Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program

Accreditation

Physician Assistant Program Accreditation

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc (ARC-PA)

  • The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Southern California University of Health Sciences Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Southern California University of Health Sciences. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
  • Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2030. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
  • The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website by clicking here.

National Examination Scores and Program Attrition

PANCE:  Discover how our graduates have performed on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)

Attrition:  ARC-PA Student Attrition Rate

Licensure

In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43, the Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) provides information pertaining to professional licensure for the program. Students should refer to the information below and contact the appropriate licensing board to ensure they will meet the licensure requirements in the state(s) in which they intend to practice upon graduation.

Upon completing an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accredited program, graduates are eligible to sit for the professional board exam given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Upon passing the exam, candidates are given the designation of Physician Assistant–Certified (PA-C). The candidate may then apply for state licensure and for a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate to prescribe controlled medication. The Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) meets the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Some states have requirements in addition to educational requirements – prospective and enrolled students are encouraged to research licensure requirements for the state that they intend to practice in.  These licensure requirements vary from state to state.

Neither acceptance for admission into the program nor the subsequent earning of a Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree guarantees that a state or foreign country will grant a graduate a license to practice. Each state and foreign country, through its legislative and administrative process, defines the standards of competency and scope of practice of Physician Assistants within its jurisdiction. The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) maintains a list of licensing boards at their website.

Please note that licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, we strongly recommend that you inquire with the licensing agency to confirm that you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before enrolling in your program of choice. Additionally, while progressing through the program, we recommend that you check licensing agency requirements regularly to monitor whether they have changed in a manner that impacts your licensure plans.

Upon program completion and successfully passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), students are eligible to apply for licensure in their desired state. Licensing requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may require a background check and/or other additional steps. Information about state-specific licensing requirements can be found on the American Academy of Physician Associates’ (AAPA) website.

To practice medicine within the designated scope of practice and have services reimbursed by third-party payors, graduates may be required to have the following:

  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number is valid for three years. A fee is required to obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number.
  • National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. The National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is required to bill Medicare. There is no fee to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number.