Earn a bachelor's in health sciences in 3 years
Carlow University offers the first 3-Year Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences in the Pittsburgh region with four track options including physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology. Each track provides a clear pathway for undergraduate students to continue onto a graduate health science program or pursue employment in various health-related fields.
3-year Health Science opportunity
Health Sciences academic plan
Once enrolled, students choose a track of their choice which will determine their academic plan.
Health sciences track options- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-language Pathology
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Each track, detailed in the course catalog, includes experiential learning opportunities like labs, practicum, internships and research. Students gain necessary knowledge of the chosen health sciences track, develop compassionate and responsible leadership traits that are valuable in the health sciences field while honing critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills to set them apart from their peers.
To complete the 3-year degree, courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses delivered completely online.
| | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|
| Health Science Track | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Physician Assistant | 16 credits | 17 credits | 9 credits | 17 credits | 17 credits | 9 credits | 15 credits | 17 credits | 6 credits |
| Physical Therapy | 16 credits | 17 credits | 9 credits | 16 credits | 16 credits | 9 credits | 15 credits | 17 credits | 6 credits |
| Occupational Therapy | 16 credits | 16 credits | 9 credits | 16 credits | 16 credits | 9 credits | 15 credits | 17 credits | 9 credits |
| Speech-Language Pathology | 15 credits | 16 credits | 9 credits | 16 credits | 16 credits | 9 credits | 15 credits | 16 credits | 9 credits |
Students who complete the program will meet the curricular pre-requisites for admission consideration into Carlow’s health science graduate programs.
If necessary, students can opt to complete this program in four years.
Health Science careers are growing
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are on the rise. With a 14% employment increase (adding 1.9 million new jobs) through 2028, healthcare occupation opportunities will be higher than any other occupation group. Career opportunity depends on the student’s chosen track.
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| Physician Assistant (PA) jobs are projected to rise 30% through 2028 with a median pay of $112,260. | | Physical Therapist (PT) jobs are projected to rise 22% through 2028 with a median pay of $89,440. |
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| Occupational Therapist (OT) jobs are projected to rise 18% through 2028 with a median pay of $84, 950. | | Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) jobs are projected to rise 27% through 2028 with a median pay of $79,120. |
Admission and financial aid information
All students entering the 3-Year Degree program are required to have a minimum 3.25 cumulative high school GPA.
In general, students enrolled in a 3-year degree program find that costs covered with grants and scholarships would be similar to a four-year program. Institutional grants and scholarships are available for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters, as well as federal and state grants and federal loans.
For summer enrollment, Carlow offers reduced tuition, federal loans are available as well as state and federal grants to those who qualify.
