What Is It Known For?
The Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences trains over 200 students each year in healthcare programs that blend classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice.
Gwen Jackson established it in 1989 as the Kaiser Permanente School of Radiology, with backing from Tony Gateley and The Permanente Medical Group.
As enrollment grew and new programs launched, the name changed to Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences. In September 2014, the school received regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Degrees & Certifications
Programs at Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences range from nine weeks to 27 months. You can earn certificates or degrees depending on which path you take. The school offers the following programs:
- Extended Education
- Medical Assisting
- Nuclear Medicine
- Phlebotomy
- Radiography
- MS in Counselling
- Sonography
Class Schedules
The specific class schedules at Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences will depend on the program you choose.
Classes meet either during the day or evening through a mix of online synchronous sessions and in-person instruction. Clinical experience, including externships, is also part of most programs.
Another addition to your academic experience is that you’ll get to train on specialized software and spend a full quarter rotating through Kaiser facilities.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Regional accreditation through theWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) positions the Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences as a credible learning environment. Individual programs also hold their own programmatic accreditations.
Acceptance Rate
The school has not published an overall acceptance rate. However, each program at Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences sets its own requirements. If you meet the prerequisites listed in theschool catalog and qualify for admission, you can enroll.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Tuition at Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences runs from $3,060 to $37,800 depending on your program. Additional fees apply to each course of study.
The school does not have a net cost calculator at the moment, so for more information on your financial preparation,contact the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Medical Assisting
- Phlebotomy
- Radiography
- Sonography
Campus Locations
Richmond 938 Marina Way South Richmond, CA 94804
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences (KPSAHS) in Richmond, California, is viewed as a high-stakes, rigorous institution. While it offers direct ties to one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, student feedback suggests a polarizing experience characterized by intense academic pressure and administrative challenges.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Institutional Affiliation: The school is officially sponsored by The Permanente Medical Group, providing a direct link to the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system. This affiliation is seen as a major benefit for those looking to start a career within the organization.
Thorough and Extensive Curriculum: Shorter certification courses, such as Phlebotomy, are highly rated for being comprehensive. Students in these programs appreciate the small class sizes, which allow for a strong student-teacher connection and exceptional preparation for the field.
Patient-Centered Approach: In clinical settings associated with the school, reviewers have noted a “patient-centered” system where care is provided in a timely and professional manner.
Career Readiness: Successful graduates often feel extremely well-prepared for their licensing exams and professional roles, creditng the school’s high standards and “real-world” training environment.
Common Criticisms
Rigid and Strict Policies: Several students have described the programs as overly rigorous with “strict teachers and policies.” One major point of contention is the clinical evaluation process; a reviewer noted being let go just weeks before graduation based on a single preceptor’s feedback, describing the experience as devastating and unfair.
Administrative and Communication Barriers: Some students find the program structure confusing, citing “hidden assignments” and a difficult communication chain. Getting clear answers to questions can reportedly involve a frustrating loop of emails and phone calls.
High Costs and Perceived Value: There are significant concerns regarding the tuition, with some reviewers questioning the value of paying upwards of $20,000 per year—especially when classes were remote—relative to the lower costs of community colleges.
Unfair Admissions Process: The interview and selection process has been described by some applicants as “horrible and unfair,” leading to a perception of arrogance within the school’s leadership.
Momentum
KPSAHS enters 2026 as a critical pipeline for specialized medical professionals in Northern California, maintaining its status as a highly competitive “fast-track” option for allied health careers. The school remains focused on addressing regional healthcare shortages by producing graduates in high-demand fields like Radiologic Technology and Ultrasound. While its reputation for academic toughness remains, its 2026 momentum is driven by its continued integration into the Kaiser Permanente network, offering students unique access to top-tier clinical placements and potential employment opportunities that are often unavailable to students at traditional public institutions.