Here is a list of the best PA Schools in California. Our contributors of MCAThub.com collected all the tuition, admission requirements of PA programs in California.
If you’re interested in the PA schools or PA programs in California, then this PA programs resource is right for you. Hope this list of the best PA Schools in California can help to find the best PA programs suitable for you.

Top 5 PA Schools in California
Loma Linda University Physician Assistant Program
Loma Linda University PA Program is one of the best PA programs in Loma Linda, CA. The first-time PANCE pass rate of the Loma Linda University Physician Assistant Program is higher than the average pass rate of all PA schools.
The required Healthcare Experience Hours is 2000 hours, which is higher than the requirement of the peer PA schools. And the LLU PA program acceptance rate is only 1.6%, which means the admission to Loma Linda University PA Program is very competitive.
Quick Review of Loma Linda University PA Program
Application Deadline
October 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
24 months
Class Capacity
38
First-time PANCE pass rate
97%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
94%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: September
- PA Program Location: Loma Linda, CA
- Address: Evans Hall Room 201 Loma Linda, CA 92350
- Phone: 909-558-7295
- Website: link
- College or School: Schools of Allied Health Professions
- Resident Tuition: $105,530
- Non-Resident Tuition: $105,530
- Seat Deposit: $500
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 2000
Samuel Merritt University Physician Assistant Program
Samuel Merritt University is one of the top 50 PA schools in the country. And the Samuel Merritt University PA Program also is one of the best PA programs in CA. Admission to Samuel Merritt University PA Program is competitive. The good news is the required minimum GPAs are lower.
Quick Review of Samuel Merritt University PA Program
Application Deadline
September 1
Accredited
Probationary Accreditation
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
27 months
Class Capacity
44
First-time PANCE pass rate
100%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
91%Required Minimum Overall GPA
2.8- Class Start Month: September
- PA Program Location: Oakland, CA
- Address: 3100 Telegraph Ave Oakland, California 94609
- Phone: 800.607.6377
- Website: link
- College or School: SMU’s Physician Assistant Department
- Resident Tuition: $104,434
- Non-Resident Tuition: $104,434
- Seat Deposit: $350
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1000
Stanford University Physician Assistant Program
Stanford University School of Medicine is one of the top 5 medical schools in the country. Stanford University as one PA school is one of the top 30 PA schools in the U.S.
No doubt, the Stanford University PA Program is also one of the best PA programs in CA. Admission to the Stanford University PA Program is highly competitive. And the tuition for the Stanford University PA Program is a bit expensive.
Quick Review of Stanford University PA Program
Application Deadline
August 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
30 months
Class Capacity
27
First-time PANCE pass rate
100%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
93%Required Minimum Overall GPA
No- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: Stanford, CA
- Address: 291 Campus Dr. Palo Alto, CA 94305
- Phone: (650) 721-2656
- Website: link
- College or School: Stanford School of Medicine
- Resident Tuition: $157,437
- Non-Resident Tuition: $157,437
- Seat Deposit: $500
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 500
Marshall B. Ketchum University Physician Assistant Program
Marshall B. Ketchum University PA Program was founded in 2012. The student-teacher ratio of the School of PA Studies is 8:1.
Learn from the Marshall B. Ketchum University PA Program, the average healthcare experience hours of the 2021 incoming class is 5,067 hours. The average overall GPA is 3.5, and the average science GPA is 3.46.
Quick Review of MBKU PA Program
Application Deadline
November 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
27 months
Class Capacity
40
First-time PANCE pass rate
100%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
100%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: Fullerton, CA
- Address: 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92831-1615
- Phone: 714.992.7808
- Website: link
- College or School: School of PA Studies
- Resident Tuition: $109,573
- Non-Resident Tuition: $109,573
- Seat Deposit: $1,500
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1000
Touro University-California Physician Assistant Program
Touro University-California as a PA school is one of the best PA schools in the country. Touro University-California PA Program ranked in the top 30 PA programs and also is one of the best PA programs in CA.
PANCE pass rate of Touro University-California PA Program is very high. Just like the Stanford University PA Program, the PA program tuition is also a bit expensive than other PA schools.
The graduates of Touro University-California PA Program will earn two master’s degrees: a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
Quick Review of Touro University-California PA Program
Application Deadline
November 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
33 months
Class Capacity
48
First-time PANCE pass rate
98%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
99%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: Vallejo, CA
- Address: Touro University 1310 Club Drive Vallejo, CA 94592
- Phone: 707-638-5270
- Website: link
- College or School: Joint MSPAS/MPH Program
- Resident Tuition: $133,136
- Non-Resident Tuition: $133,136
- Seat Deposit: $1,000
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1,000
University of California-Davis Physician Assistant Program
UC Davis PA Program ranked #74 in the best PA programs. It also is one of the best PA programs in CA. The graduates of the University of California-Davis PA Program will earn a Master of Health Services in Physician Assistant Studies.
The good news is that applying to the University of California Davis PA Program does not require GRE or MCAT scores.
Quick Review of University of California-Davis PA Program
Application Deadline
August 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
27 months
Class Capacity
65
First-time PANCE pass rate
73%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
78%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: June
- PA Program Location: Sacremento, CA
- Address: Betty Irene Moore Hall | 2570 48th St. | Sacramento, CA 95817
- Phone: 916-734-2145
- Website: link
- College or School: Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
- Resident Tuition: $134,990
- Non-Resident Tuition: $134,990
- Seat Deposit: ***
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1,000
University of Southern California PA Program
The University of Southern California as a PA school ranked #10 in the best PA schools. And University of Southern California PA Program also is the best PA program in California. Although the tuition for the University of Southern California PA Program is very expensive than most PA programs, it is worths the cost.
The mission of the USC PA program is dedicated to the advancement of physician assistant education and emphasizes service to the medically underserved.
Quick Review of University of Southern California PA Program
Application Deadline
November 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
33 months
Class Capacity
60
First-time PANCE pass rate
88%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
93%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: Alhambra, CA
- Address: 1975 Zonal Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Phone: 323-442-1100
- Website: link
- College or School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
- Resident Tuition: $60,446 per year
- Non-Resident Tuition: $60,446 per year
- Seat Deposit: $500
- Healthcare Experience Hours: Recommended
Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
Western University of Health Sciences PA Program also ranked #74 in the best PA programs in the country. And it’s one of the best PA programs in Pomona, CA.
The consistently high first-time PANCE pass rates of Western University of Health Sciences PA Program. The PA program tuition at Western University of Health Sciences is more affordable.
Quick Review of Western University of Health Sciences PA Program
Application Deadline
November 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
24 months
Class Capacity
98
First-time PANCE pass rate
90%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
93.4%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: Pomona, CA
- Address: Pomona, CA campus 309 E. Second St. Pomona, CA 91766-1854
- Phone: (909) 623-6116
- Website: link
- College or School: Western University Of Health Sciences
- Resident Tuition: $88,210
- Non-Resident Tuition: $88,210
- Seat Deposit: $1,000
- Healthcare Experience Hours: Recommended
Chapman University Physician Assistant Program
The Chapman University PA Program is a full-time graduate degree program with a class length of 24 months.
The mission of the Chapman University Physician Assistant Program is to train future Physician Assistants with an exceptional medical education that inspires compassionate and collaborative health care providers who enhance access to high-quality patient care.
Quick Review of Chapman University PA Program (California)
Application Deadline
August 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
24 months
Class Capacity
50
First-time PANCE pass rate
100%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
98%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.2- Class Start Month: January
- PA Program Location: Irvine, California
- Address: One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866
- Phone: (714) 997-6815
- Website: link
- College or School: Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
- Resident Tuition: $120,270
- Non-Resident Tuition: $120,270
- Seat Deposit: $1,000
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1,000
Charles R. Drew University Physician Assistant Program
Charles R. Drew University PA Program is a good PA program in Los Angeles, California. Admission to Charles R. Drew University PA Program is not so competitive. It’s a good chance for those who has low GPA and want to study PA programs in Los Angeles.
Quick Review of Charles R. Drew University PA Program
Application Deadline
September 1
Accredited
Provisional Accreditation
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
27 months
Class Capacity
26
First-time PANCE pass rate
86%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
86%Required Minimum Overall GPA
No- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: Los Angeles, California
- Address: Charles R. Drew University 1731 E. 120th Street Los Angeles, CA 90059
- Phone: 323-563-4800
- Website: link
- College or School: Charles R. Drew University
- Resident Tuition: $96,299
- Non-Resident Tuition: $96,299
- Seat Deposit: $500
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 2,000
Dominican University of California Physician Assistant Program
The mission of the Dominican University of California PA Program is to prepare Physician Assistants to provide compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care as members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Through the 28 months PA program, students will gain real-world experience by participating in nine clinical rotations.
Quick Review of Dominican University of California PA Program
Application Deadline
October 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Provisional
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
28 months
Class Capacity
30
First-time PANCE pass rate
100%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
100%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: San Rafael, CA
- Address: Dominican University of California 50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901
- Phone: (415) 482-3571
- Website: link
- College or School: School of Health and Natural Sciences
- Resident Tuition: $113,149
- Non-Resident Tuition: $113,149
- Seat Deposit: $500
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 500
University of La Verne Physician Assistant Program
Quick Review of University of La Verne PA Program
Application Deadline
October
Accredited
Accreditation-Provisional
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
27 months
Class Capacity
30
First-time PANCE pass rate
N/AFive-year first-time PANCE pass rate
N/ARequired Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: August
- PA Program Location: La Verne, CA
- Address: 1950 Third Street La Verne, CA 91750
- Phone: (909) 593-3511
- Website: link
- College or School: College of Arts and Sciences
- Resident Tuition: $100,908
- Non-Resident Tuition: $100,908
- Seat Deposit: $***
- Healthcare Experience Hours: Recommended
Southern California University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
Southern California University of Health Sciences offers an innovative PA Program for those who want to earn a master’s degree in PA program in CA. The PA program tuition is $15,571 per semester.
Learn from the Southern California University of Health Sciences PA program class profile, the average GPA of the class of 2021 is 3.46. The average Healthcare Experience Hours is 7,644 hours.
Quick Review of Southern California University of Health Sciences PA Program
Application Deadline
January 15
Accredited
Provisional Accreditation
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
28 months
Class Capacity
50
First-time PANCE pass rate
94%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
89%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: September
- PA Program Location: Whittier, CA
- Address: 16200 Amber Valley Dr. Whittier, CA 90604
- Phone: 562-947-8755
- Website: link
- College or School: Southern California University of Health Sciences
- Resident Tuition: $105,702
- Non-Resident Tuition: $105,702
- Seat Deposit: $1,000
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 2,000
University of the Pacific Physician Assistant Program
The University of the Pacific is one of the best PA schools in Sacramento, CA. The clinical curriculum of the University of the Pacific PA Program includes three elective rotations offering a variety of educational opportunities. The PANCE pass rate of the University of the Pacific PA Program is very high.
Quick Review of University of the Pacific PA Program
Application Deadline
August 1
Accredited
Provisional Accreditation
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
27 months
Class Capacity
45
First-time PANCE pass rate
100%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
100%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: January
- PA Program Location: Sacramento, CA
- Address: Physician Assistant Program University of the Pacific 3200 5th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Phone: 916-739-7365
- Website: link
- College or School: School of Health Sciences
- Resident Tuition: $119,252
- Non-Resident Tuition: $119,252
- Seat Deposit: $1,000
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1,000
California Baptist University Physician Assistant Program
California Baptist University PA Program aims to train entry-level medical professionals to augment the physician (MD and DO) in providing medical and patient care responsibilities within the health care system. The tuition for the CBU PA program is $97,380.
Quick Review of California Baptist University PA Program
Application Deadline
December 1
Accredited
Accreditation-Continued
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
24 months
Class Capacity
30
First-time PANCE pass rate
93%Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate
93%Required Minimum Overall GPA
3.2- Class Start Month: September
- PA Program Location: Riverside, California
- Address: 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
- Phone: (951) 343-4619
- Website: link
- College or School: College of Health Science
- Resident Tuition: $97,380
- Non-Resident Tuition: $97,380
- Seat Deposit: $500
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1,000
California State University – Monterey Bay Physician Assistant Program
California State University – Monterey Bay PA Program focuses on training Physician Assistants to provide primary care to underserved patient populations.
Learn from the admission statistics, the acceptance rate of the Master of Science Physician Assistant program at California State University – Monterey Bay is 10.3%. The average Patient Care hours is 4,148 hours. And the average cumulative GPA is 3.35.
Quick Review of California State University – Monterey Bay PA Program
Application Deadline
March
Accredited
Accreditation-Provisional
International Students
Accepted
Degree
Masters
Duration
28 months
Class Capacity
33
First-time PANCE pass rate
N/AFive-year first-time PANCE pass rate
N/ARequired Minimum Overall GPA
3.0- Class Start Month: January
- PA Program Location: Salinas, California
- Address: 5108 Fourth Avenue, Marina, CA 93933
- Phone: 831-582-3000
- Website: link
- College or School: College of Health Sciences and Human Services
- Resident Tuition: $89,498
- Non-Resident Tuition: $89,498
- Seat Deposit: $100
- Healthcare Experience Hours: 1,000
The above is the Physician Assistant Programs in California. If you’re interested in PA programs in other States, you can check out more resources on our MCAThub.com