Program Highlights

10 Reasons to Choose the Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at the Keck School of Medicine of USC

Our Mission

We walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We truly believe in service, diversity, leadership and quality education, and it is emphasized in all aspects of our program. Our diverse makeup of students, faculty and staff are all drawn to our program in sharing this mission.

World-Renowned Faculty

Our faculty is made up of experts and thought-leaders in their disciplines. They strive to maintain excellence in research and scholarship, often presenting and speaking for national audiences. Faculty are well-prepared, as evidenced by 100 percent attainment of advanced degrees and well-over 250 years of collective clinical experience.

Medical Spanish

Our students take courses to help them enhance their ability to practice medicine in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods. It is vital for healthcare providers to be able to build relationships with their patients, and linguistic fluency is important to achieving this goal. Our graduates report twice as much confidence in their language abilities upon completing the course series.

Service to the Community

Students engage in a great deal of volunteer work during their time in the program. During orientation, students participate in a day of service with our entire team of faculty and staff. Throughout their time in the program, students volunteer and engage in service projects.

Leadership and Advocacy

Every spring, students are invited to attend advocacy training in Washington D.C. During this trip, students meet with congressional representatives and advocacy groups to speak on behalf of future patients, PA students and the profession. Students are also involved in many on-campus groups, where they hold leadership roles alongside other health care professional students.

Integrated Learning Experience

Our faculty are nationally renowned for promoting learning that focuses on collaboration and building critical thinking skill sets. When students graduate, they are better prepared for the challenges encountered in clinical practice. Faculty use technology and innovative approaches to bring the classroom to life.

Beautiful Southern California

Our beautiful Alhambra campus offers easy access to the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles and our unique position within the Keck School of Medicine gives our students access to additional learning resources.

Additional Clinical Time

During the sixth semester, students complete an average of 240 hours of additional training in a clinical specialty of interest. This experience provides students with additional opportunities to learn and develop their skills before graduation. Our preceptors strive to teach our students the art of medicine and truly enjoy teaching USC PA students.

So Many Activities

Students take the lead once a month during our USC PA Pathway events, where they work with K-16 students to teach them about healthcare professions. Other activities beyond the classroom include health fairs, the Interprofessional Education and Collaboration in Geriatrics and a variety of service and health care opportunities.

The Trojan Family

Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, preceptors and the university all make up your Trojan family. We strive to support you in your journey to becoming a PA!