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The Accelerated 3+3 pathway is designed for highly motivated students who wish to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees in an accelerated timeframe.

Students in this pathway:

• Complete undergraduate HCS coursework during the first three years.
• Complete designated DPT prerequisite requirements.
• Apply for admission to the DPT program according to published admissions procedures and timelines.
• Must satisfy all DPT admission requirements and standards.
• Begin DPT coursework during the summer following their third undergraduate year if admitted.
• Earn both the BS in Healthcare Science and DPT degrees through the accelerated pathway.

Admission to the accelerated pathway does not guarantee admission to the DPT program. Students must continue to meet all admission criteria established by the DPT program.
 

Important Note

Qualified students on the accelerated 3+3 pathway who meet all published admission requirements and apply through PTCAS (Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service) receive priority consideration for admission into the DPT program.

The Healthcare Science (HCS) COTA Bridge Pathway to MSOT is designed for licensed COTAs who hold an associate degree and are seeking a flexible route to bachelor's degree completion and graduate occupational therapy education. Students may transfer 71-75 credits from their completed OTA program toward the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science.

The remaining coursework builds knowledge and skills in healthcare leadership, population health, healthcare systems, advocacy, cultural responsiveness, evidence-informed practice, and interprofessional collaboration. This curriculum is designed to complement occupational therapy assistant preparation while providing the academic foundation needed for graduate study and continued professional advancement.

Upon completion of the BS in Healthcare Science degree, students may apply through OTCAS for admission to Alvernia's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program. Qualified pathway students who meet all published admission requirements receive priority consideration for placement in the MSOT cohort. Observation hours are waived for licensed COTAs.
 

Why Choose This Pathway?

• Designed specifically for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)
• Transfer up to 75 credits from an accredited OTA Associate Degree program
• Complete your bachelor's degree while continuing to work in the profession
• Flexible full or part-time online learning options through Graduate and Adult Education
• Build advanced knowledge in healthcare leadership, population health, advocacy, and healthcare systems
• Prepare for graduate-level occupational therapy education
• Occupational therapy observation hour requirement waived for licensed COTAs
• Priority consideration for placement in Alvernia's MSOT program for students who meet all pathway and admission requirements
• Personalized advising and pathway support from enrollment through graduate program application
• Seamless progression from bachelor's degree completion to graduate occupational therapy study
   

ASOT to HCS BS to MSOT Pathway

• Step 1: Earned associate degree as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Step 2: Transfer 71-75 credits into the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science program.
• Step 3: Complete bachelor-level Healthcare Science requirements and prerequisite coursework. Coursework includes healthcare informatics, health and wellness, cultural competency, healthcare literacy and advocacy, epidemiology, healthcare management, healthcare policy, community health administration, current issues in healthcare, and a capstone experience.
• Step 4: .
• Step 5: Transition directly into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Two RHSHS programs currently have formally developed accelerated HCS pathways with approved curricular substitutions and Academic Completion Plans (ACPs):

• Medical Imaging (MI)
• Surgical Technology (ST)

These tracks were developed to allow qualified HCS students to pursue professional certification through RHSHS while continuing progress toward the BS in Healthcare Science.

Students begin as Healthcare Science majors and follow accelerated Academic Completion Plans for their chosen RHSHS program. Once A student is formally accepted by RHSHS, a change of major occurs to one of the following two tracks.

• HCS Medical Imaging (MI) Track, or
• HCS Surgical Technology (ST) Track
   

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

Students interested in Diagnostic Medical Sonography may also apply to RHSHS; however, there is currently no formal HCS DMS Track and no approved curricular substitutions within the HCS degree.

Students interested in DMS should:

• Follow the standard HCS degree plan.
• Meet early with RHSHS Admissions.
• Work closely with their advisor and the HCS Program Director.
• Ensure they meet all RHSHS admission requirements.

Important Considerations

Students should obtain application information and admission requirements directly from the RHSHS program website.

Students should understand that:

• Admission is highly competitive.
• Application timelines vary by program.
• Available seats are extremely limited.
• Some students apply multiple times before gaining admission.
• Many qualified students are not admitted.
• Students may ultimately be accepted before, during, or after completion of their HCS degree.

Interested in Learning More?

Students interested in any RHSHS pathway are encouraged to meet with the Healthcare Science Program Director as early as possible to discuss:

• Program requirements
• Competitiveness of admission
• Academic preparation
• Application timelines
• Alternative pathways and contingency planning

Early advising helps students make informed decisions and develop the strongest application possible.

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page. 

Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.