Common Questions

If I am admitted to the Doctor of Medical Science program for Physician Assistants at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, can I select my concentration?

Yes, you will have the option to choose your concentration in Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition, Leadership & Health Administration, or Health Professions Education. Choosing a concentration means that you will take your two elective courses in that area.

Will I be able to work an outside job while I am going to school?

The DMS program is part time, and designed to be taken while you continue working as a Physician Assistant. Due to the asynchronous structure of classes, they will not interfere with your work, no matter what your work schedule might be. You will be able to participate in class activities at any time of the day or week.

How long does it take to complete the DMS program?

Students can complete the Doctor of Medical Science degree in 12 months when taking two courses each quarter. If you decide to take one course each quarter, you can expect to complete your degree in under 2 years.

What does the curriculum structure look like?

Our online programs are developed with career enhancement in mind. RFU online coursework can fit into most any schedule. Our faculty members are experts in distance teaching and learning. Our online students, just like those on campus, receive ongoing, individualized guidance and counseling to help achieve professional goals.

All students will begin by taking four core courses focused in nutrition, health informatics, public health epidemiology, and lifestyle medicine. Two elective courses of your choice in concentration are then completed as well as a capstone project. The curriculum overview can be reviewed online.

Does the university follow a quarter or semester system?

The online education programs at the university follow a quarter system. View the university’s academic calendar.

Are there a minimum number of courses I will have to enroll in each quarter?

Students will be able to speak with their advisor about the curriculum schedule, but generally students should expect a choice of one or two courses per quarter.

What kind of time commitment should I expect to make?

On average, students spend 7 – 10 hours a week on a course.

Will I have to be online during a specific time?

For the most part, our course work is asynchronous, meaning students are not required to be online at a specific time. Some instructors incorporate synchronous activities, such as presentations in their courses and they work with students to find convenient times that work for all parties.

What type of help and support does the school offer?

Any service that is available to our on-campus students is available to online students. The syllabus for each course is a good place to look for this information and it is also found on InSite, the University’s internal website.

Applying to Rosalind Franklin University

What is the deadline to apply?

The applications are accepted on a rolling basis each quarter. Applications are accepted until about 2 weeks prior to the start of a quarter.

Do you give preference to Illinois residents?

No. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a private university. We make no distinction by state of residency in our admissions policy. Tuition costs are the same regardless of state of residency.

How do I check the status of my application?

You can check on the status by signing into your RFU application portal.

When are interviews held and does everyone get interviewed?

The DMS program currently does not host interviews for acceptance into the program. Your decision will be based on the submitted application.

How long is the application process?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students are enrolled into the program every quarter. Completion of the application process depends on the amount of time it takes for all of your documents to be submitted and completed. Applications are accepted until about 2 weeks prior to the start of a quarter.

• Fall Quarter begins in early August
• Winter Quarter begins in early November
• Spring Quarter begins mid February
• Summer Quarter begins late May

How long does it take to make a decision about my application?

A decision on the completed application will be made within two to three weeks.

What happens if I am accepted into the program?

If you are accepted into a program at the university, you will receive an acceptance email and documents that need to be returned to our admission’s office. If you have any questions about these documents, please contact Trishia Cole at dms@rosalindfranklin.edu. Once the university receives your declaration of intent and deposit (if applicable), you will soon receive an email with directions on how to establish your student account through HelixNet. This portal will provide you access to the different systems that you will use as a student at the university.

How do I register for classes?

You will register for classes each quarter via Self-Service, which requires a university username and password to access. You will receive this information and next steps once you accept your offer of admission to the program. Be sure you are in touch with your advisor before you register. Your advisor will be assigned when you accept your offer and become a student.

What is the total tuition and fees for the DMS program?

You can find the current costs and fees for all degrees offered by Rosalind Franklin University online.

Alumni of Rosalind Franklin University will receive a 15% discount off the total tuition cost. *Check with your employer about reimbursement. Several of the courses have now been approved for Category I CME, so you can use your CME money to pay your tuition.

Do you offer a payment plan, and how does it work?

Find information about the RFU Payment Plan. For more information about the payment pay option, please call 847-578-8790. Note that once you are accepted into the DMS program, your previous student loan payments will go into deferral. This may free up personal funds for you to pay your tuition without taking out any more student loans.

What methods of payment do you accept for tuition?

You can pay your tuition bill by credit card or electronic check, or send a paper check to the address shown on your tuition statement. More information.

What are the hours of Student Services?

The various Student Services Departments office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can call them during these hours or email them any time at:

• Admissions – 847-578-3204 dms@rosalindfranklin.edu
• Academic Support – 847-578-8354 support@rosalindfranklin.edu
• Financial Aid and Student Billing Office – 847-578-3217 services@rosalindfranklin.edu or student.services@rosalindfranklin.edu
• Registrar’s Office – 847-578-3228 registrar@rosalindfranklin.edu
• Student Insurance – 847-578-3217 insurance@rosalindfranklin.edu

Student Counseling Service is available to distance students.

Where can I find the application?

Access the application here.