Southern california university of health sciences physician assistant program

Please note that many of our programs have made exceptions to the application process and admissions requirements due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Additionally, references to in-person campus visits, events, lab work, or classroom interactions should be read in light of current campus health and safety guidelines, which continue to evolve in response to changing conditions. More information can be found on WesternU’s COVID-19 Information page.  Please contact us if you have any questions or need further information.

WesternU’s two-year (six semester) MSPA program will prepare students to demonstrate:

  • Competency in established and evolving core medial and clinical sciences knowledge with an application to patient care in diverse settings

As health care changes, Physician Assistants are increasingly valued as vital members of the health care team. WesternU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) graduates are in high demand and enjoy careers that are rewarding both personally and professionally.

  • Interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, families, health care providers, professional associates, and the health care system
  • Care that is effective, patient-centered, compassionate, timely, efficient, and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness
  • A high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements
  • Critical analysis, evaluation, and improved patient care practices throughout their ongoing education and practice
  • An awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that is of optimal value

We have a nationally recognized program and offer you:

  • A record of consistently high first-time pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
  • A small, private, health-focused institution that fosters interprofessional learning
  • Clinical experiences that develops professional and communication skills at a wide range of clinical sites
  • Top faculty who interact with the students
  • A well established program accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
  • Long humanistic tradition of treating patients as people first; treating students with respect; and fostering camaraderie among students
  • Outstanding student support services including tutoring and disability resources
  • Diverse student body and rich array of student club and volunteer opportunities
  • Southern California location with tremendous clinical training opportunities as well as access to
    major cultural and recreational resources
  • A chance to join WesternU’s well-respected Physician Assistant alumni, who are in high demand and who enjoy a lifelong connection with the University

“At WesternU I received a well-rounded education. Not only did I gain the medical knowledge necessary to fulfill my role as a Physician Assistant, but I learned to always listen and be compassionate.”

– MSPA Student

California PA Programs

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences- Central Coast
(Provisional) 

1075 E. Betteravia Rd., Ste. 201
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 621-7651

 
Cal Baptist University 
8432 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA 92504
(951) 343-4249
California State University- Monterey Bay (Provisional) 
Physician Assistant Program
5108 Fourth Ave
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 772-7070

 
Chapman University 
Chapman University MMS PA Studies Program
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618
(714) 997-6815
Charles R. Drew University 
1731 E 120th St
Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 563-4800
Dominican University of California (Provisional) 
Physician Assistant Program
50 Acacia Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 457-4440
Keck Graduate Institute
(Provisional) 

535 Watson Drive 
Claremont, CA 91711
Loma Linda Univeristy 
School of Allied Health Professions
Physician Assistant Program
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4599 or
(800) 422-4558

 
Marshall B. Ketchum University 
2575 Yorba Linda Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 992-7808
Point Loma Nazarene University (Provisional) 
3900 Lomaland Drive 
San Diego, CA 92160
(619) 849-2200
Samuel Merritt University 
450 30th Street 
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 869-6623 
 
Southern California University of Health Sciences (Provisional) 
16200 E Amber Valley Dr
Whittier, CA 90604
(800) 221-5222
Stanford University 
1215 Welch Road 
Module G 
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 725- 6959 
 
Touro University California
Joint MSPAS/MPH Program
College of Education and Health Sciences
1310 Club Dr
Vallejo, CA 94592
(707) 638-5200
University of California- Davis 
Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
Physician Assistant Program
2570 48th St
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-2145
Email:
UC San Diego 
(Coming January 2024)

9500 Gilman Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 534-3751
University of La Verne (Provisional) 
1950 3rd St
La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 593-3511
University of Southern California 
Physician Assistant Program
1000 S Fremont Ave Unit 7, Bldg A11, Ste 150
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 457-4240
University of Pacific 
3200 5th Ave
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 739-7365
Western University of Health Sciences 
309 E 2nd St
Pomona, CA 91766-1854
(909) 623-6116

Does USC have a physicians assistant program?

The Physician Assistant (PA) program is administered by the Keck School of Medicine of USC. The minimum standard for admission into the program is a United States bachelor's degree (in any discipline), or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution, and completion of all program prerequisite coursework.

Is it hard to get into USC PA program?

The selection process for the PA program is highly competitive, and only a portion of the applicant pool will be invited for a personal interview on the Alhambra campus. Interviews are by invitation only and conducted on a rolling basis.

How long is USC PA program?

The program is a 33-month academic program. Find the breakdown of fees and tuition here.

Does USC have a pre PA program?

USC Upstate offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology tailored to meet the entry requirements of the MUSC Physician Assistant Studies program. A bachelor's degree and Graduate Record Exam scores (GRE) are required for admission to MUSC. The minimum required grade point average (GPA) for applicants is 3.0.