Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Why the physician assistant profession?
Practise explaining why the PA role fits your experiences and goals. Review whether you distinguish the profession clearly, use specific evidence, and connect your motivation to patient care; then record again with a sharper answer.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Physician Assistant.
- Duration: 24 months and 131 units.
- Location: Loma Linda, California.
- Cohort: up to 50 each September.
- Interview: required; current delivery mechanics are not public.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review July 2027.
Admission requirements
Applicants need an accredited bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, required letter-graded U.S. prerequisites, 2,000 documented paid patient-care hours by August 1 of the matriculation year and programme-specific recommendations including a physician or PA reference. No more than two prerequisites, and only one science prerequisite, may remain outstanding. Official requirements
Important dates
- May 1: recurring CASPA opening.
- October 1: recurring CASPA deadline.
- Within 15 days of receipt or December 15: supplemental due.
- December 31: degree must be complete.
- August through February: interview period.
- Following September: classes begin.
The official page publishes this recurring route without attaching calendar years. Official admissions page
How selection works
Published preferences include Seventh-day Adventist affiliation, LLU graduates or employees, military service, local residence and sustained mission-consistent service. Applicants without those preferences are still considered. Exact file-review thresholds and weights are not public. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete an interview during the August-to-February window.
Not published
Current delivery mode, location, number, duration, prompts, interviewer roles, file access, rubric and quantitative weight are not public. Official admissions page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants aligned with Loma Linda's Seventh-day Adventist health mission and service focus. The affiliation is a preference, not a published eligibility requirement. Official mission page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your service evidence and mission alignment are specific. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is Seventh-day Adventist affiliation required?
No published rule makes it an eligibility requirement, but it is an admissions preference.
How much paid patient care is required?
Two thousand documented hours by August 1 of the matriculation year.
How long is the program?
Twenty-four months.
Is an interview required?
Yes; current delivery mechanics are not published.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published