# The Top 20 Physician Assistant Programs in Los Angeles, CA – 2026 - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-20-physician-assistant-programs-in-los-angeles-ca-2024/ - Published: 2024-01-23 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- Los Angeles is home to some of the best physician assistant (PA) programs in the country. With an abundance of high-quality options, future PAs can find the right fit to launch their career in this dynamic and growing field. This guide profiles the top 20 PA programs in LA based on national rankings, student outcomes, and program strengths. ## 1. University of Southern California Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California (USC) is a private research institution with a storied history of academic excellence. USC offers a top-ranked 27-month master’s program in physician assistant studies and aims to produce compassionate PAs ready to provide high-quality care, especially to underserved populations. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - US News Ranking: #7 - PANCE Pass Rate: 98% - Competitive 28 person class size - Focus on interprofessional education and practice - Abundant clinical rotation opportunities across Los Angeles USC’s PA program stands out for its small cohort model, mentorship approach, and emphasis on leadership development. Students gain exceptional clinical experience across various specialties and practice settings, from major medical centers to community clinics. With strong ties to professional organizations, graduates are prepared to excel in clinical practice as well as shape future policy. ## 2. Stanford University Stanford University‘s prestigious PA program admits just 26 students per year into its 24-month master‘s program. The program has maintained exceptionally high first-time PANCE pass rates along with 100% graduate employment rates. **Key Stats and Highlights** - US News Ranking: #2 - PANCE Pass Rate: 98% - Competitive 26 person class size - Innovative flipped-classroom curriculum - Over 2,000 clinical hours included Stanford aims to produce PAs ready to deliver patient-centered care and contribute to improvements in the healthcare system. Students benefit from the program’s technology focus, interprofessional coursework, and abundance of clinical experience across the San Francisco Bay Area. As graduates of such a highly ranked program, Stanford PA alumni are primed for leadership roles improving healthcare nationwide. ## 3. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Charles R. Drew University is dedicated to eliminating health disparities and increasing diversity in healthcare. The university is ranked the #4 PA program in California with a special focus on preparing students to care for urban and underserved communities. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - US News Rank: #51 - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 98% - Mission-driven training for underserved populations - Interprofessional education opportunities - Physician mentorship program The program immerses students in the community, partnering with clinics, schools, homeless centers, and more. Drew PA graduates gain exceptional cultural competency along with primary care knowledge to deliver compassionate, quality care addressing unique community needs. ## 4. Western University of Health Sciences Western University offers an acclaimed 26-month primary care PA program focused on compassion and lifelong learning. The program equips PAs to play an integral role in collaborative, patient-centered primary care teams. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - US News Rank: #64 - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 97% - Primary care focused curriculum - Early clinical experiences in family medicine - Team-based interprofessional training Western prioritizes hands-on learning in ambulatory care settings to produce practice-ready graduates. Students also benefit from interprofessional education with other health sciences students. Known for its supportive environment, the program empowers students to grow into competent, caring medical providers. ## 5. Loma Linda University As the first PA program established in California, Loma Linda University is considered a pioneer in PA education. It offers a faith-based approach to medicine centered around whole person care along with an innovative curriculum integrating technology and teamwork. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - US News Rank: #35 - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 98% - 110-year history of medical education - 1:1 student to preceptor ratio for clinicals - Focus on spiritual values in medicine Students gain exceptional primary care preparation as well as exposure to specialty and surgical rotations. Loma Linda aims to develop PA graduates committed to Christian service and meeting the healthcare needs of global communities. ## 6. Samuel Merritt University Samuel Merritt University‘s PA program emphasizes primary care and mental health as well as skills like leadership and advocacy to create multifaceted PAs. The 27-month program immerses students in interprofessional education and clinical environments throughout Northern California. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - US News Rank: #80 - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 96% - Located in Oakland/San Francisco Area - 1,000+ clinical training affiliations statewide - Interprofessional simulation training Samuel Merritt PA graduates have a strong foundation in pathophysiology, pharmacology, primary care, and psychiatry. With their depth of clinical exposure and systems knowledge, alumni are prepared to enhance healthcare delivery across diverse settings. ## 7. California Baptist University California Baptist University offers an accelerated 24-month PA program focused on compassionate, whole-person care rooted in Christian values. Small class sizes, integrated faith-based curriculum components, and faculty support foster an exceptional learning environment. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 98% - Accelerated 8-week terms - Located in Riverside, CA - Hands-on ultrasound curriculum - Close-knit 36 person class size CBU aims to develop PAs ready to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to patients throughout Southern California‘s Inland Empire region. Graduates gain exceptional preparation for Christian mission work as well as overall primary care practice. ## 8. University of California, Davis UC Davis offers a world-class 26-month PA program focused on leadership, innovation, and community medicine. Students benefit from the program‘s interprofessional approach, ties to expert faculty/researchers, and connections across Northern California. **Key Stats and Highlights**: - US News Rank: #24 - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 98% - Over 2,000 hours patient care experience - 200+ clinical sites available - Options to extend program for research The hallmarks of UC Davis‘ program include early clinical immersion, flipped classrooms, ultrasound training, and population/community health emphasis. Graduates gain exceptional preparation to enhance healthcare access and quality among California‘s diverse communities. ## 9. West Coast University West Coast University is one of the fastest-growing health science universities in Southern California. Its Los Angeles campus offers an accredited 27-month PA program focused on primary care, diversity/inclusion, and community health. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 96% - Interprofessional education opportunities - Small 28 student cohort size - Bilingual curriculum available - Options for combined MPH or MBA West Coast prioritizes hands-on learning and skills like cultural competency to produce multifaceted PAs. Graduates are prepared to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, serve as patient advocates, and help eliminate healthcare disparities. ## 10. Mount Saint Mary‘s University Mount Saint Mary’s offers an accredited 24-month primary care PA program with tracks in adult, pediatric, and women’s health. The program has maintained exceptional PANCE pass rates along with strong graduate employment outcomes. **Key Stats and Highlights**: - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 96% - Primary care focused curriculum - Choices of adult, pediatric, women‘s health tracks - Competitive 35 student class size - Community health research opportunities Students gain extensive ambulatory and preventive care skills through the program‘s focus on primary care in community settings. The faith-based university aims to develop graduates committed to ethical, patient-centered practice and life-long learning/leadership. ## 11. Chapman University Chapman University’s accredited 26-month PA program integrates hands-on clinical training and interprofessional education to advance students’ patient care abilities. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and leadership development. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 93% - 1,000+ preceptor partnerships locally - Simulation training opportunities - Options to extend program for research - Located in Orange County Chapman PA students complete most clinical rotations with direct physician oversight. They develop exceptional exam, diagnostic, and treatment planning abilities while gaining exposure to specialty medicine and surgical care. Graduates are prepared for careers ranging from primary care to emergency medicine. ## 12. Azusa Pacific University Azusa Pacific University offers an accredited 24-month PA program focused on developing multifaceted graduates prepared for clinical excellence, leadership, research, and community engagement. The program fosters a supportive Christian environment centered around intellectual/spiritual growth. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 96% - Primary care focused curriculum - Located in Greater Los Angeles Area - Interprofessional education opportunities - Innovative applied learning model Azusa Pacific‘s program immerses students in clinical environments early on while advancing skills in areas like geriatrics and public health. Graduates gain holistic preparation to provide compassionate, ethical care and contribute to advancements in healthcare policy/delivery. ## 13. University of La Verne The University of La Verne offers an accredited 24-month program preparing PAs for collaborative primary care practice. The curriculum integrates hands-on learning, self-directed study, and interprofessional education to advance clinical excellence and leadership abilities. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 93% - Primary care focused training - Located in Inland Empire region - Partnerships with community clinics - Small 36 person class size La Verne PA students benefit from early clinical experiences, peer-to-peer training, and curriculum advancing cultural/social awareness. Graduates gain exceptional preparation for team-based practice as well as appreciation of community health needs and health disparities. ## 14. Marquette University Marquette University offers an accelerated 21-month PA program at its campus in the San Fernando Valley emphasizing primary care, mental/behavioral health, and community medicine. Students benefit from the program’s Ignatian values, use of technology, and clinical partnerships across Southern California. **Key Stats and Highlights**: - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 97% - Accelerated block model - Simulation training opportunities - Interprofessional education - Focus on social justice and ethics The program aims to produce PAs committed to vulnerable communities with skills spanning the full range of primary care as well as psychiatry/mental health. Graduates gain exceptional cultural competency along with holistic, patient-centered clinical abilities. ## 15. Boston University Boston University offers an accredited 24-month program at its LA campus focused on compassionate patient care, professionalism, and community health. Students benefit from the university’s 150-year history of academic excellence along with abundant clinical affiliations across Southern California. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 98% - 24 core clinical specialty rotations - Simulation training center on campus - Interprofessional education opportunities - Founding PA program established in 1975 Boston University advances students’ skills across core areas of medicine to prepare multifaceted PAs with strong diagnostic and clinical reasoning abilities. Graduates gain a depth of knowledge to enhance healthcare access and quality among California’s diverse communities. ## 16. University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences The University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is an acclaimed graduate institution offering an acclaimed 27-month PA program at its San Marcos and San Diego campuses. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional development, and leadership grounded in ethical values. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 96% - Hands-on training focused - Hybrid online/in-person curriculum - Extensive physical exam instruction - Options to extend program for research USAHS advances students’ clinical skills through specialized tracks in orthopedics, neurology, cardiopulmonary care, and primary care. Graduates gain exceptional preparation to enhance rehabilitation and primary medicine throughout diverse practice settings. ## 17. Touro University Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a 27-month PA program focused on public health, leadership, and community medicine. The program aims to increase diversity within the PA profession and prepare graduates to help eliminate healthcare disparities statewide. **Key Stats and Highlights**: - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 93% - Interprofessional education - 1 of 2 Touro PA programs in California - Located in Vallejo, CA - Partnerships with community clinics The program immerses students in clinical environments early on to advance examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning skills. Graduates gain exceptional abilities to address unique community and public health needs, especially among diverse and underserved populations. ## 18. Oregon Health & Science University While not located in Los Angeles itself, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers an acclaimed Portland-based 27-month program that admits California residents. The program is highly regarded for innovation, focus on rural care, and preparing PAs across all areas of medicine. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - US News Rank: #16 - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 100% - Select California residents accepted - Rural health curriculum tracks - 1000+ clinical affiliations regionally OHSU students gain unparalleled hands-on patient care experience across core specialties as well as rural medicine and surgical sub-specialties. Graduates acquire advanced clinical skills and systems knowledge to enhance healthcare access, equity, and delivery across diverse settings. ## 19. Desales University Desales University offers an accredited 27-month PA program focused on compassionate care, ethics, and community health at its San Bernardino campus. Students benefit from small class sizes, faith-based education components, and clinical immersion across the Inland Empire. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 93% - Primary care based curriculum - 36 person class size - Options to extend program for research/public health - Located in Inland Empire region The program aims to develop PAs ready to address healthcare gaps through service to vulnerable and diverse populations. Graduates gain exceptional cultural competency along with primary care knowledge to practice in medically underserved communities. ## 20. South College South College offers an acclaimed PA program at its West Los Angeles campus focused on compassionate care, professionalism, and community health. Students benefit from small cohort classes, ties to expert faculty, and abundant experiential learning across Southern California. **Key Stats and Highlights:** - First-Time PANCE Pass Rate: 97% - Selective Central Application Service - Specialized geriatrics curriculum - Interprofessional education opportunities - Oversight by medical education experts South College advanced students’ skills across core areas of medicine to prepare multifaceted PAs with strong diagnostic and clinical reasoning abilities. Graduates gain exceptional preparation to enhance healthcare quality and delivery within California’s growing, diverse communities. --- Source: [The Top 20 Physician Assistant Programs in Los Angeles, CA – 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-20-physician-assistant-programs-in-los-angeles-ca-2024/)