Master of Physician Assistant Program – California

First Year

Our hybrid program combines online learning with in-person campus labs for hands-on experience.

Second Year

For the Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences, students have 3, five week courses each trimester. These are not lock-step and the order will be determined by the faculty.

Students have to take 2 of the three elective courses.

The clinical year consists of 48 credit hours and includes nine (9) five-week Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs), with three SCPEs completed each trimester. Core rotations include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatric Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, and Surgery, along with two Electives selected from approved specialty options. SCPEs consist predominantly (>80%) of in-person, direct patient care experiences (B3.01d). Behavioral Medicine is the exception, where up to 100% of the rotation may occur through telehealth or telemedicine encounters to reflect contemporary behavioral health practice environments (B3.01e). No more than 20% of the total SCPE experiences for any individual student will consist of telehealth or telemedicine encounters (B3.01c). The program does not utilize international SCPEs (A3.09b). The clinical year exposes students to a breadth of clinical experiences across diverse patient populations, healthcare settings, and disciplines, allowing students to continue building upon the knowledge and skills acquired during the didactic year.

During the final callback week, students complete a comprehensive Summative Evaluation within the final four months of the program to assess each student’s achievement of the program’s learning outcomes and readiness for entry into clinical practice (B4.03a-e).

In addition to clinical training, students complete several blended courses during the clinical year.  The Advanced Topics courses explore emerging healthcare innovations, current issues in healthcare, and board certification preparation.

How Much Does the LA Master of Physician Assistant Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of LA MPA tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MPA program costs in Los Angeles at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Estimated Cost of Attendance is comprised of both direct costs and indirect costs, as outlined in the charts below. The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates and are categorized as follows: (1) Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program; (2) Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Direct Costs

Indirect Costs

Admission Process:

1. The West Coast University (WCU) Masters of Physician Assistant (MPA) program follows a rolling admissions process where applications are reviewed and selected for interviews throughout the application cycle.
2. The application cycle opens in late April, when the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) opens, and ends on the date listed in CASPA.
3. Individuals apply to WCU MPA program via CASPA.
4. The West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies Admissions Office reviews all applications and forwards completed and qualified applications to the MPA CA admissions committee for review.
   • In some cases, applicants may be denied an interview if they do not meet the university’s admissions requirement of approved state of residency or if they do not meet program admissions requirements. Please contact admissions for more information.
5. Invited candidates attend a virtual interview with the WCU MPA program via a secure Zoom platform. The interview day is composed of the following:
   • Opening session with the Program Director
     • Welcoming candidates, virtual tour of campus, review of program curriculum, introduction of faculty.
   • Interview
     • Includes group and multiple mini interviews (MMIs), hosted by WCU PA program faculty as well as a writing station.
   • Closing session with faculty
     • Time for questions and answers with the current faculty and students.
6. Admissions decisions are made shortly after interviews are completed.
   • Following the interview, program faculty meet to discuss all candidates and make admissions decisions based on admission selection factor listed on the website
   • The program will offer admissions to candidates on a rolling basis such that more admissions seats will be available toward the beginning of the admissions cycle and fewer towards the end of the cycle.
7. Admission decisions include:
   • Accepted
   • Rejected
   • Alternate list*

*Alternate list applicants are ranked based on admissions selection factors. Throughout the remainder of the cycle, applicants may be moved to accepted based on cohort size and availability.

A student applying for admission to the WCU PA program must:

1. Submit a completed application for admission to WCU and through Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
2. Submit official transcripts for all previous higher education through CASPA.
3. Participate in an admissions interview.
4. Meet all requirements by the application deadline to be considered.
5. Meet all program specific admissions requirements.
6. Complete the enrollment agreement if accepted to the program.

PA Program specific application requirements:

1. Obtain a baccalaureate degree from an Institutional Accreditation college or university by November 1st prior to matriculation.
2. Complete all aspects of the CASPA application.
   • List all college coursework taken.
   • Complete the required personal statement and WCU program-specific questions.
   • Submit three letters of recommendation. These letters of recommendations must be able to provide feedback regarding your preparation for a profession in medicine including professionalism, work ethic, moral character, and academic preparation.
     • At least one letter of recommendation is required to come from a medical provider (MDs, DOs, PAs, etc.).
     • Other letters may also come from: professors, supervisors/employers, and mentors.
     • Letters must not come from personal contacts such as family members, neighbors, personal medical providers, or religious leaders.
3. Meet the Technical Standards for admissions as follows:
   • Candidates must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.
   • Candidates must have sufficient use of the sensory, vision, hearing, motor, and somatic sensation necessary to perform a physical examination and complete point-of-care techniques.
   • Candidates must be able to perform examination activities such as palpation, auscultation, percussion, administration of intravenous medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, opening of obstructed airways, CPR, and the movements, equilibrium, and functional use of sense of touch and vision.
   • Candidates must be able to learn to acknowledge evaluation and respond with precise, quick, and appropriate action in emergency situations.
   • Candidates must have the interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with accuracy, clarity, efficiency, and sensitivity.
   • Candidates must have the skills to be able to analyze and synthesize information, solve problems, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments.
   • Candidates must possess the interpersonal skills to develop rapport and positive relationships with patients.
   • Candidates must possess basic technology and digital literacy.
   • Candidates are expected to possess perseverance, diligence, and consistency to complete the PA Program curriculum. Candidates therefore must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, which may involve standing for prolonged periods of time. They must also be able to function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical setting with patients.
4. Pre-admission academic standards:
   • Have obtained a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and a Biology/Chemistry/Physics (BCP) grade point average of 3.0 or better.
   • A minimum number of healthcare experience hours are not required for admittance into the program. However, a point value for, paid healthcare experience, shadowing, and volunteerism is assigned during application review. It is to an applicant’s best interest to pursue 500 hours or more to be a competitive candidate. All completed healthcare experience must be listed in the “Health Related Experience” or “Patient Care Experience” sections of the CASPA application in order to be included within the application.
   • Prerequisite science courses must meet a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average. Non-science major/introductory courses are not accepted.
   • Must earn a “B” or better in all prerequisite courses.
   • Baccalaureate degree and prerequisite courses must be completed by October 1 prior to matriculation.
   • Advanced-placement courses will be accepted for the prerequisite courses of Statistics and Psychology. For all other prerequisite courses, advanced-placement, transfer-of-credit, pass/no credit, CLEP or credit for experiential learning will not be accepted.
5. Applicants for the Master of Physician Assistant California program must have completed specific prerequisite coursework from a recognized institutional accredited college or university by the US Department of Education in the United States.

Per ARC-PA standards A3.12, Preference will be given for:

• Strong GPAs (greater than 3.5)
• Strong academic rigor (no course repeats, withdrawals, or incompletes; heavy work load of 12+ hours per semester)
• Understanding the role of a PA (healthcare experience hours of at least 500 hours, medical provider shadowing)
• Strong written communication skills

International Applicants

International applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S. must be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency during the application process. Applicants must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to any offer of acceptance.

The University reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who do not meet the admissions and application requirements. Applicant acceptance is limited by based on class size availability. The denial of admissions is final and may not be appealed.

Disclaimer: The MPA CA and MPA TX Programs are separate and therefore have separate program specific admissions policies, requirements, and procedures.

Academic terms begin in Spring, Summer, and Fall. To see a list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.

The Master of Physician Assistant – California hybrid program at the Center for Graduate Studies provides an intentionally immersive learning environment focused on clinical and cultural competence, personal wellness and insight, and ethical responsibility.

Through our unique approach to transformational education and student support, we help prepare medical professionals who demonstrate competent, compassionate, holistic, person-centric care with respect and equity to all persons and communities served.

We help prepare professionals who will contribute to the advancement of the physician assistant profession through leading, lifelong learning, and service, within and across their communities.

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University Master of Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website: arc-pa.org

The official five-year PANCE performance report is available for download:

Download the May 2026 Program Report (PDF)

Students are not required to provide or solicit any clinical sites or preceptors. The Program will coordinate all clinical sites and preceptors for program-required rotations. Coordinating clinical practice experiences involves identifying, contacting, and evaluating sites and preceptors for suitability as a required or elective rotation experience. Students may make suggestions for sites and preceptors but are not required to do so. Any student-suggested sites and preceptors will be reviewed, evaluated, and approved for educational suitability by the program.

Student-suggested sites must still meet all program requirements for SCPE preceptor and site development. All clinical sites must be:

1. Appropriate sites that meet the program required clerkship specialties including core and elective medical rotations.
2. Located in the United States and U.S. territories.
3. Regardless of location, students must still be able to return to the campus for immersion activities. Special accommodations will not be provided to students on the basis of travel issues.

The Program will coordinate all clinical sites and preceptors for program-required rotations. Students may make suggestions for sites and preceptors but are not required to do so. Any student-suggested sites and preceptors will be reviewed, evaluated, and approved for educational suitability by the program.

Student-suggested sites must still meet all program requirements for SCPE preceptor and site development. Once the affiliation agreement has been approved, and all site-development forms and activities have been completed and approved, the clinical team will then work on integrating the site into the program’s clinical phase. If approved and appropriate, preceptors and sites will be worked into the student’s normal SCPE rotation schedule.

Students are required to complete all health screening and immunization requirements prior to participating in any clinical experiences. These requirements are based on current CDC recommendations and clinical site requirements. Documentation must be submitted and maintained throughout the program. Failure to maintain required documentation may result in the student being unable to participate in clinical experiences, which may delay progression and/or result in dismissal from the program.

Health screening and immunization requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (annual requirement)
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening
• COVID-19 vaccination (if required by clinical site)

Important: Students are responsible for all costs associated with obtaining required immunizations and health screenings. Additional requirements beyond those mandated by the program may be required by a clinical affiliate.

References: CDC Adult Immunization Schedule | Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

West Coast University MPA-CA does not offer international travel as part of their PA education program.

SCPE Location

The program has secured and will maintain all SCPE sites and preceptors, the vast majority of which are in the Los Angeles and Southern California regions. The clinical team will work diligently to develop and secure SCPEs within each student’s home state region, which must be in a University-approved state. Please see the Manager, Clinical Education for information on currently approved sites and states. In the event that all required clinical rotations are not found in the student’s home state region, the student will be required to come to the Los Angeles region, or another area with a confirmed, approved clinical location, for a confirmed rotation.

Students are responsible for any costs related to attending clinical experiences. Additionally, students may be required to travel to clinical sites that are outside of their region and, if this occurs, students are responsible for their own housing, transportation, and living expenses (e.g., food, gas, internet, utilities, clothing).

Satisfactory Academic Progress (A3.14a)

A minimum course grade of 76%, completion of all trimester courses, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better at the end of each trimester are required to progress in the MPA-CA program. Refer to the University Catalog for further policy details.

Progression in the Program (A3.15a)

Students are expected to complete the MPA-CA Program curriculum in the sequence specified in the University Catalog. Each trimester is a prerequisite to the next trimester. As such:

• Students may not enter the program with advanced standing.
• Students are required to successfully complete, in trimester sequence, all didactic course work (lecture and lab courses in years one and two) as full-time students.
• Clinical coursework is full time in the sequence designated in the Student Portal.
• There is no opportunity to change the order of didactic course work (lecture and lab courses in years one and two).

Graduation Requirements

• Achieve a grade of 76% or better for all courses in the program.
• Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or better at program completion.
• Achieve a “Pass” or grade of 76% or better for all summative technical skill competency testing.
• Successful completion and passing of all components of the summative evaluation.

Maximum Program Completion Timeframe for Graduate Students

Students are expected to complete their program within the defined maximum program completion time. MSOT, OTD, PharmD, DPT, DNP, RN-MSN, MSN, MPA and Graduate Certificate students may not exceed 150% of the normal time frame.

The University measures program length based on semester/trimester credit units. If at any point a student cannot mathematically complete their program within the maximum timeframe, the student will be found to not be making satisfactory progress and will be dismissed. All courses attempted and given a letter grade, including grades not successfully completed such as “D,” “F,” “I,” or “W” will be included as credits attempted in assessing student progress.

The WCU MPA-CA program will monitor and document the progress of each student in a manner that promptly identifies deficiencies in knowledge or skills and establishes a means for remediation. Remediation is defined as the process by which faculty reinstruct content that a student previously did not learn or did not demonstrate the minimum competency level and provide learning skills. It is imperative that the remediation process occurs as soon as a deficiency is detected.

Outside of formally approved leaves of absence, the program does not offer deceleration. Students that withdraw from the program may reapply to the program.

Students have the right to withdraw from a program at any time. For the purposes of determining the amount owed for the time frame attended, the student shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the program when any of the following occurs:

1. The student notifies the university of withdrawal or the actual date of withdrawal; or
2. The University terminates the student’s enrollment; or
3. The student fails to attend any classes for fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days without making prior arrangements with the University.

A Physician Assistant student will be dismissed from the program if:

• A grade of “C” or lower is received in any course.
• The minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for each trimester is not met.
• An incomplete grade is unresolved or results in a grade of “C” or lower.
• They withdraw from one or more classes.
• The maximum timeframe of semester/trimester credit units to complete the program is exceeded.

Additionally, any violation of program policy, particularly where dismissal is identified as a consequence, may result in dismissal from the program.

The MPA program strictly prohibits the mistreatment of students. This includes discrimination, harassment of any kind, unprofessional relationships, misuse of power or authority, and abusive or intimidating behavior. The MPA Program and the University take students’ concerns seriously and encourage them to speak up about problems, complaints, and grievances using the applicable policies and procedures.

Contact for Concerns
At any time you have a concern about student mistreatment, contact the Campus Director of Student Affairs: WCUCGSStudentAffairs@westcoastuniversity.edu

Applicable policies include:

• University Non-Discrimination Statement — Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or other protected characteristics. Available on page 9 of the Student Handbook.
• Title IX Nondiscrimination Policy — Outlines the University’s obligations to prevent and respond to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault. Full policy on the University website.
• Student/Employee Fraternization Policy (Student Handbook, Page 27) — Prohibits improper fraternization between students and employees/faculty.
• Student Complaint/Grievances Procedure — Formal process for submitting grievances related to academic matters, student services, or university personnel. Also available in the University Catalog.

A grievance is a complaint involving the interpretation, application, or alleged violation of University policies and procedures. All grievances must be filed within 30 days of the incident.

Grievance Procedure

1. Step 1: Discuss the issue with the individual(s). Every attempt should be made by both the student and individual(s) to resolve the matter at this level.
2. Step 2: If not resolved, unresolved issues should be informally discussed/submitted in writing to the appropriate Dean or Department Head.
3. If dissatisfied with the response, submit a written Grievance Form (available on the WCU website) to the Director of Student Affairs. A representative from Student Affairs may meet with the student to gather additional information. Student Affairs will notify the student of the outcome in writing via email.

This policy and procedure is internal to WCU. If the University has not adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting external agencies listed in the WCU University Catalog. Matters that have been or are in litigation will not be reviewed/considered. Students, faculty, or administrators who submit or support a filed grievance may not be subjected to retaliation.

Final Grade Appeal

Students who wish to file a grade appeal of their final course grade when the assigned grade is a non-passing grade must do so within two business days of notification of failure or within two days of the Wednesday of the final week of the term/semester, whichever comes first. Students appealing a non-failing grade have until the end of the first week of the subsequent term/semester to file an appeal.

The Grade Appeals Process and related forms are available in the Registrar’s Office. Process steps:

1. Consult with the faculty member who issued the grade for reconsideration. Appeals of failing grades will be addressed within two (2) business days of receipt.
2. If after consultation the student wishes to further appeal, or if the faculty member is unavailable or does not respond within the time frame, the student should request in writing to the academic program Dean/Chair an investigation of the grade within two business days. The investigation will be conducted by the end of the first week of the following term.
3. If a student feels the grade appeal has not been handled appropriately or that the grade was based on instructor bias or unfair treatment, the student may employ the Student Complaint/Grievance Procedure outlined in the catalog.
4. The student shall be given a written summary of the conclusion of the appeal. If the student believes the summary to be inaccurate, they may insert a written statement in the record.

A successful grade appeal does not guarantee the ability to advance to the next course in sequence.

SPC Decision Appeal Process

• Students may appeal a decision of the SPC to the Director of the WCU MPA program in writing within three business days of the decision.
• In cases of dismissal and suspension, the student may further appeal to Student Affairs (WCUCGSStudentAffairs@westcoastuniversity.edu) in writing on the appropriate appeal form.
• The decisions of this committee will be final.

Students should be aware that the program will require evening or weekend classes, clinical experiences with various shift schedules, and program-related activities that may fall out of the normal weekday schedule. If a student chooses to be employed while enrolled in the program, academic attendance, performance, deadlines, and participation schedules and standards will not be altered in any way to accommodate employment.

Any individual who is in any capacity as faculty or serving an administrative role in the Program (clinical, principal, lecturing, or otherwise on paid or unpaid status) must not act as a health care provider for program students except as a basic responder in an emergency. Students are to be directed to their primary care provider, emergency department, or other health care provider.

The program is committed to the personal and academic success and well-being of all students, including timely access to services addressing personal issues which may impact progress in the PA program.

WCU offers a Student Assistance Program (SAP) accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SAP services are provided by Aetna, a private, national consulting and service firm that specializes in student assistance consultations. Additional information is provided in the University Student Handbook under Counseling Services.

A student who is reasonably believed to pose a danger to him/herself or others may be required by the Dean/Program Director to obtain professional evaluation and treatment. The Executive Director of Safety and Security spearheads a Risk Mitigation Program, with a special focus on reducing risks, mental health issues, and other campus safety issues.

Any student requesting reasonable accommodations is required to meet each term with the Campus Disability Services Coordinator through the Student Affairs Office. The Campus Disability Services Coordinator will assist the student with the necessary steps. The Campus Disability Coordinator certifies approved accommodations and provides the student with a “Letter of Accommodation(s).” The student is responsible for providing the letter to the course directors each term.

See the University Student Handbook for additional details. Contact: WCUCGSStudentAffairs@westcoastuniversity.edu

Required Throughout the Program

Students enrolled in the Master of Physician Assistant – California program will be required to provide evidence of health insurance and maintain their health insurance while enrolled in the program.

Program policies apply to all students, faculty, and staff of the program regardless of location. However, clinical facility policies, if different than program policies, will prevail when students and faculty are at those clinical facilities.

This handbook is available online to students and the public on the program’s website. Additionally, the handbook is available to all students via Canvas, the program’s learning management system. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain, read, and comprehend the purpose, policies, and procedures of the University and program.

WCU and the program reserve the right, at any time, to create additional policies, or modify existing ones, as needs may arise. It is expected that information contained in this document will be altered from time to time as is necessary and further information may be added periodically.

Students are neither required nor permitted to work for the program. The program will not utilize students in place of administrative staff, clinical staff, or as instructional faculty during the pre-clinical or clinical phases of student training. Clinical experience, and overall instruction are the responsibility of the faculty and not students.

Students are neither required nor permitted to work for the program. The program will not utilize students in place of administrative staff, clinical staff, or as instructional faculty during the pre-clinical or clinical phases of student training. Clinical experience, and overall instruction are the responsibility of the faculty and not students.

During the clinical phase, students are present in hospitals, emergency departments, medical offices, clinics, and the operating room. All clothing must adhere to MPA-CA Hybrid program policies and, when applicable, the Centers for Disease Control Guidelines to prevent exposure to pathogens. WCU expects students to give the very best impression to clinical affiliates.

Students must be clearly identified in the clinical setting with a name badge that clearly identifies them as an MPA-CA PA Student. Additional identification will also be present on the student’s lab coat. All medical entries must be identified as “student” and must include the PA student signature with the designation “PA-S.”

Patients must be informed that a Physician Assistant student will participate in their care, and the patient’s consent must be obtained. The student must verbally identify themselves as a PA student at each encounter. If a patient requests a physician and refuses the PA student’s services, the request must be honored.