Allied Health Preparatory Programs

Allied health preparatory programs include pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant, and pre-cytotechnology. Students usually spend two to four years of study at Bloomsburg, and then transfer to another institution for clinical and further specialized training. Students follow a course of study that prepares them for entry into programs at different schools and for a degree in health sciences or biology if they wish to remain at Bloomsburg University for four years. Bloomsburg University does not offer specific degrees in these areas. These preparatory programs provide the advantage of combining a quality, reasonably priced education at a rural university, with training at a major, often urban, medical center.

Pre-Physical Therapy. Physical therapists examine, diagnose, and treat patients that have a variety of musculoskeletal, cardiac, neurological, and pulmonary problems. They carry out programs to help increase a patient's strength and flexibility, to relieve pain, and to help limit permanent physical disabilities. Most physical therapy degree programs are now at the doctoral level. We strongly recommend that students complete the B.S. Health Sciences degree then transfer to a physical therapy program where they earn a doctoral (D.PT) degree. These programs are usually 3 years in length. Bloomsburg students have been admitted to many different schools; there are 16 in Pennsylvania.

Pre-Occupational Therapy - Occupational therapists develop activities, tools, and materials to help patients achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Clients include those who are limited by physical or mental injury/illness, old age, or developmental disabilities. Occupational therapy degree programs are now at the master's level. Most students complete 2 years of pre-requisite courses at Bloomsburg then transfer to a combined baccalaureate/master's degree OT program for 3 years. Bloomsburg students have been admitted to many different schools; there are13 in Pennsylvania.

Pre-Pharmacy - Pharmacy is a health profession concerned with knowledge about drugs and their effects. Pharmacists prepare, dispense, and administer drugs. They evaluate medication orders, and provide information and advice on drug selection, effects, and interactions. The standard degree for a pharmacist today is the Doctor of Pharmacy - typically a six-year program. The first two years of the curriculum is broad-based and can be taken at an undergraduate institution such as Bloomsburg. Students may apply to transfer after two years, or complete a bachelor's degree (we recommend the BS in Biology) before transferring into a professional program. Admission is currently very competitive but Bloomsburg students have been admitted to a number of different schools; there are 7 in Pennsylvania.

Pre-Physician Assistant - Physician assistants work under the supervision of and in collaboration with physicians. They provide a broad range of diagnostic, educational, and therapeutic patient care services. Most physician assistant education programs are now at the masters degree level. We strongly recommend that students complete the B.S. in Health Sciences degree at Bloomsburg and then transfer to a masters physician assistant degree program. These programs are typically 2 years in length. Bloomsburg students have been admitted into many different physician assistant schools; there are 15 in Pennsylvania.

Pre-Cytotechnology - Cytotechnologists study the structure and function of cells. They prepare and observe slides and cultures, and work with pathologists in the detection of abnormalities that may be indicative of cancer or other diseases. Cytotechnology programs are bachelor's degree programs. Students typically complete 2 years of course work at Bloomsburg and then transfer to a cytotechnology program for further clinical and specialized courses. Bloomsburg students have been admitted to a number of different schools; there are 2 in Pennsylvania.