A new articulation agreement provides admissions-related preferences for Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) undergraduate and graduate students seeking acceptance into health professional programs in Mary Baldwin University’s Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences.
The articulation agreement is with the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Master of Science in Physician’s Assistant (PA) programs.
Applicants from EMU who meet the criteria will receive an interview and fee waiver. The agreement requires that EMU graduate or undergraduate students seeking admission have a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA and have completed all required prerequisite coursework.
“We believe it’s important to form relationships between EMU, our MA in Biomedicine program and local professional health schools such as Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences,” says Professor Julia Halterman, who co-directs EMU’s MA in Biomedicine program. “Not only does this provide an avenue for our students to enter a professional health school, but it also benefits the local economy by promoting Virginia schools and the training of future healthcare practitioners.”
Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences opened in June 2014 with a fully enrolled charter class of 70 students and a new 55,000 square foot facility with classrooms, simulation suite and life skills laboratory. The campus is located in Fishersville, Virginia.
“We are delighted to provide academically outstanding EMU students with an opportunity to interview with one of our graduate health sciences programs,” says Linda Seestedt-Stanford, founding vice president for the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences. “There is a tremendous need for physical therapists, occupational therapists and physician assistants to serve our region. This articulation agreement provides a pathway for qualified EMU students to reach their goal of becoming a healthcare professional.”
EMU’s MA in Biomedicine program holds articulation agreements with the following professional health schools:
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Southern College of Optometry
- University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry
The articulation agreement with Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine also includes opportunities for EMU undergraduate students who have completed appropriate prerequisites.
Bravo! I can attest to the need for more PT and OT professionals locally. Our daughter benefits from therapy for developmental delays, and we routinely have gaps in service due to unfilled positions and waiting lists both in community services and private practices. Hooray for any EMU student who wants to go into these rewarding professions–and please stick around!