Post-Baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences - Traditional

Admissions

Salus University's Post-baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences accepts applications to the certificate program online through the GradCAS application service.

The intended program start date of the Post-baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences is September of each year. Applications received on or before July 1 of the year of desired enrollment are given priority consideration.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Review and selection begins after applicants submit all the necessary documents via the GradCAS application service.

To receive priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early and to complete the application requirements as soon as possible.

During the review process for the certificate program, the academic background of the applicant is assessed to determine academic eligibility and the evaluation includes an interview with the program director.

Selected courses in the Post-baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences are open to non-degree seeking students wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in the health sciences.

If you are interested in applying to the Post-baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences or have questions regarding the application process, please contact an admissions counselor by email at [e-mail], or by phone at 215.780.1301 prior to initiating the online GradCAS application.

Criteria & Prerequisites

All applicants to the Post-baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences must hold a Bachelor's degree, or its international equivalent, from an accredited institution.

An overall GPA of 2.70 or higher is recommended for application to this program.

To Be Considered An Applicant Must:

• Submit a completed application through GradCAS. If new to the GradCAS application portal, you will need to create a new account. Once your account is created:
  • Click Add Program at the top of the application home page.
  • Use the search filters to locate the Salus University, Post-baccalaureate Health Science Program.
  • Complete the application's four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
  • Utilize the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resource.
  • A non-refundable fee of $124.00 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) directly to GradCAS. Final transcripts indicating Bachelor’s degree conferred are required prior to the start of the program.
  • Note: if an applicant has applied to a Salus University degree program within the current application cycle, and there have been no changes to their academic record, previously submitted transcripts may be used toward the certificate program application. Please check with the Office of Admissions in order to determine if official transcripts will need to be submitted once again.
• Complete the following short answer essays (maximum 250 words each):
  • Describe how participation in the Post-baccalaureate program will benefit your academic and/or career goals.
  • In what ways do you expect your particular skills, experience and perspective to contribute to the program’s learning community?
• Submit one letter of recommendation through the GradCAS application portal from an individual who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality, such as a professor or supervisor.
• Submit a CV/Resume through the GradCAS application portal. This should include the applicant’s education, work experience, publications, honors or achievements, and community/extracurricular activities to date.
• Applicants seeking to matriculate into the certificate program must complete a successful face-to-face or online interview with the program director.
• Students who wish to earn a certificate must meet the requirements for clinical observation (e.g., background checks) prior to registration for Introduction to Patient Care I.
• All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.

International Students

Important information for international students:

Please be aware that Salus University cannot issue student visas for the Post-Baccalaureate in Health Sciences Certificate Program. International students who already possess an appropriate visa in order to study in the United States may apply to the program and are responsible for ensuring that the visa is valid for the duration of the program.

International Transcripts

For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information:

• A course-by-course credential review from an accredited agency (such as World Education Services), which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult the agency's website for requirements to complete the evaluation.
• An official evaluation may be sent from the agency directly to GradCAS.
  • Instructions for submitting a foreign credential evaluation.

English Language Proficiency

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Salus University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare team. Official results from the TOEFL (or IELTS) examination are required for all students for whom English is a second language (ESL).

Exceptions will be made for ESL applicants who hold degrees or diplomas from accredited post-secondary institutions in countries where English is the official language and in which English is the language of instruction (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand).

The TOEFL (or IELTS) examination must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.

Admissions Selection Process

The Admissions Committee examines all aspects of an applicant’s background including academic achievement, health field-related experiences and career goals in making admissions decisions.

The Admissions Committee considers applicants based on their motivation to succeed in the program, the demonstration of strong intellectual aptitude and the ability for independent thinking.

Interview Process

Individuals successfully meeting the required admissions selection criteria may receive an invitation to interview, which provides further insight into the applicant’s character and motivation, and allows an applicant the opportunity to speak with the program director or a faculty member. Career objectives are discussed and program areas of special interests are explored in an effort to analyze how the program can match the applicant’s needs. The short answer essays and interview also allows the interviewer to assess writing, speaking, listening and analytical skills which are very important to the successful completion of the program. Interviews may be conducted online or in-person.

Notification of Acceptance and Matriculation

An applicant may be notified of his or her acceptance on a rolling admissions basis, after completion of the interview. Upon receipt of acceptance, an applicant is required to pay a $500 matriculation fee to the University prior to the start of classes, payable as follows:

• Return the matriculation form along with a $500 deposit within 14 days of the date of the acceptance letter.
• All monies received above are non-refundable and will be applied toward first term fees.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Selected courses in the Post-baccalaureate Program in Health Sciences are open to non-degree seeking students wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in the health sciences.

All courses may be taken on an a la carte basis, except for Introduction to Patient Care I & II and Career Guidance & Academic Success. The maximum credit total allowed as a non-certificate seeking student is 24 credits.

Technical Requirements

Minimum computer requirements

Students will need a desktop or laptop computer (tablets are insufficient) that meets the following requirements:

• Minimum 4 GB RAM
• Windows 7 or later or MAC OS 10.10 or later
• Internal or external DVD Drive available for required software installations
• One of the following internet browsers:
  • Mozilla Firefox – latest version
  • Google Chrome – latest version
• Microsoft Office 365 2016 (provided by Salus University)
• High-speed wireless and wired internet capability

Software/Applications Recommendations

• Latest Java version www.java.com
• Adobe^® Reader latest version
• Adobe Flash latest version
• Adobe Shockwave Plugin latest version
• Apple QuickTime
• VLC Media Player
• System configured to allow installation of browser plug-ins as required
• Local administrative privileges (for required software installations)
• Anti-virus program (Provided by Salus University)
• Wireless adapter (Laptops) supporting at least wireless G (54mb) or wireless N (300mb-450mb) compatibility
• High-speed internet access