Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational sciences with applied clinical training to prepare graduates for a range of diagnostic and treatment-focused allied health roles. Core study areas typically include anatomy and physiology, human pathophysiology, medical terminology, pharmacology basics and evidence-based practice. Students learn clinical skills through courses in patient assessment, clinical procedures, imaging fundamentals, laboratory techniques, rehabilitation principles and infection control.

Instruction balances classroom learning, laboratory practice and supervised clinical experiences. Common module themes and course types include:

• Foundational sciences: human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry for health professions
• Clinical skills and techniques: patient assessment, clinical procedures, diagnostic modalities (e.g. basic imaging concepts, specimen handling)
• Therapeutic interventions: principles of rehabilitation, respiratory or cardiovascular intervention basics, modalities used in therapeutic care
• Professional practice: ethics, communication in healthcare, interprofessional teamwork and cultural competence
• Research and quality improvement: applied research methods, statistics for health professions, clinical audit and quality improvement projects
• Practicum / clinical placement: supervised clinical rotations or internships in hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health settings, culminating in a capstone or integrative clinical project

Elective options and special studies enable students to tailor the degree toward interests such as imaging sciences, laboratory diagnostics, rehabilitation therapies, or health informatics. The programme emphasises hands-on training using simulation labs and opportunities for interprofessional education with nursing, medicine and other health programmes.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical academic prerequisites include successful completion of college-preparatory science and mathematics courses—biology and chemistry are commonly expected, and algebra or precalculus may be required. Admissions decisions consider overall academic performance; a competitive cumulative grade profile in relevant coursework is advantageous.

Additional requirements for clinical placement may include proof of immunisation, a background check, health screening and basic life-support certification (for example, CPR). Transfer applicants should provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; those with prior allied health or healthcare experience may strengthen their application. Standardised test requirements vary and applicants should consult the university for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a variety of allied health roles or use the degree as a stepping-stone to professional certification and postgraduate training. Common career destinations include roles such as clinical laboratory technologist, diagnostic imaging technologist (with further credentialing), respiratory care associate, cardiovascular technologist, rehabilitation therapy assistant, and allied health practitioner in outpatient or community settings.

The degree also prepares graduates for positions in healthcare administration, clinical education, patient care coordination and research support. Many graduates progress to specialised certification programmes or graduate study in fields such as sonography, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, or public health, depending on elective focus and clinical prerequisites completed during the degree.

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University offers close links with a large academic medical centre and an extensive network of clinical partners, providing robust clinical placement opportunities across urban hospital, outpatient and community settings. Students benefit from accredited health-professions training environments, including simulation facilities and laboratories that mirror modern clinical practice.

VCU emphasises interdisciplinary education across its health sciences community, enabling allied health students to learn alongside peers in nursing, medicine, pharmacy and social work. Faculty typically combine academic expertise with clinical experience, and students can access academic support, career services and research opportunities within a research-active university. The programme’s location in a diverse urban centre also supports exposure to varied patient populations and community health initiatives.