Application Process

All applicants to the Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program must hold a Bachelor's degree, or its international equivalent, from an accredited institution.

An overall GPA of 2.70 or higher is recommended for application to this program.

Post-baccalaureate applicants who desire to pursue the Physician Assistant Studies degree must have a minimum undergraduate cumulative and science GPA of 3.0.

To be considered an applicant must:

• Submit a completed application through GradCAS. If new to the GradCAS application portal, you will need to create a new account. Once your account is created:
  • Click Add Program at the top of the application home page.
  • Use the search filters to locate the Salus University, Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Health Sciences Program.
  • Complete the application's four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials. 
  • Note: Within the Program Materials section is where you will be able to indicate to which Post-baccalaureate track (Health Sciences Track or Speech-Language Pathology Track) you would like to apply.
  • Utilize the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resource. 
  • A non-refundable fee of $138.00 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal. 
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) directly to GradCAS. Final transcripts indicating Bachelor’s degree conferred are required prior to the start of the program.
  • Note: if an applicant has applied to a Salus University degree program within the current application cycle, and there have been no changes to their academic record, previously submitted transcripts may be used toward the certificate program application. Please check with the Office of Admissions in order to determine if official transcripts will need to be submitted once again.
• Complete the following short answer essays (maximum 250 words each):
  • Describe how participation in the Post-baccalaureate program will benefit your academic and/or career goals.
  • In what ways do you expect your particular skills, experience and perspective to contribute to the program’s learning community? 
• Submit one letter of recommendation through the GradCAS application portal from an individual who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality, such as a professor or supervisor. 
• Submit a CV/Resume through the GradCAS application portal. This should include the applicant’s education, work experience, publications, honors or achievements, and community/extracurricular activities to date. 
• Applicants seeking to matriculate into the certificate program must complete a successful face-to-face or online interview with the program director. 
• Students who wish to earn a certificate must meet the requirements for clinical observation (e.g., background checks) prior to registration for Introduction to Patient Care I. 
• All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
• Students will be required to meet University compliance requirements upon matriculation.

Important information for international students:

Please be aware that Salus University cannot issue student visas for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program. International students who already possess an appropriate visa in order to study in the United States may apply to the program and are responsible for ensuring that the visa is valid for the duration of the program.  

International Transcripts

For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information: 

A course-by-course credential review from a NACES recognized agency which evidences all post-secondary studies completed.  Please consult the agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation. 

• Recommended agencies include:
  • World Education Services
  • SpanTran
• An official credential evaluation (not a copy) must be sent from the evaluation service directly to: Office of Admissions, Salus University, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
• Applicants also have the option to submit their credential evaluation directly to GradCAS.  If you choose this option, please view GradCAS foreign transcripts instructions for more details.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Salus University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client/student safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or education team.

Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.

While we recommend that applicants submit TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria*:

1. successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; or
2. successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s program

*Note: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion. Should any exceptions not be accepted toward the English language requirement, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant of an alternative to fulfill it.

The Admissions Committee examines all aspects of an applicant’s background including academic achievement, health field-related experiences and career goals in making admissions decisions. 

The Admissions Committee considers applicants based on their motivation to succeed in the program, the demonstration of strong intellectual aptitude and the ability for independent thinking.

Interview Process

Individuals successfully meeting the required admissions selection criteria may receive an invitation to interview, which provides further insight into the applicant’s character and motivation, and allows an applicant the opportunity to speak with the program director or a faculty member as well as review their file with an admissions staff member. Career objectives are discussed and program areas of special interests are explored in an effort to analyze how the program can match the applicant’s needs. The short answer essays and interview also allows the interviewer to assess writing, speaking, listening and analytical skills which are very important to the successful completion of the program. Interviews may be conducted online or in-person. 

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE AND MATRICULATION 

An applicant may be notified of his or her acceptance on a rolling admissions basis, after completion of the interview. Upon receipt of acceptance, an applicant is required to pay a $500 matriculation fee to the University prior to the start of classes, payable as follows:

• Return the matriculation form along with a $500 deposit within 14 days of the date of the acceptance letter. 
• All monies received above are non-refundable and will be applied toward first term fees.

Students will be required to meet University compliance requirements upon matriculation.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Enrolled students who withdraw or are dismissed from the University will be responsible for the payment of tuition in accordance with the institutional refund schedule.

• University Policies
• Refund Policy

Students accepted into the Post-Baccalaureate Program SLP Track with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher from their undergraduate institution will be automatically accepted into the SLP graduate program upon completion of the PBP SLP Track certificate, given the following conditions are met:

• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher in the PBP coursework
• Earn a grade of "A-" or higher in Intro to Patient Care 1 & 2
• Complete the admissions requirements for the MS program, including a successful interview

Selected courses in the Post-baccalaureate Program are open to non-degree seeking students wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in the health sciences or in speech-language pathology.

All courses may be taken on an a la carte basis, except for Introduction to Patient Care I & II and Career Guidance & Academic Success. The maximum credit total allowed as a non-certificate seeking student is 24 credits.

More information