Hi,
You made a great decision to attend PCO, their clinical program is really good.
As far as the academics, I know they have made it a tiny bit easier since I was a 1st year. Each year they are revising little things, to help make the experience at PCO more enjoyable and a bit more doable. However, its not to say that the work is not intense. Sometimes it can get very rough, the best advice I can give you is time management. If you study hard, you'll be fine.
It does get better, first year is tough b/c your adjusting to the new school and the amount of material you are given. However, I can't say that the credit load gets any easier. I am taking 28 credit units this fall. 😱 Luckily, its my last semester.
Good luck 🙂