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Home Academics Schools Department of Health and Human Sciences Pre-Professional Programs (HHS)

Pre-Professional Programs (HHS)

Pursue a career in healthcare

Want to pursue a career in physical therapy or occupational therapy? Hope to become a physician assistant?

Majors in health and exercise science and athletic training can specifically prepare you for graduate school admissions in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant. Meet with your advisor to plan your prerequisite courses for graduate school admissions. Keep in mind that the specific major you select is not as important as successfully completing prerequisite courses and your overall academic achievement. Select a major with courses that interest you and add the varied professional school pre-requisite classes as your college electives.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) students should pursue an undergraduate major of health and exercise science and talk to their advisor about courses that would best prepare them for master’s level or doctoral level OT programs.

Additionally, an articulation agreement exists with Mary Baldwin University that allows qualified students from Bridgewater College to be interviewed for their occupational therapy program.  Contact the chair of the Department of Health and Human Sciences for more information.

Physical Therapy

Students interested in physical therapy should pursue an undergraduate major of health and exercise science and talk to their advisor about courses that meet the requirements of most physical therapy schools.

Articulation agreements exist with Shenandoah University, and Mary Baldwin University that allow qualified students from Bridgewater College to be admitted into their physical therapy programs. Contact the chair of the Department of Health and Human Sciences for more information.

Physician Assistant

Students interested in pursuing graduate school to become a physician assistant should consult with faculty in the Departments of Biology and Health and Human Sciences. Additionally, an articulation agreement exists with Mary Baldwin University allowing qualified students from Bridgewater College to be admitted into their physician assistant program. Contact the chair of the Department of Health and Human Sciences for more information.