Health Care Studies, B.S., Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Studies is designed to provide a degree pathway for students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in a health-related field. This program incorporates a solid health studies core with a general education curriculum reflecting the Goals of Franciscan Higher Education. Completion of this degree will prepare students to pursue a graduate professional health care degree or enter the workforce. Students may choose from a Pre-Allied Health, Pre-Occupational Therapy, or Pre-Physician Assistant concentration. Depending on space availability and the ability to meet early entrance requirements for the Saint Francis University’s Occupational Therapy or Physician Assistant Programs, students may be afforded the opportunity to apply into these programs during the second semester sophomore year.

The Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration is designed to serve as an excellent preparation for application to a graduate Occupational Therapy program. Students in this concentration will be eligible to apply for a minor in Psychology. An opportunity may exist for early acceptance into Saint Francis University’s Occupational Therapy 3+2 Program, if space allows and the student meets early entrance requirements during the second semester of the sophomore year.

Students who plan to apply to graduate school are recommended to carefully review the graduate school admission GPA requirements to ensure that they meet the requirements for application.

Major Requirements:

Concentration Requirements:

Early Entrance Requirements into 3+2 Occupational Therapy Program:

Listed below are early entrance requirements for the Occupational Therapy Program. These requirements are subject to change based on possible future changes that may occur in the admission criteria for the programs.

3+2 Occupational Therapy Program:

Students may apply into the 3+2 Occupational Therapy Program no later than March 15 of the sophomore year, pending space in the cohort. To apply, students must meet the following criteria by/during spring semester of sophomore year:

Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
Minimum 2.75 major/concentration GPA
Successful completion with a “C” or higher in BIOL 111/lab, PSYC 101, BIOL 205/lab, BIOL 206/lab, and two additional PSYC courses (or enrolled spring semester sophomore year with a “C” or higher at mid-term)*
Completed 20 hours observation in an OT setting

*Transfer students who wish to be considered for Early Entrance into the 3+2 Occupational Therapy Program must be enrolled as a Saint Francis University student by the beginning of fall semester sophomore year and are required to take BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 at this institution. Any transfer student admitted after that time will need to complete the B.S. in Health Care Studies degree and apply as a graduate applicant.