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Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals who work under the supervision of licensed physicians to provide patient care. Nationally certified and state-licensed to practice and prescribe in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories, PAs perform a wide range of services such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting tests like X-rays or MRIs, performing procedures like suturing wounds or setting factures, and assisting in surgeries.
As our nation grapples with skyrocketing healthcare costs, an aging patient population, and a significant shortage of physicians, PAs have received expanded authority to help fill the gap. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for PAs is projected to grow by 28% from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations. And with a median salary of $127,000 there has perhaps never been a better time to become a Physician Assistant (PA).
SCU’s leading-edge Master of Science: Physician Assistant program features a unique curriculum through which you will be introduced to both conventional as well as complementary approaches and will learn to treat the whole person (body, mind, and spirit). While our nation’s healthcare leaders call for a more integrative, whole-person approach to care, we’re one of the only healthcare colleges already teaching it.
As an SCU Physician Assistant student, you’ll enjoy a unique learning experience that combines the convenience of online learning with the power of in-person clinical training. During year one, you’ll attend live online lectures from the comfort of your home and come to campus 2-3 days per week for hands-on training. During year two, all of your learning will take place in-person as part of your required clinical rotations.
You’ll complete clinical rotations in a wide range of specialty areas, thanks to our broad network of clinical partners. These diverse training experiences will not only broaden your skills but help you discover what specific area of medicine you’d most like to work in after graduation.
You’ll complete Core Clinical Rotations in each of the following areas:
In addition, you’ll select two of the following Elective Rotations:
Learn more about each rotation.
At SCU, you won’t learn anatomy solely through textbooks and technology. You’ll have the powerful opportunity to learn in our cadaver lab—a classic teaching method offering unparalleled insight into the shape, feel, and function of the body. During this awe-inspiring experience, you’ll examine real human tissues and structures, gaining an understanding of human anatomy that is simply not possible through textbooks and virtual models alone.
In addition to classroom lessons and hands-on clinical training, we’ll support your learning through advanced teaching technology including:
To further support your success, we developed our PANCE Preparedness Program to help prepare you for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). As a student, you’ll have access to a range of supports, including a customized report on your strengths and areas in need of improvement, a personal study plan, one-on-one tutoring, practice questions, an NCCPA practice exam—plus ongoing mentorship up to the date of your exam.
Through our Professionalism Honors Program, you will have the opportunity to receive special recognition for maintaining exceptional professionalism throughout the duration of your program. Should you make the honor roll, you’ll be awarded a letter of acknowledgement from the Program Director, to present to prospective employers as evidence of your dedication and regard for professionalism in medicine.
Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, our Interprofessional Education is broader and, frankly, we think that makes it better. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.
All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.
Our program will prepare students to participate in integrative healthcare teams and deliver healthcare with a primary care focus to a diverse population by providing evidence-based instruction.
Faculty, students, and graduates will be recognized as innovative leaders, incorporating integrative modalities into patient-centered healthcare.
For more information about progress toward achieving program goals, visit our Program Goals document.
SCU’s Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program will prepare students to participate in integrative healthcare teams and deliver healthcare with a primary care focus to a diverse population by providing evidence-based instruction.
Welcome to the Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program!
We are so excited that you have chosen to explore our program. Here at SCU, you will receive a top-notch education while having some fun too. If proximity to Disneyland and beaches isn’t enough, we happen to have an exceptional program. We believe in an interactive classroom that fully engages students and brings didactic material to life. You will participate in case studies, oral case presentations, interactive models, standardized patient experiences, and much more. We have worked tirelessly to secure exceptional clinical rotation sites to ensure supreme educational experiences. You will graduate with confidence!
Our program has a unique emphasis on integrative whole person health care. At SCU, you will participate in an Integrative Health Promotion course series that provides students an opportunity to learn about alternative therapies, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and gain hands-on experience at integrative facilities. These concepts are then reinforced during the clinical year with an Integrative Health rotation. We believe not only in graduating students with an excellent foundation to be Physician Assistants but also with a passion for integrative modalities.
Each faculty and staff member that comprises our phenomenal team brings years of experience and expertise to our program. You will be able to participate regularly in meetings with faculty members, advisors, and student mentors; as well as periodic town hall meetings. Education is a vocation, not a job, and we genuinely care about you! Your success is our number one goal!
Program Director, Physician Assistant Program
Southern California University of Health Sciences
Gregory M Chase, MSHED, MS Clinical Medicine, PA-C II, RN
University Faculty
PA Instructional Faculty
Sonya L Earley, EdD, MA, CDCES, PA-C
Clinical Coordinator, Master of Science: Physician Assistant
PA Principal Faculty
Kristy Goodman, MS, MPH, PA-C
Associate Director of Continuous Improvement, Associate Director of PA Admissions
PA Principal Faculty
Ashley Larsen, MPA, PA-C
Associate Program Director of Clinical Education, Master of Science: Physician Assistant
PA Principal Faculty
Sara L Wiens, MPAS, MS, RD, PA-C
Clinical Coordinator, Master of Science: Physician Assistant
PA Principal Faculty
Roshalda Williams, DMSC, MS, PA-C
Associate Program Director of Didactic Education, Master of Science: Physician Assistant
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Master of Science: Physician Assistant
PA Principal Faculty
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc (ARC-PA)
Attrition: ARC-PA Student Attrition Rate
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43, the Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) provides information pertaining to professional licensure for the program. Students should refer to the information below and contact the appropriate licensing board to ensure they will meet the licensure requirements in the state(s) in which they intend to practice upon graduation.
Upon completing an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accredited program, graduates are eligible to sit for the professional board exam given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Upon passing the exam, candidates are given the designation of Physician Assistant–Certified (PA-C). The candidate may then apply for state licensure and for a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate to prescribe controlled medication. SCU’s Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program meets the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Some states have requirements in addition to educational requirements – prospective and enrolled students are encouraged to research licensure requirements for the state that they intend to practice in. These licensure requirements vary from state to state.
Neither acceptance for admission into the program nor the subsequent earning of a Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree guarantees that a state or foreign country will grant a graduate a license to practice. Each state and foreign country, through its legislative and administrative process, defines the standards of competency and scope of practice of Physician Assistants within its jurisdiction. The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) maintains a list of licensing boards at their website.
Please note that licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, we strongly recommend that you inquire with the licensing agency to confirm that you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before enrolling in your program of choice. Additionally, while progressing through the program, we recommend that you check licensing agency requirements regularly to monitor whether they have changed in a manner that impacts your licensure plans.
Upon program completion and successfully passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), students are eligible to apply for licensure in their desired state. Licensing requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may require a background check and/or other additional steps. Information about state-specific licensing requirements can be found on the American Academy of Physician Associates’ (AAPA) website.
To practice medicine within the designated scope of practice and have services reimbursed by third-party payors, graduates may be required to have the following:
One of the most impactful aspects of SCU’s program is its strong emphasis on integrative health and interprofessional education, which stood out to me initially. The curriculum prepares students to become competent clinicians and promotes a holistic approach to patient care, integrating both conventional and complementary therapies. The interprofessional education component fosters collaboration across various healthcare disciplines, enhancing my teamwork skills and broadening my understanding of patient care from multiple perspectives.
In addition, the program’s focus on community service has been significant. As the Community Service Chair and a PA-S, I organized various volunteer opportunities to help bridge healthcare gaps and ensure that everyone has the chance to live a healthy life. Among these experiences, our collaborations with the LA Mission and the Ronald McDonald House OC Walk for Kids have been particularly impactful. These experiences have enriched my education and deepened my sense of purpose as a future PA. I believe this comprehensive approach strengthens our curriculum’s impact and equips students to become compassionate, well-rounded healthcare providers.
One of the things I love most about this program is the incredible support it provides. Having a student mentor and a faculty advisor has been a cornerstone of my journey, offering guidance and encouragement that have helped me navigate the rigorous curriculum and balance the demands of graduate school. The genuine camaraderie among cohorts and other programs has fostered a sense of belonging that reminds me I am part of something bigger, a community of future healers striving to make a difference.
One of the most rewarding experiences during my time here was volunteering at a local high school. I had the privilege of inspiring seniors by sharing a physician assistant's unique and impactful role. Knowing I may have sparked a future healthcare provider's journey was incredibly fulfilling. This experience reinforced the importance of education and mentorship while aligning perfectly with the program's emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care.
The integrative health approach has completely transformed how I view healthcare. Learning how traditional medicine can intersect with holistic practices has empowered me to think beyond the immediate problem and consider the whole person. This mindset is about treating symptoms and fostering true healing, a philosophy that will guide me throughout my career.
Community service is at the heart of this program and has left a lasting impression on me. Engaging with underserved populations and participating in health fairs has shown me that empathy and collaboration are as critical as clinical knowledge in creating a healthier, more equitable world.
This program has given me more than an education. It has given me purpose. I will leave with the tools, confidence, and passion to serve my community and create meaningful change in my patients' lives.
The MSPA Program is dedicated to participating in service opportunities. With the assistance of our PA Student Society representatives and leadership, our students are encouraged to provide service in the community, participate in health fairs, volunteer time to pre-PA student clubs, and provide outreach alongside other healthcare workers, with a focus in underserved areas. Our faculty members actively support our students in this effort, as we believe that service is a vital part of promoting our mission here at SCU.
Our social media platform on Instagram is maintained by our very own PA students and provides updates of the ongoings within our program. We also like to recognize other healthcare professionals and PA programs and celebrate diversity. You can keep up with us by following @scu_mspa on Instagram. As this is student led by our PA Student Society club, questions regarding the program and admissions should be directed to the admissions department and will not be responded to through this platform.
The MSPA Program encourages students to engage in cohort bonding activities together. These events promote team building, collaboration, and trust among future colleagues.
The MSPA Program fosters an environment focused on excellence and continued development. Our PA students actively seek ways to expand their knowledge and training through conferences, leadership opportunities, and workshops. Our faculty supports and encourages our students in their endeavors of continued education and professional development, as it directly reflects the mission and values of evidence-based learning here at SCU.
The 2024-2025 application cycle for our program opens on April 25, 2024, and closes on January 15, 2025, for applicants who wish to matriculate with our next cohort on September 2, 2025. Applications must be submitted and verified through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) by January 15, 2025.
Applications must have all admissions requirements completed at the time of submission except for pending prerequisite courses and in-progress degrees. Applications submitted with pending prerequisite courses will not be reviewed until all official transcripts, score reports, and supporting documentation have been received. Applications with in-progress degrees will be reviewed if all other requirements have been met by January 15, 2025, and the anticipated degree completion date is no later than August 22, 2025.
The PA program does not offer advanced placement. Transfer students are not accepted.
Email PhysicianAssistant@scuhs.edu with any questions.
A regionally accredited college or university is an institution that holds active accreditation recognized by the Department of Education from one of the following accreditation agencies. All degrees must be conferred by August 22, 2025, to be eligible for fall enrollment.
If you hold an international degree and are applying to our program, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution to be eligible for admission.
All prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university. Applications may be submitted with pending prerequisite courses; however, your application will not be reviewed until the official transcript for each pending course is received. Official transcripts verifying successful course completion must be received by CASPA by January 15, 2025. Additionally, score reports for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams that are being used to fulfill a prerequisite course and any supporting documentation for prerequisite courses (e.g., course descriptions, syllabi) must also be received by the program by January 15, 2025 to be considered.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a C grade or higher. Pass/fail grades will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, however, please note that pass/fail grades are not calculated into CASPA GPAs. Online courses are accepted. Credit requirements are inclusive of quarter and semester credits. No quarter-to-semester credit conversion is applied. One course cannot be used to fulfill multiple prerequisite courses. Repeated courses cannot be used to fulfill additional credit requirements for prerequisite courses.
Each core science course used to satisfy the prerequisite courses below must have been completed no earlier than 2017 (7 years from the current admissions cycle). Introductory core science courses are accepted, but upper-level courses are preferred. A lecture component is required; a laboratory component is not required but is strongly recommended.
*Combination human anatomy & physiology courses are accepted; however, you cannot use the same course to fulfill both requirements (exceptions include 8-credit combination courses). If the word “Human” is not included in the course title, a course description or syllabus from the term the course was taken must demonstrate a human focus to be considered.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits will be accepted to fulfill the Mathematics, Psychology, English Composition, and Statistics prerequisites only. You must receive a score of 3 or above on an AP or IB exam to receive credit for the applicable prerequisite course(s). If this score is not noted on your official college or university transcript, you must request an official score report from the College Board or International Baccalaureate Organization which must be received by January 15, 2025. Prerequisite courses cannot be fulfilled through the College-Level Examination Program or certificate courses.
*Any course without “Composition” in the title must be a writing-intensive course that includes instruction on comprehension, investigation, evaluation, explanation, and refutation. A course description or syllabus from the term the course was taken must demonstrate the above to be considered.
**Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if the college or university that you attended did not have a Sociology or Anthropology department.
A total of 2,000 paid hours of healthcare experience is required at the time of application submission. Updates to experiences will not be accepted after submission. Paid and volunteer experiences from a single location should be entered separately on CASPA; those marked as both paid and volunteer will not be accepted.
Experiences may include (but are not limited to):
*The core science prerequisite GPA includes all chemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, and microbiology courses, regardless of the earned grade, that would otherwise qualify as a core science course. The MSPA Program will accept updates to the core science prerequisite GPA up to the application deadline.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate professionalism in their interactions with the program and our faculty and staff. Applicants who demonstrate unprofessional behavior at any time will not be considered for admission. Clarification regarding your application may be requested via email. If we request clarification of any items on your application, you will have 14 days to respond to our request. If you do not respond via email within 14 days your application will be denied.
Negative evaluations; academic, licensure, and military infractions; misdemeanors; and felonies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to deny any applicant who has a history of any of the above. Additionally, these may prohibit participation in required supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE), eligibility to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, and/or eligibility for state licensure. Due to this, all academic, licensure, and military infractions; misdemeanors; and felonies must be disclosed on CASPA and any supplemental applications. Failure to disclose the above may result in applicant denial, recension of an enrollment offer, or administrative withdrawal from the program. Additionally, programs are required to report an applicant’s failure to disclose this information to the PA Education Association.
All admissions decisions are made in accordance with our program mission, vision, and goals. Additionally, preference is given to applicants with evidence of the following:
Students enrolled in the Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) or Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) programs are preferentially provided an interview with the Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program if they meet all minimum admissions requirements as outlined above and fulfill the following additional requirements at the time their application is reviewed:
Please note that preferential interviews are only provided for the application cycle during which the student is in the applicable program with an anticipated degree completion date of August 22 in the year of anticipated matriculation, as well as the cycle immediately after graduation. Additional preferential interviews will not be granted after this period and applicants will be reviewed as part of the general application pool for an interview in future application cycles. Being invited for an interview as a BSHS or MSMS student does not guarantee acceptance into the MSPA Program. If an applicant is accepted after a preferential interview, matriculation into the MSPA Program is contingent upon the successful completion of the BSHS or MSMS program at SCU.
*SCU does not refund CASPA application fees under any circumstance, including loss of accreditation during the application cycle.
Once the class is fully seated, information about additional requirements will be provided. These may include the following requirements which must be completed prior to matriculation, unless otherwise noted.
Students seeking reasonable accommodations or support services while enrolled at SCU can do so through the Student Services Office (SSO). We encourage you to register with SSO as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the approval and notification process.
$17,191/term* or $120,337 tuition to complete the program
SCU’s distinctive Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee for degree programs provides students with confidence in planning for their educational investment.
Fixed Tuition Guarantee Benefits:
Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Program page for more information.
If you would like to learn more about fixed-rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.
*Tuition rate reflected above represents the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Note: Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information.
| Charges from SCU by Term | Charges from Third Parties by Term | ||||||||
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees** | EXXAT Fees | MSPA Uniform Scrubs | Petition to Graduate Fee | Clinical Fees (ACLS/BLS) | Medical Equipment | Background Check | Total Term Cost*** |
| 1 | $17,191 | $390 | $263 | $90 | $1,100 | $150 | $19,184 | ||
| 2 | $17,191 | $390 | $17,581 | ||||||
| 3 | $17,191 | $390 | $17,581 | ||||||
| 4 | $17,191 | $390 | $17,581 | ||||||
| 5 | $17,191 | $390 | $200 | $150 | $17,931 | ||||
| 6 | $17,191 | $390 | $17,581 | ||||||
| 7 | $17,191 | $390 | $225 | $17,806 | |||||
| Totals | $120,337 | $2,730 | $263 | $90 | $225 | $200 | $1,100 | $300 | $125,245 |
Per term tuition amounts listed above were calculated using the current curriculum plan for credit hours in the term shown times the rate per credit hour and assumes that the student stays on cohort and follows the normal academic progression.
*PA students enrolled in less than 12 credits will be charged on a per-credit basis of $1,433 per credit. Tuition is billed by credit hour and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on the website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information. Restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credit hours enrolled.
**Program fees listed are for the 2024/2025 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include charges for technology, malpractice insurance, student health, professional affiliation, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) practice exam(s), fit testing, Instructors for Genitourinary Examinations, and ASB, and are charged every term that the student is enrolled.
***Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in the tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program.
Fees associated with conditional acceptance are the responsibility of the student and include the following:
*The standard background check includes all third-party fees other than the New York Statewide (NYOCA) which would be billed to the school, when applicable. The current NYOCA fee as of September 2024 is $98. Please note this is not a Universal background check fee, it is a state of New York fee that is subject to change at any time.
Fees are subject to change
The student will assume the following responsibilities: housing/board, textbooks, laptop computer, medical scrubs.
The majority of clinical rotations, while enrolled in the SCU MSPA Program, are within a 75-mile radius of campus, however, students are expected to travel to rotation sites regardless of distance from campus.
Students are responsible for their transportation, housing, and living expenses during the clinical year. Expenses will vary depending on the location of each rotation site.
Licensed Physician Assistants (PAs) can choose to work in private practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, community health centers, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. PAs can also choose to work in non-clinical roles, such as in administrative, educational, and research settings. Some PAs decide to work as patient care providers for the military.
PAs can build unique career trajectories around their interests and professional preferences. Some work in family medicine or acute care, while others work in oncology, pediatrics, radiology or even surgery, where they assist during procedures and provide post-surgical care. PAs can transition between specialty areas of medicine.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. may face a shortage of over 120,000 physicians by 2034. PAs may help bridge the gap as one of the fastest growing professions in the country. More than 40,000 new PA jobs will be created over the next 10 years—a growth rate of 28%.
$150,000
Median annual base salary for Physician Assistants in California, according to AAPA data.
One of the top jobs in the country
U.S. News & World Report named PA one of the top jobs in the U.S. in 2024.
The PA pathway offers great versatility in your career. While each specialty has distinct practice guidelines, PAs are qualified to work in all of them when licensed. PAs are not required to recertify in order to change specialties or work in new settings. This means you can launch a career you love and then pivot if you discover a new area of interest. You might go from Emergency Medicine, for example, to Family Practice.
PAs have a measurable impact on patients and health systems. Physician Assistants play a crucial role in providing health care to underserved patient populations (e.g., the uninsured, rural-dwelling individuals) and will likely provide even greater access to care in the future. In some areas of the United States, PAs are the only licensed healthcare providers in the surrounding region.
View the sites below for job and career resources.
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Financing Your Dreams
We are proud to offer a fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional and program-specific scholarship opportunities.
