![Jeremy Saavedra, CSUSB biology major](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/upload/image/JeremySaavedra_Slide.jpg.webp?itok=VPs4nHUM)
After more than two decades as a truck driver, Jeremy Saavedra decided to go back to school to become a physician assistant because his ultimate passion is helping others.
![Pfau Library, Faculty in the News](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/upload/image/Faculty-in-the-News-Library_20.jpg.webp?itok=LpKfRjTE)
Sonia Otte (Master of Science Physician Assistant program), Codi Lazar (geological sciences) and Brian Levin (criminal justice) were included in recent news coverage.
![Hands typing on laptop](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/upload/image/NewsSlide_CNS_MSPA_Illustration_13Dec2022_0.jpg.webp?itok=rk2yvzPn)
The federal funding for the MSPA program is part of the federal fiscal year 2023 appropriations package and will be designated to purchase teaching and lab equipment.
![Illustration of a medical professional and a laptop computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/upload/image/NewsSlide_CNS_MSPA_Illustration_13Dec2022.jpg.webp?itok=jGzpRDR2)
The CSUSB MSPA program expects to begin recruiting for faculty and staff positions starting in January 2023 and matriculating its first class of 40 students in August 2025.
![Medical theme illustration art](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/upload/image/NewsSlide_MSPA_illustration_xxJulu2022.jpg.webp?itok=mMOAk5or)
The MSPA program will be launched in fall of 2024 with 30 students and grow to a maximum of 85 students within three years.
![MSPA program at CSUSB](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/upload/image/NewsSlide_CNS_MSPA_Illustration_06July2021.jpg.webp?itok=HELZJryA)
CSUSB will become the first Southern California public university to establish a Master of Science Physician Assistant program to help address the severe shortage of healthcare professionals serving the Inland Empire.