Discover the Carlow OT Difference!
The Carlow Difference is student focused, interprofessional, and service driven. We host small class sizes, in face to face, hands-on learning. The OT curriculum design, aligned with Catholic intellectual tradition and Mercy values, has an overarching mission of occupational justice, a foundation in health and wellbeing, and threads that support the structure and the path to transformational learning.
The bridge image conveys a journey of overcoming barriers to promote full participation and represents a path where one moves from old self to new self, writing the next chapter in the story of life. It is critical that students bridge classroom concepts to clinical practice and Mercy values to their civic engagement as socially responsible citizens. Our program is alive with transformative learning experiences in the “City of Bridges” as we explore the world around us and seek to be innovative pathfinders for occupational justice, access, and opportunity for all people, communities, and populations.
Faculty and Staff
Our faculty are devoted to the health and wellbeing of each student. We are intentional about ensuring the development of healthy occupations during graduate school, in order to create a healthy and sustainable career in healthcare. Our faculty are student-focused and develop instructional design practices that celebrate the diversity of learning styles, supporting the gifts and talents of each student. As faculty we recognize that our students are the future of the OT profession, and our connection is just beginning. We are all part of the Carlow family from the classroom to your first job and beyond!
Blythe Westendorf, OTD, MS, OTR/L Assistant Professor
Emily Santini, OTD, OTR/L, ATP Assistant Professor
Ashlyn Geubtner Walter, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM Assistant Professor
Accredited Entry-Level Doctoral degree level Occupational Therapy Program
The Carlow University entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program and entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program are FULLY accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
- View or download the Program Goals and Outcomes [pdf]
Program Outcomes
Program outcomes with regard to graduation rates and NBCOT certification exam results are updated and posted yearly. As a new program, we will be posting information when available. See the results on NBCOT for School Performance Home page.
Department Points of Pride
- Elizabeth Sherman:
- Accepted to the National Intergroup Dialogue Institute – June 2024 at University of Michigan
- Carlow Cares: Sligo, Ireland faculty advisor
- Planning Committee Member for the Inaugural Greater Pittsburgh Food Systems Summit organized by the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council – Food Systems Summit — Pittsburgh Food Policy Council
- Blythe Westendorf:
- Completed the AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics
Devoted to the Future of Healing
When someone is struggling to breathe, taking steps to ease that struggle is the job of the respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists provide care to patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing due to chronic respiratory diseases, heart failure, or other emergencies. They improve the care of patients at all stages of life, from premature infants whose lungs have not fully developed, to older adults.
Carlow University is devoted to the future of healing, and service to others is the foundation of the Respiratory Care profession. And with respiratory therapists in high demand, we offer programs that can get students working in the field quicker. The associate degree program is a gateway to a healthcare career, and students can be working in the field within two years. The three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in the respiratory care field. Both degrees can be pathways to advanced degrees.
Degree Tracks:
- Associate of Science Degree
- 3-Year Accelerated Bachelor of Science
Credits Required:
- AS – 69 credits
- BS – 120 credits
Campus:
Oakland
Delivery:
In person
UPMC RESPIRATORY THERAPY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Breathe Easier About Your Future
Students enrolled in Carlow University’s Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program may be eligible for the UPMC Respiratory Therapy Scholars Program, including up to $10,000 in loan forgiveness.
RESPIRATORY THERAPY – BREATHE EASIER ABOUT YOUR FUTURE
UPMC Respiratory Therapy Scholars Program
Carlow University is proud to partner with UPMC to offer the Respiratory Therapy Scholars Program for students enrolled in Carlow University’s Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program.
Invest in Your Future – Without the Added Debt
- Significant Tuition Savings: Reduce the cost of your education with loan forgiveness for five semesters, making your degree more affordable than ever.
- Pipeline to a Career at UPMC: Gain a direct pathway into one of the region’s leading healthcare systems.
- Paid Employment & Mentorship: Opportunities for paid employment and professional mentorship while enrolled as a student.
Loan Amounts & Eligibility Requirements
- Up to $10,000 in loan forgiveness throughout the program
- Must be eligible for UPMC employment
- Must be accepted to and remain enrolled in Carlow University’s Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program
- Completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria as defined by Carlow University
Work Commitment
- Upon graduation, maintain full-time employment as a Respiratory Therapist at a UPMC hospital for a minimum of two consecutive years.
- Obtain licensure within the guidelines of UPMC policy.
Curriculum for Respiratory Therapy
The core curriculum for respiratory therapy is comprised of:
• Equipment I & II
• Patient Management
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Mechanical Ventilation I & II
• Neonatal and Pediatrics
The bachelor’s degree program includes additional courses in:
• Research
• Leadership & Management
• Respiratory Care Education.
There are also four clinical practicums, totaling 840 hours in general floor, ICU, and specialty rotations through the pulmonary function lab, the sleep lab, hyperbaric oxygen, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and neonatal and pediatrics.
Quick Facts
- Respiratory therapists can work in hospital emergency departments, ICUs, or general floors.
- They can care for patients in any age range – from newborns and children through elderly adults.
- They may work in such varied areas as ambulance and air transport, physician offices, diagnostic labs, or home care.
- Respiratory therapist is ranked #9 in best healthcare jobs.
- Changes in the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists are on the horizon, and pursuing an advanced degree is encouraged.
Career Opportunities for Respiratory Therapy
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 12 percent through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median RT income is $80,450 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Not only are the opportunities for RTs in the hospital setting multiple and varied, but there is job security, a sustainable living wage, and the opportunity to pursue growth within the healthcare industry.
Carlow’s partnership with UPMC affords students a number of potential benefits, such as tuition assistance and flexible part-time work while enrolled in school. Visit UPMC Careers for more information.
Accreditation
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program, CoARC program number 200617, BS degree, Pittsburgh, PA, holds Continuing Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program
The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 210617, AS degree, Pittsburgh, PA holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Program goal for the AS program:
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
Program goals for the BS program:
1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in management, education, research, and evidence-based practice.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
- Dedicated scholarships for incoming Respiratory Therapy students are offered for Fall 2026
- AS degree cost of attendance is $450/credit
First-time, first-year undergraduate student:
- Minimum 2.000 cumulative High School GPA
- Minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA in science courses
Transfer student
- Minimum 2.000 cumulative college GPA
- Minimum 2.500 cumulative college GPA in science courses
Apply:
Any time
Start Terms:
Fall Only
Contact Admissions
Visit admissions @carlow.edu or call 412.578.6059 if you would like to learn more about the program by scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
April Butchki, MEd, RRT, CPFT Program Director/Instructor, Respiratory Therapy
Kimberly Haley, MEd Clinical Director/Instructor
The Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program at Carlow University delivers unmatched learning and hands-on clinical experience.
In 78 weeks, graduates of the Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program will be prepared to have unparalleled training and experience to become a valued member of the surgical care team.
Throughout the learning experience, Carlow’s team of dedicated faculty provides a supportive student learning environment and prepares students to take a national certification examination to become a valued member of any surgical care team. Carlow graduates go beyond their technical duties and play an active role in fostering a just and merciful world.
UPMC TUITION LOAN FORGIVENESS
Transform Your Future at Little to No Cost
Students enrolled in Carlow University’s Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program may be eligible for UPMC’s Tuition Loan Forgiveness Program, offering up to $15,000 in loan forgiveness.
Credits Required:
68
Surgical Cases Completed:
120
Time to Completion:
78-week program
Delivery:
Residential, On Campus
The Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program Outcomes reflect: The Sisters of Mercy Core Values (Carlow University Mission Statement, 2009), and the Association of Surgical Technologist Foundational Principles (1997).
Program Highlights
- Carlow's Team of dedicated faculty provides a supportive student learning environment.
- Carlow Surgical Technology graduates are prepared to be compassionate, competent, ethical members of a healthcare team.
- Pittsburgh Region's only University-level Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program of its kind.
- Learn over 30 different surgical procedures from beginning to end.
- Complete 120 surgical cases in 13 surgical specialty areas.
Career opportunities for Surgical Technologists
Carlow Surgical Technology graduates are trained to be the best in technical knowledge and competencies, and communication, teamwork, empathy, and compassion. As Carlow graduates they are prepared to create a more just and merciful world. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for positions as Surgical Technologists within hospital or community-based settings.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Apply:
Anytime
Start Terms:
Fall and Spring
Accreditation
Carlow University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
1007 North Orange Street
4th Floor MB# 166
Wilmington, DE 19801
Programmatic Accreditation:
As of August 2025, the Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology Program at Carlow University has been granted full accreditation status by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
6116 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852
Ph: 301-291-7550
Web: www.abhes.org
Graduates of the Associate of Science Degree in Surgical Technology at Carlow University are eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Tabytha N. Sant, AST, CST, EMT Surgical Technology Program Director
Marcia S. Cook PhD, DNP, MPM, RN Associate Professor and Program Director, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Trained and certified neurodiagnostic technicians are in demand
Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 28,400 Neurodiagnostic Technologists.* You can become one of these highly valued, well-paid healthcare professionals with an Associate of Science in Neurodiagnostic Technology degree from Carlow University.
In just two years, you will gain the hands-on learning and clinical experience needed to earn certification by ABRET (American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists, Inc.) and move onto a rewarding health sciences career.
Credits Required:
70
Cost per credit:
$395
Time to Completion:
2 Years
Delivery:
On campus
AS in Neurodiagnostic Technology
Comparable to a program from Mayo Clinic, through our work with instructors at the UPMC Procirca Center for Clinical Neurophysiology, Carlow’s is the only program of its kind in the Pittsburgh region—giving hospitals and healthcare systems in Pennsylvania local access to highly trained, compassionate employees.
Neurodiagnostic technicians are valuable members of the healthcare team. Graduates of this program will:
- Understand fundamental concepts in neuroscience and how they relate to various disease conditions
- Demonstrate the ability to operate neurodiagnostic equipment in accordance with industry standards
- Use a variety of technologies to precisely obtain appropriate recordings
- Accurately interpret and evaluate various neurodiagnostic tests in laboratory and clinical settings
- Apply theoretical knowledge to neurodiagnostic techniques and related disease conditions
- Practice patient-centered care in accordance with the ethical and legal framework of the discipline
- Explain measurements, techniques, and results related to neurodiagnostic testing to healthcare team members.
Career opportunities for AS in Neurodiagnostic Technology
This two-year format, grounded in the liberal arts provides a clear pathway to employment in a high demand healthcare discipline. Upon degree completion, graduates will qualify to receive ABRET certification. Students also gain the background and skill sets necessary to pursue BS degrees in many other healthcare majors offered at Carlow University.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply:
Anytime
Start Terms:
Fall
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Gartner-Schmidt, Jackie L.
Jackie Gartner-Schmidt, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ASHA-Fellow, is a Professor at Carlow University in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology, College of Health and Wellness, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Gartner-Schmidt holds a PhD … Continued
Expand your ability to transform lives, become a doctor of physical therapy
Join a diverse group of aspiring physical therapists in a deep and accelerated experiential learning journey. Our expert team has uniquely designed a well-rounded, hands-on PT curriculum geared towards treating patients beyond their disease to improve functional outcomes.
An integral part of your training will consist of 4, full-time clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings (hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine, pediatrics).
To complement your clinical knowledge, you will become well-versed in seeing beyond the patient’s impairment and see how their life circumstances can impact their recovery.
Quick facts
- Sharpen your technical and non-technical skills for healthcare practice
- Learn in a healthcare team-based model (interprofessional collaboration)
- Gain clinical experiences in Pittsburgh, around the U.S. and internationally
- Lock in your tuition for all 8 semesters*
*Lock in your tuition
Incoming (Fall 2026) PT students are eligible to lock in their per-credit tuition rate for their whole program duration as long as they are continually enrolled in the PT program.
▸ View tuition & fees [pdf]
Credits required:
115 credits
Cost per credit:
$1,003/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 8 semesters
Delivery:
On campus
Well-rounded, employable PT curriculum
Our physical therapy curriculum allows you to learn the many facets of the PT industry including team-based patient care (interprofessional collaboration), entrepreneurship, leadership, health informatics to guide clinical decision-making, understanding of healthcare policies, and economics.
Designed to give you the time you need to reflect and digest your new knowledge, each Fall and Spring semester is divided into two, eight-week sessions.
Curricular highlights
- Learn in a healthcare team model which provides you with the opportunity to learn and discuss with aspiring nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physician assistants and speech-language pathologists.
- Build confidence in your clinical skill through simulated hospital and ICU scenarios in our state-of-the-art simulation lab.
- Graduate with a competitive resume that will include pro-bono services at our community teaching/learning lab, opportunities throughout the Carlow campus community (early learning center, elementary school, Sisters of Mercy convent) and international clinical experiences.
At Carlow, we believe that the non-technical skills are equally essential to your health professional training as the technical skills. Your training will emphasize three important habits of healthcare practice:
Heart (professional formation/responsibilities)
Head (cognitive knowledge)
Hand (clinical skills)
It is the training in the habits of the heart that will allow you to act above and beyond your technical responsibilities and advocate for your patients.
It is the expectation that Carlow University physical therapy graduates will advocate for healthcare equity for all, serve their communities with empathy and compassion, and actively contribute to creating a just and merciful world.
Career opportunities for physical therapists
Understood as one of the most rewarding healthcare careers, physical therapists develop real relationships with their patients and help them live better lives through rehabilitative medicine. Located in Pittsburgh, our PT program is in the heart of physical therapy career opportunity.
#10
best healthcare jobs
21%
growth in the next 10 years
95k
median salary for PTs
To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a physical therapist degree from a CAPTE- accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply through PTCAS, and must submit the following materials:
- A completed application on PTCAS
- A bachelor’s degree (students can apply in their senior year but must graduate before the start of the DPT program).
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00+
- Prerequisites completed within 10 years and before matriculation
- C+ or better: One course in anatomy with Lab, one course in physiology with Lab, or two courses sequence in anatomy and physiology with lab.
- C or better: Two courses in biological sciences, one course in psychology/sociology, two courses in general chemistry with Lab, two courses in general physics with Lab, one course in statistics
- One page resume
- Two Letters of recommendation describing the following:
- From a licensed physical therapist that you observed describing your passion for physical therapy and how our profession is a right fit for you.
- From an undergraduate counselor or professor who can describe your personal and academic abilities to be successful in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and become a licensed practitioner
- No set number of observation hours is required. However, it is expected that interested students will have engaged in those opportunities to be able to articulate their interest in the physical therapy profession confidently and competently.
If you are an international student, additional items are required.
Apply
Priority Deadline: Nov 1
Final Deadline: May 1
Start term:
Fall (August)
Early assurance (conditional admission) for High School students to apply in: View our helpful fact sheet [pdf] that offers guidance on the process and requirements.
Physical Therapy faculty: Learn from the experts
Department and program questions can be directed to DPTProgram@carlow.edu.
Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Professor
Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor
Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor
Mission statement
Our physical therapy program strives to develop evidence-informed, critically-thinking, skilled practitioners and leaders who advocate for healthcare equity for all, serve their communities with empathy and compassion, and actively contribute to creating a just and merciful world.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Carlow University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditationsupport@apta.org ; website: https://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 412-578-6317 or email: dptprogram@carlow.edu
Policies
- View or download the Program Complaint Policy and Procedure [pdf]
Hardy, Hannah E.
Dr. Hannah E. Hardy is a high-performance manager, experienced convener, and educator with extensive experience initiating, managing, and growing a wide variety of successful programs focusing on public health, community … Continued
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Carissa Monaco at titleix@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.