PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Clarion University's Associate of Science degree with a major in Allied Health enables allied health professionals to get started on the road to career advancement through the attainment of academic degrees.
Clarion University recognizes the value of an allied health professional's clinical education and acquired professional expertise and therefore awards credit for completion of a formal, accredited educational program in an allied health field.*
Online Option
The 30 credits of course work required for the AS, Allied Health degree may be completed online.
Potential Program Candidates
Health professionals who may qualify for the AS, Allied Health degree program include the following:
Diploma nurses
Surgical technologists
Paramedics
Ophthalmic medical technicians
Dental professionals
Pharmacy technicians
Medical imaging professionals
Medical office professionals
Medical assistants
Physical therapy technicians
Others
For a list of allied health educational programs that have been pre-approved for the AS, Allied Health, click here.
AS, Allied Health Curriculum
The AS, Allied Health degree program requires completion of a total of 60 credits as follows:
- 30 credits of science and general education course work that must be earned from Clarion University
- 30 credits that are awarded for completion of a formal, accredited allied health educational diploma program (see "Evaluation of Clinical Course Work" below)
Sample Curriculum
| I. | Liberal Education Skills | |
| A. English Composition | 3 cr | |
| B. Math Competency | 3 cr | |
| C. Liberal Education Elective | 3 cr | |
| II. | Liberal Knowledge | 15 cr |
| Choose courses from at least 2 of the following 3 categories. At least 3 credits must come from Category A for a total of 15 credits. | ||
| A. Physical and Biological Sciences | ||
| B. Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
| C. Arts and Humanities | ||
| III. | General Education Electives |
6 cr |
| IV. | Approved Allied Health Professional Training | 30 cr |
Evaluation of Clinical Course Work
*Credits for completion of clinical course work will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Clarion's Department of Allied Health and will be based on the following criteria:
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The educational program must be for an allied health profession that is recognized by the American Medical Association as a health care profession.
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The allied health educational program from which the applicant has graduated must meet one or both of the following criteria:
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The educational program must hold accreditation in good standing with a formal national programmatic accrediting agency widely acceptable to the specific allied health profession and formally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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The educational program must be offered in a post-secondary institution of higher learning that has accreditation in good standing with a regional accreditor formally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education such as the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
*The allied health educational program from which the applicant has graduated must have entailed a minimum of 450 contact hours.
Degree Conferral
Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, graduates will be awarded Clarion University's Associate of Science degree with a major in Allied Health from Clarion University.
How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree At Clarion?
Clarion University has a total of six academic sessions/semesters in which course work may be completed. There are two traditional 15-week fall and spring semesters. There is also a three-week academic session in May (Summer I) followed by two five-week summer academic sessions (Summer II and Summer III). Additionally, there is a three-week academic session over the Christmas and New Years holidays (Winter Intersession).
Summer and winter academic sessions are condensed and are therefore intense. Completion of course work during these academic sessions requires a large amount of work in a short period of time. However, condensed academic sessions allow students to earn credits quickly. Earning a degree at Clarion University may therefore be significantly expedited by enrolling in courses year-round. (Please note that not all courses are offered in each academic session/semester.)
Admission Criteria and Application
Admission to the AS, Allied Health degree program requires students to meet the standard admission criteria of Clarion University.
To apply online to Clarion University, click here.
More Information
For additional information on Clarion University's AS, Allied Health program, please contact the Venango Campus Admissions Office at 877-VENANGO, ext. 1211.
