DeSales, Salus Partner on Optometry, Orthotics & Prosthetics Programs
DeSales University and Salus University are teaming up to train the next generation of specialty healthcare providers.
The two schools are partnering on a 4+4 Doctor of Optometry degree program, a 3+4 Doctor of Optometry degree program, and a 4+3 Master of Science in Orthotics & Prosthetics degree program.
Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, president of Salus, and Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs at the Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, campus, visited DeSales on May 9 to sign articulation agreements with Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., president, and Terese Wignot, Ph.D., provost.
“Both DeSales and Salus are universities that are committed to providing quality healthcare providers to their communities. This partnership allows DeSales students the opportunity to further their education at Salus in healthcare areas that are much needed by the region.”
Students at DeSales who complete the 90-semester credit or 120-semester credit pre-optometry curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher can apply for admission to the 3+4 or 4+4 Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University Doctor of Optometry degree program, respectively. PCO/Salus will reserve four seats in each class for qualifying DeSales students.
Students at DeSales who complete the 120-semester credit pre-orthotics and prosthetics curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher can apply for admission to the Salus 4+3 Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics degree program. Salus will reserve four seats in each class of the MSOP program for qualifying DeSales students.
“We are delighted to enter into this new affiliation agreement between Salus and DeSales, which clearly enhances our commitment to advancing healthcare education in our region,” says Mittelman. “By leveraging DeSales University's robust educational infrastructure and Salus University’s innovative, nationally recognized clinical expertise, we aim to provide our students with unparalleled opportunities to develop as healthcare professionals. Together, we will foster a collaborative environment that not only benefits our students but also contributes positively to the healthcare community.”
DeSales has similar affiliation agreements with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.