C. Affiliated Program with Temple University College of Allied Health Professions: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

This Affiliated Physical Therapy Program requires four (4) years of study at Wilkes University and three (3) years of professional study at Temple University, leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree following successful completion of the three years at Temple.

The Affiliated Physical Therapy Program with Temple University requires students to complete a series of prerequisite courses as part of their four years of study at Wilkes. A listing of these courses is available in the Wilkes Health Sciences Office or through the Temple University Department of Physical Therapy.

Candidates must also complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in the fall semester of their fourth year of study at Wilkes. To qualify for admission at Temple, students must earn a minimum of a 3.0 GPA while at Wilkes and score above the fiftieth percentile on the GRE. Wilkes students who meet the standards of this affiliated program will be given special consideration for admission by Temple.

II. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with members of the community who encounter difficulties with tasks of living. These difficulties may be from developmental deficits, the aging process, physical illness or injury, economic stress, cultural differences, or psychological problems which present barriers for an individual to function in life. The occupational therapist bases service on a rapidly growing field of knowledge to enhance the individual's abilities to function and prevent areas of dysfunction. The therapist uses selected, goal-directed activities to encourage learning, re-education, growth and strength, and to promote general health. Occupational therapists provide services along with other health professionals in a number of different settings ranging from hospitals and clinics to schools to reach a wide population of all ages.

The Wilkes Pre-Occupational Therapy Core

In addition to completing an academic major, each student must also complete the Wilkes University Pre-Occupational Therapy Core. The Pre-Occupational Therapy Core provides a base from which students can structure their classes. The Pre-Occupational Therapy Core includes a sequence of courses identified by the American Association of Occupational Therapy Schools as common prerequisites at most occupational therapy schools. It must be emphasized that there are no universal prerequisite courses for all existing occupational therapy programs.

The Wilkes Pre-Occupational Therapy Core requires as a minimum:

Two Courses in Modern Biology (BIO 121-122)

Two Courses in Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 115-116 or BIO 331-332)

One Course in Chemistry (CHM 115 with CHM 113 lab)

One Course in Mathematics (MTH 100, 101 or 105)

Four Courses in Psychology (PSY 101, 200, 221 and 222)

One Course in Sociology (SOC 101)

(An additional course, SOC 251, is also recommended)

Cooperative Education or Internship

In addition to completing the Core, students must consult prerequisite guidelines published by the particular institutions from which they wish to gain admission. Institutions have varied prerequisites and generally require a certain number of volunteer hours in occupational therapy. Some or all of those hours may be fulfilled by the cooperative education or internship experience available through the Wilkes Cooperative Education Office.

Affiliated Program in Occupational Therapy at Temple University College of Allied Health Professions: Master's in Occupational Therapy

Wilkes University offers a specialized, affiliated program in Occupational Therapy with Temple University that requires four (4) years of study at Wilkes and two (2) years of study at Temple University, leading to a master's degree in Occupational Therapy.

The Affiliated Occupational Therapy Program with Temple University requires students to complete a series of prerequisite courses as part of their four years of study at Wilkes. A list of these courses is available in the Wilkes Health Sciences Office or through the Temple University Department of Occupational Therapy.

Placement of Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy Students

Wilkes University graduates have been accepted to a number of physical therapy and occupational therapy schools including: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Duke University and Drexel (formerly MCP-Hahnemann) University School of the Health Sciences, Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University Program in Occupational Therapy, Temple University Health Sciences Center, Allegheny University, and University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

III. Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Medical Technology)

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science recommends certain requirements for a program of training leading to a B.S. degree. The curriculum offered at Wilkes University follows these recommendations and is presented below.

At the completion of three years, the student may be accepted by an affiliated program of medical technology for a period of twelve months of clinical training. Following graduation from the programs, the students will receive the B.S. degree in Medical Technology from Wilkes University and will be eligible for certification as a Medical Technologist by the Board of Registry of Medical Technology or as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel.

Wilkes University has established a formal affiliation with the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. Fulfillment of the fourth-year requirement at non-affiliated hospitals requires special permission of the division chairperson and the Wilkes Academic Standards Committee.