Public Health - Pre-occupational Therapy Slippery Rock University

Overview

The Public Health - Pre-occupational Therapy programme at Slippery Rock University offers a robust academic foundation for students aiming to enter the clinical healthcare sector. This degree focuses on the science of promoting health and preventing disease through organised community efforts and professional competency.

Students can choose between a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science pathway or an accelerated 3+3 track. The accelerated option allows dedicated learners to earn both their undergraduate degree and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in just six years, significantly shortening the time required to enter the professional workforce.

The curriculum emphasises multicultural health needs, healthy lifestyles, and the latest health-related computer technology.

Why Public Health - Pre-occupational Therapy at Slippery Rock University?

Slippery Rock University provides a student-centered environment where full-time faculty members bring real-life public health practice into the classroom. Students benefit from high-quality facilities and the opportunity to engage in faculty-led research projects, often presenting their findings at professional conferences.

The institution maintains strong links with the Pennsylvania Public Health Association, offering invaluable networking opportunities with alumni and industry experts. Distinctive teaching features include community service learning, where students work in various settings to host health fairs and festivals, gaining hands-on experience before graduation.

A mandatory, challenging internship serves as the capstone of the programme. This placement allows students to work on-site with leaders in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and healthcare settings, ensuring they possess the professional communication skills required for clinical success.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 15988 per year
• National fee: USD 15988 per year
• Local fee: USD 7994 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build professional competency in health assessment and implementation. Modules may include:

• Public Health
• Health Lifestyles
• Multicultural Health Needs
• Health-related Computer Technology
• Health Promotion
• Behavioural Theories
• Research and Advances in Health

Careers with Public Health - Pre-occupational Therapy

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for clinical roles and advanced academic study. Many students progress directly into doctoral programmes to become licensed occupational therapists, while others find immediate employment in the broader health sector.

Potential career destinations and roles include:

• Occupational Therapist at Akron Children’s Hospital
• Public Health Educator with the Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Health and Wellness Promotion Specialist
• Epidemiologist in government health departments
• Public Health Policy Specialist
• Researcher in medical institutes

The degree also provides a strong foundation for roles in non-profit organisations, insurance companies as health coaches, and leadership positions within healthcare systems such as Concordia Lutheran Services.