University of Southern California (LA)

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*Last updated February 20th, 2025

General Information

Mission Statement
The Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC is dedicated to the advancement of physician assistant education and emphasizes service to the medically underserved. The program is committed to preparing students from diverse backgrounds to positively transform the healthcare system. Students, graduates, faculty, and staff are committed to doing this through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, integrity, excellence, and joy.
Unique Program Features
Trojan Trainer Program - A unique, student-led program mentored by Keck School. Medical Spanish - Students take courses to enhance their ability to practice medicine in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods. Advocacy Trip – Students are invited to attend advocacy training in Washington DC to meet with congressional representatives to speak on behalf of future patients, PA students, and the profession.
Curriculum Focus
Hybrid of Traditional or Case-Based Learning; Organ-Based/Systems-Based Learning
Credentials Offered
Master's degree (not Master's of Public Health)
Bridge or Dual Degree
No
Doctorate Degree Offered
No
Type of Masters Degree
MPAP: Master of Physician Assistant Practice, MPAP: Master of Physician Assistant Practice
Program Length
33 Months
Start Month
August 2026
Estimated Incoming Class Size
60
Part-time Option
No
Distance Learning
No
On-Campus Housing
No
Required Onsite Interview
No
Types of Interviews
Traditional Interview
Admission Type
Rolling - Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis

CASPA & Deadlines

CASPA Member
Yes
Upcoming CASPA Cycle
Yes
Application Deadline
09/01/2025
Deadline Requirement
Orange-Complete only: the application has been submitted, payment, all transcripts, and at least two evaluation letters must be received by CASPA by the posted deadline.
Supplemental Application
Yes
Supplemental Deadline
09/01/2025
Supplemental Application Fee
$55
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver
Yes
View Supplemental Application

Tuition & Deposits

Separate Tuition Rates
No
Tuition
$210,000
Seat Deposit
Yes
Seat Deposit Cost
$750
Refundable Seat Deposit
No

Matriculants

Out of State Students Accepted
Yes
Transfer Students Accepted
No
DACA Status Applicants Considered
Yes
International Applicants Accepted
Yes
Support for Veterans
No information provided

Program Matriculants by Gender

Female
50
Male
10
Non-Binary
1
Gender Unknown
-

Ethnicity of Program Matriculants by Number

American Indian or Alaskan Native
-
Asian
19
Black or African American
4
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish
8
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
-
White
12
Other
-

GRE Average Scores

Average Verbal Reasoning GRE Score
No information provided
Average Analytical Writing GRE Score
No information provided
Average Quantitative Reasoning GRE Score
No information provided

GRE Average Percentiles

Average Verbal Reasoning GRE Percentile
No information provided
Average Analytical Writing GRE Percentile
No information provided
Average Quantitative Reasoning GRE Percentile
No information provided

Requirements

Minimum Number of Reference Letters Required
2
Types of References Required
No restrictions
Minimum Overall GPA Required
No GPA minimum required
Minimum Prereq GPA Required
No GPA minimum required
Minimum Science GPA Required
No
Standardized Test(s) Required
None
Healthcare Experience
Recommended, but not required
Hours Needed
No information provided
Time Limit in Which To Complete Experience
No Requirement
Paid Health Care
Recommended but not required
Volunteer/Community Service Health Care
Recommended but not required
Paid Direct Patient Care
Recommended but not required
Volunteer Direct Patient Care
Recommended but not required
Direct Patient Care Hours Needed
No information provided
Direct Patient Care Time Limit
No Requirement
Other Paid Health Care
Recommended but not required
Other Volunteer Health Care
No information provided
Shadowing a PA
Recommended but not required
Shadowing a Physician
Not Required
Shadowing other health care provider
Not Required
Clinical and/or non-clinical research
Recommended but not required
Virtual Health Care Accepted
Yes
Virtual Shadowing Accepted
Yes

Prerequisites

Prereq time limit
10 Years