Radford University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree combines core health sciences with practical training in diagnostic, intervention and treatment approaches used across allied health professions. The curriculum typically includes foundational coursework in human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, together with classes in clinical assessment, patient care techniques and rehabilitation principles.

• Core science and foundations: anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, public health concepts and statistics for health sciences.
• Diagnostic and intervention coursework: clinical assessment and patient interviewing, diagnostic procedures and instrumentation, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based practice.
• Professional practice: healthcare ethics, legal and regulatory issues, interprofessional teamwork, communication in clinical settings and cultural competence.
• Applied skills and technologies: basic imaging and monitoring technologies, rehabilitation techniques, documentation and health informatics relevant to allied health settings.
• Clinical experience and capstone: supervised practicum or clinical placements in local hospitals and clinics, plus a capstone or senior project that synthesises clinical learning and research skills.

Students also complete the university general education requirements, and may choose electives or minors to tailor the degree toward specific careers such as diagnostic imaging, occupational or physical therapy support, or health services administration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with college-preparatory coursework. Recommended secondary subjects include biology, chemistry, mathematics and English. Admissions review considers the overall transcript, strength of science preparation, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining interest in allied health.

• Competitive academic record in college-preparatory subjects; evidence of competency in biology and chemistry is advantageous.
• Some programmes or clinical placements may require background checks, immunisations and health screening prior to practicum participation.
• Relevant volunteer, work or shadowing experience in healthcare settings can strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may be eligible for advanced standing for previous science and allied health coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry-level allied health roles and for continued professional study. Career paths include positions as rehabilitation aides, diagnostic or imaging assistants (with additional certification or training where required), clinical support staff in hospitals and outpatient clinics, patient-care coordinators, or health services technicians.

• Employment in hospitals, community clinics, diagnostic centres, rehabilitation facilities and long-term care settings.
• Progression to specialised certification programmes or applied clinical credentials (for example in sonography, radiography, respiratory therapy or surgical technology) depending on additional training or certification requirements.
• Preparation for graduate or professional programmes such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, nursing or public health, for students seeking licensure-level careers.
• Opportunities in health administration, case management and health education roles for graduates who combine the degree with relevant elective study or experience.

Why study at Radford University

Radford University offers a focused allied health curriculum within a college that emphasises hands-on learning and community partnerships. Students benefit from small class sizes, laboratory facilities designed for allied health instruction, and clinical placement relationships with regional hospitals and clinics that provide supervised, real-world experience.

Faculty teaching in the programme bring clinical backgrounds and applied research experience, and the university provides career services, advising for professional school preparation, and opportunities for interprofessional education alongside nursing, social work and public health students. These resources help graduates transition into the workforce or advance into specialised and graduate health programmes.