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 prepares students to practice as primary care providers, while providing a one of a kind immersion experience in an advanced clinical practice. Current areas for advanced clinical training include orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care medicine, interventional radiology, urology, neurosurgery, geriatrics, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.

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 physician assistant program is to train qualified, advanced practice physician assistants to practice medicine with competence, professionalism, and compassion driven by academic excellence in scholarship and 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 enhanced training opportunities to students in various areas of clinical practice.

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.