chsu.com

What is CHSU

CHSU is a private university located in Clovis, California, part of the San Joaquin/Central Valley region. (Wikipedia)
Founded in 2012, it was created to help alleviate a shortage of healthcare providers in that region. (California Health Sciences University)
It offers programs including a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree via its College of Osteopathic Medicine (“CHSU-COM”) and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) among others. (California Health Sciences University)
CHSU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) at institutional level. (California Health Sciences University)

Key Features & Strengths

Here are notable aspects of CHSU:

  • Regional mission: CHSU places emphasis on training professionals who serve in the Central Valley and underserved communities. (California Health Sciences University)

  • Modern facilities: The DO program building is relatively new (opened around 2020) and features simulation centers, clinical skills labs, collaboration spaces. (Default)

  • Accredited DO program: CHSU-COM was granted full accreditation for its DO program in April 2024 by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for a 7-year term. (Default)

  • Transparent outcomes & curriculum: According to CHSU, their inaugural DO cohort achieved a 100% residency match rate; many matched in primary care and many remained in California. (California Health Sciences University)

  • Close partnerships: They partner with local institutions (e.g., hospitals, health centers) and collaborate with nearby universities for pathways into medical education. (csm.fresnostate.edu)

Things to Consider (Potential Weaknesses or Challenges)

  • Tuition and cost: The cost of attendance for the DO program (for earlier years) is substantial. For example, one source reports first-year cost around US$86,000 (tuition + fees + living costs) for 2021-22. (International Medical Aid)

  • Relatively new program: While accredited, the DO program began its first class around 2020 — meaning less long-term alumni data compared with older schools. (California Health Sciences University)

  • For-profit status: CHSU is described in some reporting as a “for-profit” institution (which can be a factor for some students/investors). (Wikipedia)

  • Location & Mission trade-offs: The focus on the Central Valley is a big positive, but if someone wishes to practice far from that region or in a different specialty, the local ties may or may not align with their goals.

  • Historical issues with some programs: For example, CHSU’s College of Pharmacy (PharmD) program faced accreditation challenges and was closed in 2024. (California Health Sciences University)

Program Highlights: CHSU-COM (DO Program)

A bit deeper dive into the DO program:

  • The curriculum uses a systems-based model, with integration of clinical skills, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), nutrition, population health. (California Health Sciences University)

  • Clinical clerkships in years three and four take place in regional hospitals and clinics, many in the Central Valley region. (osteopathic.chsu.edu)

  • Admissions are competitive: In one analysis the inaugural class had average MCAT ~505.5, undergrad GPA ~3.4, strong volunteer/clinical experience. (International Medical Aid)

  • One pathway program: For example, the partnership with California State University, Fresno offers eligible students an early‐acceptance or guaranteed interview route. (csm.fresnostate.edu)

Mission, Vision & Institutional Context

CHSU states its mission as: “to improve health care outcomes of people living in the Central Valley by graduating healthcare professionals who are compassionate, highly trained, and adaptive leaders …” (California Health Sciences University)
They emphasize diversity, inclusion, service to underserved populations. (California Health Sciences University)
Given the doctor shortage and rural/underserved area in the Central Valley (lower physician-to-population ratios), CHSU’s model is designed to meet local region needs. (Wikipedia)

What to Ask If You’re Considering CHSU

If you’re thinking about applying (or otherwise engaging with CHSU), here are some questions to dig into:

  1. Residency match & specialty outcomes: How many graduates go into primary care vs specialty? What’s the retention rate in the Central Valley vs elsewhere?

  2. Clinical rotation sites and exposure: What hospitals and clinics are used and how much hands-on experience?

  3. Support services: What are the wellness, tutoring, career support offerings (especially given the intensive nature of a DO program)?

  4. Costs vs financial aid: Tuition + living costs vs what scholarships, loan support, repayment options exist.

  5. Alumni network & career placement: Given the program’s relative newness, how robust is the alumni network; what are senior students doing?

  6. Fit with your goals: If your plan is to stay in California or underserved areas, the model fits well. If you anticipate going elsewhere or specializing in a niche area, check how CHSU supports that.

  7. Accreditation & program changes: Verify that the specific program you’re interested in has full accreditation and that there have been no major recent hurdles. For CHSU, DO is fully accredited; earlier, pharmacy program had issues.

Key Takeaways

  • CHSU is a relatively young private university focused on health sciences, especially medicine, with a mission centered on the Central Valley region.

  • Its DO program (CHSU-COM) is accredited and designed with modern facilities, integrated curriculum, and regional service orientation.

  • Costs are high and competition is strong. For prospective students, the fit with mission, location, and career goals is important.

  • While the strengths are clear (region-specific training, modern facilities, mission-driven), the newer institutional age and regional focus mean you should evaluate how it matches your personal trajectory (specialty interests, location, etc.).

  • Partnerships and pathway programs (e.g., with Fresno State) can provide opportunities.

  • Always review the latest data (match results, residency placements, alumni outcomes) because newer institutions evolve quickly.

FAQ

Q: Is CHSU affiliated with a large network or is it independent?
A: CHSU is independent and private; while it collaborates with hospitals and universities, it is not part of a large state university system.

Q: Where is CHSU located?
A: The campus is in Clovis, California (near Fresno) — in the Central Valley region. (California Health Sciences University)

Q: What degrees does CHSU offer besides the DO?
A: At least a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) is offered. The pharmacy program was previously offered but has been closed. (California Health Sciences University)

Q: How competitive is admission to the DO program?
A: Very competitive. For example, the first class had average MCAT ~505, GPA ~3.4, and rigorous supplementary requirements. (International Medical Aid)

Q: Can I live on campus at CHSU?
A: For the DO program, CHSU-COM does not provide on-campus housing; students live in nearby rentals. (Default)

Q: What is CHSU’s main mission?
A: To improve health outcomes in the Central Valley by educating healthcare professionals oriented to serve underserved populations. (California Health Sciences University)

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