Ithaca College

What you'll study

This programme combines biomedical science, clinical skills and health systems knowledge to give a comprehensive foundation for allied health practice. Core scientific modules typically include human anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. You will also study patient assessment, clinical diagnostics (principles of laboratory testing and medical imaging), therapeutic interventions, and rehabilitation concepts.

• Foundations of Allied Health: introduction to allied professions, professional roles and interprofessional practice.
• Anatomy & Physiology: multi‑system human biology with laboratory dissection or prosection where available.
• Clinical Diagnostics: fundamentals of laboratory testing, specimen handling, basic imaging principles and interpretation frameworks.
• Intervention & Treatment Modalities: therapeutic approaches used in rehabilitation, respiratory, and acute care settings; basic therapeutic modalities and assistive technologies.
• Patient Assessment & Clinical Skills: history taking, vital signs, infection control, documentation and clinical communication.
• Research Methods & Evidence‑Based Practice: statistics, critical appraisal of clinical literature and quality improvement projects.
• Health Policy & Ethics: healthcare systems, patient rights, ethics and legal considerations for allied health professionals.
• Practicum & Capstone: progressive clinical placements in hospitals, outpatient clinics or community settings, culminating in a capstone project or clinical portfolio.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through simulation labs, supervised clinical placements and interprofessional education with other health programmes at the college. Electives and pathways allow students to focus on areas such as diagnostic imaging, clinical laboratory practice, rehabilitation assistance or health promotion.

Entry requirements

Typical entry is at undergraduate level following completion of secondary education. Successful applicants normally need a high school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in science and mathematics. Recommended subjects include biology and chemistry; coursework in health, physics or statistics is beneficial.

• Academic record demonstrating competence in science and quantitative subjects.
• Personal statement outlining interest in allied health and relevant experience; some applicants may be invited to an interview.
• Letters of recommendation are often requested or encouraged.
• Some practical experience in a clinical or community health setting (paid or voluntary) will strengthen an application.

Admissions may also require compliance with health‑related prerequisites such as immunisations, background checks and CPR certification before clinical placements. Exact criteria and any credit‑transfer options are set by the college admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped to work across a range of allied health environments including hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health organisations and rehabilitation centres. Roles directly accessible to graduates include allied health assistant, clinical support technician, phlebotomy or specimen processing roles, and administrative positions within clinical teams.

Many graduates use the degree as a stepping stone to become certified or licensed practitioners (for example in diagnostic imaging, clinical laboratory science, respiratory therapy, occupational or physical therapy assistance), or to progress to graduate programmes in specialised health professions. The emphasis on clinical placements and interprofessional teamwork also supports transitions into roles in care coordination, health services management and clinical research support.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a learning environment with small class sizes, strong faculty engagement and hands‑on training facilities. Students benefit from simulation labs and close relationships with regional hospitals and clinics in Ithaca and the surrounding Finger Lakes region for supervised clinical placements. The college’s focus on experiential education, interprofessional collaboration and applied research prepares graduates to work effectively in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Additional support comes from career services that assist with placement, internship sourcing and professional development, and from alumni networks active in regional and national healthcare organisations. These resources help students move from undergraduate training into certification pathways, specialised study or employment in a variety of allied health settings.