Answers to questions regarding the Physician Assistant Program

Do I have to be a Seventh-day Adventist to apply your University?

No. We accept students from all faiths and religions at our University.

What are the tuition costs?
Physician Assistant--Master of Physician Assistant

Do I need a bachelor's degree?

Yes, a bachelor's degree is required when you submit your application through CASPA for this two-year full-time master's degree program. In order to be eligible for admission, your bachelor's degree must be completed by December 31 for the school year starting the following September. 

Example:

Complete your bachelor's degree by December 31, 2008 in order to be eligible for the September 2009 class.

The prerequisites say I need a college Algebra class. Is this flexible?

No, you need college algebra (but we will accept introduction to calculus or calculus). Statistics will not suffice for college algebra.

I have an overall/science GPA lower than 3.0. Will the PA Sciences department accept my application?

Our prerequisite regarding GPA states: "To be competitive an overall GPA of 3.0 (minimum) or above and a science GPA of 3.0 (minimum) or above on a 4.0 scale." The average GPA of accepted students is currently averaging 3.67.

Is the GPA requirement based on the listed prerequisites?

The overall and science GPA is based on your accumulated college education.

Does LLU have a bachelor's degree in Physician's Assistant Sciences?

No this is a master's degree program only. You need a previous bachelor's degree BEFORE you apply to the program.

Do two associate's degrees equal a bachelor's degree?

No. They are different levels of education. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college is required.

Can I CLEP classes within the program, if I have a previous medical degree or have previous medical course credits?

In order to obtain a degree as a Physician Assistant from Loma Linda University, you must apply and meet all admissions and program requirements and complete all required classes within the outlined PA program. 

I am a medical professional licensed in another country. Can I get certification as a Physician Assistant in the United States?

Yes, but you must apply and meet all the admission and program requirements and complete all required classes within the PA program before a degree will be issued. If your education was obtained outside of the US, you will need to also meet all international student admissions and financial requirements.

When do you accept students into your program?

We accept students during the fall/autumn quarter. The students begin as a group and work through the program together as a class. Apply before November 1st.

What is a master's degree?

The master's degree is a higher degree of education, the skills you attain will make you more marketable when seeking employment.

I would like to visit the PA Sciences department to talk with a faculty member regarding admissions into the program.

Please make an appointment by contacting our department office.

Where do I apply?

All applications are processed through CASPA.

Where do I send my letters of recommendation and transcripts?

Send letters of recommendation to CASPA. Request your previous institutions to send original transcripts to CASPA directly. If you receive an invitation for an interview from LLU, you will be required to request a second set of college and university transcripts to be sent directly to LLU.

Are GRE scores required for the PA Sciences program?

No. We do not require the GRE Exam Score.

Is there a supplemental application to complete and where do I find it?

All applicants will receive further instructions from the PA dept when to submit a secondary application.

I sent my application to CASPA some time ago but have not heard anything from the PA Sciences department. When can I expect to be notified of an interview?

• You may use your CASPA PIN to check the status of your application. If there are elements missing you should contact those who you have asked to send the information.
  
• It depends on whether or not you have the required elements.
  
• We begin applicant interviews in early January, and complete them around the end of February.

What if my application is missing data? Will somebody contact me?

If your GPA meets the requirement and you meet the general criteria but have missing prerequisites or minor details, you may be contacted either by phone or email regarding this matter. It is up to you to submit the material in question as soon as possible.

I submitted a CASPA application last year and want to reapply for this year. Do I have to fill out another CASPA application or can you use the one from last year?

You need to re-apply with CASPA each year. However, CASPA may have retained your transcript and personal data. Please use your PIN to check with CASPA.