Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Program Overview, Mission, Vision and Goals

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is designed to provide students with an outstanding education in preparation for careers as general practice physician assistants, as well as to provide a foundation for leadership in an area of advanced clinical practice.

The innovative 33-month curriculum will utilize the extensive resources available at Rush University to provide its students with an excellent training experience.

The 12-month didactic phase will include lecture, small group discussion, and case-based training to prepare students for clinical rotations.
The unique 21-month clinical training portion of the program will prepare students to practice as primary care providers, as well as provide a unique opportunity for advance practice experience in one of the following clinical areas: orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine and pulmonary and critical care medicine.

Rush University is excited to offer this PA training opportunity in our renowned medical facility. For more information about the program, visit the website at: www.rushu.rush.edu/pa.program, contact the program via email at pa_admissions@rush.edu or call (312) 563-3234.

Mission

The mission of the Rush University Physician Assistant program is to train qualified general and advanced practice physician assistants to practice medicine with competence, professionalism and compassion driven by academic excellence in scholarship, research and a spirit of service to the community.

Vision

The Rush University Physician Assistant Program strives to be a nationally recognized leader in PA education, training highly qualified physician assistants to assume leadership roles in clinical and professional practice.

Goals

The goals of the Rush University Physician Assistant Studies program are:

Prepare highly qualified physician assistants to take leadership roles in clinical practice, research and service to the community and to the profession.

Provide clinical leadership training in areas of medical practice such as surgery, orthopedics, pulmonary and critical care medicine, emergency practice and internal medicine.

Prepare physician assistants who use best practice methods to plan, develop and deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care services.

Promote research and scholarly activities as an integral part of effective medical practice.

The PA Program is also dedicated to fulfilling the mission, vision and values of the University, the College and the University Medical Center.