Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant

About the Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant Program

In this program, students will learn and acquire clinical skills in a variety of healthcare settings and will obtain experience in disease management, disease prevention, and health promotion. A strong emphasis on compassionate care and social justice in the curriculum will prepare students to address complex needs of patients.  

The CDU PA program was established in 1971 and holds the distinction of being the first PA program in the state of California. Threaded throughout the 2-year curriculum are social medicine modules that stimulate awareness, critical thinking, and action related to the social determinants of health.  Each student completes at least one clinical rotation in a medically under-served or health profession shortage area.  Outside of the formal curriculum, students are required to participate in service-learning experiences around the LA area.

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At a Glance

  • 101 credit hours
  • 27 months
  • Hybrid format
  • Innovative teaching approaches that develop future leaders

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Program Start Dates

The Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant begins once a year.

Annual Cohort

Semester begins August each year
Applications due September 1st of prior year

student holding sign saying "My White Coat means Perserverance" during White Coat Ceremony

Why the Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant program?

Choosing the Master of Health Sciences (MHS) Physician Assistant program at CDU opens doors to a transformative 27-month journey. The core of our program is the innovative, student-centered curriculum, enriched with hands-on clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings. We instill a strong emphasis on compassionate care and social justice, equipping you to manage complex patient needs effectively.

As part of our interprofessional campus environment, you’ll collaborate with students and professionals in medicine, nursing, and public health. This multidisciplinary interaction fosters a unique educational experience that encourages creativity and leadership skills.

From disease management to health promotion, we integrate social medicine throughout the curriculum, empowering you to address social determinants of health and advocate for justice, both locally and globally.

Clinical Experiences

Students in the Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant program complete clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including:

  • California Hospital Medical Center 
  • Cedars Sinai Medical Center
  • Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
  • West Los Angeles VA 
  • Harbor UCLA Medical Center 
  • Hubert Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center 
  • Kaiser Permanente – South Bay 
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.

Our training through CDU changed the trajectory of our lives and gave us the opportunity to make a positive difference.”
Alabi and Laye Akinloye
Alabi and Laye Akinloye , CDU PA Class of 1995 and 1985, respectively

Career Options

Students who complete the Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant program pursue careers such as:

  • Primary Care 
  • Orthopedics
  • Emergency Medicine 
  • Hospital Medicine 
  • OB/GYN

Questions? Contact Us.

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Accreditation

The Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA)