Program Overview

Pathologists' Assistant, MHS

The Pathologists' Assistant program is offered by the School of Medicine at Loma Linda University.

Program Description

The program is designed to provide students with the necessary education and training to become a skilled and compassionate pathologists' assistant.

Program Length

The program is two years in length.

Possible Careers

Graduates of the program may pursue careers as a pathologists' assistant, university instructor, or laboratory management and administration professional.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the program are as follows:

• Autumn of 2026:
  • Application Open: November 1, 2025
  • Priority Deadline: Not specified
  • Final Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Autumn of 2027:
  • Application Open: November 1, 2026
  • Priority Deadline: Not specified
  • Final Deadline: March 31, 2027

Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements for the program include:

• Grade Point Average: 3.0 cumulative minimum
• Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's intellectual ability, work ethic, and professionalism
• Interview: A personal interview with the Pathologists Assistant Program Admission Committee
• Shadowing or Work Experience: Applicant must complete a surgical shadowing experience with a practicing Pathologists' Assistant or have applicable work experience in Surgical or Autopsy Pathology
• GRE: Not required
• Transcript: Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended, including U.S. and Canadian institutions

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for the program include:

• 8 SH Biology with laboratory
• 8 SH College Chemistry with lab
• Organic Chemistry I and II with laboratory
• Biochemistry with laboratory (optional but preferred)
• 4 SH Microbiology with laboratory
• 3 SH College algebra or higher
• 3 SH English Composition or Comparable

Accrediting Agencies

The program is accredited by the following agencies:

• NAACLS (Discipline Accrediting Agency)
• WASC (State Accrediting Agency)

Expected Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance for the program is as follows:

Required Program Costs

• Year 1:
  • Tuition & Fees: $42,777
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $3,000
• Year 2:
  • Tuition & Fees: $47,196
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $2,500
• Year 3:
  • Tuition & Fees: $10,979
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $0

Other Educational Costs

• Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance):
  • On Campus Dorm: $12,447 (Year 1), $16,596 (Year 2), $4,149 (Year 3)
  • LLU Owned Rental Property: $21,942 (Year 1), $29,256 (Year 2), $7,314 (Year 3)
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents: $22,437 (Year 1), $29,916 (Year 2), $7,479 (Year 3)
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents: $7,650 (Year 1), $10,200 (Year 2), $2,550 (Year 3)
  • Off Campus: $21,942 (Year 1), $29,256 (Year 2), $7,314 (Year 3)
• Transportation Allowance: $3,150 (Year 1), $4,200 (Year 2), $1,050 (Year 3)
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $3,285 (Year 1), $4,380 (Year 2), $1,095 (Year 3)
• Federal Student Loan Fees: $218 (Year 1), $218 (Year 2), $218 (Year 3)
• Cost of Obtaining Professional License: $0 (Year 1), $0 (Year 2), $0 (Year 3)
• Dependent Care: Available upon request
• Disability-Related Expenses: Available upon request

Notes

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only.
• Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year.
• International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.