Partnership: Salus at Drexel University
Salus at Drexel University Partnership Programs
The Undergraduate College: Traditional, On Campus
Earn your BA in Biology at Rosemont College before completing your advanced degree at Salus at Drexel University for a career in select health and medical professions.
Six Master’s Degrees and Three Doctoral Degrees
With a BA in Biology from Rosemont College, this partnership enables qualified students to apply for an advanced degree from Salus University.
The Salus programs either guarantee an interview or reserve a seat for Rosemont College students who meet the admission and prerequisite requirements of the program they are interested in. The partnership requirements include:
• Doctor of Audiology (AuD): 4 + 2 Program Requirements
• Doctor of Optometry (OD): 3 + 4 Program Requirements
• Doctor of Optometry (OD): 4 + 4 Traditional Program Requirements
• Master of Education, Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI): 4 + 2 Program Requirements
• Master of Medical Science, Physician Assistant (MMS): 4 + 2 Program Requirements
• Master of Science, Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR): 4 + 2 Program Requirements
• Master of Science, Occupational Therapy (MSOT): 4 + 2 Program Requirements
• Master of Science, Orientation and Mobility (O&M): 4 + 2 Program Requirements
• Master of Science, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): 4 + 2 Program Requirements
Look Forward to a Successful Future
A Rosemont College education emphasizes holistic development, combining rigorous academics with a strong focus on ethical leadership and social responsibility. Our programs prepare students for both professional success and meaningful personal lives. Potential careers include:
Audiology
Low Vision Rehab
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Orientation and Mobility
Physician Assistant
Teaching
Vision Rehab Therapy
Undergraduate College
Learn about all the majors, minors, programs and certifications offered at Rosemont College & transform your future.
Aikaterini Skokotas, PhD
The Associate Professor of Biology and Biology Department Chair, Dr. Skokotas, specializes in Cell & Molecular Genetics.
Biology Faculty
Meet the Biology faculty preparing students for graduate study, professional training, teaching & industry employment.
Admissions Office
Whether you’re applying for your first year of college, transferring, or completing a degree, our admissions team is here to support you!
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Audiology is one of the fastest growing professions in the country today, with hearing and balance disorders increasing as our population ages. In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont College offers students a direct track to earning a Doctorate of Audiology (AuD).
Salus University’s Osborne College of Audiology is the first and only College of Audiology in the nation. Its competitive four year residential program prepares graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with hearing and balance disorders.
Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) On Campus Program for students who meet the program requirements and apply by the January 31 deadline.*
The Audiology program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- Extensive clinical education through clerkships and externships
- Initial development of clinical skills supported by 2,500 hours of supervised preclinical training
- Immediate, first term clinical experience
- Direct patient care begins in the second term
- Vital clinical skills practice time available seven days a week in the preclinical training lab
- The Pennsylvania Ear Institute, Salus’s on campus clinical facility, provides hands on training and exposes students to a wide range of hearing and balance disorders.
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of three Rosemont students per cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the general Doctor of Audiology (AuD) On Campus Program application process.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed a bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Doctor of Optometry (OD): 3 + 4 Program
In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont College offers qualified students the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Optometry degree in seven years instead of the usual eight. The first three years are spent at Rosemont College, and the next four at the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
The Traditional Program for the Doctor of Optometry degree at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry set the standard for all other institutions of optometry that exist today.
After the successful completion of your first professional year at Salus University, your bachelor’s degree is awarded by Rosemont. At the conclusion of the Doctor of Optometry degree program, you’ll receive your doctorate.
Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the 3 + 4 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program for students who meet the then current 3 + 4 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program admission requirements and apply by the December 1 deadline.*
The Optometry Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- Early hands on clinical experience and a 15 month externship program
- Small group learning experiences
- Program can be enhanced with advanced studies and elective courses and/or a residency program
- The Eye Institute (TEI) and its satellites serve as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s clinical teaching facilities
- Students collaborate with optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and optometric technicians
Offering PCO students a cohort curriculum, the Doctor of Optometry program at Salus University includes robust and early clinical experience and extensive externships. It also includes small group learning experiences—what you learn in the classroom is practiced in the labs. Eventually, the skills are applied to actual patients under the guidance and supervision of faculty.
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of three Rosemont students per cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the general 3 + 4 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program application process.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed the first three years at Rosemont College with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Doctor of Optometry (OD): 4 + 4 Program
In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont offers a direct track to a Doctor of Optometry degree. One of the top ten income earning professions in the United States, the Traditional Program for the Doctor of Optometry degree at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry set the standard for all other institutions of optometry that exist today.
Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the Traditional Doctor of Optometry (OD) Program for students who meet the program requirements and apply by the December 1 deadline. These admissions procedures include completion of a successful on campus interview.*
The Optometry Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- Early hands on clinical experience and a 15 month externship program
- Small group learning experiences
- Program can be enhanced with advanced studies and elective courses and/or a residency program
- The Eye Institute (TEI) and its satellites serve as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s clinical teaching facilities
- Students collaborate with optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and optometric technicians
Robust Clinical Experience and Externships
The Traditional Program offers PCO students a cohort curriculum and includes the early clinical experience and extensive externships for which the College is recognized. Other features of this program include small group learning experiences in an environment where what you learn in the classroom is practiced in the labs and applied to actual patients under the guidance and supervision of faculty.
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of three Rosemont students per cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the Traditional Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program application process.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed a bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Rosemont students majoring in Biology or Chemistry will meet the required prerequisites for the Salus University Doctor of Optometry Degree Traditional Program.
Master of Education, Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI)
In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont College offers students a direct track to a Master of Education (MEd) in Blindness and Visual Impairment degree. Students who successfully complete the curriculum are prepared for certification by the state credentialing body in Pennsylvania.
Develop the necessary knowledge and skills required for the instruction of infants, children, and youth who are totally blind or visually impaired, and those with multiple disabilities.
The Blindness and Visual Impairment Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- Competency based programs that offer coursework and practical experiences to develop the necessary knowledge and skills required for the instruction of infants, children, and youth who are blind or visually impaired, and those with multiple disabilities
- An alignment with standards set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division of Visual Impairment and Deaf Blindness
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of five Rosemont students per cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the Master of Education in Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) degree program application process.
Eligibility
The current Master of Education, Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) Program eligibility requirements are as follows:
Admission Requirements
a) Students must have completed their undergraduate studies and hold a Bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College.
b) Submit an application through GradCAS
c) Transcripts: All applicants are responsible for having official transcripts for every college or university attended sent directly to GradCAS centralized application service, regardless of whether a degree has been received from that particular institution or not. Please note, a transcript marked “issued to student” is not acceptable, even when delivered in a sealed envelope.
d) Letters of Reference: Applications must include three letters of reference highlighting your academic and professional skills and addressing applicant qualities in relation to working in the field of blindness and low vision, education and/or rehabilitation. Please follow the directions for submitting letters of reference through the GradCAS application portal.
e) Statement of Purpose (minimum 250 words): Applicants must submit a typewritten, double-spaced, two- to three-page personal statement through the GradCAS application portal explaining their purpose in undertaking graduate study in their program of interest. This is an opportunity to inform the Admissions Committee about the applicant’s goals, interests, motivation, and background as they relate to their career plans and academic pursuits.
f) Job Resumé/Curriculum Vitae: All applicants must submit an educational and job resume/curriculum vitae through the GradCAS application portal.
This should include the applicant’s education, work experience, publications, honors or achievements, and community /extracurricular activities to date.
g) License/Certificates: Applicants to the Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) Program who are currently certified teachers must upload a copy of a teaching certificate.
h) Completion of a successful interview.
D. Additional requirements for the Master of Education, Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) Program:
a) Student is in good academic standing at Rosemont.
b) Student is in good social standing, including but not limited to confirmation that student is free of any disciplinary/student conduct record with no unresolved or pending disciplinary/student conduct issues at Rosemont.
c) Student seeking teacher certification in visual impairment must meet the Admissions Requirements listed above as well as specific state department of education requirements, according to where the student resides.
d) Background Clearances: Applicants to Blindness and Low Vision Studies programs must complete Child Abuse History, State Police and Federal FBI clearances at the time of matriculation to the program. The Office of Student Affairs will contact the matriculated student with further instructions on submitting these requirements prior to enrollment.
E. Financial Responsibility:
a) Matriculated students will be responsible for all tuition and fees. Students pursuing the Master of Education, Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) degree are eligible for financial aid and various scholarships.
b) Students are responsible, at their own expense, for purchasing any necessary textbooks, software, transportation or other supplies and materials required for courses in the Master of Education, Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) Program.
c) As matriculated Salus students in the Master of Education, Blindness and Visual Impairment (TVI) Program, Salus shall directly bill Students.
Master of Medical Science, Physician Assistant (MMS)
In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont provides a direct track to earning a Master of Medical Science degree. One of the fastest growing professions in the country, Physician Assistants are an integral part of today’s healthcare system.
Salus University guarantees an interview to the Physician Assistant (MMS) Program for all Rosemont students who meet the program requirements and apply on or before August 1 of the year of desired enrollment.
The Physician Assistant (MMS) Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- Institution dedicated to the graduate education of healthcare professionals
- Patient centered program with a primary care philosophy and holistic approach
- Patient care experiences integrated throughout the first year
- Evidence based instruction founded in the biomedical and clinical sciences
- Onsite full cadaver dissection lab
- Innovative teaching integral to the development of critical thinking skills
- Curricular design which facilitates meeting competency outcomes, offering eight core and two elective rotations
- Service learning opportunities
- Accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed a bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College with a minimum cumulative undergraduate and science GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale prior to enrollment.
Master of Science, Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR)
Vision rehabilitation services help people who have recently lost vision, are blind, or have low vision to continue to live independently and maintain their accustomed quality of life. In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont College offers students a direct track to a Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR).
Salus University offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Low Vision Rehabilitation. Learn to work more effectively in clinical rehabilitation and educational settings with people who have low vision.
Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the Master of Science, Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR) Program for students who meet the program requirements.* Applications for the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies master’s and certificate programs are accepted each semester in accordance with Salus’s published application due date.
The Low Vision Rehabilitation Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- The interdisciplinary programs in the Blindness and Low Vision Studies department prepare professionals to work effectively in clinical rehabilitation and educational settings with people of all ages who have low vision. Emphasis is placed on a team approach to implementing low vision assessments and interventions.
- The University’s Low Vision Rehabilitation coursework and supervised fieldwork experience satisfy the requirements for certification by the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
- Programs in Blindness and Low Vision Studies were first developed at the University’s founding college, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, in 1983, making Salus the first institution in the country to offer four master’s degrees and certificates.
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of five Rosemont students per cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR) degree program application process.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed a bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College.
Master of Science, Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont College offers students a direct track to earning a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapists help people recover from injury, disability, or illness and participate in activities of daily living.
Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings including: hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, schools, and in home healthcare.
Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program for students who meet the Program requirements and apply by the October 1st deadline for admission.*
The Occupational Therapy Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- Fieldwork education, or apprenticeship, is an integral part of the MSOT program
- Cadaveric dissections led by an anatomist
- Distinguished, highly dedicated faculty
- Newly renovated labs and classrooms
- Emphasis on clinical skills development and evidence based practice
- Integration of cutting edge technologies to prepare students for new and evolving clinical skills
- Commitment to the ongoing professional and personal development and the success of each student.
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of 2 Rosemont students per each Cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for the guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the general Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program application process.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed a Bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College prior to enrollment with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
Master of Science, Orientation and Mobility (O&M)
O&M specialists work in various professional settings, including public schools, residential schools for students with visual impairments, rehabilitation agencies, and Veteran Administration Medical Centers. In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont offers students a direct track to a Master of Science Degree in Orientation and Mobility (O&M).
There are excellent employment opportunities in the field of O&M due to a national shortage of these professionals.
Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the Master of Science Degree in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program for students who meet the program requirements.*
Applications for the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies master’s and certificate programs are accepted each semester in accordance with Salus’s published application due date.
The Orientation and Mobility Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- It prepares O&M specialists with the knowledge and skills needed to teach those with blindness or vision impairments how to remain oriented in their environment and develop mobility skills to be independent within their environments.
- The program can be completed in four semesters, either full time or part time.
- Students are prepared for the requirements for national certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of five Rosemont students per cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the Master of Science in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) degree program application process.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed a bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College.
Master of Science, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
In partnership with Salus University, Rosemont offers students a direct track to a Master of Science Degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). The program prepares professionals for Vision Rehabilitation Therapist certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
Learn how to provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation therapy services (adaptive activities of daily living/independent living skills) to blind or visually impaired adults/older adults through coursework and supervised field experiences.
Salus University guarantees Rosemont students reserved admission to the Master of Science in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Program for students who meet the program requirements.*
Applications for the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies master’s and certificate programs are accepted each semester with the following deadlines:
- Fall Semester: June 30
- Spring Semester: November 15
- Summer Semester: March 30
* Guaranteed admission is limited to a maximum of five Rosemont students per cohort (“Maximum Guarantee”). Students will be prioritized for guaranteed reserved admission based on the date a student’s application is received by Salus. If any Rosemont student applies after the Maximum Guarantee has been met, the Rosemont students’ applications will be included in the Master of Science in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) degree program application process.
The Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Program at Salus University is noted for the following:
- Prepares professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools to provide comprehensive instruction and training in activities of daily living to facilitate safe and independent living for individuals who are blind or visually impaired
- Provides expertise in related fields such as occupational therapy, psychology, social work, gerontology, special education in visual impairment, and orientation and mobility
- Satisfies the requirements for national certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)
Eligibility
Eligible students must be in good academic and social standing at Rosemont College and have completed a bachelor’s degree from Rosemont College.