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Accelerated 3+ Physician Assistant
Accelerated 3+ Physician Assistant
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The Physician Assistant Accelerated 3+ option is offered through the College of Health Professions at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. This Accelerated 3+ option is only available to Pathways Honors students who are pursing an undergraduate degree in one of the following programs at DePaul:

Following three years of study at DePaul, you will begin work on your two-year MS in Physician Assistant Practice program in the College of Health Professions. Physician Assistants provide care to millions of Americans in all types of health care settings — from clinics to long-term care facilities. They are trained to perform many of the responsibilities traditionally administered by physicians. Family practice physicians typically utilize Physician Assistants in primary care settings, but they assist in a range of fields including surgery, orthopedics, radiology and internal medicine. The curriculum at Rosalind Franklin University for Medicine and Science is designed to prepare you to work in the highly collaborative and growing profession.

Do you have any questions?

If you have questions about the Accelerated 3+ Physician Assistant option, you may be able to find answers below.

No, this is a competitive program and there is no guarantee of admission. However, if you apply through your pre-health advisor your application will receive priority screening.

The physician assistant application process is called CASPA). You complete the application online, including your GRE scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You must use DePaul’s Pre-Health Advising Committee (PAC). Register with PAC and state your intention of utilizing the Accelerated 3+ option for Physician Assistant.  You will need to notify them by the winter of your second year at DePaul in order to participate in the committee letter process. An interview with a pre-health advisor is required before you start the PAC committee letter of recommendation process to ensure that you have completed sufficient DePaul requirements and have a plan to complete all DePaul specific coursework.

Your pre-health staff advisor is a critical resource for this program. It is strongly advised that you meet with them as soon as possible to map out a course plan. You must have completed at least 96 credit hours prior to your application. Your pre-health advisor will look through your academic record to make sure you are ready to apply to the College of Health Professions.

The GRE is offered several times during the year. Visit the GRE website for the most up-to-date information. You should also think about taking a GRE review course to prepare for the exam. The GRE scores are required for review of your application, so you should plan on taking the GRE in the spring or early summer of the year in which you are applying.

The GRE measures Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing rather than specific prerequisite courses.  Doing well in your DePaul coursework should prepare you for a successful GRE.

Both HLTH 120 ("Exploring the Health Sciences") and HLTH 200 ("Foundations of Health Sciences") courses can help you begin to understand the roles of various health care professionals. You will also want to register for the Pre-Health Program at DePaul. By doing so, you will be invited to pre-health events through the year, including visits by Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science's College of Health Professions faculty. Join a student organization, like the pre-physician assistant club or pre-health career community, to help you to network with students who have similar interests as your own.

In the event you are not accepted for early admission you are still a DePaul student and should complete your baccalaureate degree at DePaul. You can consider reapplying to Physician Assistant programs or taking any other direction you might choose. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to seek an exit interview with the College of Health Professions at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science to discuss how they might make a stronger application.

When taking any courses at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, you are responsible for paying them tuition at their rate.

No, you must apply for degree conferral via Campus Connection in anticipation of the quarter when you plan to finish your baccalaureate degree. Yes, after your fourth year you may still walk at DePaul’s commencement ceremony. You earned it!