Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA | Ownership not categorized | MPA: Master of Physician Assistant
Program Snapshot
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Start term | September 2027 |
| Review model | Rolling - Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Delivery | Campus-based |
| Part-time option | No |
| Testing | None |
| Accreditation | Accreditation-Continued |
| First accredited | 2000/09/15 |
| Next ARC-PA review | 2027/07 |
Mission and Program Differentiators
Published Mission
Loma Linda University Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Sciences educates primary care physician assistants who will provide healthcare in collaboration with physicians as active members of a professional healthcare team. We are committed to excellence and compassion for the whole person and quality healthcare for underserved communities locally and globally, in accordance with the mission of Loma Linda University and the School of Allied Health Professions.
Use these details only when they genuinely connect to your prior clinical, service, academic, or teamwork record.
Academic Thresholds and Cohort Context
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Minimum overall GPA | 3.00 |
| Minimum science GPA | 3.00 |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA | Not reported |
| Reported matriculant overall GPA | 3.76 |
| Reported matriculant science GPA | 3.75 |
Interpretation: Minimums are eligibility screens. Matriculant averages describe a recent entering cohort and should not be treated as guarantees or hidden cutoffs.
Prerequisite Planning
- Human Anatomy 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Microbiology 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Chemistry (general)8 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Human Physiology 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- English 6 Credit(s)
- Math (general)3 Credit(s)
- Math (algebra)3 Credit(s)
- Psychology 3 Credit(s)
- Sociology 3 Credit(s)
- Outstanding pre-requisites must be completed in the following time frame By the end of Spring quarter of the year of matriculation.
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Additional course policy | We also accept the Human Anatomy and Physiology sequence, with laboratory for both courses, as well as the Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry sequence, with laboratory for all three courses. |
| Course recency | 10 Years |
| Outstanding-course deadline | By the end of Spring quarter of the year of matriculation. |
| Maximum outstanding prerequisites | 2 |
Compare labs, semester or quarter conversion, minimum grades, recency, online-course rules, and completion timing course by course.
Clinical Experience and Shadowing
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Healthcare experience | Yes, required |
| Paid healthcare experience | Not Required |
| Volunteer healthcare experience | Recommended but not required |
| Healthcare experience hours | 2000 |
| Healthcare experience time limit | No Requirement |
| Paid direct patient care | Required |
| Volunteer direct patient care | Recommended but not required |
| Direct patient-care hours | 2,000 |
| Direct patient-care time limit | No Requirement |
| PA shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Physician shadowing | Not Required |
| Other-provider shadowing | Not Required |
| Clinical or non-clinical research | Not Required |
| Virtual healthcare accepted | No |
| Virtual shadowing accepted | No |
Strategy: Even when hours are recommended rather than required, describe role scope, patient contact, clinical judgment, teamwork, and what you learned about the PA profession.
Application Mechanics
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| CASPA deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Reported resident tuition | Not reported |
| Reported non-resident tuition | Not reported |
| Deadline status requirement | Blue-Submit only: the applicant must only submit the application by your posted deadline. |
| Supplemental application | Yes |
| Supplemental deadline | Not reported |
| Supplemental fee | Not reported |
| Reference letters | 3 |
| Reference types | Employee/Supervisor; PA; Physician |
| Seat deposit | Yes, $500 |
| Deposit refundable | No |
Eligibility and Access Policies
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state applicants | Yes |
| Transfer applicants | No |
| DACA applicants considered | Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website. |
| International applicants accepted | Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website. |
| On-campus housing | Yes |
| Veteran support | Clinical partnerships: Partnerships with veteran organizations for rotations.;Special admission consideration: Processes that recognize military veterans. |
Applicant Fit Analysis
Published Admissions Considerations
Seventh-day Adventists, Graduates of LLU, LLUH Employee, Documented military service, Resident of San Bernardino or Riverside County, Meaningful, continuous involvement in community service consistent with the mission and values of LLU
Mission alignment
Loma Linda University Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Sciences educates primary care physician assistants who will provide healthcare in collaboration with physicians as active members of a professional healthcare team. We are committed to excellence and compassion for the whole person and quality healthcare for underserved communities locally and globally, in accordance with the mission of Loma Linda University and the School of Allied Health Professions.
Recent cohort context
Reported matriculant averages were 3.76 overall and 3.75 science GPA. These are context, not admission cutoffs.
Potential Constraints to Resolve Before Applying
- Rolling review means an application submitted well before the deadline may receive earlier consideration.
- At least 2,000 direct patient-care hours are reported.
- The reported overall GPA floor is 3.00; meeting a floor does not indicate competitiveness.
- The reported science GPA floor is 3.00.
- Prerequisite recency policy: 10 Years.
- No more than 2 prerequisite courses may remain outstanding.
- A supplemental application is reported.
- An interview is required (Group Interview, Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)).
Interview Preparation
Reported requirement: Yes · Group Interview · Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
| Format | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| Group Interview | Show collaborative leadership through active listening, constructive additions, and space-making rather than dominating the discussion. |
| Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) | Practice timed ethical, communication, teamwork, and health-system scenarios. Explain the reasoning process, not just the conclusion. |
Interview formats can change. Confirm whether the current cycle is onsite or virtual and whether writing, group, or timed scenario components are included.
Accreditation and Outcome Questions
Current status: Accreditation-Continued. First accreditation: 2000/09/15. Next review: 2027/07.
Questions worth answering before enrollment
- What are the latest first-time and ultimate PANCE pass rates, with cohort year and denominator?
- What are the latest graduation and attrition rates?
- How far may students travel or temporarily relocate for clinical rotations, and who bears those costs?
- Are core rotations assigned by the program, and can students be required to secure elective sites?
- What remediation, deceleration, and dismissal policies apply during didactic and clinical training?
Sources
| Source | What it supports |
|---|---|
| Official program website | Current program policies, curriculum, outcomes, and application instructions |
| PAEA program profile (updated March 6th, 2026) | Program-supplied admissions, curriculum, and matriculant data |
| ARC-PA accreditation source | Accreditation status and review history |