The Department of Physician Assistant education provides a dynamic curriculum designed to promote service as a manifestation of faith and patient care as a ministry. The department is committed to the transformation of medical care through competent physician assistants able to provide equitable, team-based patient care. To that end, the faculty model professional service, collaboration, and leadership locally, nationally, and internationally. 

PLNU engages its faculty, staff, and students in an annual assessment cycle, where student learning is evaluated through appropriate courses, assessment results are analyzed, and necessary adjustments are made to improve the curriculum.

This complete process—encompassing planning, assessment, and improvement—is commonly referred to as “Closing the Loop.” It is illustrated in the Annual Assessment Cycle for each curricular program and culminates in a comprehensive six-year Program Review. This review includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Action Plan, through which assessment findings directly inform financial and strategic planning.