Mount Union sets up early assurance pathways for medical majors

Special to The Alliance Review
·2 min read
University of Mount Union has announced a new path for students to gain access to its master's degree studies in physical therapy.
University of Mount Union has announced a new path for students to gain access to its master's degree studies in physical therapy.

ALLIANCE – University of Mount Union has announced a new path into its master of science programs in physician assistant and physical therapy.

Undergraduate students will be eligible for early assurance into its master of science in physician assistant studies and doctor of physical therapy degree programs beginning in Fall 2022.

Mount Union’s PA at PT programs will offer early assurance of up to 10 PA seats and eight PT seats to enrolled undergraduates at Mount Union during their time of application.

“Mount Union is emerging as a powerful destination for students interested in becoming highly skilled, compassionate health care providers,” said Dr. Sandra Madar, founding dean of Mount Union’s College of Natural and Health Sciences. “These early assurance pathways allow our highly motivated students to bypass the highly stressful, and often expensive graduate application processes in the health professions. They can then focus on their studies, experiential learning and service – which benefits all of us!”

To be eligible for consideration for the PA pathway, students must complete three semesters at Mount Union in a bachelor of science program, maintain a grade-point average of 3.4, and complete a list of prerequisite courses.

“This will enhance the opportunity for undergraduate Mount Union students to be directly on the path to entering the PA graduate program and ultimately meet the surrounding areas need for qualified healthcare providers,” said Betsy Ekey, professor of physician assistant studies and chair and director of the program.

The PT pathway requires students to have earned at least 32 credit hours, 24 of which must be in a science-related field, maintain a 3.3 GPA for all coursework, and complete eligibility requirements prior to matriculation. Students earning a 3.6 GPA as a junior will not be required to take a graduate record exam.

“The DPT early assurance program allows us to invest even sooner in students destined to join us,” said Dr. Sheryl Holt, director of Mount Union’s PT program. “It's compelling and fulfilling to be part of all that's exceptional at Mount Union."

Mount Union has also established an early assurance agreement with Northeast Ohio Medical University for students seeking a doctor of medicine degree. Students will be able to apply as sophomores or juniors at Mount Union.

University of Mount Union has announced a new path for students to gain access to its master's degree program in physician assistant studies.
University of Mount Union has announced a new path for students to gain access to its master's degree program in physician assistant studies.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Mount Union sets up early assurance pathways for medical majors