Physician Assistant

Overview

The Physician Assistant program at Loma Linda University begins autumn quarter. It consists of a 12-month didactic phase that provides a foundation of biological, behavioral, and medical sciences. This is followed by a 12-month clinical phase of clerkships in a variety of medical specialties designed to provide diverse and intensive patient care experience. A new class is accepted annually, with students selected from a variety of clinical backgrounds. Students are selected from a variety of clinical backgrounds. Experience in patient care, duration of experience, level of patient contact, and degree of responsibility are considered in the evaluation of each prospective student.

Profession

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine under physician supervision. They are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services. Within the MD/PA relationship, PAs conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, counsel on health care issues, and assist in surgery. They also treat injuries by suturing, splinting and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or carry out therapy. The PA's practice is centered on patient care and may also include educational, research, and administrative activities.

Possible Careers: Private practice, Clinic or hospital settings, Research, Teaching and Administration.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued to the Loma Linda University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Loma Linda University.