Marywood University

What you'll study

This programme builds a broad allied health knowledge base with a focus on diagnostic reasoning, intervention planning and therapeutic delivery. You will study core biomedical sciences and develop practical, patient-centred skills through laboratory work and clinical experiences.

• Foundational sciences: anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, and introduction to pharmacology.
• Diagnostic and assessment: clinical assessment methods, diagnostic imaging fundamentals, laboratory diagnostics, and patient interviewing techniques.
• Intervention and treatment: therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation principles, behavioural interventions, and evidence-based treatment planning.
• Clinical skills and simulation: hands-on practice in simulation labs, vital signs and procedural skills, infection control, and documentation practices.
• Research and professional practice: research methods, statistics for health professionals, ethics and legal issues in health care, interprofessional collaboration and health-care systems.
• Practicum and field placements: supervised clinical placements in hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health settings to integrate classroom learning with real-world practice.
• Liberal arts and general education: communication, psychology, cultural competency, and courses that develop critical thinking and lifelong learning skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record. Admission decisions are based on academic preparation, relevant experience and the applicant's potential for success in clinical training environments.

• Academic prerequisites (typical): secondary-level biology and chemistry; mathematics or algebra; recommended coursework in English and social sciences.
• Academic performance: a competitive secondary-school GPA; specific programme thresholds or selection criteria are provided by the admissions office.
• Supporting materials: personal statement, résumé or list of relevant volunteer/work experience, and letters of recommendation may be requested.
• Additional screening: some applicants may be invited to interview or undertake a skills assessment; background checks and health requirements (immunisations, TB testing) apply prior to clinical placements.
• Transfer applicants: credits from previous college-level coursework in science and health-related subjects may be considered for transfer.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level allied health roles and for continued professional training. The degree provides practical skills and clinical exposure valued by employers across health-care settings.

• Clinical support roles such as rehabilitation aide, therapy assistant, or diagnostic services assistant in hospitals and outpatient clinics.
• Positions in community health, long-term care and rehabilitation centres delivering patient care and health promotion services.
• Opportunities in medical and laboratory support, patient intake and care coordination, and health-care administration.
• A pathway to postgraduate professional programmes (for example physician assistant, occupational therapy, physical therapy, advanced nursing, or diagnostic specialisms) for students who meet subsequent prerequisites and licensing requirements.
• Roles in health education, case management, medical sales or public health practice for graduates seeking non-clinical applications of their training.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood University combines a liberal arts foundation with professional health education in a campus environment that emphasises small classes and faculty mentorship. The university’s health sciences facilities—including simulation laboratories and hands-on clinical training resources—support practical skill development and readiness for clinical placements.

• Close faculty-student interaction with instructors who bring clinical experience and active engagement in allied health practice.
• Structured practicum relationships with regional hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health providers to ensure real-world clinical exposure.
• Interprofessional learning opportunities that prepare students to work collaboratively across health-care teams.
• A values-driven educational environment grounded in a liberal arts perspective, supporting ethical practice, reflective care and community engagement.