16 Best Physician Assistant Schools in California – 2024


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

As a physician assistant in California, you’ll be in a position to help address the Golden State’s acute primary care crisis. Graduates of PA schools in California make good money too, earning $144,520 a year on average. Demand for PA services in the Golden State is expected to soar by more than one-third within the next decade. PA programs use the medical model for training, but they are much shorter than medical school, generally taking anywhere from 23 and 28 weeks to complete. Once you’ve finished your basic education, you can go on to focus on specialty areas. Sound intriguing? Get started by reading about the 16 best physician assistant schools in California for 2024.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE HEALTHCARE SCHOOLS

WHAT ARE THE BEST PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 16 Best PA programs in California.


1) University of Southern California (LA) - Los Angeles


About the PA School: With an increasing shortage of primary care workers, a career as a physician assistant can not only be promising but also highly remunerative. If you are keen on entering this field, the first step towards it is enrolling in one of the best physician assistant programs in California. Well, the University of Southern California offers one such program that is ranked among the top physician assistant programs in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report. The program has been an offering since 1972 and over the years has produced many outstanding graduates who strive to offer medical care to all sections of the population, particularly focusing on the underserved areas of the state. Furthermore, the program stands out for training students to practice medicine in Spanish, ensuring they are prepared to provide care in diverse neighborhoods.

Program Details: The program spans three years and takes you through didactic courses and extensive clinical training at various specialty sites including family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, inpatient internal medicine, general surgery, orthopedics, or emergency medicine. During this program, you will be educated on basic medical sciences, topics in medicine, behavioral sciences, and critical thinking. You will also gain knowledge of advanced education, research, medical care organizations, and advanced clinical skills. During the 33 months of your didactic and clinical training here, you will mostly attend classes during the day. However, some clinical sessions are scheduled to be taken in the evening as well as during the day. Through excellence in education, emphasis on diversity, commitment to service, and the professional skills to lead, this physician assistant school in California prepares you to work in any type of healthcare environment not only in the state but anywhere in the world.


Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this physician assistant program in California, you must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, the college requires you to complete science pre-requisite courses before the application deadline. Furthermore, to enhance your chances of admission you must have completed paid clinical experiences, in addition to shadowing a PA in a patient care setting.


2) Stanford University – Stanford


About the PA School: If you find your calling in patient-care, then embarking on a career as a physician assistant in California can be your best bet as qualified physician assistants are the most versatile care providers who work in various types of specialties and environments. Stanford University’s PA program, counted among the best physician assistant programs in California prepares you with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree which focuses on leadership, and clinical expertise. Through innovative education, immersive simulation learning, and diverse clinical experiences you will be trained as a physician assistant leader, equipped with future-ready skills and knowledge.

Program Details: This physician assistant program in California is a nine-quarter program that includes one summer break in between. Typically, during the first five quarters, you will complete the didactic courses, followed by 12 months of clinical clerkship, finally culminating your training with a capstone project. The core curriculum that forms the base for your physician assistant training educates you on the foundations of clinical medicine & neurosciences, histology, embryology, clinical anatomy, principles of clinical medicine, the practice of medicine, and clinical therapeutics. The clerkship or clinical training that is an integral part of your PA education takes place mostly within Stanford University’s affiliated clinical sites across California. During this one year of practical learning, you will apply theoretical skills to practice in primary care, internal medicine, behavioral health, pediatrics, women’s health, emergency medicine, and surgery. Additionally, the curriculum includes a unique leadership track that allows you to choose from any of the five domains of Community Health, Health Services & Policy Research, Clinical Research, Medical Education, and Healthcare Administration. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the PA certification exam after which you will be able to practice as a certified physician assistant in California.


Admission Requirements: The college accepts applications holistically, so your overall potential as a promising candidate will be factored in to be considered for admission. However, the college requires you to have a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree in any field and the CASPer test results. Although other factors such as the GRE score, letters of recommendation, direct patient care experience are recommended but not necessary, it is strongly advised that you have at least 500 hours of clinical experience to strengthen your application.


3) Western University of Health Sciences – Pomona


About the PA School: If you are shortlisting physician assistant schools in California that consistently boasts of high pass rates on the PA national certification exam, then Western University of Health Sciences must certainly be high on your list. Here, not only will you receive a well-rounded education, but with a supportive and close-knit environment, your professional goals are nurtured from the very start of the program. The college encourages interprofessional learning and provides for varied clinical experiences that help build upon professional skills at an array of healthcare sites. Furthermore, you can enhance your leadership skills by participating in various student clubs and volunteering opportunities offered by the college.

Program Details: The physician assistant program here leads to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies within two years of full-time studies. The curriculum mainly takes you through didactic courses and clinical experiences in primary care. Additionally, this physician assistant school in California stresses the need for interprofessional collaboration and provides you with learning opportunities alongside other healthcare professionals. The 102-credit coursework educates you on medical terminology, patient-centered care, physical assessment, health promotion & disease prevention, pathophysiology, research methods, and healthcare delivery system. You also learn about adult medicine and assisting in pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, and emergency medicine. The program also requires you to undergo seminars, clinical rotations, and a clinical project.


Admission Requirements: To qualify for this program, you must have completed your undergraduate education in any field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. As such, there is no requirement for paid work experience, but you are required to complete community service to be considered for admission. Also, it is recommended that you submit three or four letters of reference to add brownie points to your application.


4) Touro University California - Vallejo


Programs Offered: MSPAS/MPH


About the PA School: Out of all the physician assistant programs in California Touro University’s physician assistant education stands out for conferring two degrees of a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, and a Master of Public Health, both rolled into one program. With this dual degree, you will have an upper hand not only in the job market but also when it comes to playing leadership roles in healthcare as you will also be well versed with the knowledge of public health. The integrated coursework allows you to earn two degrees in a shorter time while against if completed individually. As a student of this program, you will be prepared as a clinician with future-ready skills to improve health at all levels, particularly focusing on the underserved and vulnerable populations.

Program Details: With this unique dual degree program of 33 months, you can graduate with exceptional skills in two domains of primary care and public health. The program consists of didactic instructions and clinical training in both areas of PA and public health. The coursework spans eight semesters, with the first four semesters being didactic courses in PA and public health. The program then advances to 54 weeks of clinical training which includes 48 weeks in PA and six weeks in public health. Finally, in the last eight weeks of the program, you are required to complete a capstone in both PA and public health. While the PA courses in ethics for health professionals, behavioral medicine, clinical medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, and primary care courses count towards the MPH degree, the public health courses in behavioral & social aspects of public health, epidemiology, program evaluation, and research methods can be transferred towards the PA degree.


Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this dual degree program, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.9 in your undergraduate education. Also, you must have at least 1000 hours of experience in patient care and healthcare or either of one. Additionally, shadowing a physician assistant for more than 20 hours and any community service that you have completed will greatly enhance your odds of admission.


5) Chapman University - Orange


Programs Offered: MMS Physician Assistant


About the PA School: If you are searching for physician assistant schools in California that offer a well-rounded master’s in physician assistant studies, then Chapman University has got you covered. Here, not only will you earn your Master in PA Studies within two years, but should you choose to enroll in its undergraduate bridge program, you will receive an edge over others during admission into the PA program. The college’s bachelor’s health science which serves as a bridge to the PA program does not guarantee admission, however, ensures you get an interview spot for the PA program.

As an aspiring physician assistant in California, Chapman’s state of art facilities that include the six patient exam rooms, exam labs, emergency simulation room, and interactive classroom provide you with ample practice experiences so that you leave the college with utmost professional preparedness to serve the state’s diverse patient population.

Program Details: Your Master’s in PA studies here spans 24 months, during which you attend full-time classes, all year round. The coursework is divided into 12 months of didactic and 12 months of clinical training. To graduate, you must complete all the courses with a minimum grade of C. The 124 credits that you must complete educate you on the principles of medical science, human anatomy, evidence-based medicine, pharmacology, mental & behavioral health, research methods & design, and infectious diseases & immunology. You also learn about various medical specialties after which you progress to the second year of clinical practice. During the second year, you practice skills in family medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, emergency medicine, general surgery, mental health & pediatrics.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission in this physician assistant program in California, the college takes into account several factors such as your undergraduate GPA, letters of reference, shadowing experience, healthcare work experience, or any voluntary community service that you may have completed. The pre-requisite courses in basic sciences and general education must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Also, the college recommends that your complete courses in medical ethics and medical Spanish to strengthen your application.


6) University of California-Davis – Davis


About the PA School: No matter which background or discipline you come from, by graduating from the University of California-Davis’s PA program you will be equipped with the professional tools to improve primary health, especially that of the underserved populations of California. Listed among the best physician assistant schools in California, here PA training is grounded in research and transformative healthcare. For more than 35 years now, the college has been preparing PA graduates who work as a part of interprofessional teams to improve primary care for the rural and underserved communities.

Program Details: Through this Master of Health Services Degree, you can become a physician assistant in California within 27 months of full-time study. Typically, you will attend in-person classes during the day, through the week from Monday to Friday, with some classes and clinicals extending to the weekend as well. In the first year of the program, you take courses in leadership, foundations of primary health care, behavioral health, pharmacology, health status & care systems, primary health care, pharmacology, applied health informatics, and advanced clinical skills. During the second year, you will mainly focus on research skills for nursing science, implementation science, and advanced clinical skills. The third-year entails completing supervised clinical practice experiences in primary health care, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, emergency medicine, inpatient surgery, inpatient medicine, geriatrics, and rural health.


Admission Requirements: To qualify for this PA program in California, you must have a bachelor’s degree in any major with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, a minimum GPA of 2.7 is required in all the science pre-requisite courses. Furthermore, you are required to submit a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and all official transcripts through the CASPA website. Additionally, the college also specifies having at least 1000 hours of paid direct patient care experience in a clinical environment.


7) University of the Pacific – Stockton


About the PA School: If you aspire to become a physician assistant in California, then along with extensive clinical training and advanced skills in all specialties, you must be adept at understanding the needs of the state’s Spanish-speaking communities. The University of the Pacific can be your go-to school to gain an edge in PA education. In a state comprising 25% of Spanish speaking population, here, to prepare you for your role in direct-patient care where interaction with the patient is crucial, the college integrates Medical Spanish into the curriculum and also provides for clinical training experiences in a rural area where English is hardly spoken. Furthermore, this physician assistant program in California boasts of an impressive 100% pass rate on the PA certification exam, and evidently, preparations for the PANCE start from day one of the program.

Program Details: This Master of Physician Assistant Studies is a 27-month program that spans over seven semesters. The program is offered only on-campus as a full-time schedule. To graduate you must complete 114 credits, including 54 didactic and clinical credits. If you are interested in enrolling in this program the college recommends you complete few preparatory courses, some of which include science, immunology, medical terminology, genetics, physics, and lifespan/developmental psychology. These courses however do not fulfill the pre-requisite course requirements which you must complete whether you take these preparatory courses or not. Upon enrollment, you spend the first year completing the didactic courses which are followed by clinical rotations. Out of the 12 clinical rotations that you must complete, the college allows you to choose three specialty electives, based on whether you are interested in emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, or any of the sub-specialties.


Admission Requirements: Admission into this or any of the other physician assistant schools in California is based on several factors which include your undergraduate GPA, pre-requisite coursework, and hours of healthcare experience. However, here you will receive preferential treatment during the pre-interview screening process, especially if you are a veteran, Pacific alumni, or a resident of the college’s target geographical location.


8) Southern California University of Health Sciences – Whittier


About the PA School: Counted among the well-known physician assistant programs in California, Southern California University of Health Sciences offers innovative PA education that trains you to offer evidence-based patient care. The state’s growing demand for physician assistants has propelled many students like you to enter this field with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies which can be completed within two years at this sought-after PA school. To prepare you for this role, here, in addition to rigorous didactic training, you will be provided with a wide exposure to integrative healthcare practices. With a robust foundation, you will be equipped with the professional tools to explore varied job roles in healthcare, academia, and administration.

Program Details: To graduate from this physician assistant program in California, you will take 28 months of full-time study. The total 145 credits of coursework are divided into didactic and clinical learning. The first year of didactic courses educates you on clinical medicine, anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, integrative health promotion, diagnostic imaging, pathophysiology, and research & evidence-based healthcare. During the second year of clinicals, you are required to complete core as well elective rotations. The core rotations are completed in internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, gynecology, general surgery, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, and integrative medicine.


Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this program, to start with, you must have a bachelor’s in any discipline from a regionally accredited college. Additionally, you must complete pre-requisite courses in core sciences and general college courses. To make your application stand out, the college also recommends that you complete a course in Conversational Spanish. Furthermore, having a minimum of 2000 hours of healthcare experience is required to be considered for admission.


9) Samuel Merritt University – Oakland


About the PA School: A successful career as a physician assistant in California requires being proficient in interpersonal communication, critical thinking, medical knowledge, and teamwork. To equip yourself with these professional skills you must consider enrolling in one of the best physician assistant programs in California such as the PA program offered by Samuel Merritt University. This PA school makes use of the latest simulation technology, a cadaver lab, and provides you with several community service opportunities to enhance professional skills that can be immediately applied to the workplace. The college’s faculty comprises clinical experts who bring in their rich subject knowledge and experience to the classroom.

Program Details: This Master’s in Physician Assistant is an on-campus program that takes 27 months of full-time study. The program is rigorous in nature and it is advised that you refrain from employment while enrolled. In the first year which is also the pre-clinical year, you will focus on basic medical and clinical science. You learn about human anatomy, microbiology & infectious disease, interpersonal & interprofessional communication, evidence-based practice, medicine, pharmacology, behavioral medicine, and ethics & professionalism. Furthermore, you also take a course in health policy & systems of healthcare. The program then progresses to the clinical year that comprises seven core and two elective clinical rotations. During this second year, you will gain practical skills in primary care, geriatrics, emergency medicine, and surgery. You will hone professional skills in various clinical settings such as clinics, hospitals, emergency departments, and inpatient & outpatient settings.


Admission Requirements: If you wish to apply to this physician assistant program in California you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Also, the college requires you to have at least 1000 hours of healthcare experience. You must complete all the pre-requisite courses before applying for this program. Furthermore, three letters of reference will be required from physicians or physician assistants.


10) Loma Linda University - Loma Linda


About the PA School: There has never been a better time than now to take on a career as a physician assistant in the state of California. With the rapidly growing demands of the state’s healthcare delivery system, this career not only offers a plethora of job opportunities but also can prove to be rewarding in terms of salary and personal fulfillment. If you are shortlisting physician assistant programs in California, then Loma Linda University’s PA program which was established in 2000 can be considered as a good option. With a track record of producing culturally sensitive and service-oriented physician assistants, the college trains you to improve healthcare especially focusing on the underserved populations, both locally as well as globally.

Program Details: This physician assistant program in California takes 24-months to complete. The program starts in September and offers classes only on a full-time basis. In the first 12 months, you are required to complete 76 didactic credits, followed by 12 months of clinical training worth 52 credits.

Through the didactic courses in your first year, you will be educated on anatomy, pharmacology, basic medical sciences, multicultural competencies, clinical medicine, evidence-based, clinical ethics, preventive medicine & health promotion, and skills in primary care pediatrics, women’s health, and mental health. The second-year mainly comprises clinical rotations in several specialties and sub-specialties. In addition to the rotations, the clinical year requires you to complete professional courses and a capstone project.


Admission Requirements: To start with, this program requires you to have a bachelor’s degree in any major with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the college requires you to complete pre-requisite courses in science and general education. Furthermore, it is required of you to complete at least 2000 hours of direct patient-care experience.

11) California Baptist University – Riverside


About the PA School: If enrolling in one of the faith-based physician assistant programs in California is what you are seeking, then you may look no further than California Baptist University’s Master of Science program. Here, in a caring faith-based environment not only will you gain exceptional professional skills, but you also graduate with a strong sense of commitment towards service to the community, especially the underserved and vulnerable sections of the population. This PA program is offered at the college’s new Health Science campus that offers access to a state-of-art simulation facility and learning labs. Also, the college fosters interprofessional learning and provides for study spaces where you can collaborate with students from other Health Sciences programs.

Program Details: Whether your goal is to improve health or simply enter a career that offers abundant job opportunities in California, by graduating from this PA program you will be able to achieve both these goals. Counted among the best physician assistant programs in California, this program spans two years and requires you to complete 120 credits, including didactic courses and clinical training. In the first year of didactic training, you learn human anatomy, research methodology, healthcare ethics, medical microbiology, professional practice & policy, pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, medical genetics, global health engagement, behavioral medicine, health promotion & disease prevention. The second-year is mainly completing your clinical clerkship in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, general medicine, pediatrics, mental health, women's health, and urgent care. Also, you complete one elective rotation, based on your interest.


Admission Requirements: Submitting your application to any of the physician assistant programs in California or anywhere else of the nation requires you to have an accredited bachelor’s degree in any field, and this PA program is no different. Additionally, here you must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2, a pre-requisite GPA of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, and a personal goals statement.


12) Dominican University of California - San Rafael


About the PA School: The US News & World Report ranks a physician assistant’s job as the second-best healthcare job and what better than California, a state that offers enormous opportunities to kickstart a promising patient-care career. Well, if you are ready to jump the wagon, then you must consider enrolling in one of the best physician assistant schools in California, like the Dominican University of California that offers not only excellent didactic education but also a wide exposure to clinical training. To make learning engaging, the college uses various models such as group discussions, role-playing, simulation technology, and evidence-based problem-solving. As a graduate of this program, you will demonstrate enhanced critical thinking and decision-making skills to effectively face the challenges of providing safe healthcare in all medical specialties and sub-specialties.

Program Details: This 28-month program includes 16 months of didactic learning and 12 months of practical training through rotations. Typically, the program is divided into three phases, phase one of the didactic on-campus classes, followed by phase two of clinical rotations throughout California, and finally, phase three of completing an on-campus summative session. The program focuses on medical knowledge, interprofessional & communication skills, patient-centered care, professionalism, practice-based learning & improvement, and systems-based practice. To graduate, you require completing 102 credits, after which you will be eligible to take the national PA certification exam.


Admission Requirements: Dominican’s application process requires you to have a bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of pre-requisite courses, three letters of recommendation, and a personal goals statement. Additionally, you must have at least 500 hours of paid direct patient-care experience and a minimum of eight hours of shadowing with a PA. This physician assistant program in California does not require a GRE score, however, it is recommended that you present your GRE score to strengthen your application.


13) California State University - Monterey Bay – Seaside


About the PA School: Are you inspired by the healthcare workers in California who relentlessly fought against the COVID-19 pandemic? If you are pondering over making a shift to a healthcare career, then what better than becoming a physician assistant in California. No matter which field or academic background you come from, at California State University - Monterey Bay you will be prepared to kickstart a promising career as a PA within as little as two years. This school offers one of the best physician assistant programs in California that focuses on the care of the underserved and vulnerable areas of the state. To ensure you graduate with future-ready professional skills the college takes you through thorough clinical training at its state-of-art facility that comprises an Anatomage lab, exam rooms, and a procedural technical skills room.

Program Details: This PA program is an 83-credit program that takes around 28 months of full-time study. The program is divided into three portions, the first portion that takes you through didactic courses, followed by a period of extensive clinical training, after which you enter the final hybrid portion.

The first-year that includes the didactic portion of the program takes you through patient education and the specific health challenges faced by the local communities. You also master evaluation techniques in English and Spanish. The second year of the program mainly entails completing nine core and one elective rotation at various clinical sites spread across the Tri-County region. While you complete the core rotations in family & internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, mental health, and general surgery the elective rotation can be completed in any sub-specialty.

The final hybrid portion takes you through the remaining didactic & clinical courses and a graduate project. Also, you will focus on the certification exam preparation, so that upon graduation, you excel not only on the exam but also in improving the health of the state’s diverse communities.


Admission Requirements: Like most other physician assistant schools in California, even here GRE is not required, however, the college does need you to fulfill all other requirements to be considered for admission, So, to qualify you must have a bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and all prerequisite courses must be completed before submitting your application. Also, you must have at least 1000 hours of direct patient care experience, a commitment to serve the community, and a minimum of eight hours of shadowing experience is required.


14) University of La Verne - La Verne


About the PA School: As a physician assistant in California, you will play a significant role in the healthcare industry, performing patient exams, treating illnesses, and assisting the physician during surgery. You will also enjoy autonomy in practicing and prescribing as almost all states authorize the autonomous practice of a physician assistant. Well, to become a physician assistant in California you can consider obtaining a master’s degree from the University of LA Verne. PA education here aims at preparing you to provide ethical & holistic care to a diverse patient population.

Program Details: Out of all the physician assistant programs in California, this PA program stands out for promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, diversity, compassion, and commitment towards community service. Starting in the fall, the program is a full-time intensive coursework that spans 27 months. This coursework comprises 118 credits which include 68 credits of didactic learning and 50 credits of clinical experiences. During the first year, you will take courses in human anatomy & physiology, genetics of health & disease, research & evidence-based medicine, general medicine, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and courses in professionalism, medical arts & humanities, and clinical skills. The second-year requires you to go through supervised clinical rotation, summative review & a master’s project.


Admission Requirements: To qualify for this program, you must complete the minimum eligibility criteria which include a bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of science pre-requisite courses, three letters of recommendation, at least 20 hours of shadowing, and submission of a personal goals statement. Also, it is preferred that you have healthcare or community service experiences to enhance your chances of admission. Furthermore, all the pre-requisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C before you apply to this program.


15) Marshall B. Ketchum University – Fullerton


About the PA School: You may be from any discipline, at Marshall B. Ketchum University, the small student to faculty ratio of 8:1 and a close-knit environment nurtures your academic goals to ensure you are groomed for success as a physician assistant in California. An excellent campus facility, stellar faculty, and a proud family of graduates, several of whom play leadership roles are some of the reasons that make this PA program one of the best physician assistant programs in California. Here, innovation through interprofessional education is emphasized and learning opportunities with students from other disciplines are fostered. Also, the program takes pride in being Orange County’s first accredited program that has contributed to the state’s healthcare needs by producing companionate physician assistants who are committed to providing the highest quality of healthcare.

Program Details: This 27-month PA program leads to a Master of Medical Science degree. As a student, you will progress through it as part of a cohort of 40 students. The first phase which covers the didactic portion of the coursework teaches you the foundation for clinical practice, patient assessment, and clinical medicine. Additionally, the curriculum takes you through courses in pathophysiology, diagnostic testing, pharmacotherapeutics, medical ethics, evidence-based practice ad public health. The college also offers courses in interprofessional education. During the second phase, you will undergo practice learning opportunities in diverse environments including clinics and hospitals.


Admission Requirements: An undergraduate degree in any major with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is the minimum requirement for admission into this PA program. Unlike other physician assistant programs in California that require you to fulfill other eligibility criteria, to apply here, you do not need any additional requirements, however possessing a science GPA of 3.0, having at least 1000 hours of clinical experience, and submitting three letters of recommendation is highly recommended as it will greatly enhance your chances of admission.


16) Charles R. Drew University - Los Angeles


About the PA School: If you are drawn towards the fulfillment of a patient care career in California but wondering where to start, then Charles R. Drew University’s PA program can be your stepping-stone to a fulfilling career as a physician assistant in California. This program is not only the state’s first physician assistant program but since its inception, the college has produced graduates who are committed to the cause of health equity and social justice. Here, through innovation in teaching, research, and service, you will be prepared for health promotion and disease prevention. From all the physician assistant programs in California, this program stands out for incorporating social medicine into every aspect of your training so that you graduate with an understanding of the various social and economic determinants of health.

Program Details: Known among the sought-after physician assistant programs in California, this PA program is a 27-month coursework that requires completing 101 credits. During the first three semesters, you complete didactic courses in pathophysiology, human anatomy, physical diagnosis, microbiology, principles of medicine, principles of emergency medicine, surgery and gynecology, and the various determinants of healthcare. Thereafter, you complete the clinical portion where you practice professional skills in various specialties which include internal medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and behavioral medicine. Furthermore, the program also includes two rotation electives, so, you can choose to complete the clinical experience in an area of your interest. After completing all the clinical rotations, you come back to complete the remaining didactic courses and the summative evaluation.


Admission Requirements: If you prefer physician assistant programs in California that use the rolling admission process, then this program will rather be a befitting choice. To qualify, along with an accredited bachelor’s degree in any field, the college requires you to have completed pre-requisite courses and preferably have at least one year of direct patient-care experience.


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