Mission Statement:

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 disadvantaged communities locally and globally, in accordance with the mission of Loma Linda University and the School of Allied Health Professions.

Vision:

Graduates of the Loma Linda University Master of Physician Assistant program will be recognized for professional excellence, integrity, empathy, teamwork, and advocating lifestyle changes to promote wholeness.

Program Competencies:

  1. Medical Knowledge

    Acquire foundational medical knowledge and apply evidence-based medicine in clinical practice to develop comprehensive plans of care that are effective and equitable across all ages, populations, and conditions.

  2. Interpersonal and communication skills

    Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with patients, families, and other members of the health care team to individualize patient education, care recommendations, and informed health care decisions with cultural competency and humility.

  3. Clinical and technical skills

    Perform clinical and technical skills that foster the development of a differential diagnosis and treatment plan that is patient-population specific.

  4. Clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills

    Integrate findings from the patient history, physical exam, and diagnostic studies, with consideration of social determinants of health, to develop a comprehensive management plan.

  5. Professional behaviors

    Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning, and an understanding of professionalism in a PA practice environment, including all interactions with patients, caregivers and members of the health care team.

Program Goals 

  1. Prepare students to address the health care needs of the underserved community. 

    Upon graduation, students are asked to complete an exit survey to assess their experience in the PA Program at Loma Linda University.  In this survey, the students are asked to rate their overall educational experience, including their ability to “improve access to medical services by providing whole person care to those living in underserved communities.” For the class of 2025, the mean student rating was 4.13 on a 5.0 Likert-scale. With a benchmark of 3.8 or higher, the program was effective in meeting this goal for the 2025 cohort.

    Additionally, preceptors are surveyed on the students’ preparedness upon entry into their clinical year.  For the class of 2025, the mean preceptor rating was a 4.10 on a 5.0 Likert-scale. With a benchmark of 3.8 or higher, the program was effective in meeting this goal for the 2025 cohort. 

  2. Recruit and matriculate students from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. 

    To assess effectiveness in meeting this goal, the PA Program at Loma Linda University compared its data on the matriculated student population to that identified in the 2024 NCCPA annual report for the PA profession (when available). For the class of 2025, the program accepted a slightly higher number of female applicants, with an overall percentage of 83.3%, compared to 76.9% nationally. Regarding race/ethnicity, the PA program determined it was effective in matriculating a diverse cohort, identifying the following statistics (program vs. national): White 52.8% versus 72.4%, Hispanic/Latino 33.3% versus 11.2%, Asian 19.4% versus 11.6%, and Black 0.0% versus 4.8%. 

    The program also is effective in matriculating individuals affiliated with the military.  Notably, for the classes of 2024 and 2025, the percentages within the cohorts were 10.8% and 2.8%, respectively. Lastly, the program is effective in matriculating those with a diverse religious affiliation. For the class of 2025, these affiliations include those identified as Christian (75%), Jewish (5.6%), Muslim/Islam (2.8%), Agnostic/Unaffiliated (0.0%), and Other World Religions (11.1%). 

  3. Promote life-long learning and active engagement within the PA profession. 

    Upon graduation, students are asked to complete an exit survey to assess their experience in the PA Program at Loma Linda University.  In this survey, the students are asked to rate their overall educational experience, including how well the program prepared them to “be a life-long learner and be actively engaged in the PA Profession.” For the class of 2025, the mean student rating was 4.21 on a 5.0 Likert-scale.  With a benchmark of 3.8 or higher, the program was effective in meeting this goal for the 2025 cohort.  

    During the clinical phase of the program, preceptors are asked to rate their student learners on their practice-based learning and improvement skills as future clinicians.  The PA program expects all students to receive the highest level on at least one rotation evaluation, equating to a 5.0 on a Likert-scale and at “Entry-Level PA Performance.” The program was effective at reaching this goal, as 100% of students were able to achieve this rating during their clinical phase. 

    Lastly, the PA Program identifies the importance that its students contribute and be actively engaged with their state and national organizations.  The program was effective in maintaining a 100% rate of student memberships with CAPA and AAPA for the 2025 cohort.

  4. Equip students to provide culturally competent care to diverse populations. 

    Upon graduation, students are asked to complete an exit survey to assess their experience in the PA Program at Loma Linda University.  In this survey, the students are asked to rate their overall educational experience, including how well the program prepared them to “provide culturally competent care to diverse populations with passion and excellence.” For the class of 2025, the mean student rating was 4.15 on a 5.0 Likert-scale. With a benchmark of 3.8 or higher, the program was effective in meeting this goal for the 2025 cohort.  

    During their didactic phase, 100% of students in the class of 2025 completed a course in culture and community.  In alignment with the mission statement of the university and PA Program, students are encouraged and provided opportunity to complete mission services as part of their educational experience.  For the class of 2025, the program was effective in having 100% of eligible students complete a mission trip.  Additionally, a total of nine students were able to complete an elective in an international rotation, with over 50% funding provided by a PA Program grant.  

  5. Train students to collaborate with other members of an interdisciplinary health care team to provide quality patient care. 

    Upon graduation, students are asked to complete an exit survey to assess their experience in the PA Program at Loma Linda University.  In this survey, the students are asked to rate their overall educational experience, including how well the program prepared them to “collaborate with other members of an interdisciplinary health care team to provide quality patient care.” For the class of 2025, the mean student rating was 4.13 on a 5.0 Likert-scale. With a benchmark of 3.8 or higher, the program was effective in meeting this goal for the 2025 cohort. 

    To support this goal, the class of 2025 was provided with 12 ultrasound labs in their didactic phase, coordinated with the Ultrasound Program at Loma Linda University.  They also experienced a total of five interprofessional education/lab simulated events with multiple professions across the university, effectively exposing them to various roles on the interdisciplinary team. 
     

Program Learning Outcomes 

By graduation, students will… 

  1. Accurately identify, diagnose, and manage common acute, chronic, and emergent conditions across the lifespan. 
  2. Develop prioritized differential diagnoses and evidence-based treatment plans from patient data. 
  3. Develop clinical and technical skills to perform comprehensive and focused patient histories and physical examinations. 
  4. Adapt to communication strategies to meet varying health literacy levels and cultural backgrounds. 
  5. Model professional behavior, including respect, compassion, and cultural humility, as evaluated by faculty and preceptors.