Physician Assistant Studies Program Levels Up

Thirty students hovered around tables in the clinical lab, simulating a real-life situation: Half of the classmates had a ring stuck on their finger. The other half needed to help them remove it.

Some slipped floss under the ring to wiggle it off. Others used a ring cutter.

The clinical lab that day taught students in the M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies program how to remove a ring in emergency situations, such as when it causes swelling and venous obstruction on a finger. (Fake diamond rings were provided.)

The professor explained different techniques as instructive videos played on big screens around the room.

Once that was mastered, the students then practiced removing a fishhook from skin — this time using a suture pad.

Physician assistants require a broad medical knowledge, and California Baptist University intends to prepare them.

In July 2024, the PA program’s facilities became bigger after moving from the College of Health Science Campus to a renovated building CBU owns on Hemet Street in Riverside. They grew from one classroom to two — with one capable of holding up to 180 students — and from four clinical exam rooms to 16. The new building also has a bigger clinical skills lab, a new science lab and 13 study spaces. CBU invested $6.8 million in the remodel and furnishing of the new location.

The extra space will be needed in fall 2025 when the class size will go from 30 students to 60 for the two-year program. The increase was approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant last fall.

CBU’s PA program prepares graduates to provide quality health care in their communities and to underserved populations, said Dr. Heather Ontiveros, chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

“Increasing the number of students will help us accomplish our program mission and goals in addition to aiding those regions in California that are medically underserved,” Ontiveros said.

Given the high demand for medical professionals, CBU’s PA program received about 1,300 applications and interviewed only 240 applicants for the fall 2025 class. CBU has one of the strongest PA programs in Southern California, Ontiveros said, with a low attrition rate and a high pass rate on the certifying examination.

“CBU has garnered an excellent reputation,” Ontiveros said. “We’re growing, and we’re filling that need not just in our community but around the country.”

A highlight for faculty and students is the science lab in the new space equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including an anatomage virtual table, which provides 3D visualization of human bodies.

Dr. Nathanael Heyman, professor of biology, assisted in planning the new space.

“I am very excited to use these new resources to better teach and engage students,” Heyman said. “All of these things will allow us to more effectively teach foundational material and concepts that are vital to the success of the students in the program in a much more dynamic manner.”

The students are enjoying the new facility, especially the study areas.

“It gives the students space to decompress or study in areas that are private and accommodating, whether for a group study session or a solo study session,” said Alyssa Perry, a second-year PA student. “If you want to be social, there are couches in areas that won’t interrupt students who are working.”

Destiny Loney, a second-year student, also appreciates the additional 12 clinical exam rooms. Previously, there were only four exam rooms and others were created in the middle of the clinical lab using curtains.

“You had all the equipment that you needed, but having an actual room where it’s quiet and you can just focus — and having enough rooms for everybody to practice in their own time — is really useful,” Loney said.

Loney, who also earned her undergraduate degree at CBU, said the program provides a good foundation of knowledge.

“CBU is preparing me for my career by giving me the opportunity to gain experience in many different fields through our rotations, allowing me to determine which field I feel God leading me to follow in pursuit of my purpose,” she said.

Perry said CBU’s Christian worldview gives students a solid foundation for their career.

“Having that faith background is tied to being a caring provider,” she said. “The program does an excellent job of preparing us. We have faculty and staff who really care about us. What we’re doing here is very rigorous, so it’s nice to have the support from the faculty and staff who want you to do well both in class and as a person.”