Earl R. and Barbara D. Lewis School of Health and Life Sciences
Graduate Programs
Through our clinical graduate programs, we train you to see each patient as an individual while improving care delivery. That that means you'll go beyond technical excellence and get extensive training in the field — even working outside the U.S.
MS in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists are experts in daily living who improve a person’s physical, cognitive, psychological and social participation in all aspects of life through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, adaptations, and assistive devices. Careers can take place in a variety of settings, including in schools, hospitals, clinics, and home care. At Clarkson, you'll grow your skills in state-of-the-art simulation labs, fieldwork assignments and collaboration with STEM and business colleagues.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Physical therapists are movement experts who diagnose individuals with mobility and pain related disorders, develop care plans and prescribe exercise supported by hands-on care to optimize physical function, prevent disease and improve quality of life following disability. Led by faculty with decades of real-world experience, the DPT program centers around four full-time clinical experiences and leads to meaningful careers in hospitals, private practice, athletics, industry, and home care.
MS in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician assistants are medical experts who diagnose illness, develop and manage medical treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as a patient’s primary healthcare provider. In some rural areas where physicians are in short supply, physician assistants may be primary healthcare providers, especially in hospitals, urgent care, clinics, and private practices. Clarkson's Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies can prepare you for a career in this quick-growing field: demand for PAs is expected to increase 28 percent by 2031.
MS / PhD in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology
Our master's and PhD programs in bioscience and biotechnology are at the forefront of research and technology leading to breakthroughs related to the world's most urgent problems. Gain a competitive edge in the job market and strengthen your application to PhD, veterinary or medical programs with these unique degrees.
Affiliated Graduate Programs
As the science behind healthcare grows ever more complex, so, too, do the leadership and management skills it takes to navigate this changing field. Prepare for tomorrow's challenges in these graduate programs, including several through the David D. Reh School of Business.
Undergraduate Programs
Direct your aspirations toward advanced studies in the health sciences, or accelerate your path to a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Clarkson. Or, explore opportunities beyond patient care by delving further into biology, psychology, healthcare, policy, data science, business and administration.
Direct Entry Healthcare Programs
Already know that you want to become a physical therapist, occupational therapist (OT) or physician assistant? Apply to Clarkson as an undergraduate and gain guaranteed access to one of our graduate programs through the Direct Entry Healthcare Program.
BS in Biology
Biologists are experts in understanding living things, their interactions with each other, and the environment. Many biologists work to advance solutions to better health outcomes. Careers for biologists include research, biotech, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and medical diagnostics. Our biology graduates often pursue MD/PhD programs in medical, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary schools, law, or become high school science teachers.
BS in Healthcare
Think about patient care on a broader scale by analyzing population health and care delivery trends or fueling new treatments and devices. This versatile undergraduate degree points you in this direction, equipping you with the knowledge and hands-on experiences for a clinical career or a career in business, data analytics, public health policy, research or bioethics, to name a handful of healthcare roles and specialties.
BS in Psychology
Psychologists are experts in understanding and addressing cognitive, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and support mental health. Careers in neurology, or as mental health professionals, social workers, counselors, and psychiatrists within hospitals, schools, government, private practice and industry are common. Many of our psychology students pursue graduate education to help reach their healthcare practitioner goals.
Undergraduate Pre-Health Sciences Programs
Dedicate yourself to a career in healthcare or medical research. To start on this path, choose a major in the sciences and work with a team of Clarkson faculty and staff to be sure you're ready for whatever's next. Tracks are available for medical, dental, veterinarian, chiropractic, optometry, pharmacy or public health, as well as Direct Entry into our Doctor of Physical Therapy, MS in Occupational Therapy and MS in Physician Assistant Studies programs.
Clarkson allowed me to take all the classes I needed to get into physical therapy school and properly prepared me for the rigor of graduate school. Clarkson also has a pre-physical therapy track. You are assigned a pre-physical therapy advisor that helps make sure you are meeting all the requirements for PT school and helps answer any questions about the application process. The Clarkson Physical Therapy program also holds a certain number of spots for Clarkson pre-physical therapy students who meet all of the requirements.
Gracie DeLaBruere
Contact Us
Build a meaningful career in healthcare with patients who need you the most. Ask us today how you can get started.
Email: healthcare@clarkson.edu
Phone: 315-268-4301
My time at Clarkson helped me better understand some of the unique challenges in healthcare that arise in rural communities, especially communities that experience weather extremes — for example, when you need to transfer a patient to a higher level of care but a blizzard rolls in and transport cannot be arranged. You need to be able to provide the care that the patient needs until the weather clears. You always need to have a Plan A, B and C and be able to adapt to the situation at hand.
Jeri Reed
Lewis School of Health Sciences (Accreditation)
The Clarkson University Master of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. See full details here.
The Clarkson University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). See full details here.
The Clarkson University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). See full details here.