There are so many PA schools in this country, with more being added every week it seems like! Today, we want to share the highlights of each PA program in the state of California – what we think is special about each one! 

First, how cool would it be to go to PA school in California?! Not only is the weather spectacular, but there’s so much to do in this state – just look at all the outdoor fun you can have! Even though you probably won’t have the time to play or explore much while you are in PA school, you could at least study outside for the majority of the year! 

There are so many PA schools in California, so buckle up for Part 1 of California PA schools and let’s talk about what is so cool about each of these programs! 

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Central Coast), Santa Maria, CA

• Mind, body, and spirit emphasis 
• Hometown Scholar has advanced consideration
• First generation college student, underrepresented minority, and economically disadvantaged applicants preference
• Has lower prerequisite GPAs requirement for applicants – 2.5 overall GPA & 2.5 CASPA calculated science GPA

California Baptist University PA Program, Riverside, CA

• Faith based program
• Veteran, CBU graduates, and students with interest in serving in areas of shortages in California have preference
• Global Health Engagement course in curriculum
• Clinical rotation in Urgent Care

California State University (Monterey Bay), Monterey Bay, CA

• Strong emphasis on community service – if you are an applicant with lots of community service, consider this PA program
• Medical Spanish is part of the curriculum
• Two family medicine clinical rotations

Chapman University, Irvine, CA

• Community outreach participation
• Offers merit-based scholarships
• Comprehensive exam lab and exceptional simulations, including multiple simulation models and emergency simulation
• High tech active learning center for a flipped classroom learning environment

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA

• Incorporates social medicine throughout curriculum – emphasis on social justice
• Student centered
• Uses the high-tech Anatomage virtual dissection table
• Service learning and community outreach opportunities
• Small class size – 26 student cohort

Dominican University of California PA Program, San Rafael, CA

• Emphasis on civic skills and social responsibility
• Military and veteran preference
• Spanish fluency preference 
• Two elective clinical rotations

Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA

• Emphasize developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills to create your unique career path as a physician assistant
• Innovative curriculum using active learning classroom model
• Early clinical experiences during didactic year
• Volunteering opportunities throughout curriculum
• Community Health course in didactic year
• Value diversity in their applicants and students

Loma Linda University PA Program, Loma Linda, CA

• Integrates medical Spanish throughout curriculum
• Preventative Medicine course and Culture and Community course during didactic year
• Offer international rotations in Guam, Honduras, Sierra Leone, and Malawi
• Preferences include candidates who are Loma Linda graduates, Seventh Day Adventists, underrepresented population, ongoing history of meaningful community service, and military

Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, CA

• Small class size (cohort 40 students) “where faculty know you by name”; “family feel”
• Collaborative community service outings
• Strong focus on interprofessional education 
• Public health course in didactic year

Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA

• Faith based PA program
• Blends service experiences into curriculum
• Value applicants with strong academic background and higher GPA
• Two elective clinical rotations, one of which is required to be service focused

 Stay tuned for the remainder of California Physician Assistant Programs later this week!

Remember, after you meet the minimum prerequisites for the PA schools you plan to apply to, then ensure each program values YOUR strengths as a candidate, then you can look at each PA school’s fine details to further narrow down your list of schools. Most important is to apply to the right PA schools for YOU who value YOUR strengths to get accepted as quickly as possible!