NURSING & HEALTH PROFESSIONS
What if I don’t get a direct-admit seat?
THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCE IS STILL AN EXCELLENT PLAN!
For accreditation purposes, the Valparaiso University master of science in physician assistant studies (MSPA) program can seat only 45 students in each cohort of the graduate-level program. Therefore, a limited number of direct-admit seats are offered.
If being a physician assistant (PA) is the goal, don’t give up on the dream! While you may not receive a direct-admit seat at this time, there is a non-direct pathway available and, due to attrition, historically more seats become available at that time. Students who were not admitted into the five-year PA program with a direct entry seat will be considered for admission to the MSPA program once a year in December, pending available seats. (See graduate admission eligibility and application requirements.)
The bachelor of science in health science is also a stand-alone degree and an excellent foundation for pursuing other graduate degrees or going directly into the workforce. Getting an undergraduate degree in only three years is never going to be a bad idea and the possibilities with an undergraduate health science degree from Valpo are endless.
What are some other options?
One of the hardest lessons to learn is that life doesn’t always go as planned, and learning to accept deviations and being open to other options is one of the most beneficial lessons. While plan A may not work out, having to pursue a plan B - or even C, D, or E - may turn into the best thing that could have happened!
EXERCISE SCIENCE
For students who love exercise science and fitness, our STEM-designated exercise science program offers two concentrations - fitness and human performance or pre-health professions. This program, regardless of the concentration you choose, is an exciting base for various careers and graduate programs.
HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP OR PUBLIC HEALTH
For those who want to lead the way in the field of healthcare, we offer a bachelor of science in healthcare leadership and a bachelor of science in public health. Both programs offer a 4+1 pathway with the graduate studies automatically built in so that students can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.
NURSING
The College of Nursing and Health Professions has been a top nursing school for over fifty years and offers both a traditional and accelerated track to the bachelor of science in nursing degree. Upon completion, students who still desire to be an advanced practice provider can move directly into the doctor of nursing practice program.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Perhaps the goal was always about helping others? Students who are open to becoming a healthcare provider in another program can earn their doctorate in occupational therapy (OT) in just six years. OT is an amazing field with outstanding opportunities.
