There are so many PA schools in California! We covered half of the programs in a prior post, and today we will be showing you the best of each remaining California PA school. Let’s get to it!

Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA

• Cadaver lab
• Extensive simulation technology 
• Small class size – cohort of 44
• Lower GPA prerequisite – if you have a less than average GPA, consider applying to this  program if you meet the rest of their pre-reqs. This PA school requires a minimum overall and science GPA of 2.8.
• Emphasize a holistic admissions process
• Preference for economically disadvantaged, first-generation college students, and English as non-primary language applicants

Southern California University of Health Sciences PA Program, Whittier, CA

• Reports they are “A first-of-its-kind program…where PA students learn alongside other healthcare disciplines…philosophies, practices and treatment options for integrative, whole-person healthcare” including Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Naturopaths, Ayurveda  and Chinese Medicine programs
• Feature an Integrative Medicine core rotation and two elective rotations in their clinical year
• Value clinical experience in their applicants. Require a minimum of 2,000 hours of PAID patient care experience.

Stanford University PA Studies Program, Stanford, CA

• Has a summer break built into the curriculum
• Take courses alongside medical students during didactic year
• Students are required to select a leadership track as part of their education. Leadership tracks include: Community Health, Health Services and Policy Research, Clinical Research, Medical Education, and Healthcare Administration.
• Exceptional anatomy lab
• Value diversity in their students
• Focus on training PAs who will work in medically underserved and healthcare provider shortages areas
• 100% PANCE pass rate
• Interesting prerequisites: only require a Bachelor’s degree and CASPer exam. Lots of “recommendations” though
• Histology and Embryology courses in didactic year

Touro University California, Vallejo, CA

• Two Masters degrees in three years: Joint Masters of PA Studies and Masters of Public Health degrees in three years
• Emphasizes social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Two elective in clinical year

University of California Davis PA Program, Sacramento, CA

• Focus on preventative medicine, health promotion and disease prevention
• Value leadership and even have a Leadership in Professional Practice course in didactic year
• Unique courses also include an Informatics course and courses discussing the business side of healthcare and reimbursement 

University of La Verne Master of Physician Assistant Practice, La Verne, CA

• Commitment to eliminating healthcare disparities
• Value diversity, inclusion and life-long learning through evidence based medicine
• Very small class size of 30 students
• Military and veteran friendly: has received the “Military Friendly School” designation five times and advocates for military and veterans. Guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the minimum admission criteria. If you have military service, definitely check out this PA school

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

• Have a 10 year prerequisite course exemption with an option to waive this exemption. If you have old prerequisites and it has been years since you have taken courses, consider this program.
• Strong value of diversity in faculty and students
• Medical Spanish built into the curriculum
• Volunteering opportunities available throughout the program – even start orientation with a service day 
• Advocacy training in Washington, DC every year to meet congressional representatives and advocacy groups
• Students participate in a USC PA Pathway program working with K-16 students teaching them about healthcare professions

University of The Pacific PA Program, Sacramento, CA

• Advanced clinical skills and procedure training focus in curriculum
• Three elective rotations
• Remote electives to expose students to telemedicine
• Medical Spanish is a required component in the curriculum
• Point of Care Ultrasound training emphasis in curriculum
• High PANCE pass rates

Western University of Health Sciences PA Education Program, Pomona, CA

• Small private institution
• Fosters interprofessional learning
• Student support resources such as tutoring
• Student club and volunteer opportunities

There you go! Part 2 of California PA schools’ highlights! We are continually impressed by the diversity and how unique each curriculum and program focus is. Hopefully, this will help you as you are choosing which PA programs to apply to on CASPA!