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School of Medicine

Professional Programs

The Professional Programs housed in the School of Medicine include an array of health related professional fields of study, ranging from undergraduate to graduate degrees. The classification of professional programs includes, but is not limited to, disciplines often considered as allied health or public health.

  1. The Exercise Physiology program offers a bachelor’s of science degree (BS) which is excellent preparation for future graduate study in that field, as well as future study in medicine or physical therapy. There is also a master’s degree (MS) which prepares exercise physiologists to work clinically in a variety of health care, fitness and research settings. A PhD degree is also available for those wishing to pursue a career in research.

  2. The Medical Technology program offers a bachelor’s of science degree (BS) for students wishing to pursue a degree preparing for work in the hospital clinical laboratory or in the private sector. There is a definite shortage of medical technologists nationally, so this degree provides an excellent career choice as well as preparation for medical school.

  3. The Occupational Therapy program offers a master’s of occupational therapy degree (MOT). The traditional on-campus degree is a three year professional master’s program requiring two preparatory years in general education. There is also an off-campus master’s program geared specifically to the occupational therapy assistant who wants to further career development through the professional master’s degree.

  4. Careers in Public Health disciplines are available through the master’s degrees offered through the Department of Community Medicine (MPH Program and MS in School Health Education). A new PhD in public health is also available.

  5. The program in Physical Therapy offers a doctoral degree (DPT) for students wishing to pursue a career in this rewarding rehabilitation discipline.

  6. The Pathologists’ Assistant Program at WVU School of Medicine was approved and founded in 2007, with the first class beginning in January, 2008. The program is an intensive 24-month curriculum, culminating in a Master’s degree in Health Science. The first year is an intense didactic schedule, with some “hands on” experience in the Surgical Pathology Gross Room and Autopsy Suite. The second year is clinical practice, with rotations in various medical settings for a wide-ranging experience prior to employment. Students are required to have a Bachelor’s degree and come from a wide variety of science-related backgrounds, including Medical Technology, Pre-Professional Biology, and Forensic Science.