CSU’s were originally setup to educate local students (in-service area) and get them out into the workforce.
UC’s were setup to educate students that would go onto graduate and professional degrees so more research going on at UC’s vs. CSU’s. The line between UC’s and CSU’s have blurred over the years since many CSU’s offer graduate studies and research opportunities.
One is not better than the other. You need to figure which would fit you best. In general, the majority of the UC’s are harder to be accepted into than the CSU’s with a few exceptions such as Cal Poly SLO, San Diego State, CSU Long Beach etc…
I had one son graduate from a CSU and one son for a UC. Both attended schools they felt fit them academically, financially and socially.
Regarding EC’s, I cannot answer why EC’s are not considered at the CSU’s (except Cal Poly SLO) vs. a UC but many state schools thoughout the US will admit applicants just based on academic stats only (GPA/Test scores).
PA school not only has course requirements, High GPA required to apply, but they also upwards of 2000 hours of paid patient care contact prior to applying.
https://www.aapa.org/what-is-a-pa/
What Healthcare degree are you interested in obtaining? Public Health requires a Masters for good job prospects. A Physical therapist a doctorate degree to work in the field. Depending upon which health care field you are targeting, many do require an advanced degree.