Welcome

As health care changes, Physician Assistants are increasingly valued as vital members of the health care team. WesternU's Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) graduates are in high demand and enjoy careers that are rewarding both personally and professionally.

WesternU's two-year (six semester) MSPA program:

• prepares you with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality, competent care in a primary care setting.
• exposes you to a variety of roles within numerous clinical settings giving you the greatest spectrum of potential employment opportunities.
• instills cultural sensitivity so you can provide compassionate care to a wide-range of patient populations with a special emphasis on the underserved.

Why choose WesternU? We have a nationally recognized program and offer you:  

• a record of consistently high first-time pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
• a small, private, health-focused institution that fosters interprofessional learning.
• early clinical experiences that develops professional and communication skills at a wide range of clinical sites.
• top faculty and low student-to-faculty ratio.
• a well established program accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
• long humanistic tradition of treating patients as people first; treating students with respect;
  and fostering camaraderie among students.
• outstanding student support services including tutoring and disability resources. 
• diverse student body and rich array of student club and volunteer opportunities.
• Southern California location with tremendous clinical training opportunities as well as access to
  major cultural and recreational resources. 
• a chance to join Western University's well-respected PA alumni, who are in high demand and who
  enjoy a lifelong connection with the university.

For more information, please join us for an information session,
complete the information request form or contact us.

Meet some of our MSPA students, faculty and alumni and read their candid thoughts about their experiences at WesternU. Move your mouse over each picture to read more about that individual.

Ann Martella MSPA, Class of 2009	Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, PA Dean, College of Allied Health Professions & Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Education	Andrew Porter, MS MSPA, Class of 2004
Most memorable clinical experience: I started volunteering with the Special Olympics in 2008. I was amazed at the things I could learn from the most unlikely people. It taught me to approach every patient as a person first and as a clinical patient second. Engaging aspect of the PA program: The Physician Assistant program is challenging both academically and clinically. I like a challenge, but I found that I had to work as a team with my classmates to get through some of the toughest times. I feel more prepared to work as part of a team in my future career. Why WesternU: The spirit of humanism at WesternU has a lot to do with why one should chose to come here. We support each other and our students in ways you don¿t always find in health care institutions. Courses Taught: Educational Leadership  Comprehensive Plannning Managing Organizational Change Research Interests: Academic retention E-mail me Best piece of advice: WesternU has a very friendly atmosphere that’s very conducive to learning. You’ll find that the faculty are compassionate and caring and interested in students’ success. Career impact: My career as a family practice physician assistant has been enhanced by my clinical experiences during my rotations and the long-lasting friendships that were developed during class with other students.