Physician assistants (PAs) provide health-care services with supervision by physicians. They should not be confused with medical assistants (MAs) who perform routine clinical and clerical tasks. PAs are licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health-care services under the direction of a physician. Working as members of the health-care team, they take medical histories, examine patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, and make diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs write treatment plans and progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or perform therapeutic services. In 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam, physician assistants may prescribe medications. PAs may also have managerial or supervisory duties.
The master of physician assistant degree prepares students to enter the professional world of health care. The entry-level professional program at Loma Linda University takes eight quarters to complete and is 24 months in length. This includes the didactic, research, and clinical components of the program. Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded the master of physician assistant degree.
A new class of approximately 26 students is admitted each September. Students are selected from a variety of health-related backgrounds. Patient care experience is required. The level and duration of the experience, type of patient contact, and the degree of responsibility are all considered in the evaluation of the applicant.
The Loma Linda University physician assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
The intent of the physician assistant program of the School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP) is to educate competent primary care physician assistants (PAs) who can evaluate, manage, and provide satisfactory health care to the general population. Candidates admitted to the program are expected to complete the academic and clinical requirements of the professional program.
Although physician assistants generally work in a comfortable, well-lighted environment, those in surgery often stand for long periods, and others do considerable walking. Schedules vary according to practice setting and often depend on the hours of the supervising physician. The work week of PAs in physician offices may include weekends, night hours, or early morning hospital rounds to care for patients. PAs may also be on call or subject to call back in case of emergencies. PAs in clinics often work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Physician assistants need to be able to perform essential tasks (e.g., physical examinations, suturing) and need to have leadership skills, self-confidence, and emotional stability to deal with the demands of health care.
We will be happy to answer your questions regarding our program. For further information, please call the physician assistant program at (909) 558-7295 or 1 (800) 422-4558, or email the School of Allied Health Professions office of admissions.
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Last Revised: Mon, Apr 23, 2007