Training for
The Future
Bridging cutting-edge research with clinical care, and serving diverse, vibrant communities throughout Southern California.
The Curriculum
Be A
Triton PA
Join an innovative physician assistant program at one of the nation's top medical schools.
The Application ProcessOur Mission
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program will recruit and retain learners who reflect the diverse population of California. Graduates will be prepared to provide safe, effective, person-centered healthcare in various settings to improve the health and well-being of the patients and communities we serve.
Welcome from the Dean
What an exciting time for the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program! We have officially launched, and our inaugural cohort is fully immersed in their didactic education. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and intellectual curiosity have brought our vision to life in ways that are both inspiring and affirming. As the program continues to grow, so has our team. We’ve welcomed new faculty and staff who bring fresh insight, diverse experience, and a shared commitment to academic excellence and inclusive education. Across classrooms, labs, and case-based learning environments, the energy is palpable—our curriculum is no longer just in development; it’s in action. We’re thrilled to now be welcoming the Class of 2027—future physician assistant leaders who recognize the unique opportunity to train in a program intentionally built for innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence. Their interest affirms our mission and the growing momentum behind the Atkinson experience. This is more than the next phase—it’s a continued evolution of something bold, meaningful, and needed in PA education. Bienvendidos y bienvenidas!
Globally Recognized
A "Top Tier" Medical School*
#1
Health care system in San Diego*
#21
Best Global Universities*
#7
Best Public Universities in the U.S.*
Clinician Educators
We welcome your interest in educating the future of the physician assistant profession. We are conducting a survey to gauge our clinician educator partners' interests, assess opportunities and determine best placements for both learners and educators. We are looking for clinicians to participate in either or both didactic and clinical phases of the program.
Accreditation Status Statement
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the University of California San Diego Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program sponsored by the University of California San Diego.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-university-of-california-san-diego/.