California Health Sciences University in Clovis revealed plans to open an osteopathic medical school, according to The Business Journal.
The medical school could open as early as fall 2019.
The American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation granted the pending medical school "applicant" status.
CHSU President Florence Dunn said university officials have wanted to establish a medical school since the university's founding in 2012. "With the rapid growth in our population and increasing disparity in healthcare access — and coupled with the success of our pharmacy program — we've decided to make the medical school an immediate priority," she said.
CHSU officials are currently working to name a board of trustees and a founding dean for the medical school.