Pacific College of Health and Science Merges with Southern California University to Enhance Health Education

Pacific College Merges with Southern California University

In a significant move that aims to enhance the landscape of integrative health education, Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) has entered into an agreement with Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) to integrate its Chicago and San Diego campuses. This transition marks a pivotal moment for both institutions as they strive to provide holistic education rooted in the principles of whole-person care.

Overview of the Transition

Officially announced on October 20, 2025, this merger will lead to SCU assuming control of not just PCHS's Chicago and San Diego campuses but also key programs, including the well-regarded Pacific Center for Lifelong Learning and its online Cosmetic Acupuncture Program. Additionally, SCU will take over the Pacific Symposium, a cornerstone event in the acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) communities, drawing nearly 1,000 participants each year.

Despite this merger, PCHS's New York campus will continue to operate independently, building on its strengths while allowing for an accelerated focus on holistic medicine, particularly the integration of acupuncture, nursing, and massage therapy.

Strengthening Educational Offerings

With SCU's established resources and strategic vision as the first Integrative, Whole Health University in the nation, the Chicago and San Diego campuses are poised for an era of unprecedented growth. SCU's initiative to expand degree and certificate offerings will transform these campuses into notable destinations for students pursuing careers in integrative health. This well-structured approach aims to foster an environment conducive to innovation, education, and professional development.

In tandem with this, the merger will create a robust national leadership in TCM education. By becoming the largest accredited TCM program in the United States, SCU and PCHS will unite their extensive faculty expertise, advanced clinical training, and research capabilities, delivering unparalleled educational experiences to their students.

Opportunities for Students and Faculty

The integration into SCU also means enhanced learning and development opportunities for both students and faculty. Various interprofessional experiences will be made available, allowing for a rich tapestry of collaborative learning that is vital in today’s healthcare landscape. Furthermore, graduates from both institutions will now be part of a significantly larger and more diverse alumni network, thus enriching their professional connections and mentoring opportunities.

SCU President Dr. John Scaringe emphasized that this move is not just about merging educational institutions but also about redefining healthcare’s future through a comprehensive, inclusive approach. “With this transition, we're amplifying our reach and impact on integrative healthcare transformation,” he stated.

Looking Ahead

As both institutions prepare for this change, slated for May 2026, pending regulatory approvals, the focus remains on delivering quality education and preparing future healthcare professionals who can adapt to and thrive in an evolving healthcare environment. PCHS President Malcolm Youngren remarked on the importance of this partnership, stating, “By joining forces with SCU, we ensure our campuses in Chicago and San Diego remain competitive and continue to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.”

In line with the new strategic focus, PCHS plans to expand its footprint in New York by increasing facilities at its Manhattan campus and potentially establishing satellite campuses within the metro area, aimed at meeting the demands of local healthcare providers for integrative solutions.

In conclusion, this merger symbolizes a commitment to pioneering healthcare education that merges conventional medicine with complementary approaches, particularly emphasizing holistic ways of treating individuals. The collaborative efforts of SCU and PCHS are set to redefine what it means to provide health education in the 21st century, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to address the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system as a whole.