Program Strengths

Hands on, relevant and real-world: Your experiences as a DMU physician assistant student will prepare you to practice with expertise and confidence.

Experienced Faculty

There is close interaction among students and faculty at DMU. Our physician assistant faculty is dedicated and loyal with decades of experience not only as clinicians but also as educators.

Team Work

Collaboration is a natural outgrowth of our program, which favors cooperation over competition.

Relaxed Environment

The academic setting is professional and respectful yet relaxed and personal. Our campus is small enough that faculty will get to know each student individually.

Clinical Opportunities

Students have a number of clinical experiences beginning early in their first year.

Student Clubs

There are many opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom.

Anatomy Lab

The gross anatomy lab at DMU is state-of-the-art. It includes flat-screen monitors at each dissection station.

Hands-On Experience

Students receive real-life experience prior to their clinical rotations via a variety of simulated teaching tools, Standardized Performance Assessment Lab, and on-site clinic.

Interprofessional Curriculum

PA students study with second year D.O. students on selected clinical topics.

Technology

Technology is incorporated throughout the physician assistant program.

High Test Scores

The average first-time PANCE pass-rate for students at Des Moines University over the past 5 years is 97%. The national average during the same time was only 94%. See more program outcomes.

Global Health

Students can participate in short medical service trips or extended international rotations through the global health department.

Curriculum

The PA curriculum consists of 13 months of didactic studies and 12 months of clinical experience.

Small Class Size

Our small class size is ideal for knowing your classmates well and at the same time benefitting from a variety of backgrounds and experiences