Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University began in an unusual manner in 1905 when Seventh-day Adventists, John Burden and Ellen White, developed a partnership that would purchase property and develop what would become the Loma Linda Sanitarium. The property was four miles west of Redlands, just over five miles southeast of San Bernardino and eight miles north of Riverside. White believed she had seen the property in a vision and pushed Burden to secure the property, creating a location for the new sanitarium.

In 1906, a council of church workers met at Loma Linda to create plans for a medical missionary school with courses that would qualify nurses and prepare them to work as educators in medical evangelistic work. The school would also education physicians who would have a strong desire to serve as missionaries throughout the world. The Loma Linda College of Evangelists was established by charter in 1906 with programs in religion, industrial and general studies along with nursing and medical fields.

When the school first opened, students were taught at Loma Linda, but they had to travel to Los Angeles for their clinical experience. Because the school did not have a clinic, the American Medical Association would not recognize the school as a medical college. By 1922, a hospital had been constructed on Boyle Avenue, providing students with a local clinic for them to complete their studies.

On July 9, 1967, the school opened the Loma Linda University Medical Center, moving patients from the old community hospital. The school had gained university status in 1961.

Today, Loma Linda University is part of the 570 health-care institutions operated by the Seventh-day Adventists. There are over 4,600 students enrolled at the university and more than 29,000 living alumni. The university still offers an education that is strongly based in Seventh-day Adventist values. Just as the day the college opened, the school has curriculum steeped in Christian values with a focus on the global mission of promoting healthful living, caring for the sick and sharing the good news of a loving God. The university believes that all persons are called to friendship with a loving God and prepare students to be skilled Christian health professionals and scholars.

Loma Linda University Accreditation Details

Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Accreditation indicates that the university meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the agency that indicates excellence in education. Specific programs are also accredited by the following agencies:

• Accreditation Council Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• American Society of Cryopathology
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information
• Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education

Loma Linda University Application Requirements

Students who wish to attend Loma Linda University must complete an application through the Centralized Application Services (CASs). Students must provide a high school transcript that indicates completion of high school or its equivalent. Students who have earned an associate’s degree or higher from another college or university are not required to submit a high school transcript, but must submit official college transcripts from all colleges and universities they have attended. Some programs require submission of test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT. Students must provide three recommendations and must pay the nonrefundable application fee.

Loma Linda University Tuition and Fees

Tuition at Loma Linda University per quarter unit is $785. Financial aid is available and almost $147 million was granted in 2013-14. Almost 80 percent of students receive some form of financial aid. Loma Linda University strives to assist students with funding their education and helping them understand the financial resources available. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for any financial aid.

Loma Linda University Degree Programs Available

Master of Science in Counseling

The Master of Science in Counseling provides students with a broad academic background in mental health counseling and professional training for careers working with individuals, families and groups. Students are provided the skills and knowledge to help them work through personal and relationship concerns that include anxiety, depression, family stress and other issues that can lead to mental illness. The program takes two years to complete.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Loma Linda University follows a traditional scientist-practitioner model. Students are provided an education that is at the highest level of academic excellence and meets the APA standards of accreditation for graduate programs. Students may obtain positions in clinical settings or enter fields of research in clinical psychology. The program takes six years to complete.

Psy.D. in Psychology

The Psy.D. in Psychology program at Loma Linda University prepares students for leadership positions in a wide variety of clinical, business or governmental settings. In addition, students are prepared to enter the field of research in psychology. There is more emphasis placed on the clinical practice in this program than in the Ph.D. program. The program is rigorous and committed to the highest level of excellence available. The program takes five years to complete and includes an internship that must be completed for the program.

In addition to degree programs in psychology and counseling, Loma Linda University also offers Post-Baccalaureate Certification Programs in Family Counseling as well as Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Loma Linda University does not currently offer online degree programs in Behavioral Health, there are courses that may be taken online that provide some flexibility for adult students who may have family, work or social obligations that prevent them from attending traditional classes throughout their academic career. This allows them to achieve their higher education goals while still meeting obligations through Loma Linda University’s online programs.