Get on track to become an occupational therapist: 3-Year Degree
You can prepare for graduate-level studies or move into work in health care with a Pre-Occupational Therapy 3-Year Degree from Carlow University. In this fast-track program, you will establish a working knowledge of Occupational Therapy and learn critical thinking and leadership skills.
Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Occupational Therapy program, as well as most Occupational Therapy programs around the country.
The Pre-Occupational Therapy program allows you to take courses in fall, spring and summer, with summer courses offered completely online.
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology, Quantitative Reasoning, Foundations of Writing I, and Contemplation and Action. Second-year courses include Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Introduction to Sociology, Physics of the Human Body, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Third-year courses include Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology and Clinical Kinesiology, General Chemistry I, Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Communications in Health Care. The program also includes practicums, labs and internships.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA.
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall
#1
FROM OUR BLOG
Putting Healing At The Center Of Your Health Care Practice
Healing is described in many ways: a process of restoring health; an emotional and physical journey; and freedom from injury and illness. Importantly, it is the primary goal of health care. Patients need healing, and…
5 Things to Know about Physical Therapy and Regenerative Medicine
Rehabilitation and healing have a new ally — a set of regenerative procedures like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections that will further strengthen the connection between orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy and their…
Get on track to become a physical therapist: 3-Year Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University will prepare you for graduate-level studies or to work in the health care field. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team.
The Pre-Physical Therapy major is intended to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Physical Therapy program, as well as most Physical Therapy programs around the country.
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, Medical Terminology, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I and II, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, Eoidemiology, and Communication and Health Care.
Quick facts
Save time and money by fast-tracking your education
Gain hands-on experience through practicum courses
Career opportunities for Pre-Physical Therapy
With a bachelor’s in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University, you will be ready to pivot into graduate-level studies to become a physical therapist or move elsewhere in the healthcare world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for physical therapists is expected to increase 18% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an older population.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA.
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall
#1
FROM OUR BLOG
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Becoming a physical therapist entails hard work and dedication. Those who are interested in entering the field need to be aware of the education, time, and steps required to successfully launch a career as a physical therapist.
5 Things to Know about Physical Therapy and Regenerative Medicine
Rehabilitation and healing have a new ally — a set of regenerative procedures like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections that will further strengthen the connection between orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy and their…
Get on track to become a physician assistant: 3-Year Degree
Carlow’s Pre-Physician Assistant program positions you to become a PA faster. By accelerating your undergraduate studies, you’ll be ready to continue on to a master’s degree or pursue employment in a health-related field sooner.
Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons and other health care professionals. As a physician assistant, you will examine, diagnose and treat patients, often serving as a patient’s principal health care provider. PAs typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program to practice.
In this program, you will develop compassionate and responsible leadership traits and learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in the field.
Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for admission consideration into Carlow’s Physician Assistant master’s program, as well as most Physician Assistant programs around the country.
Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms. All summer courses are available completely online. The program includes labs, internships and a practicum.
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Moecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Organic Chemistry I and II, Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Cognitive Psychology, and Communication and Health Care.
Quick facts
Save time and money
Gain a direct path to a physician assistant master’s program
Find earlier entry into an in-demand physician assistant position or immediate employment in a health-related field
Career opportunities for physician assistants
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 30% through 2024. Licensed PAs are versatile and able to work in various health-related fields including offices of physicians, general medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA.
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall
#1
FROM OUR BLOG
Putting Healing At The Center Of Your Health Care Practice
Healing is described in many ways: a process of restoring health; an emotional and physical journey; and freedom from injury and illness. Importantly, it is the primary goal of health care. Patients need healing, and…
5 Things to Know about Physical Therapy and Regenerative Medicine
Rehabilitation and healing have a new ally — a set of regenerative procedures like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections that will further strengthen the connection between orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy and their…
Get on track to become a Speech-Language Pathologist: 3-Year Degree
You can prepare for graduate-level studies and a career in health care with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Speech-Language Pathology from Carlow University. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team.
The program is designed to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Speech-Language Pathology program, as well as most SLP programs around the country.
First-year courses include Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations of Writing I, Introduction to Psychology, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Quantitative Reasoning. Second-year courses include Physics of the Human Body, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Basic Applied Statistics, Introduction to Audiology, Phonetics, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and Communication and Reading Development. Third-year courses include Pathophysiology, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Biomedical Ethics, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, and Epidemiology.
Quick facts
Save money and time by fast-tracking your education
Career opportunities for Pre-Speech Language Pathology
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for speech-language pathologists, a job that often requires a master’s degree, is expected to grow 25% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA.
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall
#1
FROM OUR BLOG
Literacy Coaches And Adolescent Reading Gains
Literacy remains a chief concern across the nation, with many American adolescents struggling to read at a level that allow them to perform well in school. According to the recent National Assessment for Educational Progress…
There is a growing need for speech-language pathologists fluent in languages other than English. This comes as no surprise considering a record 67.3 million U.S. residents spoke a language other than English at home, according…
Elevate your clinical experience. Become a physician assistant.
Carlow University offers a new and innovative cohort-based physician assistant program. Accelerate your learning with this 25-month program designed to build upon your prior healthcare experience and the clinical skills you already have. There’s nothing like being in a holistic and supportive academic environment that provides personalized attention in the classroom and lab. Our program ensures that clinical application is a big part of your transformational educational experience. It consists of a three-phase curriculum, grounded in Carlow’s mercy values, taught in a multidisciplinary environment alongside other healthcare professionals. This environment equips students with integral skills including ethical leadership, compassionate care and interprofessional collaborative competencies.
Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) and pursue a versatile and in-demand career as a physician assistant.
Start your application today! To get started, view or download our admissions policy for detailed admission requirements and application process (not all documents are necessary to start your application).
If you have any questions throughout the process or need guidance, our PA enrollment counselor, Kate Throckmorton, is here to help. You can reach her by email: kjthrockmorton@carlow.edu.
Students progress through the physician assistant curriculum as members of a cohort in three phases: didactic, clinical experience and transition to practice. Interprofessional collaboration, a founding concept of the physician assistant profession, is at the core of each phase; providing students the opportunity to learn collectively with multiple healthcare disciplines. This collaborative education experience encourages meaningful alliances and ultimately prepares students to practice high-quality clinical care as a member of a healthcare team.
Learn in our simulated hospital environment
The Celtic Simulation Center for Innovative Learning (CSCIL) is a simulated hospital environment designed for student experiential learning. Primarily during the didactic phase, physician assistant students, alongside other healthcare disciplines, experience predetermined scenarios to practice clinical decision-making, diagnosis, procedures, and patient communication and interaction in a safe and realistic environment.
Curricular phases
Phase 1: Didactic: An intense period of instruction meant to impart clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes in preparation for clinical practice
Phase 2: Clinical experience: An experiential phase of education whose purpose is to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for patient care in a supervised environment, includes:
8 clinical rotations in areas including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, behavioral medicine, women’s health, pediatrics and elective of choice
5 weeks, full-time (average of 40 hours per week)
Sites are practices and healthcare systems located in southwestern Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, as well as across the country
Phase 3: Transition to practice: The final period of the formal education program intended to prepare graduates for successful entrance into the profession and clinical practice
Rotation disciplines
Family medicine
Internal medicine
Emergency medicine
Surgery
Behavioral medicine
Women’s health
Pediatrics
Elective of choice
What is a Physician Assistant?
“Physician assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as the patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving health care access and quality.” American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
A career as a Physician Assistant provides one of the most versatile and flexible opportunities in healthcare, with the ability to work in any medical or surgical specialty or sub-specialty. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA jobs are projected to rise 30% through 2028 with a median pay of $112,260.
A number of state and national organizations provide PAs with advocacy, education, and support including:
Academic credit offered by the program [document coming soon]
Required academic standards for enrollment [document coming soon]
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Carlow University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Carlow University.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.
Students who graduate from a program with provisional accreditation or continuing accreditation status are eligible for certification and licensure after successfully passing the PANCE.
Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science
Carlow’s unique interprofessional curricular design will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter into professional practice as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist working in any clinical environment.
What makes Carlow’s program different?
Carlow’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is committed to interprofessional collaborative education and was inspired by the view that effective team collaborations improve the quality of clinical service delivery.
Students will train to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders within a learning environment comprised of faculty, clinical educators, and students from several different professions including:
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Education
Nursing
Physician Assistant
Respiratory care therapy
Students will learn the value of interprofessional collaborative practice in leading high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered care across a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.
Lock in your tuition!
If you plan to start your speech-language pathology (SLP) degree in Fall 2024, you are eligible to lock in your per-credit tuition rate for your whole program duration as long as you are continually enrolled in the program.
*Additional University Fees as well as software and textbook costs are not included in the 2024-2025 scheduled credit cost and fees
How will I gain clinical skills?
Carlow’s program is different from other graduate programs in speech-language pathology because of its focus on the development of clinical skills. Beginning in your first semester, each of your core courses will be accompanied by a dedicated skills laboratory to ensure you are able to translate theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom into hands-on practical clinical skills under the mentorship of program faculty. In addition, you will advance your clinical skills through a variety of learning platforms including:
Safe and supportive lifelike simulated case scenarios
Access to both on-campus clinic and school-based settings
Local and out-of-state outpatient, healthcare, and school-based externship settings
Students will use various labs and campus facilities including:
Carlow places high value on a teaching-learning climate of compassion, mutual respect, professionalism, and ethical accountability as these elements are fundamental to cultivating a higher level of professional practice. The program is dedicated to providing transformational educational experiences through innovation, close faculty mentorship, diverse learning experiences, and interprofessional collaborations.
Career Opportunity for Speech-Language Pathologists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for speech-language pathologists, a job that often requires a master’s degree, is expected to grow 29% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Carlow University’s application deadline for Fall 2024 matriculation was Feb. 1, 2024. We will continue to accept applications for review beyond the Feb. 1, 2024 deadline; however, preference will be given to those that applied by the Feb. 1, 2024 deadline. All applications should be submitted through CSDCAS, a centralized application service endorsed by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Science and Disorders (CAPCSD). No additional application materials should be sent to the program.
Application Open: March 15 Applications Closes: May 1 Interview Invitations: May 1-May 14 Decisions: May 15 Amount: $10,000 tuition remission
Two (2) graduate assistantships are offered through the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.
Each graduate assistantship is for a 1-year appointment (Fall and Spring semesters).
Students are required to work 5 hours per week for 16 weeks in the Fall semester and 16 weeks in the Spring semester.
Each assistantship provides $10,000 tuition remission for the appointed year.
Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program may apply for one of the assistantships.
The primary activities for this position are to support faculty members with research activities, provide general support and assistance with administrative type work, and perform duties for special projects and initiatives.
Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship
The Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship Fund was created in 2023 in honor of Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD and her rich legacy at Carlow University. As a Sister of Mercy, Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald joined the Carlow community in 1956. In 1964, she was appointed to be the first Chairperson of Carlow’s Department of Speech Pathology and served until 1989. She had a remarkable career as a speech-language pathologist with numerous awards and honors including one of the highest professional honors, Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has been described as a person of integrity and honesty, who devoted herself to Carlow’s mission. She was an inspiration to all and a pioneer in providing transformational educational opportunities. Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program is eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Application Open: March 1 Applications Closes: April 15 Decisions: May 1 Amount: $2500 tuition remission
Carlow University Endowed Scholarships
Carlow University offers a variety of endowed scholarships. These opportunities are available in late Spring and awarded in early summer. Watch your email for more information to come.
Carlow University-Wide Graduate Assistantships
Carlow University offers variable university-wide graduate assistantships. Students will be informed when these opportunities are available.
For more information regarding financial aid, please click here and/or contact your assigned financial aid advisor.
Speech Language Pathology student chose Carlow for unique program
Speech-Language Pathology graduate student Camree Nelson ’23 said she chose Carlow because of its unparalleled approach to SLP. “The program is focused on fostering interprofessional skills and providing hands-on learning experiences, both of which are not emphasized at other universities. So far, the SLP program at Carlow has only validated my passion for the field and excited my goals of helping people who have difficulties communicating.”
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Carlow University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, +1 (800) 498-2071 or +1 (301) 296-5700. Candidacy is a “pre accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.
You will be a valuable asset to employers in almost any industry with an accounting degree from Carlow University. You will learn what you need to know to pass the Certified Public Accountant exam while obtaining real-world experience with an internship or practicum in greater Pittsburgh’s vibrant business community. The accounting and forensic accounting programs are offered at undergraduate and graduate levels in traditional as well as accelerated formats.
You can develop your artistic skill in the studio or lab with one of our on-campus art and design degrees. During your undergraduate or graduate studies you can pursue the art and design track of your choice while developing your 2D or 3D skills. You will graduate with a professional portfolio of work.
At Carlow University, we view creativity and the visual arts as foundational to our society. Our art program is designed to empower the next generation of artists, designers, educators, art therapists and curators with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation to transform their creativity into a force for social change. Situated in the heart of a vibrant city, Carlow University offers unparalleled access to a vibrant art community, prestigious museums, and a rich cultural ecosystem, setting the stage for an immersive educational experience.
As a an art major, you can choose to focus your studies in the following areas:
Carlow’s Art + Design Program is a hub for innovation, creativity, and practical skill development through an emphasis on experiential learning. Studio art making and praxis lie at the core of our program. We understand that practice is essential for growth and development as an artist. Our studios, fabrication laboratory, and professional art gallery provide dynamic environments for you to experiment, explore new techniques, allowing you to manifest your ideas into tangible forms of expression. .
The art program part of the highly interdisciplinary Department of Art, Communication and English. As such we center storytelling and curating as vital skills in the art world, and our program recognizes their significance. Whether you aspire to become a curator, designer, or art educator, our courses in art history and curatorial studies will immerse you in the world of art narratives, cultural heritage, and exhibition curation. You’ll learn how to communicate the story behind artworks, contextualize them within historical and cultural frameworks, and curate engaging exhibitions that captivate audiences.
Artists, designers and creatives thrive in a supportive community where they can exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Through group projects, collaborative exhibitions, and interdisciplinary workshops, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists, designers, and scholars, expanding your horizons and enriching your artistic practice and professional networks.
In addition to honing your artistic abilities, our program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, and design thinking. We believe that artists have a unique ability to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on society. Our curriculum integrates ethics and social justice, allowing you to explore the role of art in promoting equality, inclusivity, and social change.
With our comprehensive undergraduate program serving as a strong foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies through our master’s degree program. Our master’s program provides a unique platform for you to specialize further in your chosen field of art. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors, you’ll undertake advanced coursework, engage in critical discourse, and produce a culminating thesis or project that reflects your artistic vision and research interests.
The Art Program and Department of Art, Communication, and English aim to create an ethical, equitable, career-focused and student-centered academic institution for the 21st century.
The curriculum has enough flexibility to allow you to customize your studies to fit your career or academic goals. One of the keystones to the bachelor’s in Art program is its emphasis on high-impact, experiential learning. Facilities include the interdisciplinary University Art Gallery, Soda kiln (one of three in the region), 2D and 3D art studios, digital lab and fab lab.
Areas of focus
Studio Art – 2D, 3D Art and Ceramics (An immersive educational experience in the visual arts, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of various artistic mediums and techniques, alongside opportunities for personal creative expression and professional portfolio development.)
Graphic Design (Equips students with the creative, technical, and critical thinking skills needed to produce visual concepts and communicate ideas through typography, imagery, color, and form in various multimedia contexts.)
Media Art and Animation (Create compelling visual narratives and digital animations using cutting-edge technology and software, preparing students for careers in film, gaming, and various digital media industries.)
Art Therapy (An interdisciplinary educational path that combines the principles of art and psychology to train students in using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.)
Art Education (Prepares students to teach art, encompassing both practical artistic skills and pedagogical techniques, aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking in students of all ages.
Curatorial and Visual Studies (Combines the analytical and practical aspects of curating art exhibitions and arts management with a critical examination of visual culture, equipping students with the skills to interpret, manage, and present artworks within historical and contemporary contexts to effectively engage with art collections and audiences.)
Experiential and interdisciplinary learning (graphic design, exhibition-making, field placement in Art Therapy and Art Education, capstone project) are built into the art major curriculum
Community partnerships include: Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild The Warhol Museum Carnegie Museum of Art Assemble PGH The Documentary Works
Quick facts
Choose an art track for your specific learning focus
Learn from studio work and hands-on opportunities
Gain professional experience at our on-campus art gallery
Tap into Pittsburgh’s thriving arts scene
Pursue a graduate degree in Studio Art, Art Education, and Expressive Arts Therapy
Career Opportunities for Art majors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment rate is growing in the fields of art, design, curatorial and museum practice. Career opportunities include:
Film and Video Editors – 18% job growth
Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers – 11% job growth
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Enhance creativity and critical thinking with an Art minor
You can gain a well-rounded introduction to the arts and cultivate your critical thinking skills and passion for creativity with an Art minor from Carlow University. You can take advantage of Pittsburgh’s thriving creative scene, with visits to public art installations and access to the Carlow University Art Gallery, where you can gain professional experience. You can learn essentials like design and drawing in Carlow’s studio spaces.