PAs talking
PAs talking

PA Programs at Chamberlain

Earn your Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) at one of our program locations. 

PA Program FAQs

Why should I consider a career as a Physician Assistant?

The PA profession can be your path to a fulfilling and respected career as a healthcare provider.  

  • The PA field is a good fit for those who are motivated by a desire to impact medicine directly through patient care and a team-based approach. 
  • Physician assistants are expected to continue to be an important part of providing healthcare services, as they can complete their educational preparation faster than physicians but can provide most of the same services. 
  • The PA profession is one of the fastest growing healthcare careers nationwide – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 28% employment growth (much faster than average) for physician assistants between 2023 and 2033. In that period, an estimated 43,400 jobs are anticipated to become available.
     

Why should I consider Chamberlain’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree program?

•    With full-time enrollment, you can expect to complete the program in as few as two years so you can move forward on the path toward your career faster. 
•    Chamberlain does the work in securing your clinical site for the second year of the program through our established network of clinical partners and broad access to learning across settings – including rural, urban, specialized and underserved populations.    
•    With a rich history, Chamberlain University knows what it takes to educate, empower and embolden diverse extraordinary healthcare professionals who advance the health of people, families, communities and nations.  
•    We believe if we take extraordinary care of our students, we will graduate extraordinary healthcare professionals who will have a significant and positive impact in their communities and around the world. Care is what distinguishes us – Chamberlain Care®. Care for our students, healthcare partners, patients and the community at large. Through Chamberlain Care, we are committed to making it easy and seamless for our students to enroll in degree programs to advance their careers, working with them to foster their success in school and in achieving their career goals and preparing them for the healthcare system of the future.  

Can I apply to more than one Chamberlain MPAS program?

Yes, each Chamberlain location offering the MPAS program is considered its own program within CASPA. When you complete your application within CASPA, you may select both Chamberlain MPAS programs (Chicago and Phoenix) if you desire, or just one. The admission process is separate for each program, so you would hear from each campus separately to determine if you are invited to an interview. 

PA School Frequently Asked Questions

What do I major in to become a PA?

To enroll in Chamberlain’s PA school in Chicago, you can have a bachelor’s degree with any major. However, you will need to make sure you have taken the prerequisite courses for admission.

What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants both work at an advanced practice level of care. Physician assistant education uses a medical model,
while nurse practitioner education uses a nursing model.

How long does it take to finish a PA program?

PA programs typically take between 2-3 years to complete. You can earn a degree in as few as 2 years at Chamberlain’s MPAS program in Illinois.

How do I become a physician assistant?

To become a physician assistant, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete prerequisite science courses, earn a graduate level degree
from an ARC-PA accredited PA program and successfully pass the PANCE, the national certification exam.

Request more information about Chamberlain’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.

When do PA programs start?

Many PA programs will enroll for the fall, with some having starts in winter and spring too. Chamberlain’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program is enrolling for a start date in Sept 2025.