Top Physician Assistant (PA) Schools in California 2024

Steps to Become a PA in California

The first step in becoming a physician assistant (PA) in California (CA) is to obtain a master’s degree from an ARC-PA Accreditation assures a top-level education and comprehensive clinical training.  Graduation from an accredited PA school in California is also a requirement to apply for certification and licensing to work in the state.

Listed below are the top accredited physician assistant schools in, or near to, California.

Accredited Physician Assistant Schools in California

There are 20 accredited PA schools in Iowa -12 PA schools in California are fully accredited by ARC. There are a further 8 that are either on a provisional and/or probationary accreditation – indicated by an asterisk(*).

There are also 3 schools included on the list which are PA Education Association (PAEA) approved but are not currently ARC accredited.

School	City	ARC-PA	PAEA	Learn More
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science	Los Angeles	Yes	Yes	Program Page
California Baptist University	Riverside	Yes	Yes	Program Page
Chapman University	Orange	Yes	Yes	Program Page
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda	Yes	Yes	Program Page
Marshall B. Ketchum University	Fullerton	Yes	Yes	Program Page
Samuel Merritt University	Oakland	Yes	Yes	Program Page
Southern California University of Health Sciences	Whittier	Yes	Yes	Program Page
Stanford University	Stanford	Yes	Yes	Program Page
Touro University California	Vallejo	Yes	Yes	Program Page
University of California	Davis	Yes	Yes	Program Page
University of Southern California	Los Angeles	Yes	Yes	Program Page
University of the Pacific	Stockton	Yes	Yes	Program Page
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences	Paso Robles	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
Keck Graduate Institute	Claremont	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
Point Loma Nazarene University	San Diego	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
West Coast University	Los Angeles	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
Dominican University of California	San Rafael	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
University of La Verne	La Verne	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
Western University of Health Sciences	Pomona	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
California State University	Seaside	Yes*	Yes	Program Page
California State University	San Bernardino	No	Yes	-
Touro University California	Los Angeles	No	Yes	-
University of California San Diego	San Diego	No	Yes	-

The majority of educational institutions employ the CASPA online application system. It is essential to verify the application deadlines through the CASPA website.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

• 1731 E. 120th St.Los Angeles, CA 90059

• (323) 563-4800

Located in Los Angeles, California, this private university offers a physician assistant program that prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare. The campus is moderately sized, providing an intimate learning environment. Although there is no on-site student accommodation, numerous housing options are available nearby.

The average class size for PA students is small, ensuring personalized attention and strong faculty-student interaction. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

California Baptist University 

• California Baptist University8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
• (877) 228-3615

In Riverside, California, California Baptist University offers a comprehensive physician assistant program. The campus is spacious, offering a vibrant college experience, and on-site student accommodation is available.

The PA class size is conducive to collaborative learning, fostering a close-knit community. California Baptist University is a private institution, and its PA program is accredited by ARC-PA.

Chapman University 

• One University Drive Orange, CA 92866
• (714) 997-6815

Located in Orange, California, Chapman University’s physician assistant program equips students with successful healthcare careers. The campus is of moderate size, creating a welcoming atmosphere. While on-campus housing is available, off-campus options are abundant.

The PA program maintains a favorable student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention. Chapman University is private and holds accreditation from ARC-PA.

Loma Linda University 

• Loma Linda, CA 92350
• 909-558-1000

Loma Linda University, situated in Loma Linda, California, offers a renowned physician assistant program. The campus is moderately sized, with both on-site and off-campus student accommodation options.

With a commitment to individualized education, the program maintains a small class size. Loma Linda University is private and accredited by ARC-PA.

Marshall B. Ketchum University 

• 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92831-1699.
• 714-463-7508

In Fullerton, California, Marshall B. Ketchum University offers a comprehensive physician assistant program. The campus is of moderate size, and students can find suitable housing nearby.

The program maintains a small class size to foster close faculty-student interaction. Marshall B. Ketchum University is private and accredited by ARC-PA.

Samuel Merritt University 

Located in Oakland, California, Samuel Merritt University’s physician assistant program prepares students for success in healthcare. The campus is moderate in size, and various housing options are available nearby.

With a focus on individualized instruction, the program offers a small class size. Samuel Merritt University is private and accredited by ARC-PA.

Southern California University of Health Sciences 

• 16200 Amber Valley Dr.Whittier, CA 90604
• (562) 947-875

In Whittier, California, the Southern California University of Health Sciences offers a physician assistant program. The campus is of moderate size, and students can find housing options off-campus.

The program maintains a small class size to facilitate personalized learning. Southern California University of Health Sciences is private and accredited by ARC-PA.

Stanford University 

• 450 Jane Stanford Way Stanford, CA 94305–2004
• 650-723-2300

Stanford University, situated in Stanford, California, offers a prestigious physician assistant program. The campus is relatively large, providing a diverse and enriching educational environment. On-campus housing is available.

The program has a small, competitive class size. Stanford University is private and accredited by ARC-PA.

Touro University California 

• 1310 Club Drive Mare Island Vallejo, CA 94592
• 707-638-5200

Touro University California, in Vallejo, California, hosts a comprehensive physician assistant program. The campus is moderately sized, and various housing options are available off-campus.

The program maintains a small class size, fostering close faculty-student relationships. Touro University California is private and accredited by ARC-PA.

University of California, Davis

In Davis, California, the University of California offers a reputable physician assistant program. The campus is moderately sized, providing a dynamic learning environment. On-campus housing is available.

The program boasts a small class size, ensuring personalized instruction. The University of California, Davis, is a public institution with accreditation from ARC-PA.

University of Southern California 

The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, California, offers a prestigious physician assistant program. The campus is relatively large, providing a vibrant college experience. On-campus housing is available.

The program maintains a competitive class size. The University of Southern California is a private institution and holds accreditation from ARC-PA.

University of the Pacific

In Stockton, California, the University of the Pacific offers a comprehensive physician assistant program. The campus is moderately sized, offering a close-knit community. On-campus housing is available.

The PA program maintains a small class size, fostering strong faculty-student interaction. The University of the Pacific is a private institution and is accredited by ARC-PA.

California PA Certification and License Requirements

After graduating from an accredited school in California, you will be required to fulfill both certification and licensing requirements. To obtain certification as a physician assistant in California, you must complete the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), which consists of multiple-choice questions. This examination is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Once you have decided to take the PANCE, you will have the option to select an examination location and schedule that suits you. PAs can take the PANCE at various testing centers, and exam dates are available throughout the year.

Licensing and Scope of Practice

Once you have achieved certification it is required by California law that you obtain a license to work as a physician assistant there.

In California, PAs and supervising physicians decide upon the level of supervision at the practice level. Under physician supervision and delegation PAs in California can prescribe, dispense, and administer drugs and Schedule II – V controlled substances controlled substances. There is no requirement for PAs in California to obtain a second Controlled Substances License.

The Physician Assistant Board governs the licensing of physician assistants in California. You can contact the Board directly with queries relating to the scope of practice and licensing using the contact details below:

Address: 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1100, Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 561-8780
Website: www.pab.ca.gov

PA Salary and Job Outlook in California

How much do physician assistants earn in California?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the average annual income for physician assistants in California is $144,520. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $69.48 and is 13.32% above the national average of $125,270.

Those at the top tier of the profession earn as much as $200,000, while those starting out or in less lucrative positions can expect to earn in the range of $85,000 per annum.

How many people work as physician assistants in California?

California employs approximately 15,540 individuals as physician assistants.  This figure has increased by almost 50% in the 5 years since 2018 when there were 10,520 physician assistants in the state.

Is physician assistant a good career choice?

Going forward, a career as a physician assistant offers strong earning potential and promising job prospects, with a remarkable 27% growth expected between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate surpasses the average across various industries, particularly within the healthcare sector.

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