California State University, San Bernardino is shutting down its physician assistant studies program — at least for now — after it failed to get accredited.

The end of the master's program is a blow to the Inland Empire, a region that's long dealt with doctor shortages. PAs, as they're known, are not doctors, but under a physician's supervision can perform many of the same functions, including examining patients, diagnosing medical issues and prescribing medication.

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