Samson College of Health Sciences

Overview

The Samson College of Health Sciences provides six educational options. The mission of the Samson College of Health Sciences at USciences is to:

Ensure high-quality standards in educational programs.
Develop faculty expertise and excellence in areas of teaching, research and/or scholarly activities, and service.
Assist students in acquiring the scientiﬁc and technological knowledge, competencies, and skills required for successful practice and advancement in their chosen profession.
Provide an education that prepares students intellectually, culturally, and ethically for their professional and personal lives.
Create an environment that fosters student-centered learning and living, as well as respect for individuals from diverse cultures.
Cultivate a commitment to service for professionals and the community. Develop new academic programs consistent with the University’s vision.
Continually improve student learning and program quality through systematic assessment and quality improvements. Create, implement, and promote programs and treatments that maximize individual function in daily life.
Create and disseminate new knowledge and skills in selected areas of inquiry in the health sciences.

The Samson College of Health Sciences educational options are:

BS in Exercise Physiology—This bachelor’s degree program combines a foundation in natural and social sciences with a concentration on clinical exercise physiology and training for athletic performance.
BS in Health Science—The bachelor’s degree in health science has two purposes: to offer an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and skills in a chosen aspect of healthcare and to serve as the academic foundation for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies or other health profession programs.
Occupational Therapy—The Department offers a clinical doctorate (drOT) and a Master’s in occupational therapy (MOT). Students may enter a six-year program that provides an accelerated pathway via a bachelor’s degree in health sciences (BSHS) into the clinical doctorate of occupational therapy (DrOT). Those students who hold a baccalaureate degree may enter into the three-year DrOT program or into the 2 1/2–year MOT program.
Physical Therapy—The Department offers a clinical doctorate in physical therapy (DPT). Students may enter as freshmen and complete a six-year program, or enter after earning a bachelor’s degree and finish the DPT in three years. Freshman students will earn both a bachelor’s in health sciences as well as a DPT at the conclusion of six years.
Physician Assistant Studies Undergraduate—This five-year program of study leads to a BS in Biomedical Sciences and a Master’s in Physician Studies (MSPAS). A two-year program is offered for individuals with Bachelor’s degrees who enroll in the MSPAS program.