For those applicants taking the exam between August and October, 2011, GRE reports will not be received by the PA Program until mid-November, 2011. Therefore, the Program's decision to invite these applicants for an interview may be delayed until late November or December, 2011.
   •  Test scores must be received by the MWU Office of Admissions no later than December 1, 2011 for the applicant to be considered for admission in the 2011-2012 cycle. Scores must be sent directly from ETS to the MWU Office of Admissions.
   • Applicants are expected to achieve a score at or above the 50th percentile in each section. If an applicant has attempted the GRE examination on more than one occasion, the most recent GRE scores will be utilized in the review of the applicant's file. All scores must be received by the MWU Office of Admissions by the deadline.
   •  For additional information about the GRE, contact ETS at 866/473-4373 or visit www.ets.org/gre.
3. Completion of prerequisite courses as listed below from regionally accredited colleges or universities
   • All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grades of a C or better.
   • Grades of C- are NOT acceptable for any prerequisite courses.
   • If Advanced Placement (AP) credit has been granted by an outside institution, this credit will automatically be considered for the following prerequisite courses: Math, Statistics, English Composition, and Social and Behavioral Science courses.
   • For AP credit earned in Biology and Chemistry, MWU may request the submission of appropriate documentation (as determined by MWU) to verify the AP credit earned meets the program's admission standards.
   • Life experience credits do not count toward fulfillment of any prerequisite courses.
   • Courses in which a grade of "pass" is earned will be counted only when applicants can provide verification that the earned grades were equivalent to grades of C or better (grades of C- are not acceptable).
4. Completion of prerequisite courses by December 31st of the year which precedes the year of anticipated matriculation.
   • No exceptions will be made.
   • Applicants must determine which prerequisites are missing and which courses must be taken to fulfill any outstanding prerequisites.
   • Students invited to interview must show documentation on the day of their visit that they are enrolled in or registered for any outstanding prerequisites.
5. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university before matriculation
6. Motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
7. Demonstration of service and leadership through community service or extracurricular activities
8. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
9.  Passage of Midwestern University criminal background check.
10. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
11. Successful completion of tuberculosis screening and all required immunizations prior to matriculation.

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Prerequisite Courses

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INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International applicants must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, six hours in non-remedial English composition, and three hours in speech/public speaking.

Applicants who wish to receive transfer credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the US or at a Canadian institution that does not use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation obtained from one of the following evaluation services:

1. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): Phone: 414/289-3400 or Fax: 414/289-3411 (www.ece.org; e-mail: info@ece.org)
2. World Education Service (WES): Phone: 212/966-6311 or Fax: 212/739-6100 (www.wes.org; e-mail: info@wes.org)
3. Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: Phone: 305/273-1616 or Fax: 305/273-1338

International applicants who do not provide documentation of acceptable US or Canadian course/degree equivalency will not receive credit, and will be required to complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university in the United States, or at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.

For clarification about recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada that use English as a primary language of instruction and documentation, international applicants should contact the Midwestern University Office of Admissions.

International Applicant Packet

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Technical Standards for Admission

The Technical Standards set forth by the Physician Assistant Program establish the expectations and requisite abilities considered essential for students admitted to this Program to achieve the levels of competency stipulated for graduation by faculty, the professional Program accrediting agency (ARC-PA) and the state of Illinois.

Candidates must have abilities and skills in five areas: I) observation; II) communication; III) motor; IV) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and V) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but candidates should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

I. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.

II. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.

III. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.

IV. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.

V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.

Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these Technical Standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the Technical Standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the CHS Dean (and Program Director), will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the College(/Program) would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. The College(/Program) is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.

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Application Process and Deadline

1. CASPA Application

 Completed applications with all required materials must be submitted to the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) at http://www.caspaonline.org by October 1, 2011. Please refer to the CASPA application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time. CASPA applications are typically available beginning in May of the academic year preceding the year in which the applicant plans to matriculate. Due to the large number of applications and the limited number of seats available, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their CASPA application early in the cycle. Completed applications are reviewed continuously throughout the admissions cycle.

2. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from professionals to CASPA (www.caspaonline.org).  The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from CASPA. It is preferred that one letter is written by a science professor who has actually taught the student or a prehealth advisory committee. The second letter may be written by any one of the following: a prehealth advisory committee, a prehealth advisor, college professor, or a health care professional (preferably a PA) who is well-acquainted with the applicant's academic and professional qualifications. Please refer to the CASPA application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.

3. GRE Scores

Applicants are required to submit official GRE general test scores to Midwestern University. The MWU institutional code for submitting scores is 1769. Only test scores earned during the previous five years (no earlier than January 1, 2007 and no later than October 1, 2011) and sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) are acceptable. Test scores must be received by the MWU Office of Admissions no later than December 1, 2011.

4. Completed Applications

The Office of Admissions will send letters verifying receipt of completed CASPA applications with all required materials to applicants who meet the minimum overall and science GPA requirement of 2.75. Letters will also include instructions on tracking application status online. Applicants must track the receipt of their application materials to ensure the submission of all required documents. Only applicants who submit all required application materials by the published deadlines will be considered for acceptance into the program.

Please Note: Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or e-mail address. All requests for application withdrawal must be made in writing via e-mail, fax, or letter to the Office of Admissions:

Midwestern University
Office of Admissions
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630/515-7200 or 800/458-6253
Fax: 630/971-6086
admissil@midwestern.edu

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Interview / Selection Process

Completed applications are reviewed to determine which applicants merit invitations for on-campus interviews. The following criteria are used to select the most qualified candidates for interview invitations: science and cumulative grade point averages (GPA), rigor of undergraduate and prerequisite courses, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores, letters of recommendation, healthcare experience, knowledge of the profession, and motivation for a career as a PA. Interviews are typically scheduled during the months of September through January. Applicants selected to interview will be notified by e-mail or telephone of available dates. Interviews are required before final admissions decisions are made.

A typical day on campus involves participation in the following activities, which are coordinated by the Office of Admissions: a presentation by the PA Program Director, interaction with current MWU PA students, observation of a PA Program course lecture, presentations by admissions counselors and financial aid office representatives, and a walking tour of the campus. In addition, the day will include a writing exercise that will be evaluated by the PA Admissions Committee and a small group interview session facilitated by PA faculty members. During each interview session prospective students may be asked about their academic, personal, and professional aspirations and preparedness for admission to the Program. Interviewed applicants are assessed using a standardized evaluation tool, which is included with the applicants' files and forwarded to the PA Admissions Committee for review.

The PA Admissions Committee reviews the complete applications of candidates who were interviewed and then submits recommendations to the Program Director for action. The CHS Dean, via the Office of Admissions, then notifies applicants in writing of admissions decisions. All applicants with complete applications will receive notification in writing regarding their status by the end of March.

Please Note: Applicants who interview before December 31, 2011 are required to bring documentation verifying any outstanding coursework in progress (by providing a copy of a class schedule or a transcript listing the coursework). Applicants must submit documentation of satisfactory completion of prerequisites no later than the December 31st deadline. Applicants who fail to submit this proof by the designated date will not be considered for admission into the Program.

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Matriculation Process

The matriculation process begins after applicants receive notification of their acceptance into the PA Program. Students must submit both their signed matriculation agreement and their deposit to the Office of Admissions by the deadline date. To complete the matriculation process, students must also:

1. Submit deposit monies by the date designated in their matriculation documents. Deposits are applied toward the first quarter's tuition.
2. Submit official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-high school by the deadline of two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the first day of classes. Students who are accepted to MWU less than one month prior to the first day of classes will have 30 calendar days from the date of their acceptance to submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Any special circumstances or requests for exceptions to this policy must be sent to and approved by the Office of the Dean of the College. Students who fail to submit all official final transcripts by the stated deadline may jeopardize their acceptance or continued enrollment in the College. CASPA does not forward transcripts to schools; therefore, students must forward official transcripts from all the schools attended to Midwestern University's Illinois Campus.
3.  Submit documentation of successful completion of all outstanding prerequisite courses with grades of C or better by December 31, 2011.
4. Submit completed medical files as instructed in the information sent by the Office of Student Services.
5. Submit proof of medical insurance coverage. Students may select either a plan offered by an MWU-approved carrier or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier of their choice. Students are required to carry low-cost disability insurance that is offered through the University.
6. Submit a copy of their permanent resident alien card if they are a permanent U.S. resident. International students must provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds have been deposited in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses while attending Midwestern University (for F-1 visa students only).
7. Provide documentation that any additional coursework requirements stipulated by the Admissions Committee of the Program have been completed.
8. Submit additional documents as required by the Office of Admissions.
9. Authorize and pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
10. Sign and submit a Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.
11. Complete a physical exam and submit form.
12. Sign and submit a Credit Policy Statement.
13. Provide proof of completed required tuberculosis screening and immunizations.
14. Satisfy Technical Standards for the Program.

Any student who fails to satisfy these matriculation requirements or who omits or falsifies information required on official admissions documents automatically forfeits his or her seat in the Program. Any individual accepted for admission to the PA Program who does not comply with stated timelines for submission of all required materials receives no further notification from CHS regarding the forfeiture of his or her seat.

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Articulation Agreement

Students enrolled in a Midwestern University program are guaranteed an admission interview with another Midwestern University program if the student:

1. Is in good standing in the academic program in which the student is currently enrolled or has completed the program within the last 12 months prior to the application and does not have any pending misconduct charges against him/her;
2. Meets all admission requirements for the professional program of interest;
3. After a minimum of two full time quarters of study, achieves a minimum Midwestern University grade point average, derived from all courses completed at Midwestern, that is equal to or greater than 3.0; and
4. Achieves a score on the professional entrance exam that is not less than one standard deviation below the mean score for students that matriculated into the professional degree program in the previous year.

Note: Students must meet all application deadlines for the professional program of interest. A guaranteed interview does not guarantee admission into the professional program.

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Reapplication Process

After receiving either denial or end-of-cycle letters, prospective students may reapply for the following year’s admissions cycle. Before reapplying, however, individuals contemplating reapplication should seek the advice of an admissions counselor. To initiate the reapplication process, prospective students must complete and submit new applications through CASPA and proceed through the standard application process.

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Related Links

CASPA Application

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) / Educational Testing Service

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