Marywood University

What you'll study

This master's programme combines advanced clinical coursework, applied diagnostic and intervention techniques, research methods and professional development. Core topics typically include advanced human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment and differential diagnosis, evidence-based intervention strategies, health promotion and rehabilitation, and healthcare ethics and law.

Students also study research design and biostatistics applied to allied health, interprofessional practice and team-based care, healthcare leadership and systems, and advanced communication skills for working with diverse patient populations. The curriculum usually culminates in a practicum or supervised clinical experience and a capstone project or applied research thesis that integrates clinical learning with evidence-based practice.

• Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
• Therapeutic Interventions and Rehabilitation Techniques
• Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Research Methods
• Healthcare Ethics, Policy and Professionalism
• Interprofessional Teamwork and Leadership in Clinical Settings
• Practicum / Supervised Clinical Experience and Capstone Project

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in an allied health, health sciences, biological sciences or other relevant field. Typical admissions criteria include an undergraduate GPA that reflects strong academic performance, a current CV or résumé showing healthcare experience, and a personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.

Additional requirements commonly requested are one or more academic or professional references, documentation of prerequisite coursework (for example anatomy, physiology or basic clinical coursework) and evidence of current clinical experience or volunteer work in healthcare settings. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements where English is not their first language. Some specialisms within the programme may require background checks, immunisation records or credential verification prior to clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a range of roles across hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centres, community health services and private practice. The degree prepares professionals for advanced practitioner or specialist roles within allied health disciplines, clinical coordination and management positions, roles in clinical education and training, and research or quality-improvement posts.

Typical career pathways include specialist clinician or senior practitioner posts within diagnostic, intervention or rehabilitation teams, clinical educator or preceptor roles, care-coordination and case-management positions, and positions within health services administration focused on programme development and outcomes measurement. The programme also prepares graduates who wish to pursue further professional certification or doctoral study.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood University provides a learner-centred environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic experience with active clinical practice. Students benefit from interprofessional education opportunities and established clinical partnerships with regional hospitals and healthcare providers that support practicum placements and applied learning.

The university emphasises holistic, patient-centred care aligned with its liberal arts and health sciences strengths, and offers modern clinical teaching facilities, including simulation resources and laboratories that support hands-on skills development. Marywood’s focus on personalised mentorship, career support and experiential learning helps prepare graduates to take on leadership and specialist roles across allied health settings.