Bethlehem, Pa., June 3, 2015—Moravian College has launched a new undergraduate major, "Health Sciences," to prepare students for graduate and professional study in allied health professions. The program will begin in Fall 2015. Nearly 30 incoming students have indicated their intent to pursue the major and a number of current students have already self-designed a similar program.

The health sciences program starts with a common core of courses, which will include anatomy and physiology, introduction to psychology, statistics, chemistry, and research methods for health sciences before choosing one of three professional tracks: athletic training, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Students in the program will complete at least 50 hours of clinical shadowing of certified professionals in their chosen field, and come together for a capstone seminar, “Social Issues in Health Sciences,” during their final semester, during which they work together on group projects focusing on social and ethical issues faced by medical professionals. They'll also all come together for a research methodology course, where they will learn together about good research in health sciences, while doing individualized research related to their chosen field. This course will help to prepare the students for evidence-based research that will be a part of their graduate education, and which should be a part of their professional practice someday.

“We have long had students who want these allied health professions, but usually with self-designed programs or with a traditional biology or psychology major, plus the program prerequisites they need,” says Carol Traupman-Carr '86, associate provost. “Now, they have a more structured program with a standard curriculum, and they can better plan their four years at Moravian College, knowing exactly which courses will be offered and when.” This added structure, she says, allows for better planning, better advising, and better preparation for these highly competitive programs, and opens the door for expanded curricular options in health related fields, to accompany our strong programs in nursing, public health, and medical school preparation.

"It's that joint, collaborative learning environment which is so key. And, of course, they will have the breadth of education that a liberal arts education provides. Hiring well in this program as well as in the graduate health professions is key: we need to find faculty who understand what the liberal arts education provides, and how that enhances the content area. In fact, the content isn't separated into 'major' and 'liberal arts.'"

Nationwide, job growth in these three areas have excellent anticipated job growth from now until 2022. Many physical therapy and occupational therapy programs are graduate-only, and athletic training is moving that way. "That way, anyone who wants these programs will need an undergraduate program which prepares them for the next step in their education (graduate school in their chosen field), and so this presents an opportunity for the College," said Traupman-Carr. "The program is committed to advancing the dual mission of higher education to prepare students for both successful professional careers and for civic responsibility."