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Northwestern College

712-707-7359

Northwestern College
101 7th Street SW
Orange City, Iowa 51041

We rely on the information provided to us by programs. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the program's website.

Program Website

*Last updated January 20th, 2026

General Information

Mission Statement
The mission of the Northwestern College Physician Assistant Program is to equip faith-filled providers with exceptional medical education to serve in all communities with an emphasis on rural and underserved populations with excellence, integrity, and compassion.
Unique Program Features
On-site cadaver lab, on-campus simulation lab, faith-based curriculum
Curriculum Focus
Case-Based Learning; Collaborative or Team-Based Learning; Organ-Based/Systems-Based Learning; Problem-Based Learning
Credentials Offered
Master's degree (not Master's of Public Health)
Type of Masters Degree
MSPAS: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Undergrad to Masters Bridge or Dual Degree
No
Doctorate Degree Offered
No
Masters to Doctorate Bridge or Dual Degree
No
Program Length
27 Months
Start Month
May 2027
Estimated Incoming Class Size
32
Part-time Option
No
Distance Learning
No
On-Campus Housing
No
Required Onsite Interview
Yes
Types of Interviews
Traditional Interview; Group Interview
Admission Type
Rolling - Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis

Deadlines, Fees, & Eligibility

Application Deadline
09/01/2026
Deadline Requirement
Green-Verified: the application has been submitted, payment, all transcripts, and at least two evaluation letters must be received by CASPA by the posted deadline, and the application has a verified status, meaning all GPAs have been calculated by CASPA.
Out of State Students Accepted
Yes
Transfer Students Accepted
No
DACA Status Applicants Considered
Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website.
International Applicants Accepted
Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website.
International Application Link
Support for Veterans
Clinical partnerships: Partnerships with veteran organizations for rotations.;Veteran faculty: Faculty members who have veteran status.
Separate Tuition Rates
No
Tuition
$93,960
Seat Deposit
Yes
Seat Deposit Cost
$500
Refundable Seat Deposit
No
Supplemental Application
Yes
Supplemental Deadline
09/01/2026
Supplemental Application Fee
$100
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver
Yes

Requirements

Minimum Number of Reference Letters Required
3
Types of References Required
No restrictions
Standardized Test(s) Required
None
Minimum Overall GPA Required
3.30
Minimum Prereq GPA Required
3.30
Minimum Science GPA Required
3.30

Experience

Healthcare Experience
Yes, required
Paid Health Care
Not Required
Volunteer/Community Service Health Care
Not Required
Hours Needed
500
Time Limit in Which To Complete Experience
No Requirement
Paid Direct Patient Care
Required
Volunteer Direct Patient Care
Required
Direct Patient Care Hours Needed
500
Direct Patient Care Time Limit
No Requirement

 

Other Paid Health Care
Not Required
Other Volunteer Health Care
No information provided
Shadowing a PA
Required
Shadowing a Physician
Not Required
Shadowing other health care provider
Not Required
Clinical and/or non-clinical research
Not Required
Virtual Health Care Accepted
No
Virtual Shadowing Accepted
No

Prerequisites

Human Anatomy
3 Credit(s)
Biochemistry
3 Credit(s)
Microbiology
3 Credit(s)
Organic Chemistry
3 Credit(s)
Human Physiology
3 Credit(s)
Genetics
3 Credit(s)
Statistics
3 Credit(s)
Psychology
3 Credit(s)
Prereq requirements
Applicants must have taken anatomy, physiology, and microbiology pre-requisites within 5 years of their projected enrollment date.
Prereq time limit
10 Years
Outstanding pre-requisites must be completed in the following time frame
At any point prior to matriculation
Maximum number of outstanding prerequisites allowed
3

Matriculants

Matriculant GPAs

Matriculant Overall GPA
3.7
Matriculant Science GPA
3.6

GRE Average Scores

Average Verbal Reasoning GRE Score
No information provided
Average Analytical Writing GRE Score
No information provided
Average Quantitative Reasoning GRE Score
No information provided

GRE Average Percentiles

Average Verbal Reasoning GRE Percentile
No information provided
Average Analytical Writing GRE Percentile
No information provided
Average Quantitative Reasoning GRE Percentile
No information provided

Program Matriculants by Gender

Female
28
Male
4
Non-Binary
-
Gender Unknown
-

Ethnicity of Program Matriculants by Number

American Indian or Alaskan Native
1
Asian
1
Black or African American
2
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish
-
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
-
White
28
Multiracial
-
Other
-