Welcome to the School of Allied Health Professions, where your future begins. If you are considering a new allied health career or returning to advance your current one, we are committed to providing you a quality professional education and fostering your personal and spiritual development while you are attending our school. We encourage all of our students to learn not only in the classroom, but through mission and service both locally and globally. We are glad you are here, and we are ready to help you achieve your academic goals.
Craig R. Jackson, J.D., M.S.W.
Dean, School of Allied Health Professions
The School of Allied Health Professions was established in 1966 (under the name School of Health Related Professions, 1966-1971) to consolidate the administration of individual curricula initiated earlier in the University: medical technology, 1937; physical therapy, 1941; medical radiography, 1941; occupational therapy, 1959; and health information management (formerly medical record administration), 1963.
The following curricula were added since the school was established: nuclear medicine technology, 1970; radiation therapy technology, 1970; cardiopulmonary sciences (formerly respiratory therapy), 1971; nutrition and dietetics, 1972; medical sonography, 1976; special imaging technology, 1976; cytotechnology, 1982; coding specialist, 1987; physical therapist assistant, 1989; emergency medical care, 1993; physician assistant, 2000; rehabilitation sciences, 2001; polysomnography, 2002; radiologist assistant, 2003; medical dosimetry, 2003; orthotics and prosthetics, 2007; health-care administration, 2008; cardiac electrophysiology technology, 2009; and health professions education, 2010. The curriculum in speech-language pathology and audiology, renamed communication sciences and disorders in 2009, was initiated in 1965 under the auspices of the College of Arts and Sciences at La Sierra University (formerly Loma Linda University, La Sierra campus). The program was transferred to the School of Allied Health Professions in 1987. Policies and procedures governing programs currently offered are detailed in this section of the CATALOG following information that pertains to all School of Allied Health Professions students.
The School of Allied Health Professions is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of Loma Linda University through academic and clinical training of allied health professionals. The school prepares competent health professionals in a Christian environment that emphasizes the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ, "to make man whole."
To meet local, national, and international allied health-care needs, the school seeks to serve:
The goals of the School of Allied Health Professions are to:
The School of Allied Health Professions has adopted the University's institutional learning outcomes.
Wholeness Portfolio courses are designed to foster wholeness through transformative learning events and opportunities that align with Loma Linda University's Mission-focused learning environment.
To meet institutional learning outcomes, courses include the following:
Emphasis on health and wholeness informed by the Adventist perspective.
Integration of faith-based education as part of the Loma Linda University student experience.
Analysis of key leadership styles and personal leadership strengths.
Analysis of unconscious bias in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Engagement with diverse communities through service.
University students are responsible for informing themselves of and satisfactorily meeting all regulations pertinent to registration, matriculation, and graduation. It is important to review specific program requirements in the context of the general requirements applicable to all programs.
Program admissions committees of the University intend that an applicant to any of the schools is qualified for the proposed curriculum and is capable of profiting from the educational experience offered by this University. School admissions committees accomplish this by examining evidence of scholastic competence, moral and ethical standards, and significant qualities of character and personality. Applicants are considered for admission only on the recommendation of the program in which study is desired.
In selecting students, the Admissions Committee of the School of Allied Health Professions looks for evidence of self-discipline, personal integrity, and intellectual vigor. The committee also looks for evidence that applicants possess the capabilities required to complete the full curriculum in the allotted time and to achieve the levels of competence required. Acceptance into any program is contingent upon the recommendation of the department conducting the program.
Most programs require an interview with the faculty. Loma Linda University was established to provide education in a distinctively Christian environment, and its students are expected to adopt Christian ethical and moral standards as a basis for their conduct. It must be understood further that, in harmony with the University's emphasis on health and the health professions as well as the practices of the supporting Seventh-day Adventist Church, applicants who use tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or narcotics should not expect to be admitted.
Loma Linda University is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate against qualified persons on the basis of handicap, gender, race, color, or national or ethnic origin in its educational and admissions policies, financial affairs, employment programs, student life and services, or any University-administered program. It does, however, retain the right to give preference in student admissions to qualified Seventh-day Adventist applicants. While this right is retained, it should be emphasized that admission is not limited to Seventh-day Adventist applicants.
Correspondence about admission to all programs and requests for application information should be addressed to the Office of Admissions and Records, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350 or emailed to askalliedhealth@llu.edu.
One class is admitted annually to most of the professional programs. Most programs begin with either Summer or Autumn Quarter. Exceptions are noted in the respective programs of this CATALOG.
Late applications are considered as long as space is available. Notifications are generally sent between January 1 and May 15, depending on varying application deadlines, the completeness of information provided, and the date of application. Applicants should inquire at the Office of Admissions and Records if notice of action is not received by a month prior to the start of the program.
All completed applications are first reviewed by the department chair and faculty. A recommendation on each application is then submitted to the school's Admissions Committee that makes the final decision regarding acceptance.
The procedure for application and acceptance is given below. All correspondence is to be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350 or emailed to askalliedhealth@llu.edu. All official transcripts, international evaluations, and test scores are to be sent to Admissions Processing, Loma Linda University, 11139 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350.
High school and college subject requirements are outlined in the respective programs. Students are required to furnish official transcripts as evidence of completion of high school in order to be granted admission to undergraduate programs in any of the schools of the University. Applicants who have completed either an associate or bachelor's degree are exempt from submitting a high school transcript unless coursework in high school is used to satisfy a subject requirement. A high school diploma or its equivalent, the GED, is required.
Eligibility for consideration by the Admissions Committee is based on a G.P.A. of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all coursework (science and non-science subjects computed separately), presented in fulfillment of entrance requirements for all programs in the school. A G.P.A. considerably higher than the minimum is expected because of the nature of the studies in many professional programs and the competition for the limited number of openings. In general, G.P.A.s between 2.5 and 3.0 are considered minimal, depending on the program. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for all college transfer courses.
The information on student life contained in this CATALOG is brief. The most current Student Handbook more comprehensively addresses University and school expectations, regulations, and policies; and is available to each registered student. Students need to familiarize themselves with the contents of the Student Handbook. Additional information regarding policies specific to a particular school or program within the University is available from the respective school.
Because the student has chosen a professional field for their work, it is important that the student portray a professional image to those with whom they come into contact. Inappropriate dress, grooming, or conduct detracts from patients’ confidence in the quality of their care. In addition, Loma Linda University’s affiliating hospitals have standards that are generally reflected in the guidelines below. For these reasons, the School of Allied Health Professions provides the following standards that are required of the student while enrolled in the program.
Students are responsible for informing themselves of the policies and regulations pertinent to registration, matriculation, and graduation; and for satisfactorily meeting these requirements.
Students whose cumulative G.P.A. at the end of any quarter is less than the minimum required by the school or program will be placed on academic probation, and the number of units for subsequent registrations will be restricted to a maximum determined by the school or program. A student on academic probation jeopardizes their standing in a degree or certificate program.
In order to graduate from Loma Linda University with a bachelor's degree, a student must complete at least 32 of the last 48 units, or a minimum of 45 total units of coursework, at this University. A minimum grade of C (2.0) or better is required for all B.S. and post-baccalaureate degrees.
Graduation events include formal ceremonies identified as conferring of degrees, awarding of diplomas, and recognition of candidates for degrees. Other related graduation events include the baccalaureate and vespers services. The conferring of degrees ceremony(ies) occurs at the close of Spring Quarter and includes an academic procession, the formal conferring of degrees by the president, and the presentation of diplomas by the dean of the school. Candidates who complete the requirements for degrees and certificates are invited, with families and friends, to attend and participate in these important and colorful events.
To be eligible to participate in graduation events, candidates must have completed all requirements for the degree, including prerequisites and/or corequisites, as specified by the school. In certain degree programs, upon authorization of the dean, exceptions will be made for candidates who
The still in-progress coursework may not exceed eight units for graduate students or 12 units for undergraduate students. A student who completes the requirements for a degree or certificate (other than clinical experience) at the end of the Summer, Autumn, or Winter Quarter is invited to participate in the subsequent June commencement events. The official date of graduation on the diploma is ordinarily the last day of the term in which requirements for a degree are completed.
Superior academic performance and achievement in scholarship and leadership are recognized in the printed graduation program for persons who complete their baccalaureate degree and who at the end of the quarter preceding their final term have acquired a cumulative grade point average for all college work (includes coursework taken at other colleges/universities, except for remedial courses), as follows:
| 3.5 | Graduation cum laude |
| 3.8 | Graduation magna cum laude |
| 3.9 | Graduation summa cum laude |
Although the official commencement program indicates names of graduates who qualify for honors on the basis of their grade point averages as of the end of the quarter preceding their final term, the subsequently issued diploma and transcript may indicate graduation with honors if the student's final quarter record has increased the grade point average sufficiently to qualify for honors at that time.
A student who receives an unsatisfactory grade in a required course and is required by the faculty to do additional work may request permission of the faculty to pursue one of the following plans. In either plan, the student must register and pay the applicable tuition.
A student who receives an unsatisfactory grade in a required clinical experience course and is required by the faculty to do additional work must re-register for the course. Both the original and repeat grades are entered in the student's permanent academic record, but only the repeat grade is computed in the grade point average. A course may be repeated only once.
Each student's record is reviewed quarterly by the faculty. Promotion is contingent on satisfactory academic and professional performance and on factors related to aptitude, proficiency, and responsiveness to the established aims of the school and of the profession. As an indication of satisfactory academic performance, the student is expected to maintain the following grade point average at a minimum:
| 2.0 | Associate and baccalaureate degree programs |
| 3.0 | Master's degree program |
| 3.0 | Doctoral degree program |
A student whose grade point average in any term falls below the minimum required for the degree, who receives in any professional or required course a grade less than a C (2.0), or whose clinical performance is unsatisfactory is automatically placed on academic probation. Continued enrollment is subject to the recommendation of the department. If continued enrollment is not recommended, the case is referred to the school's Administrative Council for final action.
If continued enrollment is recommended, the student will be required to institute a learning assistance plan within the first two weeks of the following quarter and to meet regularly scheduled appointments with the academic advisor. The learning assistance plan should: identify the problem, identify and list the goals, state the time frame, and include student and advisor signatures and date.
A student who is on academic probation and fails to make the minimum required grade point average the following quarter or fails to have an overall minimum grade point average after two quarters will have disqualified themself from the program.
After initial enrollment in a program, students must complete program requirements within the following time frames:
| A.S. degree | 3 years |
| B.S. degree | 5 years |
| Master's degree | 5 years |
| Doctoral degree | 7 years |
For additional policies governing Loma Linda University students, see general policies of the University, as well as the University Student Handbook. Students are responsible for informing themselves of and satisfactorily meeting all regulations pertinent to registration, matriculation, and graduation.
The Office of the Dean is the final authority on all financial matters and is charged with the interpretation of all financial policies. Any exceptions to published policy in regard to reduction or reimbursement of tuition must be approved by the dean. Any statement by individual faculty members, program directors, or department chairs in regard to these matters is not binding on the school or the University unless approved by the dean.
Registration is not complete until tuition and fees for the required installment are paid; therefore, the student should be prepared to make these payments during scheduled registration for each academic year. There may be adjustments in tuition and fees as economic conditions warrant.
The student is expected to arrange for financial resources to cover all expenses before the beginning of each school year. Previous accounts with other schools or this University must have been settled.
Tuition, fees, and other cost-of-attendance items are located on the Find a Program webpage.
| $500 | Acceptance deposit, nonrefundable (applied on tuition)—entry-level D.P.T., M.P.A., and entry-level M.S.O.P. |
| $200 | Acceptance deposit, nonrefundable (applied on tuition)—CMSD M.S. and TM, PP D.P.T., entry-level OT, and O.T.D. |
| $100 | Acceptance deposit, nonrefundable (applied on tuition)—all other SAHP programs (excludes Phlebotomy, which is $25) |
| $200 | Late registration charge (if student registers later than one full week before the first day of the term; see University calendar for specific dates). |
| $25 | Returned check charge |
| $980 | Enrollment fee (not applicable to some online programs) |
Students may go to llu.edu/central/housing for housing information and a housing application form.
Awards for scholastic attainment and leadership ability have been made available to students whose performance and attitudes reflect well the ideals and purposes of the school.
The President's Award is given annually in recognition of superior scholastic attainment and active participation in the student community, within the framework of Christian commitment. A recipient is selected from each school of the University.
The Dean's Award is given annually in recognition of academic excellence and commitment to the objectives of the school.
The SAHP Endowment Scholarship is given to students who require financial aid assistance in order to attend the school.
The Robert and Ruth Hervig School of Allied Health SDA Scholarship is given to students enrolled in the school who are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and exhibit a Christian lifestyle.
The CPS scholarship fund is given to students enrolled in the department who require financial aid.
The American Medical Response Scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in the clinical practice of emergency medical service and outstanding academic achievement in the Emergency Medical Care Program.
The Faculty Award is presented to a student from the Emergency Medical Care B.S. degree, and/or the postprofessional Respiratory Care B.S. degree, and/or Masters in Respiratory Care (M.S.R.C.) programs who has shown promise of outstanding professional achievement and whose performance is in harmony with the objectives and goals of the University.
The Louisa Jezerinac Cardiopulmonary Scholarship is given to a student whose patient care exemplifies the qualities of compassion and dedication.
The Robert L. Wilkins Memorial Fund was established to honor the memory of alumnus and longtime faculty member Dr. Robert L. Wilkins. This scholarship is given to a student with financial need, who is in good standing with the department, and who has an interest in research and/or teaching.
The LLUMC & LLUCH Department of Respiratory Care scholarship fund is given to students enrolled in the department.
The Brian Po-Lin Lee CPS scholarship fund is given to students enrolled in the department who demonstrate a charismatic quality both in class and clinical setting, and who spend time helping other colleagues in class and clinical setting.
The CPS scholarship for Clinical Excellence in Respiratory Care fund is given to students enrolled in the department who excel in clinical practice in respiratory care.
The Affiliate Recognition Award is presented to a senior clinical laboratory science student for outstanding performance, cooperation, and motivation during the clinical practicum year. Selection is based on recommendation of the clinical faculty.
The Chair's Award is given to a senior clinical laboratory science student or to a cytotechnology student in recognition of outstanding scholarship and leadership qualities that are in harmony with the objectives and goals of the University. Selection is based on the recommendation of the faculty.
The Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Endowment Scholarship is presented to CLS students on the basis of financial need.
The Dr. James L. Welch Scholarship is presented to CLS students interested in education, research or treatment related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome .
The Faculty Award is presented to a senior clinical laboratory science student who has shown promise of outstanding professional achievement and who intends to pursue a career in the area of laboratory medicine. Selection is based on recommendation of the faculty.
The Moncrieff Scholarship is presented annually to a clinical laboratory science student who has demonstrated superior scholarship: professional dedication: financial need: and such personal attributes as dependability, integrity, and initiative.
The Walsch-Loock Scholarship is presented annually to a clinical laboratory science student on the basis of need, leadership capabilities, academic achievement, and community service orientation.
Students enrolled in the CLS program with financial need. Preference given to students coming from outside the United States to attend the school.
The Evelyn Britt Promising Student Award is presented to outstanding clinical and/or academic senior-year students enrolled in the department who have potential to continue with graduate studies.
The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Scholarship Endowment is given to students in the CMSD program to provide financial aid assistance.
The Elizabeth M. Guerra Scholarship is given to a senior student in the bachelor's degree program with a grade point average of at least 3.5. The student must demonstrate a dedication to the profession of health information management, good leadership skills, and good personal qualities, as determined by the faculty of the department.
In the interest of promoting student involvement in the international mission of Loma Linda University, the Audrey Shaffer Endowment provides travel expenses for student clinical and affiliation experiences in health-care facilities outside the United States.
The Davidian Scholarship Fund is for female students enrolled in the HIIM program that are 30 years of age or older.
The Faculty Award is presented to students who have shown promise of leadership, scholarship, and potential contribution to their chosen profession. One award is given annually to students graduating from the programs in health information administration and health information systems.
The Rising Star Award is presented to a senior student whose overall performance exemplifies significant potential for future professional contribution and contributions to the department and/or University.
The Health Health Informatics, Information Management, and Administration Scholarship is given to students enrolled in the department to provide financial aid assistance.
The Margaret B. Jackson Scholarship is presented by the department to a senior student on the basis of scholarship, promise of outstanding professional achievement, and financial need.
Given to a student based on scholarship and promise of professional achievement.
The Kathleen Keen Zolber Scholarship is given is given to a student in recognition of scholarship and promise of outstanding professional achievement.
The Jennie S. Hudson Scholarship is given to students enrolled in the department to provide assistance based on academic performance and promise of professional achievement.
The Martha Miller Scholarship Award is given to a student based on scholarship and promise of outstanding professional achievement.
The Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship Endowment Fund is given to a student based on scholarship and promise of professional achievement.
The Ruth Little Nelson Scholarship Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated leadership, integrity, dependability, and initiative.
The Winifred Van Pelt Schmitt Scholarship Endowment provides scholarships to students who have demonstrated financial need, satisfactory progress toward a degree, and professional promise.
To fund scholarships for students enrolled in the department.
The family of Erma Vhymeister requests these funds be given to a student who has good scholastic ability, is Spanish speaking and is South American or European.
The Dr. Donna Rubano Galluzzo Scholarship is given to students enrolled in a Nutrition and Dietetics program within the school. Recipients must embody the mission and values of the University to further the healing and teaching ministry of Jesus Christ "to make man whole" and must be recognized by the department as living up to their academic and professional potential.
This award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated the values and mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy and Loma Linda University, exemplified academic achievement, commitment to service, and positive contributions to the learning environment.
This award is presented to a graduating student who has exemplified the vision of the Department of Occupational Therapy to transform lives through occupation-based practice, service, and advocacy, and demonstrated leadership in sharing our vision with others.
This award is presented to a graduating student in recognition of potential for leadership and education in the field of occupational therapy.
This award is presented to a graduating student in recognition of commitment to the practice of pediatric and geriatric occupational therapy.
This award is presented to a graduating student who has been a positive role model and change agent, actively engaged in community service to provide improved quality of life in the local and global community.
The Hamid Javaherian Award is given to a student enrolled in the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, or any student in the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Student exemplifies compassion, leadership, program innovation, and dedication to the community in the spirit of occupational justice. Awards are to be given upon merit not financial need.
The Occupational Therapy Endowment Scholarship is given annually to students based on scholarship, financial need, and promise of professional achievement.
The PA Faculty Award is presented to a physician assistant student who has shown promise of outstanding professional achievement and whose performance is in harmony with the objectives and goals of the University.
The Spirit of LLU Physician Assistant Award recognizes students who have dedicated themselves to their professional goals, persevering with good humor in the face of adversity; have shown compassion for and sensitivity to others; have a positive attitude; and have served as positive ambassadors for this program throughout their PA program training.
The Chair's Award is presented to a senior PA student in recognition of outstanding performance and professional deportment in both the didactic and clinical phases of the program. The recipient is an individual who has consistently demonstrated qualities that are in harmony with the goals of the department and the University.
Recipients of the Physician Assistant Alumni Award demonstrate the following criteria: sound judgment in resolving student issues, willingness to lead activities or study groups, mature and responsible behavior, good rapport with peers and faculty/staff, and recent involvement in community service.
The Rising Star Award is presented to the student whose overall performance exemplifies the following criteria: advancement of the physician assistant profession, entrepreneurship in invention or learning, noteworthy performance in research, outstanding community service, interest in mentoring patients, and contributions to the department and/or University.
The Neidigh Physician Assistant Scholarship is for students enrolled in the department program who are qualified in their first year and awarded in their second year, have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher; and demonstrate sound judgement, willingness to lead, mature and responsible behavior, rapport with colleagues and community service involvement.
In recognition for demonstrating outstanding potential and promise in the profession of physical therapy.
The Jeanne Middleton Scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to students in their first year enrolled in the DPT program and is based on the financial need and professional potential.
The Jonna Hughes Memorial Scholarship was established by Dr. Billy Hughes to continue his mother's tradition of service. The scholarship benefits female physical therapy students who have risen above personal circumstances to fulfill a life in service to others.
The Fred B. Moor scholarship is presented to a student enrolled in the department with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater and has financial need.
The Matthew Lynn Schrader Memorial Scholarship is for PTA students enrolled in the program who exhibit: a passion for helping people, connecting with their patients, and financial need.
In recognition of leadership in school and community activities.
The Physical Therapy Scholarship Endowment is to provide financial aid assistance that are enrolled in the department program.
The Randall C. Isley Memorial Award recognizes a graduating PTA student who demonstrates scholarship, outstanding compassion, and inspiration in their pursuit of PTA as a second career.
The Ron Hershey Student Endowment provides scholarship funds for students who demonstrate financial need.
The Thomas G. Burke Memorial Scholarship is given to students enrolled in the doctoral degree program of the department and have satisfactorily completed at least one quarter of the program and have financial need.
The Faculty Award is given by the department in recognition of superior scholarship for the top G.P.A. in the graduating class as well as based on how the student has represented the University and program's mission and values.
These scholarships have been awarded to recognize and reward the educational endeavors of outstanding Radiologic Technology students in gaining the professional imaging skills, training, and experience necessary to join the ranks of the Radiologic Technology profession. These particular scholarships are made possible by the gifts of generous alumni and friends of the school.
The Walter L. Stilson Award is given to a student based on exemplary clinical performance and who has shown promise of outstanding professional achievement in the clinical setting. In addition, whose performance is in harmony with the objectives of the Medical Radiography program.
This award is given to one student in the department who demonstrates an above-and beyond attitude. This student is also known to help faculty on projects and support the program in a broad variety of ways. The Rising Star recipient is going places and will be a great representative in the profession they will join after graduation. Criteria for this award include advancing the profession, invention or leadership entrepreneurship, research, mentoring, community Service, and contribution the the school.
The Southern California Kaiser Permanente Radiologic Technology scholarship has been created to encourage the Radiologic Technology students at Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions to continue their education and reward outstanding students so that they gain the professional imaging skills, training, and experience necessary to join the ranks of the Radiologic Technology profession. The scholarships are based on a combination of scholastic achievement and commitment to the imaging profession and are awarded as a LLU SAHP Radiologic Technology or Diagnostic Medical Sonography scholarship.
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