Walsh University and Franciscan University of Steubenville will now offer students a pathway to earn their graduate degrees in occupational and physical therapy more quickly and economically with a new joint accelerated degree program.
In addition to the universities’ shared Catholic faith, a unique advantage of this new program will be the opportunity for students to save time and money while earning valuable experience in two in-demand fields of healthcare. Beginning in fall 2021, the cooperative programs will offer students a path to complete a bachelor’s degree at Franciscan University and a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Walsh University in six years and an accelerated path to complete a bachelor’s degree at Franciscan University and doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at Walsh University, also in six years.
Like Walsh University, hallmarks of a Franciscan University of Steubenville education are small classes and professors who take a personal interest in each student. Walsh and Franciscan fully embrace the richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition that encourages individuals to act in accordance with reason guided by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.
"The history of healthcare is the history of the Catholic Church. Walsh University is thrilled to partner with Franciscan University of Steubenville as we further the education and formation of leaders in service with ethical and professional behaviors that advocate for the rights, health and welfare of all individuals," said Dr. Timothy J. Collins, Walsh University President. "We are confident that this work furthering the healing mission of Jesus Christ will provide a stronger foundation for students to enter the healthcare environment with the compassion and skills necessary to best address their patient’s needs in mind, body and spirit.”
The goal of rehabilitative care is to improve or prevent the worsening of a condition or quality of life due to an injury, surgery, or illness. Physical Therapy focuses on restoring or improving movement, strength, and range of motion. Occupational Therapy aims to improve the motor skills individuals need to perform daily tasks.
“This partnership provides wonderful new opportunities for our students to bring Christ to those in need of healing,” said Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, President, Franciscan University of Steubenville. “With a firm foundation in Franciscan’s research-driven, faith-inspired science programs and the excellent professional formation of Walsh’s physical therapy and occupational therapy programs, our students will be well-equipped to bring healing and wholeness to the lives of their patients.”
Professional Doctorate Pathway – Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is one of the fastest growing and most rewarding careers in the United States. Today's physical therapists play a significant role in the concept of total patient management and are specialists in addressing movement dysfunction while focusing on preventative care to minimize disability for a wide range of age groups in a variety of settings.
Through the Walsh and Franciscan cooperative program, academically qualified students attend Franciscan University for three years of prephysical therapy course work towards their Franciscan University Bachelor of Science in Biology degree before transferring to the Walsh University for the three-year Walsh Doctor of Physical Therapy professional phase of their studies. Because of the Franciscan University special affiliation with Walsh University, up to three students who successfully complete the three-year program at Franciscan University are given preferential consideration for admission to the professional phase of the DPT Program at Walsh University. If not accepted, students may elect to complete an undergraduate degree at Franciscan University in Biology or Chemistry over the course of one more year of study.
Professional Master Pathway – Master of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy was cited as a Top 25 job for 2021 by U.S. News and World Report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field of Occupational Therapy to grow by 27 percent between 2014 to 2024. Occupational therapists work with clients to build or restore their abilities to perform daily tasks or "occupations" by utilizing a holistic approach.
Through the joint agreement, academically qualified students will attend Franciscan University for four years of preoccupational therapy course work before transferring to Walsh University to complete the two-year “professional phase” of their studies with a master of occupational therapy. Students must be accepted into the Franciscan University Early-Assurance Program as freshmen and must complete their four-year undergraduate degree at Franciscan University. Because of the Franciscan University special affiliation with Walsh University, up to three students who successfully complete the four-year program at Franciscan University are given preferential consideration for admission to the professional phase of the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at Walsh University.
For more information about the cooperative programs in OT and PT, contact Walsh University Vice President for Enrollment Management Rebecca Coneglio at 330-490-7190 or rconeglio@walsh.edu.
The MOU agreements were formally signed in a special ceremony at Walsh University on Monday, April 12, by Walsh President Timothy J. Collins, Ed.D., Franciscan University President Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, EJD, Ed.D., along with Walsh Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Dunphy, Ph.D., Franciscan Vice President for Academic Affairs Daniel Kempton, Ph.D., Walsh Dean of the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences Pamela D. Ritzline, Ed.D., and Franciscan Pre-Health Professional Program Coordinator Eric G. Haenni, Ph.D.
