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.
PBL is easily the highlight of my week. Being a part of a small cohort of students, who start off unsure and unfamiliar, and growing into a tight-knit team that applies real patient experiences to solve complex cases is incredibly rewarding. My PBL members quickly became some of my best friends, creating a supportive and collaborative environment. Each week, we present learning issues, and it is amazing to see how we rely on one another’s research to move the case forward and eventually reach the correct assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan. That collaborative “aha” moment is one of the most satisfying parts of the program. The active, team-based nature of PBL makes learning more engaging and meaningful, and it is where I truly feel like I am growing into a capable and thoughtful clinician."
Antara Kulkarni (she/her)
First-Year Student, Class of 2027
The class culture at NUPA is uplifting, lively, and incredibly supportive. Coming from a large university, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel in a cohort of just 42 students—though I’m biased, I truly believe 42 is the perfect size. We work as a team, sharing resources, tutoring one another, and celebrating strengths while helping with weaknesses. The camaraderie is strong, and everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed. I’m amazed at how close we’ve become in such a short time. I love chatting with different classmates and feel grateful to be part of a cohort full of unique, kind, and interesting personalities!"
Anna Mohling (she/her)
First-Year Student, Class of 2027
Of course, Northwestern being a top of the line institution with a unique curriculum and incredible location was what initially attracted me to the program. But what made me truly fall in love was the faculty. Everyone was incredibly warm, friendly, and welcoming! They seemed so passionate about the program and it was evident that they truly invest time into ensuring their students feel supported and prepared to come out as exceptional PAs."
Nowie Se (he/him)
First-Year Student, Class of 2027
What has surprised me most about taking care of patients every day is how capable and impactful I feel in the clinical setting. During the didactic year, it was sometimes difficult to connect classroom learning to real-world patient care. Now, on my Emergency Medicine rotation, that connection has become clear. I initially feared that I would feel overwhelmed or that my knowledge wouldn’t be enough to contribute meaningfully. However, with the support and guidance of the medical team, I’ve not only grown more confident in my clinical skills, but I’ve also realized that I can truly make a difference in patients’ care."
Rachel Okine (she/her)
Second-Year Student, Class of 2026
During my lung transplant rotation, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a lung procurement. It was profoundly meaningful to witness the entire transplant process from start to finish — from meeting the recipient, flying out of state to the donor hospital for the organ recovery, observing the implantation of the lungs, and ultimately caring for the recipient in the ICU. It was inspiring to see how robust the lung transplant program is at Northwestern and to see the role that PAs had throughout the entire process."
Johnny Phan (he/him)
Second-Year Student, Class of 2026
The transition to the clinical year has been incredibly rewarding and eye-opening. It's been amazing to see the concepts we discussed in lectures and presentations during the didactic year come to life in the clinical setting. Engaging directly with patients and learning about their unique backgrounds has added a whole new dimension to my understanding of healthcare - deepening my appreciation for shared decision-making and reinforcing my commitment to patient-centered care as I grow into a future clinician."
Simo Bambi (she/her)
Second-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.
Take a Virtual Tour
Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our research labs, classrooms and dynamic urban streetscape on your phone, device, desktop or VR headset. Step inside and experience our campus from a first-person point of view.
