Allied Health Science Major*

The Allied Health Science major* is designed to prepare students for graduate and professional schools in allied health professions (e.g. occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training) or entry-level, non-licensed positions for students who choose not to pursue graduate study.

This degree program offers four focus areas: Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Athletic Training (AT), and Other Pre-Health Disciplines. Students pursing the OT focus area will develop content knowledge in Appalachian studies, health, philosophy, psychology, research, and sociology. All electives will allow students to articulate the scope of practice for licensed professionals and students.

* All transfer students and current students graduating before SPRING 2022, will continue with their AHS program as a concentration under the ESHE major.

Students are required to apply for upper-division courses. Requirements to continue in the AHS major, include an overall 3.0 GPA; and overall 3.0 math/science GPA, and a grade of B or better in MATH 137 or 138, BIOL 105 and 310, PSYC 121, STAT 200, and HLTH 200. If any of these courses are taken at another institution, students will need to provide a transcript to review grades in these courses. Students will sign a contract stating that they are aware of these requirements and the highly competitive nature of graduate acceptance.

Students are required to complete core curriculum requirements and major requirements to complete 120 hours for the bachelor of science degree. Students should possess a strong science background along with experience in math and statistics. The Allied Health Science Major curriculum requires one year of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and 16 credits from an approved menu of courses based on the student's career goals. Students should enjoy working with individuals and possess strong interpersonal skills.

Students are required to complete three internships in which they will obtain 90 hours of experience in their related field.

Students interested in transferring to Radford University in Allied Health Science from a VCCS are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Arts and Science including the following courses:

MATH 137 (MTH 158)
BIOL 105 (BIO 101)
PSYC 121 (PSY 200)
STAT 200 (MTH 157, 240 or 241)
HLTH 200 (HLT 116)

Sequence of Science
BIOL 310 & 311 (BIO 141 & 142)
CHEM 101 & 102 (CHM 111 & 112)

Prerequisite courses for many graduate rehabilitation programs include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, math, technology, psychology, and English. Many prerequisite courses are included in the Allied Health Science major; however, because each professional school has its own requirements, it is up to the student to determine specific prerequisite courses for targeted schools. The list of required courses should be obtained prior to the sophomore year so that elective courses can be integrated into the program of study to the extent possible.