Orange City, Iowa — Northwestern College officials tell us their 2025 physician assistant graduates have achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the national certifying exam, marking the third consecutive year the program has surpassed the national average.
All 29 students who graduated on August 9 passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination on their first attempt.
Program Director Jill Van Otterloo says that the consistent success highlights the strength of Northwestern’s curriculum and the dedication of both students and faculty. She credits the program’s modular, system-based structure and close faculty mentorship for preparing students academically and professionally.
Officials say graduates from the 27-month program are now serving in medical fields across the country, including family medicine, orthopedics, surgery, oncology, and emergency medicine.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KSOU in Sioux Center)
KIWA Staff Photo
