Academic Catalog

Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences

Darryl Horn, Ph.D., Program Director

Educational Goals

  1. To develop students’ academic and study skills so that they are prepared to be successful at the start of a graduate/professional health professions degree program
  2. To develop students’ scientific skills so that they have a foundational knowledge in basic health professions sciences
  3. To expose students to patient care experiences in a variety of settings and disciplines

The Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences offers students interested in pursuing a graduate or professional degree in the health sciences the opportunity to strengthen their scientific background or use it as a record enhancer, boost their CV, or earn prerequisite course credits. The biggest advantage to completing the program is that it makes a student a competitive applicant for any health professions program to which they apply.

Students in the certificate program will receive an introduction to patient care and have the opportunity to observe within the University’s clinical facilities, along with career guidance to assist them in achieving their ultimate professional goals. Eligible students accepted into the Post-baccalaureate program who successfully complete the certificate, submit a complete application, and meet the program prerequisite requirements will be guaranteed an interview to a Salus program of their choice.

Admissions

Salus University's Post-Baccalaureate Program accepts applications online through the GradCAS application service.

The intended program start date of the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences is September of each year. Applications received on or before July 1 of the year of desired enrollment are given priority consideration.

   Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

   Review and selection begin after applicants submit all the necessary documents via the GradCAS application service.

   To receive priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early and to complete the application requirements as soon as possible.

   During the review process for the certificate program, the academic background of the applicant is assessed to determine academic eligibility and the evaluation includes an interview with the program director. 

   Selected courses in the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences are open to non-degree seeking students wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in the health sciences. 

Criteria

All applicants to the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences must hold a Bachelor's degree, or its international equivalent, from an accredited institution.

An overall GPA of 2.70 or higher is recommended for application to this program.

Post-Baccalaureate applicants who desire to pursue the Physician Assistant Studies degree must have a minimum undergraduate cumulative and science GPA of 3.0.

To Be Considered an Applicant Must:

   Submit a completed application through GradCAS, which includes a non-refundable fee of $138.00. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal. 

   Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) directly to GradCAS. Final transcripts indicating Bachelor’s degree conferred are required prior to the start of the program.

   Note: if an applicant has applied to a Salus University degree program within the current application cycle, and there have been no changes to their academic record, previously submitted transcripts may be used toward the certificate program application. Please check with the Office of Admissions in order to determine if official transcripts will need to be submitted once again.

   Complete the following short answer essays (maximum 250 words each):

   Describe how participation in the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences will benefit your academic and/or career goals.

   In what ways do you expect your particular skills, experience and perspective to contribute to the program’s learning community? 

   Submit one letter of recommendation through the GradCAS application portal from an individual who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality, such as a professor or supervisor. 

   Submit a CV/Resume through the GradCAS application portal. This should include the applicant’s education, work experience, publications, honors or achievements, and community/extracurricular activities to date. 

   Applicants seeking to matriculate into the certificate program must complete a successful face-to-face or online interview with the program director. 

   Students who wish to earn a certificate must meet the requirements for clinical observation (e.g., background checks) prior to registration for Introduction to Patient Care I. 

       International Students, please review any additional

         requirements below.

   All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.

   Students will be required to meet University compliance requirements upon matriculation.

International Students

Important information for international students:

Please be aware that Salus University cannot issue student visas for the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences. International students who already possess an appropriate visa in order to study in the United States may apply to the program and are responsible for ensuring that the visa is valid for the duration of the program.

International Transcripts

For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information: 

A course-by-course credential review from a NACES recognized agency which evidences all post-secondary studies completed.  Please consult the agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation. 

   Recommended agencies include:

   World Education Services

   SpanTran

   An official credential evaluation (not a copy) must be sent from the evaluation service directly to: Office of Admissions, Salus University, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.

   Applicants also have the option to submit their credential evaluation directly to GradCAS.  If you choose this option, please view GradCAS foreign transcripts instructions for more details.

English Language Proficiency

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Salus University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client/student safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or education team.

Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.

While we recommend that applicants submit TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria*:

1. successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; or

2. successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s program

*Note: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion. Should any exceptions not be accepted toward the English language requirement, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant of an alternative to fulfill it.

Admissions Selection Process

For more information regarding the admissions selection, interview and matriculation process, please refer to the Salus website.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Selected courses in the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences are open to non-degree seeking students wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in the health sciences.

All courses may be taken on an a la carte basis, except for Introduction to Patient Care I & II and Career Guidance & Academic Success. The maximum credit total allowed as a non-certificate seeking student is 24 credits.

For more information, refer to the Non-degree Seeking Student section on the website.

Curriculum

Fall Semester (2S)

PBP-5001Microbiology & Immunology

3

PBP-5002Biochemistry & Genetics

3

PBP-5003Anatomy with Lab

4

PBP-5004Health Psychology

3

PBP-5030Introduction to Patient Care 1

1

PBP-5040Career Guidance & Academic Success

0

Total Credit Hours:14

Spring Semester (4S)

PBP-5005Biostatistics for Health Professionals

3

PBP-5006Physiology with Lab

4

PBP-5007Cell and Molecular Biology

3

PBP-5008Introduction to Research & Scientific Writing

3

PBP-5031Introduction to Patient Care 2

1

PBP-5041Career Guidance & Academic Success

0

Total Credit Hours:14

Total Credit Hours: 28

PBP-5030, PBP-5040, PBP-5031, and PBP-5041: Requires matriculation into Post-Bacc program.

 

Total Credit Hours: 28.0