Social workers dedicated their time, compassion, and resources to confronting issues like domestic violence, poverty, and environmental injustice. A social worker ultimately wants to create a more just, equal, and safer society for all humans.

To become a social worker, you will need to obtain a BSW – or bachelor’s degree in social work. From there, most graduates obtain an MSW or equivalent degree, which often involves a specialty area (li.e., geriatric populations, incarcerated populations, women and children). 

Regardless of which concentration you pursue, you will be required to complete a significant amount of field experience, often upwards of 1,000 hours or more, in various settings.

Finally, aspiring social workers must pass the ASWB – Association of Social Work Boards – Examination before they can apply for licensure in their chosen state. 

From there, they may pursue careers like policy analysts, social science researchers, mental health counselors, and school social workers, though this list is hardly exhaustive. 

Employment of social workers is predicted to grow 11% by 2028, which is more rapid than other major occupations. 

An education at one of the best social work graduate schools will undoubtedly give you a competitive edge over other endeavoring social workers. Here are 10 of the best social work schools in the U.S. 

These schools were chosen as they are regularly ranked among the top schools in major publications, such as U.S. News.

University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (Chicago, IL)

Heralded as one of the best social work schools in the world, the Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice prioritizes field experience as a cornerstone of its degree programs. Students elect to pursue a clinical practice or social administration concentration in the second quarter of their initial year of study. Either option can be completed on a part- or full-time basis.

More than 95% of approximately 400 enrolled MA candidates receive full or partial scholarships, making education in social work accessible – without compromising exceptional quality – for those facing financial barriers. 

Classes may be as intimate as six students and are generally capped at 30, maintaining conditions for an intimate learning environment.

One unique program – the MA in social sector leadership and nonprofit management – progresses early-to-mid-career social workers through a 12-course program in which they work to become more impactful leaders who apply a critical social justice lens through the various organizations they will go on to lead.

University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work (Denver, CO)

Graduate students at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work have the opportunity to collaborate with a roster of more than 750 community, national, and international partners. 

UD’s online MSW for social justice changemakers offers concentrations in mental health and trauma or health, equity, and wellness. 

Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to make substantial contributions to nonprofit organizations, public schools, healthcare systems, and corporate environments – this is just one of 11 concentrations from which graduate degree candidates can choose!

Faculty regularly innovate new courses to meet the modern demands of people and communities needing social services. 

In SOWK 4641 Creating New Anchors: An Introduction to Prison-Industrial Complex Abolition, students spend ten weeks learning about the school-to-prison pipeline and systems of inequality that maintain problems for certain populations within the legal system in order to create policies for dismantling them.

Boston College School of Social Work (Newton, MA)

Of the 650+ graduate students pursuing an MSW at the Boston College School of Social Work, 99% will obtain employment within a year of graduation, with 76% earning entry-level salaries above $50,000 per year.

MSW cohorts log over 300,000 hours of fieldwork annually in contexts like nonprofit organizations, public schools, hospitals, and government entities. 

Specialty programs like the Latinx Leadership Initiative prepare degree-seekers to collaborate with Latinx organizations in developing long-term solutions for problems that persistently plague their communities.

In choosing a specialty, students first determine if they wish to work on a macro or micro level – the former focusing on expansive community entities and the latter honing on a specific issue. 

Washington University in St. Louis George Warren Brown School of Social Work (City, State)

Degree candidates at Washington University in St. Louis’ George Warren Brown School of Social Work first select a concentration, then add a specialization, providing for one of the most customizable social work degree programs on this list. 

The American Indian and Alaska Native concentration seeks to ground scholars in the contemporary issues unique to indigenous populations from a policy perspective. 

Within the concentration, students can pursue trauma-informed direct practice course sequences, specialize in behavioral health direct practice for communities experiencing substance use conditions, or elect for the community track, wherein they’ll forge community-building careers within certain tribes.

Regardless of which concentration or specialization a graduate student chooses, they will complete a 360-hour foundation practicum followed by a 600-hour concentration practicum at locations like Jobs With Justice, the United Way, and Family Forward Therapeutic Preschool Program. 

University of Illinois School of Social Work (Urbana, IL)

Undergraduate BSW candidates can apply for a “fast app.” If they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet other academic requirements, they can transition to the one-year advanced standing MSW program (rather than the traditional two-year option).

Advanced standing and traditional MSW students choose from two main concentrations: advanced clinical or leadership and social change. 

Those who pursue the former category will provide direct services to diverse populations via community health agencies, income assistance programs, and criminal justice organizations, to name a few. 

The latter program prepares candidates to hold top-level positions like executive directors, political strategists, and consultants.

Study abroad field placement opportunities in Cape Town, South Africa, provide experiential learning immersions where students can practice developing and implementing programs, advocating for services, resolving disparities within the healthcare system, and addressing child welfare.

Case Western Reserve University Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences  (Cleveland, OH)

There are three paths to attain a social work degree at Case Western: on-campus, intensive weekend, or online. All programs utilize a competency-based curriculum, which was the first of its kind to be developed in the United States back in 1915.

The on-campus option requires 60 credits completed over two years, beginning with a weeklong Change Agent Intensive (CHAI) course. 

In a substance use disorder and recovery concentration – one of several options MSW candidates can pursue – course offerings include immersions in program evaluation, social welfare policy, and motivational interviewing.

Those who choose the intensive weekend option will commute to Case Western’s campus for one weekend out of each month to attend classes on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM. Asynchronous assignments take place over the workweek, and students have more flexibility to complete tasks on their own time.

University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (Philadelphia, PA)

Master’s degree candidates at the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) are highly encouraged (and supported) to pursue dual degrees at one of U Penn’s 11 other graduate schools, giving them greater range and a competitive edge over other MSW graduates in the job search process. 

An average program takes two years to complete, with students enrolling in four courses per semester.

SP2 offers a range of unique program opportunities based on support for interdisciplinary collaboration. Via the MSW, degree candidates can also earn an MS in nonprofit leadership on an accelerated track. 

Like many social work schools, Penn devotes considerable weight to fieldwork. MSW candidates complete two internships in social service, and there are nearly 1,000 agencies to choose from as host sites. Staff reports that almost 35 agencies are added to this list each year.

University of Wisconsin Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work (Madison, WI)

In year one of the full-time MSW at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, students develop foundational knowledge in critical analysis and social work theory, which is designed to prepare them for choosing a specialization in year two. 

Year one classes may include Human Behavior in the Environment and Psychopathology for Generalist Social Work, for example.

Aging is one focus area in which MSW candidates may specialize. In this track, students gain practical skills in case management, end-of-life care, and advocacy for people living with developmental disabilities.

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work stands out from competitors via its cutting-edge Practice Skills Lab. At this facility, students can engage in simulation exercises to practice social work skills in low-stakes, supportive environments. 

University of Michigan School of Social Work (Ann Arbor, MI)

High-achieving students accepted to the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work devote their first semester to foundational coursework and consultation with an advisor who can help them choose a specialty. 

If a full-time option is not best suited for a particular candidate, they can pursue part-time opportunities on evenings/weekends or via online learning.

Michigan’s online MSW is currently rated #1 in the nation and prepares students for practice in integrated health, mental health, and substance use, with a full-time option launching in the fall of 2023.

There are many pathways to choose from, with the Global Activities Scholars Program (GASP) being one of the most enthralling. Up to 12 students are nominated each year to complete a spring or summer field placement in locations like Zambia, Australia, and Israel.

Columbia University School of Social Work (New York, NY)

At #1 on our list, Columbia University’s School of Social Work was the first school of social work in the nation, established in 1898. 

Columbia stipulates a well-rounded education emphasizing social and economic justice for at-risk populations, interdisciplinary research, and ample field education. In fact, 18 of the 60 required credits must consist of fieldwork (amounting to 1,200+ hours).

At no other social work school will you find more degree options than Columbia. There are seven fields of practice, such as contemporary social issues and the world of work. 

In the former, future social workers innovate ways to solve persisting issues like homelessness and substance use within the U.S. criminal justice system.

In a typical week, MSW candidates travel to a placement site three times weekly for seven-hour stints. Locations include courts, schools, and prisons, to name a few. 

In year two of study, students declare a concentration and field of practice, then complete 1,200 hours at two placement sites. Students emerge from the MSW program feeling highly prepared to embrace entry-level and top leadership positions at a range of social institutions.

The post The 10 Best Social Work Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

If you have a passion for health and fitness, then pursuing a degree in exercise science could be an excellent way to explore your interest in an academic context further — and, of course, gain valuable knowledge along the way. 

Earning a degree in exercise science opens the door to many different careers, many of which are expected to see high demand in the coming years. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for fitness instructors and personal trainers is projected to grow by nearly 20% by 2031. 

For exercise physiologists, for example, employment is expected to increase by just under 10% — still higher than the national average of 5%.

Of course, there is more to making a successful career in an exercise science-related industry than simply earning a degree; it is also essential to carefully consider at which college you choose to earn your degree.  

With thousands of schools with exercise science programs, narrowing down your list of colleges to apply to can be daunting. 

On the bright side, we have compiled the following list of excellent schools for studying exercise science to help lessen your stress during the decision-making process. 

Here are 10 amazing exercise science schools in the US.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)

Known as a “Public Ivy” due its Ivy League-quality academic offerings, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is ranked #5 among all public universities in the United States, according to US News and World Report. 

Given the school’s excellent reputation, it should be no surprise that UNC-Chapel Hill’s programs relating to exercise science are among the best in the country. 

The school has a BA major program in exercise and sport science. Students in this program can choose to pursue either the general studies track or one of two concentrations: sport administration or fitness professional.

The general exercise science major involves intensive study in all aspects, physical and psychological, of exercise, making it a solid choice for students considering medical school after undergrad. 

The school has an exercise and sport science MA program at the graduate level.

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)

The University of Florida is home to the Center for Exercise Science, which offers many outstanding programs, resources, and opportunities for students interested in a degree in this field.

Part of the College of Health and Human Performance, the CES is a hub for interdisciplinary research on human health and physical activity. CES provides students at the college numerous opportunities to get hands-on experience in a laboratory environment. 

The college offers a variety of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. 

There are four different options for BS degree major programs for undergraduate students, two of which are particularly pertinent for students interested in exercise science. These are the applied physiology and kinesiology major and the health education major.

George Washington University (Washington, DC)

The largest university in the District of Columbia, George Washington University has a bachelor of science with a major in exercise science. 

Offered through the Milken Institute of Public Health, the BS program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare, sports medicine, the fitness industry, and related fields. 

Students who pursue GWU’s exercise science BS can choose to specialize in any of several different areas of concentration, or they can choose none. 

Some of the concentration offerings at the school include strength and conditioning, pre-physical therapy, and pre-medical professional. 

The BS in EXSC program is led by Beverly Westerman, current vice chair of the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at GWU. In 2022, Westerman was inducted into the District of Columbia Athletic Trainer’s Association Hall of Fame. 

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Established in 1876, Texas A&M University was the very first public institution of higher education in the state of Texas. 

Today, it is one of the largest and most highly-revered public universities in the country, coming in at #26 among public schools nationwide in the latest edition of US News and World Report’s rankings.

Students who pursue a BS in kinesiology at Texas A&M can choose from among several different concentration tracks. 

One of these is the exercise and sports science concentration, which entails an in-depth study of physiology, nutrition, motor learning, and strength and conditioning. 

There is also a concentration in applied exercise physiology, explicitly intended for those who plan to start careers as clinical exercise physiologists. 

Through this combination of concentration offerings, the school ensures that all students who want to study exercise science — regardless of their professional aspirations down the line — can find a program well-suited to their interests. 

University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

According to the 2023 edition of US News and World Report’s annual list of school rankings, the University of Michigan is the #25 best university in the entire United States. 

Thus, it comes as little surprise that the college has an excellent exercise science program.

Offered through the UMich School of Kinesiology, there is a BS in applied exercise science major program. Students who choose to major in exercise science at UMich are able to benefit from the school’s extensive undergraduate research opportunities. 

With dozens of state-of-the-art labs, research centers, and a wide array of areas of inquiry, there is plenty of possibilities for student research at the School of Kinesiology. The Brain Behavior Lab and the Center for Race & Ethnicity in Sport are examples of these.

University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)

With their athletic teams competing as a part of the NCAA’s Division I, the University of Miami provinces exercise science students with many unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience identifying and treating athletic injuries.

The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Science at the University of Miami has a bachelor of science degree in exercise physiology. 

There is even the Honors Program in Exercise Physiology for students who are especially highly motivated.

One of the perks of Miami’s BS in exercise science is that the school offers an accelerated master’s program. The exercise science major students can fast-track their graduate degree by taking just one additional year of graduate-level coursework.

There are two degree options for the accelerated master’s program, one of which is the exercise physiology, strength & conditioning/fitness entrepreneurship program.

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

The University of Pittsburgh has a number of excellent academic offerings that fall within the broad domain of health, physical activity, and exercise. 

In fact, according to Niche’s 2023 list of the best colleges for studying kinesiology in the United States, Pitt is the #11 best school in the country in this subject area.

In addition, the university has been ranked as the #8 best college in the state of Pennsylvania, coming in at #2 in terms of just public schools.

At the undergraduate level, Pitt’s exercise science offerings include an EXSC major for students pursuing a bachelor of science at the college. 

Pitt is particularly well-equipped to educate students in the areas of bioengineering, prosthetics, and health equity, offering top-tier graduate programs in each of these fields. 

Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY)

Widely known for its extensive array of cooperative education programs, the Rochester Institute of Technology offers students unique opportunities to gain real-world experience working with professionals in their field of choice. 

Each year, more than 4,000 RIT students are placed with over 2,000 different employers all over the country, leaving students with valuable insight into their dream job. 

For students interested in studying exercise science, RIT offers exercise science as both a major and a minor for the BS degree program. 

Alternatively, there is an exercise science certificate program for those who want to avoid committing to a full four years of study. 

Offered through the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, the program is designed to provide students with all the skills and knowledge required to work in entry-level positions in the exercise industry.

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)

A public research college that was founded in 1847, the University of Iowa is the oldest university in its state. With more than 20,000 undergraduate students, it is also the largest university in Iowa. 

Part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Health and Human Physiology Department offers a BS program in exercise science. 

One perk of the exercise science BS at Iowa is that students interested in earning a graduate degree can fast-track their education through a combined degree program.

One of these is the BS/MS in athletic training, a great choice of program for those interested in practicing sports medicine. 

Offered through a partnership with the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, the program provides students with the academic and professional training to succeed in the industry.

University of Nebraska at Omaha (Omaha, NE)

The University of Nebraska at Omaha — formerly known as the University of Omaha — is a public research university with a total of six constituent colleges. 

One of these is the College of Education, Health, and Human Science, which is home to a stellar health and kinesiology department. 

For undergraduate students looking to study exercise science, there is a BS degree program with a major in kinesiology. One of the defining aspects of earning a kinesiology degree at Omaha is that the school heavily emphasizes experiential learning.

All kinesiology students at Omaha are given numerous opportunities to get hands-on experience in careers in the sports medicine field. 

One of these possibilities is to complete an internship, which requires at least 300 hours of work at a hospital, office, or other participating institution.

The post The Best Exercise Science Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Typically, a person will make an appointment with an occupational therapist after they have experienced a significant injury, illness, disability, or mental health condition. 

Occupational therapists work with their patients and the patients’ family members to develop a plan of action for returning to independent, fulfilling, and functional lives. Interventions depend on the diagnosis. 

Occupational therapists work in various contexts, including hospitals, hospice care, nurseries, homes, schools, community clinics, and even resorts. Many returning military personnel also seek assistance from occupational therapists after serving a tour.

In addition to interventions concerning mobility, speech, and behavior regulation, occupational therapists might coach business leaders on creating a healthy work-life balance among their employees, promote community programs for youth at risk of joining a gang, or help older adults use adaptive technology to feed themselves.

The demand for occupational therapists continues to soar; in fact, it was recently named the #1 job that artificial intelligence is least likely to take over! 

To become an occupational therapist, one needs to obtain a master’s degree, at the minimum, and pass any required certification exams, like the NBCOT (National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy). 

Fortunately, the United States is home to some of the best occupational therapy programs in the world. We’ve selected ten of the best occupational therapy schools based on their program offerings and national rankings in the U.S. News & World Report. 

Tufts University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (Medford, MA)

Tufts occupational therapy students can anticipate jumping right into fieldwork – the cornerstone of the school’s degree programs – in their first year of study! 

Level I experiences allow students to apply their knowledge to practical settings in pairs or independently. 

Level II fieldwork requires a minimum commitment of 24 full-time weeks, in which students build upon existing skills and learn about the administrative and management aspects of operating an occupational therapy practice.

Fieldwork is a part of all of Tufts’ graduate offerings, which include an entry-level occupational therapy doctorate for students entering Tufts with a bachelor’s degree outside of the field of occupational therapy. 

Within this program, a student might take a course like OTS 194: Working with Children with Self-Regulation Issues in Schools. In this class, students examine the sensory, emotional, and behavioral aspects of poor behavior regulation and test methods for intervention.

Unique certificate programs for working occupational therapists include a Certificate in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation and an Assistive Technology Certificate. 

NYU Steinhardt (New York, NY)

NYU Steinhardt currently offers six professional degrees in occupational therapy, ranging from a one-year master’s post-professional degree to a doctor of philosophy in rehabilitation services. 

Occupational therapy students at NYU Steinhardt are encouraged to take advantage of research and study abroad opportunities during their time in New York City. 

Most recently, two associate professors accompanied students to Israel with the intent of completing a “Disability in a Global Context” course. 

Students traveled to schools, hospitals, museums, and other community spaces to provide services to people with disabilities. 

This experience intended to compare the Israel experience with what people with disabilities experience in the American healthcare system.

Regarding research, students might assist in an endeavor like the Brain Fitness Program, piloted by Professor Gerald Voelbel. 

Voebel’s team found that patients managing a traumatic brain injury showed improvements in working memory, cognitive processing, and verbal attention after participating in the Brain Fitness Program. These gains were sustained after several years from the date of their injuries.

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (New York, NY)

Columbia University launched some of the first and most progressive programs in occupational therapy, and the Movement Science/Kinesiology Program at the Teachers College was the first-ever program in the nation to grant a graduate degree with a focus on motor learning. Today, students at Columbia can earn a one-of-a-kind EdD in movement science.

Of course, that’s not the only exciting degree program at Columbia. Students generally take two years to complete the MS in occupational therapy, which requires fieldwork in mental health, geriatric care, pediatric care, and care for people with physical disabilities. 

Students complete Level I fieldwork experiences in the areas mentioned above before progressing to Level II. 

Here, they spend at least three months in a mental healthcare setting and three months in an adult rehabilitation setting. Particularly ambitious students can complete additional fieldwork in areas like hand therapy or national policy.

Students can participate in an Interdisciplinary Research Symposium where they present original research, discovered individually or in collaborative research teams. 

Faculty at Columbia are exceedingly committed to involving students in research. One of the most recent studies piloted a stress management program for homeless and formerly homeless adults with mental illness.

Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)

Colorado State graduates nearly 50 new occupational therapists from its Ph.D. program in occupational and rehabilitation science annually. 

Some of the campus’ greatest draws are its two state-of-the-art outreach centers: the Assistive Technology Resource Center and the Center for Community Partnerships. 

One of the few west coast schools on our list, CSU offers a beautiful haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and avid hikers.

The Ph.D. program exposes students to exciting areas of study. For example, the Restoring Effective Sleep Tranquility program has offered sleep improvement training to post-9/11 student veterans for the past seven years. 

The Sensory Integration, Play, and Occupational Therapy Research Lab uses child play settings to understand children’s neurological development.

Doctoral students at CSU additionally participate in faculty-led research, such as a recent student that plans to assess yoga-based interventions for adults managing chronic brain injuries.

Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences (Philadelphia, PA)

Jefferson is ranked #1 in the Delaware Valley for its occupational therapy program. Students have ten options to choose from, including a six-year BS in exercise science to a doctor of occupational therapy degree. 

This program is actually designed for high school students who have known for a long time that they wish to become occupational therapists. 

Students take three years of undergraduate coursework, completing all BS major requirements, before commencing the OTD program. 

While many specialize in exercise science, students can also focus on health sciences or psychology. 

The school also offers an online post-professional occupational therapy doctorate, one of the few online offerings available in that niche within the U.S.

Jefferson College maintains a unique partnership with Kitasato University in Japan. Students at both institutions switch places for a week in spring to experience occupational therapy education from a diverse cultural perspective. 

Alternatively, students can take a summer trip to Morocco to practice occupational therapy, where the industry is starting to develop. Participants engage in therapeutic play with children who live with disabilities and help empower families and staff with knowledge and techniques.

Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO)

Since 2016, Washington University in St. Louis students have achieved a 100% pass rate on the NBCOT certification exam required for becoming a practicing occupational therapist. 

Students engage in fieldwork at more than 500 nationwide locations, and all faculty have a doctorate. 

Students can select from four programs, including a joint MS in occupational therapy/MPH degree. 

This program intends to prepare students to address prevention and daily functioning issues for people at a socioeconomic risk of developing disabilities or chronic diseases. 

Graduates attain leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, community centers, academic institutions, and government settings.

Students across all degree programs participate in faculty-supervised labs, such as Dr. Connor’s Community Reintegration after Stroke Laboratory, which aims to help stroke survivors recover and re-enter society. 

Students may schedule and assess research participants, lead training sessions, enter and analyze data, and write peer-reviewed articles.

University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Pittsburgh, PA)

Established in 1982, Pitt’s Department of Occupational Therapy has garnered various accolades, including a #3 ranking by the U.S. News & World Report. 

Its Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program only takes eight terms to complete, while students can complete a one-year MS in occupational therapy or a one-year online CScD (Doctor of Clinical Sciences) in occupational therapy.

OTD candidates at Pitt complete 99 credits, which include fieldwork experiences, a preceptorship, and a capstone project. The online CScD prepares already-licensed practitioners to develop more advanced skills in evidence-based implementation, leadership, and teaching in clinical contexts. 

There is also an interdisciplinary PhD program in rehabilitation science, where students collaborate with counseling, sports medicine, and health information management experts to prepare for jobs in rehabilitation contexts.

The University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Since UIC’s Department of Occupational Therapy was founded in 1943, faculty have published thousands of research papers and formed invaluable community partnerships with countless organizations. 

In the past five years alone, the faculty published over 300 works!

Newly launched in fall 2022, the entry-level occupational therapy doctorate prepares BS and MS candidates in an outside subject to pass the NBCOT, allowing them to become occupational therapists.

Like UIC’s other occupational therapy degrees, the entry-level program is based on a Scholarship of Practice, which places each student with a mentor faculty member and challenges them to complete an independent research project. 

Studies often focus on assessing a case study, intervention, or training technique.

Research is a critical part of the UIC occupational therapy experience. 

Professor Celeste Januszewski engages students in understanding the challenges people face when they transition from nursing homes back into the community, while Professor Elizabeth Peterson’s student researchers are concerned with falls and the fears of falling in their study participants.

USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (Los Angeles, CA)

Ranked the #1 occupational therapy school in the United States, USC Chan claims a long list of “firsts.” The school was the first to initiate a post-professional master’s program in 1947 and the first PhD in occupational science in 1989. 

USC Chan’s reputation is primarily staked on its Lifestyle Redesign intervention, which is effective in helping participants prevent and manage chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis. For example, students in the Healthy Aging Research & Technology Laboratory examine how various lifestyle interventions can improve health outcomes in late-midlife Latinx participants.

There are currently six courses students can take in the Lifestyle Redesign arena. The Lifestyle Redesign Weight Management, Diabetes, and Related Comorbid Conditions course is an online class that prepares students to implement interventions for managing bariatric surgery post-operative care, hypertension, obesity, and other diagnoses.

USC Chan’s 430 students cherish the intimate learning environment, with a 4.8:1 faculty-to-student ratio. 

The school’s occupational therapy students are among the most ethnically diverse in the nation, and nearly 70% receive financial aid through scholarships or loans.

Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences at (Boston, MA)

Tied for the #1 occupational therapy program ranking with USC, Sargent College is proud of its students’ three-year 100% exam pass rate in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and nutrition. 

With more than $20 million in research funding at their disposal and 1,200 clinical fieldwork sites across the nation, Sargent students have many opportunities at their fingertips.

Boston University’s entry-level OTD is a three-year program culminating in a 14-week doctoral practicum and project – students specialize in clinical, research, education, or policy/advocacy work.

Examples of recent doctoral capstones include an effort to work with a legislator to propose occupational therapy-related policy changes, a curriculum designed for educating caregivers of people living with dementia, and an analysis of fall risks linked with childhood obesity.

Students engage in weekly fieldwork experiences as early as their first semester at Sargent. Each student is also matched with a faculty mentor, fieldwork mentor, and peer mentor, encompassing a holistic support system.

The post The 10 Best Occupational Therapist Schools appeared first on collegegazette.com.

However, when one considers the diverse range of animals for which a veterinarian must provide care, the selective admissions process begins to make more sense. 

Though somewhat comparable to medical school in terms of the scientific background and knowledge needed to practice veterinary medicine, at least in the U.S., there are very few accredited veterinary schools available compared to medical schools. 

This comparative lack of educational opportunities is part of what is responsible for the selective admissions processes faced by many aspiring veterinarians. 

Considering the great numbers of livestock raised globally combined with the number of people who keep animals as pets, it comes as no surprise that there is a great demand for veterinarians to minister to the care and medical needs of these animals. 

Coupled with the economic needs of industrial animal husbandry driving the competitive admissions landscape is the love that pet owners have for their animals and the passion that hopeful veterinarians have for animal welfare. 

With such a competitive admissions landscape for prospective veterinarians, students have a need to know what the best options available to them for veterinarian schools are.  

Below is our list for the best veterinary schools in the world. The order in which the schools appear is based on each program’s ranking in the Shanghai Ranking for Best Veterinary Sciences programs.  

10. University of Bern (Bern, CH)

The University of Bern offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree that spans six semesters and prepares them for the next level of study in the field.  

The first year of studies covers the basics of veterinary medicine, providing instruction in anatomy and physiology, genetics, and pathology, among other fundamentals required in the field. 

The second and third years of the undergraduate program build on this knowledge while also comprehensively covering animal organ systems. 

Aspiring veterinarians at the University of Bern take five semesters to complete their graduate studies and earn the school’s Master of Veterinary Medicine degree. 

The master’s program covers core content and offers students the choice to specialize in clinical or nonclinical veterinary medicine, with further focus within either track. 

Admission into the veterinary medicine program is competitive, and the primary language of instruction is German. 

9. University of California, Davis (Davis, CA)

Admission into the School of Medicine at the University of California, Davis is very competitive. 

The minimum requirements are a bachelor’s degree, a 2.5 GPA, and 180 hours of veterinary experience, but the most competitive applicants to the program have credentials that far exceed the minimum program requirements.  

Students must also pass the GRE and provide letters of recommendation from others in the field. 

The program takes four years to complete, and instructional goals are outlined by the school’s eight Learning Outcomes. These “Learning Outcomes” were established by the school to ensure that graduates have developed competency in areas such as clinical practice, basic science and clinical knowledge, ethics, business, and other critical areas of understanding. 

Upon completion of the rigorous program, students graduate with the school’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and are well prepared for the examinations required for the license to practice veterinary medicine. 

8. University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vienna, AT)

The University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria provides multiple degree programs in veterinary medicine at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Additionally, the school offers doctoral and PhD programs for advanced studies in the field. 

Undergraduate students can choose either the Bachelor’s Program in Biomedicine and Biotechnology or the Bachelor’s Program in Equine Sciences. 

Master’s level programs of study are in areas such as comparative biomedicine, precision animal health, and evolutionary systems biology. 

The doctoral program offered by the school prepares its students for careers in applied research in veterinary medicine and awards a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree upon completion of three years of study. 

The school’s PhD program also takes three years to complete and prepares graduates for studies in life science or veterinary medicine. 

7. Autonomous University of Barcelona (Barcelona, ES)

Veterinary students at the Autonomous University of Barcelona enrolled in its undergraduate Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine program undergo five years of study in preparation for careers in food safety, genetic engineering, animal production, or veterinary medicine. 

The university provides facilities for clinical medicine, research in animal health, pathology, and research in food production. 

Acceptance into the program is competitive, with 115 slots available. The school also provides opportunities for students to study abroad in other European universities through its membership in the Erasmus+ program. 

Graduate students have a range of programs available to them at the university and can choose to pursue degrees in animal welfare, small animal clinical practice, and laboratory animal science and welfare, among others. 

Students in the school’s Master of Animal Welfare program complete the course of study in nine months and are well prepared to provide care for domestic, wild, and farm animals. 

6. University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh, UK)

The University of Edinburgh offers two undergraduate routes for entry into veterinary medicine.  

Students who wish to enter the field directly from high school will take five years of study to earn the school’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (Hons) degree. 

Students with an undergraduate degree in a related field may be admitted into the Graduate Entry Program, which takes four years to complete and confers the same degree as the five-year program. 

Graduate students can pursue taught master’s degrees or research-oriented master’s degrees depending on the area of veterinary medicine in which they wish to enter. 

The wide range of taught master’s degrees covers areas such as poultry science, animal behavior and welfare, genetics, food safety, conservation, and equine science. 

For students who are interested in research, the school offers Master of Science and PhD degrees in a variety of areas. 

5. Royal Veterinary College (London, UK)

London’s Royal Veterinary College provides a range of bachelor’s degrees in veterinary medicine and science as well as degrees in veterinary nursing. 

The college’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree covers the fundamental knowledge needed by veterinarians in the first two years of study and provides the skills and knowledge necessary for collaboration and clinical practice in the third, fourth, and fifth years. 

Through its partnership with Aberystwyth University, the Royal Veterinary College offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree, which emphasizes identifying and treating diseases in all types of animals. 

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing trains students to provide ongoing care and administer tests and treatments to a variety of animals. 

The school also provides a wealth of postgraduate opportunities in clinical training, research, and further instruction. 

4. University of Copenhagen (Copenhagen, DK)

Students in the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Copenhagen attain their degree in three years. 

Instruction is a mix of lectures, discussions, small group learning, and practical exercise, and the primary language of instruction is Danish, with some academic texts written in English. 

The program’s first year covers fundamental subjects like chemistry and biochemistry before moving into biology, anatomy, and physiology of animals. The second year covers diseases and pathology, while the third covers livestock diseases and provides the first opportunity to work with live animals. 

The bachelor’s program culminates in a bachelor’s project at the end of the third year. 

The master’s program at the university spans three years, with the first half of the program being common to all graduate students and the second half allowing students to specialize in different areas of veterinary medicine. 

3. University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Hanover, DE)

The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover operates a top-rated veterinary program, as evidenced by the high number of students who are turned away after applying for one of the spots available to entering students. The university is one of only five schools in Germany that provides instruction in veterinary medicine. 

With students in all veterinary programs combined, approximately 2,000 students of veterinary medicine are enrolled at the university. 

 The graduate program consists of eleven semesters of study to earn its Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine degree.  

The school also offers a PhD program in Veterinary Research and Animal Biology which is completed in roughly three years. 

The PhD program is cooperatively administered with other school partners and provides the opportunity to present research findings at international conventions.

2. Nanjing Agricultural University (Nanjing, CN)

Many aspiring veterinarians apply to Nanjing Agricultural University as it is one of the leading public research universities in all of China and is also highly ranked among the agricultural universities in the world. 

The school’s veterinary science program was ranked number two in the world in the Academic Ranking of World Universities in 2021, as well as by Shanghai Rankings. 

Its College of Veterinary Medicine is administered under the Faculty of Animal Science. Its Preventive Veterinary Medicine program is one of the school’s featured graduate programs. 

Nanjing Agricultural University provides students the opportunity to study for a bachelor’s degree in the field of veterinary medicine, which takes five years to complete. The school also awards both professional master’s degrees and PhDs in veterinary medicine.

1. Ghent University (Ghent, BE)

Our pick for the world’s best veterinary medicine school is Belgium’s Ghent University. Offering programs of study at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, the school gives students the opportunity to study veterinary medicine at any level they wish. 

Bachelor-level studies at the university begin with the study of the fundamentals of veterinary science in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and zoology. 

The second and third years of the program examine the healthy animal as well as potential diseases before students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine. 

Graduate students take another three years to earn the school’s Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine. The graduate program’s instruction is a mix of lectures, practical exercises, and clinical studies. 

Students must choose from one of five specializations in the last year of the master’s program and complete a thesis before graduation.

The post The 10 Best Veterinary Schools in the World appeared first on collegegazette.com.

In fact, the process of becoming a veterinarian not only has some of the strictest education, experience, and academic requirements, but it is also one of the most competitive career fields out there. 

The good news is that the career outlook for veterinarians is on the rise, with a whopping 17% employment growth rate expected in the next decade. 

Combine this rate with the fact there are a wide variety of jobs that fall under the veterinary category, and the competitiveness of the field doesn’t feel as intimidating. 

Indeed, a veterinarian can range from taking care of household pets to a person who studies food-borne diseases. 

In fact, students may be surprised to discover that one of the largest employers of veterinarians in the U.S. is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. 

Students need to keep this positive outlook in mind as they review the requirements it takes to achieve the credentials it takes to be a veterinarian. 

To ultimately achieve the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) a student will need to complete the VMCAS application and include academic records, hours of experience, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, personal essays, the application fee, and several possible schools to increase the chances of getting in somewhere. 

One way to prepare for this intensive application process is through a Pre-Vet program. Pre-Vet is not a major at any school, but rather, an advising track a student can elect to take. 

Some schools will grant a special degree in Pre-Vet, but this path is usually completed through a STEM degree like biology, chemistry, physics, etc. – though even students with English degrees can pursue a pre-vet concentration! 

The essential consideration in selecting a degree path is to take (and pass) all the intensive science and math that a DVM program will look for. 

The following colleges and universities have some of the best pre-vet programs in the nation. 

Some offer the benefit of being able to pursue a DVM at the same university and others have special partnerships with international schools. To make the process easier, students should visit each of the below programs’ information page and begin creating a chart of which school meets their needs.

University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Amherst, MA)

Coming in the top 70 ranked universities overall nationally, UMass Amherst is a school known for academic excellence and a culture of social stewardship. 

Their R-1 status and history of receiving awards in sustainability from organizations like The Princeton Review demonstrate their vision of an education that strives to understand how the world works and to use that understanding to bring about change. 

With over $12 million in research awards, UMass’s pre-vet program is well equipped to meet UMass’s educational vision and to prepare pre-vet students for all they need on the path to becoming veterinarians. 

Of the many amazing opportunities UMass’s pre-vet program offers students, two of particular note are the facilities and the university’s partnerships with other schools. 

First-year students will start their pre-vet path at UMass in the Animal Science degree. 

As part of the first-year requirements, students get to start their education by getting hands-on experience at Hadley Farm; on the farm, students will have access to 130 acres of farmland, 24 horses, and around 60 goats and sheep. 

The university provides excellent on-campus education experiences, but it also offers students a path to highly ranked veterinary programs.

If students wish to stay closer to home, they have a chance to apply during their sophomore year to nearby Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. 

If accepted, and if they maintain at least a 3.4 GPA through the rest of their pre-vet program path, they will automatically be granted a spot in Tuft’s veterinary program. 

For those who might be looking to have an international adventure, UMass offers two possible options to pick from – the University of Edinburgh or the University of Melbourne! 

Both veterinary programs are among the top in their respective countries and provide students with access to a broader range of veterinary experience; students even have the chance to complete an accelerated program at the University of Melbourne. 

The university’s Department of Veterinary and Animal Science at UMass has some of the best resources for those who want to know what it takes to be in a pre-vet program and to go on to be a vet. Interested students should start by checking out the information page to find out all that is needed. If reading an information page seems overwhelming, the program has its own podcast students can check out to learn more!

Washington State University (Pullman, WA)

Washington State University knows that degree paths need to be as diverse as the students pursuing them. 

The university’s Health Professions Student Center advises pre-veterinary students to take a specific set of prerequisites but encourages students to earn them within a wide range of possible degrees. 

The most important part of a student’s education is the ability to pursue something that they are passionate about. 

Students who go through the pre-vet program are able to major in a range of concentrations, including neuroscience, zoology, genetics and cell biology, and bioengineering. 

Flexibility in program also means a flexibility in how much time it takes to complete both a bachelors and a DVM. 

WSU offers students the option to pursue the Honors Pre-Admit Program, where they can finish both their bachelor’s and their DVM in 7 years. 

What makes this deal even better is that students can pursue their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine through WSU, a feature that many other schools aren’t able to offer. 

Students who are looking for advice on how to navigate all the requirements needed for a pre-vet program will have access to pre-vet advisors. 

These experts will assist students in determining a degree path, fix their resumes, and prepare them for the intensive process of applying to veterinary schools. 

For peer support, students can hang out with clubs like the WSU Pre-Vet Club and get access to tours of veterinary schools, networking events, career workshops, and a community of fellow animal lovers. 

WSU finds a way to make a challenging program path like pre-vet accessible to a wide range of possible student interests. 

Students looking for an experience where they have room to express their unique passion for helping animals will find WSU an excellent option to consider. 

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)

The University of Connecticut provides students with a pre-vet experience that includes learning from award-winning faculty, access to a wide array of farm animals, and a historical track record of award-winning undergraduate support. 

An education is only as good as the source it is coming from, and the UConn Animal Science Department has an excellent place to look in its faculty. 

Former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Animal Science and 2021 recipient of the American Society of Animal Science Morrison Award, Steven A. Zinn is just one example of the kind of expertise that students can expect from instructors. 

Other faculty have conducted research and are experts in areas like muscle growth, food-borne microorganisms, and reproductive endocrinology. 

Head knowledge is essential, but adequate facilities are just as vital to have in an excellent pre-vet program. Students will only have to walk 10 minutes from campus to access stables, poultry units, and cattle units. 

Attending a university that has close access to farm animals means UConn has its own meat processing factory and creamery. 

Students who spend the day studying cattle in the dairy unit can find their way after class to the university’s ice cream shop to get a taste of the fruit of their labor with UConn university-made ice cream! 

Finally, a successful pre-vet program is one where students can ensure that they can meet the strict requirements of all Doctor of Veterinary degree programs. 

Students will have the opportunity to gain research experience, hands-on training with various animals, and a curriculum that will make them successful applicants. 

Students from UConn’s pre-vet program have gone on to attend some of the best Veterinary Programs both in the US and internationally. 

Tufts University (Medford, MA)

Tufts University should be a familiar name from above because it is a significant recipient of the UMass pre-vet students. 

If students are looking to streamline the process a little to get into the DVM program at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, they can opt to attend Tufts directly as an undergraduate. 

Tufts’ pre-vet program is a little different from many on this list in that it is more a society than a program that supports students as they pursue their education. 

That said, The Tufts Pre-Vet Society provides many of the same supports and is open to students who are actively pursuing an education towards a DVM and those who are merely curious. 

Benefits the society offers members include resources that connect students to jobs and research opportunities, visits and information sessions from Veterinary Medicine schools, and expert information on how to develop a degree plan that meets all the requirements to pursue a DVM. 

Tufts knows that to nurture future vets, they have to have access to the academic supports they need to be successful. 

Tufts offers high school students some great pre-college admissions programs so they can learn more about what it takes to pursue education in a pre-vet program. 

University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire (Eau Claire, WI)

Though UW-Eau Claire pre-vet program is classified as a pre-professional program and has a;; the things a pre-vet program would want – and some. 

Because the university understands that it isn’t so much about the name of the degree you have but the content and quality, students can get all the required courses they need while pursuing a range of interests. 

This range of interests not only opens the door for getting creative about a pre-vet path, but it means that students can have access to a wider selection of scholarships that include pre-vet and non-veterinary focuses. 

UW-Eau Claire has two pre-vet specific scholarships students can pursue, but it also provides many different financial aid options that students can access on its scholarship information page. 

A special feature that UW-Eau Claire offers pre-vet students is their state-of-the-art Health Careers Center. The center has advisers that are specifically set aside for pre-vet students. These advisers help students create a plan for required courses, where to get work experience, and a timeline to do essential steps on the way to a veterinary school like the GRE and the Veterinary Medicine Centralized Application Service. 

Although UW-Eau Claire doesn’t have a veterinary medicine program, the University of Wisconsin-Madison does! Students will be able to take advantage of the close connection between the two schools if they decide to go over to UW-Madison after graduation.   

University of California – Davis (Davis, CA)

UC Davis’ Animal Science program is rated number one nationally according to U.S. News and World Report. 

Though the school doesn’t have a specific pre-vet program, it does have plenty of opportunities to earn the education and experience to apply for a DVM program. 

UC-Davis’ Veterinary Medicine department has a passion for nurturing diversity and for making the process of getting to a DVM program accessible to all people and all ages. 

College, high school, middle school, and elementary-aged people all can participate in events that encourage and promote curiosity and understanding about being a vet. 

These events range from a 5-week training program in the summer for college students to after-school elementary programs that teach math and science through a veterinary medicine lens. 

Students will also be able to interact with those who are attending the UC-Davis DVM program through the US Davis Students Supporting Diversity program. 

This opportunity pairs those who have already had to go through the demanding process of applying for DVM programs with those who are just finding their way, contributing to a greater sense of community and more student success.

UC Davis believes so much in giving people accessible experiences that they even offer students Barn Residency. 

Students who apply and are accepted for a barn residency will get free room and board at one of several barns in exchange for 10 hours of work a week. 

Attending UC Davis means having access to one of the top programs for aspiring vets. Students who want to learn more should start by exploring the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine website. 

Clemson University (Clemson, SC)

Clemson offers several unique opportunities for entering a DVM program. Specifically, students should start by checking out their pre-professional approach to the pre-vet path, the FEEPASS program, and WAVS. 

Clemson is dedicated to providing students with the requirements they need to enter a DVM program, but they don’t feel the need to box students into a four-year degree. 

Students who wish to pursue a pre-vet pre-professional path at Clemson can attend at least three years of undergraduate coursework and then apply for a DVM program. 

Once students are admitted and complete a year of course work, they will be awarded a preprofessional studies degree in veterinary medicine. 

An exciting international opportunity that puts another spin on this setup is the FEEPASS program. A partnership between Clemson and the University of Glasgow gives students the chance to attend the UK university during their final year of undergraduate work. 

Upon completion of their undergrad career, they will automatically gain admission to Glasgow University’s Veterinary Medicine program. 

Making big decisions like pursing FEEPASS or the pre-vet professional path requires having a supportive community, and students will find just that in WAVs. 

The Women in Veterinary Science society brings Animal Science women together to live, learn, and gain vital professional experience while celebrating women’s power in STEM.   

Clemson is a jewel in the deep south for those looking for a quality pre-vet experience. Students should visit the university’s pre-vet information page to learn more about how to get started.

Hollins University (Roanoke, VA)

Hollins University is the oldest operating university for women and is located in some of the most beautiful countryside Virginia offers. 

The university takes full advantage of its beautiful surroundings by offering a specialized outdoors program and through the effort of maintaining one of the best riding school programs in the US. 

Horses are a big deal at Hollins, and students who wish to be in the pre-vet program have the chance to ride and care for horses on-campus and abroad. Horse lovers will be overjoyed to know that they can attend a year of study abroad at Ireland’s University of Limerick equestrian program! 

That said, students don’t have to be horse-lovers to attend the Hollins pre-vet program; in fact Hollins tries to prepare students for the wide range of animal experience that most Veterinary Medicine schools ask for in applicants. 

Students who attend Hollins have gone on to DVM programs at top-rated schools like Texas A&M and Western University of Health Sciences. Hollins doesn’t horse around when it comes to their pre-vet program. Women who would love to surround themselves with nature, wildlife, and female empowerment can learn more about Hollins’ pre-vet path on the program’s information page.

The post Discover the Best Pre-Vet Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Whether it is consulting manufacturing, construction, or other high-noise work environments with workplace safety, or working in schools to aid students with hearing issues, audiologists are needed everywhere. 

For this reason and others, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 21% increase in audiology-related jobs by the year 2026. 

Furthermore, audiologists discuss their careers with high praise. To quote an audiologist directly, “I find tremendous joy working with people long term, connecting with them, hearing their stories, and sharing their lives all through sound.”

With the audiology career being so rewarding, it is no surprise that the jobs platform CareerCast ranked an audiologist’s career as the 4th least stressful career in the country. 

As audiology is a rewarding profession, growing in need with a robust return on investment for the cost of education, many will be seeking out an audiology career in the near future. 

But before they enter into an official audiology position, they’ll want to consider the options available to them for schooling carefully. 

As such, this article will break down the 10 of the best audiology schools in the country. 

In doing so, we’ll break down some of the unique aspects of each institution and why a student might choose that school over its competitors. 

Hopefully, this article will serve as a first step toward finding your perfect fit for audiology schooling. So, without further adieu, here are our picks for 10 of the best audiology colleges in the US.

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

In 2005, Vanderbilt’s audiology program moved into a facility that is, perhaps, the finest of its kind in the nation. And the rankings agree that Vanderbilt’s hospital, in which audiology students study, is among the nation’s best. 

The specific location of audiology within this larger hospital is the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center. This institution tends to a community with a high need for audiologists, evidenced by the Wilkerson Center’s expansion in 2022 into the suburb of Franklin. 

Vanderbilt’s audiology doctorate is considered a generalist degree, and as such, students will study the full range of audiology sciences as opposed to one specific area of audiology. 

Graduates not yet in a formal audiology program will be in good hands at Vanderbilt, as it was ranked #6 in the country for its undergraduate, pre-med affordances by The Savvy Pre-med. 

University of Nebraska – Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)

If one is looking for evidence of the good Nebraska’s audiology program does, they need only look at their year-in-review data, which Nebraska shares on National Hearing Day. 

Alongside having aided in the hearing needs of over 1,000 patients per year, Nebraska also runs multiple world-class hearing aid banks. Through these banks, over 300 hearing aids are provided to patients in any given year. 

And the care Nebraska provides to patients is constantly expanding. More and more, audiology students at Nebraska have been studying and practicing abroad to provide hearing medicine to patients outside the U.S.

For example, audiology faculty and students regularly travel to Nicaragua on service trips. This location was chosen because, according to Nebraska, there is only one known audiologist in Nicaragua. 

As such, Nebraska provides ample opportunities to both study audiology and engage in one of audiology’s most important components: doing good. 

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)

Unlike many top audiology schools, the University of Iowa offers undergraduate students the chance to study within their audiology department while attaining a bachelor’s in speech and hearing science. 

Iowa also has a combined Au.D./Ph.D. in speech and hearing science, thus making it an ideal choice for students who want to straddle the line between medical practice and medical research in the realm of audiology. 

The U of I audiology program brings together all sorts of audiology students across all levels of education. Despite the broadness of this community, the group is still close knit, with very active audiology student groups. 

One such group is their chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology. This group has over 200 students and alumni dedicated to providing community and support to audiology students. 

Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, IL)

Rush University Medical Center is known for its audiology program. This is the case in part because Rush’s audiology teaching methods have a tradition of providing results.

Rush operates under the teacher-practitioner model of instruction, in which students will combine coursework, patient care, and research to develop a nuanced understanding of the subject. 

At Rush’s audiology department, they maintain an impressive 100% pass rate on the national Praxis examination for audiologists over the past five years. 

As such, studying audiology at Rush is likely to set a hopeful audiologist up for success, both as a student and as a practitioner after graduation. 

With an ever-expanding and robust strategic plan that hopes to best realize the mission of Rush’s audiology program and the university writ large, Rush’s audiology program is on track to become even greater in the coming years. 

Gallaudet University (Washington, DC)

The audiology program at Gallaudet is the second most popular graduate program across the entire university, even more popular than psychology or social work. 

And what is the first most popular graduate program at Gallaudet? Sign language—a discipline that is incredibly important for many of the patients audiologists see. 

Considering most Au.D. programs require a student to know or learn sign language, the popularity and dedication Gallaudet gives to sign language makes their program stand out. Courses in sign language are required for a doctorate in audiology at Gallaudet. 

The curriculum at Gallaudet is nuanced and thorough, as it was developed alongside recommendations from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology (ARA). 

As such, the course design at Gallaudet meets the highest standards in the field. 

Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

The average undergraduate GPA for students admitted at Ohio’s Au.D program sits around 3.8. This speaks to the competitiveness of the program and its dedication to excellence. 

It doesn’t take long to find examples of Ohio graduates who have started incredibly successful private practices or advanced the field in meaningful ways. 

For example, 3 Ohio State alumni founded Hearing Innovations—a center for hearing medicine that has grown in size to two separate locations in recent years.  

Ohio State University offers 3 degrees and a graduate minor. These include a PhD, AuD, and a masters in speech-language pathology. Alongside this, Ohio also has a sizable Student Academy of Audiology, with over 400 members. 

This organization plans events and serves as a hub for Ohio’s audiology students at any level.

James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA)

James Madison University boasts impressive statistics. 

Every week, 60 patients are assisted in their clinic. JMU students have a 100% success rate in passing their praxis examination and in finding employment after graduation. 

Compared to other major audiology programs in the country, JMU stands apart via its small class sizes. Typically, there will only be about 7 students per class.

Furthermore, JMU students will have the option to transition from an AuD program to an AuD/PhD program after they begin their studies. 

Many medical programs require students to make the choice between PhD and medical degree prior to applying, but the flexibility of JMU’s AuD/PhD program will be particularly useful for students unsure if medicine or research—or both—is the right choice for them.  

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)

The University of Utah is home to one of the best hospitals in the nation. University Hospital at Utah was nationally ranked 14th out of all university hospitals thanks to its robust selection of over 200 medical specialties and over 1,100 board-certified physicians. 

Located within the College of Health, the University of Utah takes advantage of this robust health infrastructure to the fullest extent. As another program that offers a AuD/PhD, Utah degrees are designed to equip students to tackle a wide range of audiology careers. 

A specific program that will be of great appeal to many students is Utah’s Project ASSIST specialty track. This specialty track allows students to collaborate with school teachers and school-age children who have hearing impairments. 

As such, for audiologists with a particular interest in working with school-age patients with hearing difficulty, there may be no better school in the nation to gain hands-on experience in this field than Utah. 

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

Pitt doesn’t only have an evidence-focused outlook to aiding patients with hearing impairments—but in instruction as well. 

With a focus on using evidence-based teaching methods to equip their students with the highest quality education possible, Pitt’s students will experience the finest audiology education anywhere in the world. 

From day one, Pitt students will receive clinical training at one of Pitt’s more than 40 clinical sites. All the while, they will receive instruction from professors trained both as educators and audiologists. 

One of the stand-apart aspects of Pitt’s program is its Brain and Communication Science Research Initiative. Combining the best in neuroscience research with audiology research, students have a chance to investigate the neural underpinnings of hearing, balance, and more. 

Students spend their first year of clinical training in a cross-discipline clinical network at the UPMC Eye & Ear Institute, VA Medical Center of Pittsburgh, and the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology. 

Then, they will transition to outplacement clinics, where they will choose between the 40 sites working with Pitt. 

In this way, this program is ideal for those who want to both explore the range of audiology fields and come to specialize in one of them. 

Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)

The audiology program at Washington University in St. Louis is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious. With an impressive 100% Praxis test success rate, and a 100% employment rate despite its relatively large class size of around 40 students, WashU has the statistics to back up its claims of excellence. 

Alongside a PhD in speech and hearing sciences and a doctorate in audiology, WashU offers a master’s of science in deaf education as a part of its audiology and communication science program. 

Not only does WashU excel on the graduate level, but undergraduate as well. One can receive a minor in audiology from the audiology department and participate in events hosted by the Students’ Association of Speech and Hearing Sciences. 

Whether as an undergraduate or graduate student, an educator, researcher, or medical practitioner, WashU is sure to provide an ideal experience for any student interested in any facet of audiology. 

The post Discover 10 of the Best Audiology Colleges in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

New research and early treatment for children with communication issues stemming from conditions like spectrum disorders also mean more need for speech pathology professionals, from practitioners to educators and researchers.

With job responsibilities including the diagnosis and assessment of physical issues—like the efficiency of swallowing musculature, or levels of hearing loss—the speech pathologist must have specific medical training. Speech pathologists also need training in linguistics and writing, meaning future speech pathologists need a solid background in sciences and in humanities.

Most speech pathology positions require at least a Master’s degree, and each state maintains its own licensing and certification requirements. Many speech pathologists pursue specializations within the field, sometimes focusing on an age group or on a particular disorder and its treatment.

Excellent programs in speech pathology can be found across the country on large and small campuses, in urban and rural areas. According to U.S. News, the following 15 schools rank as the best Speech-Language Pathology programs at the time of this writing.

The 15 schools below furnish excellent training and a range of specialty programs for future speech pathologists, but applicants should be sure to check their state’s requirements before beginning any graduate program.

Here are the 15 best SLP programs in the US.

University of Washington (Seattle, WA)

The University of Washington in Seattle Speech & Hearing Sciences department offers three MS degrees in Speech pathology: Educational, Medical, and Clinical Research. Students planning careers as instructors and researchers may continue studies through the PhD program.

The UW Speech and Hearing Sciences department no longer requires the GRE in its application process. Applicants must complete the general UW graduate application, along with the department’s supplement, detailing prerequisite coursework and GPA.

UW requires prerequisite coursework, preferably an undergraduate major in Speech and Hearing Sciences, Communication Disorders, Communication Sciences, or similar degrees. 

Undergraduate work in physical sciences, social sciences, biology, and statistics, as well as specific speech and language course knowledge, should be part of every applicant’s transcript.

The program curriculum trains students in research, counseling, and assessment techniques using classroom and clinical settings. The campus hosts research facilities in diagnostic imaging, autism, and hearing.

Graduate students at UW receive clinical training through university services and local practices in cooperation with the department. Seattle area clinicians provide mentoring and guidance, while the department furnishes continuing education for area practitioners.

The University of Washington is a large, state-run research institution located in metropolitan Seattle, Washington.

University of Texas, Dallas (Dallas, TX)

Home of the UT Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders, the School of Behavioral and Brain Science at the University of Texas in Dallas offers several graduate degrees in areas related to hearing, speech, and cognition.

Besides an AuD in audiology and a PhD in speech-language and hearing services. The school offers an MS in speech pathology, which prepares students for careers in medical, clinical, or educational settings.

For students with the required prerequisite courses, the MS in speech pathology takes five full-time semesters to complete. UT reports 100 percent employment within field after graduation for its speech pathology Master’s program.

A large state university, the University of Texas in Dallas features a STEM focus, a Forbes top rating for value in Texas, and a championship chess team. Admission to the program requires submitting transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

University of Texas, Austin (Austin, TX)

The Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin houses labs and facilities for the study and treatment of disorders like stuttering and aphasia. 

Degrees offered by its faculty include an AuD in audiology and an MSSLHS, a Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Services.

The department grounds its programs in experiential and interdisciplinary learning. Graduates must demonstrate proficiency in core competency areas related to certification and licensure; electives offer students the opportunity to add specialty areas of focus to their degrees.

The department offers bilingual instruction in English and Spanish, and it features bilingualism as one available specialty area. Students may earn a bilingual/multicultural certificate as part of their coursework.

Candidates may apply to the program at UT Austin through the ApplyTexas website. The admissions process includes an interview, along with application, transcripts, GRE scores, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

MGH Institute of Health Professions (Boston, MA)

Graduate students in the speech pathology program at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston complete their clinical training in over 200 clinical settings, including schools, rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals in the area. 

Founded as a nursing school for Massachusetts General Hospital, this school offers graduate programs in a range of health care specialties.

MGH’s speech pathology MS program focuses on childhood literacy, and the department participates in active research on autism, dysphagia, feeding disorders, aphasia, and motor speech disorders. 

Students learn the relation between written and spoken language, developing the skills they will need in their careers as they complete clinical assignments and collaborative, team-based learning experiences.

Specialty areas offered within the MS degree curriculum include preparation for reading specialist licensure, medical speech-language pathology, voice disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and adult neurogenic communication disorders. First-year students begin their clinical practicum at the school’s Speech, Language, and Literacy Center monitored and mentored by licensed faculty.

Applicants may apply online at the Council of Academic Programs and Communication Science and Disorders website. MGH requires transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of intent, and responses to MGH custom questions.

Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)

Indiana University’s Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences offers an MA in Speech-Language Pathology in which students can earn a certificate of clinical completion, allowing for licensure in all 50 states. The program can be completed in two years by students with either a BA or BS in speech, hearing sciences, or communication disorders.

Citing the growing need for speech pathology services in Spanish, Indiana offers STEPS, an English-Spanish track for bilingual students. Graduate students have the opportunity to conduct research during their coursework with a faculty mentor.

All students complete a clinical practicum in the Indiana University clinics or in partner facilities around Bloomington and Indianapolis. A weekly seminar during practicum examines issues related to diagnosis and assessment.

Applications should be sent through both CSDCAS and Indiana University’s application systems. Transcripts, a personal essay, and recommendation letters are required.

Boston University (Boston, MA)

Boston University makes use of its status as a large, public university to offer its MS in speech-language pathology graduate students an extensive range of clinical opportunities working with patients of all ages.

From schools to private practices to clinical facilities and education centers on campus, students receive ample exposure to many kinds of treatment situations.

Students work with patients individually and in groups at the Academic Speech, Language, & Hearing Center and the Aphasia Center. These facilities address issues related to literacy, hearing, stuttering, and voice and swallowing.

The program at Boston University resides in the College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College. Interested candidates should apply online through CSDCAS, including transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and the department’s three short essays.

BU does not require GRE scores and will not consider them. The program also encourages students to apply even if they have an undergraduate degree in a different field and lack some of the prerequisite coursework. 

Committed to a diverse student population, BU represents a good choice for those students discovering an interest in speech pathology after their undergraduate degrees.

Boston University’s longitudinal data shows almost 100% on time program completion and maintains employment rates at 100% within six months of graduation. The program also offers a combined MS/PhD in Speech-Pathology.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)

The Department of Allied Health Sciences at the UNC School of Medicine offers both clinical and non-clinical tracks within their MS program in speech and hearing. 

The 60-hour clinical track provides the professional training necessary for licensure and ASHA certification, while the non-clinical track serves students planning careers in research.

Students take five core courses, an elective, and a clinical practicum per semester, finishing with at least 60 hours of coursework. Rather than completing a Master’s thesis, students work with a faculty mentor on a research project.

Applicants must complete the CSDCAS application process, along with a supplemental UNC application. UNC’s speech pathology program no longer considers the GRE among its application materials.

Located in the college town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, UNC offers graduate students in speech pathology the benefit of access to a world-class teaching hospital at a large public research university.

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

The University of Kansas locates its speech pathology programs at the KU Lawrence campus and the KU Medical Center, a massive research hospital with over 25 institutes and centers for various kinds of treatment and study.

KU offers a Master of Arts in speech-language pathology, along with an SLPD (clinical doctor) and a PhD in speech-language pathology. 

The program reports that 94% of students complete the program in two years, and 98% of graduates find work within the field during the year after graduation.

Masters students may replace a thesis with thesis-level research or a research practicum. Clinical experiences in Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City can include working in literacy programs, adult communication facilitation, rehabilitation environments, and assessing many kinds of communication needs and disorders.

While KU does not require a specific undergraduate degree for application to the speech pathology program, students must complete required prerequisite coursework in the sciences. Interested candidates may apply through the SLATE system, noting the specific instructions for recalculating their GPA to include their relevant coursework only.

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)

Under the guidance of then-dean Carl E. Seashore, Iowa’s department pioneered the field of speech pathology and audiology. In 1924, Iowa granted the first PhD in this new discipline. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association formed there in the 1930s.

Students in the program complete required curriculum in foundations, then select elective coursework to specialize in a professional field. 

Students also complete an evidence-based practice seminar, a clinical practicum, and either a thesis or laboratory research.

Applications to the program can be completed through CSDCAS and through the graduate college at Iowa. Iowa does not accept GRE scores but invites candidates for interviews after submitting materials.

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)

The University of Arizona at Tucson offers MS, PhD, and AuD degrees in speech, language, and hearing sciences. U.S. News has ranked the program at UA among the top ten speech pathology degree programs for over thirty years.

Students train at the University’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, and at other area facilities. A research PhD can be pursued concurrently with the Master’s program.

A bilingual certification program for speakers of multiple languages and those who only speak English offers graduate students a way to learn how to assess and treat non-English-speaking patients.

Candidates can apply through CSDCAS and the UA Graduate College. The department has also dropped the GRE as an admissions requirement. The department looks for solid recommendation letters and statements of purpose, especially highlighting research, volunteer, or work experience.

University of Wisconsin, Madison (Madison, WI)

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a practitioner track and a PhD track for its MS program, the MS in Speech-Language Pathology, and the MS in Normal Aspects of Speech, Language, and Hearing. 

Graduates with an MS in Speech-Language Pathology can be licensed to practice or certified as teachers in the state of Wisconsin.

Students applying without all of the required prerequisite courses may apply to the Capstone Program at UWM for a certificate of completion in preparation for graduate coursework. 

All applicants must meet UWM’s requirements for graduate school. The department has eliminated the GRE as a requirement.

The speech pathology program at UWM shows a strong record of student completion, exam success, and employment.

First-year students complete at least 25 hours of clinical observation; second-year requirements include a minimum of 100 hours of supervised clinical practice. A thesis is optional and may be replaced with research work.

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

Future speech pathologists can pursue an MA or MS degree in Communication Science and Disorders with a concentration in speech-language pathology through the School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt’s program can prepare students for a range of speech pathology careers.

Concentration areas allow students to customize their curriculum to their professional goals. Areas of study include Pediatric Speech and Language, Dysphagia, Voice, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Pitt’s longitudinal data shows 100% program completion on time, praxis examination success, and employment rates in profession. Other programs include AuD, CScD (Doctor of Clinical Science), and a PhD in Communication Science and Disorders.

Applicants can submit materials through CSDCAS. GRE requirements are suspended at present, but all other CSDCAS instructions should be followed.

Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

Purdue University’s MS program in speech-language pathology, administered through the College of Health and Human Sciences, prepares students for a broad range of speech pathology careers. 

Upon graduation, students can meet Indiana licensure and certification requirements, along with ASHA credentialing requirements.

The IPE-SHINE program at Purdue provides an exceptional funding opportunity for students interested in working with K-6 students. 

This scholarship offers full two-year funding, a stipend, and mentorship. Candidates may apply to the IPE-SHINE program with their regular application materials through the CSDCAS website.

Application materials include transcripts, resume, recommendation letters, two personal essays, and a video response to a question. 

Students without a relevant bachelor’s degree may apply and can be accepted, but those students will often need an additional year to complete prerequisite coursework before starting the program.

A large public land-grant university, Purdue’s location of West Lafayette, Indiana, places it within a relatively easy drive from Indianapolis and Chicago.

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)

At Northwestern, evidenced-based curriculum design with immersive experience, collaborative learning, and mentor support characterizes an innovative MS program in speech, language, and learning.  Sixteen core courses and seven core clinical registrations comprise the program’s two-year curriculum.

Located in Evanston, Illinois, just outside Chicago, Northwestern’s on-campus clinics for patients of all ages and needs provide students with a wide range of clinical experience. Students also complete two full-time externships in medical facilities or in private practice during the program.

Candidates apply to the program through CSDCAS, including four required essays and a work and volunteer experience history. GRE scores are no longer considered in the application process. 

While Northwestern welcomes students with a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, accepting a fairly equal amount of non-majors as speech majors into the program, some prerequisite courses may need to be completed before starting the program.

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

Administered through the prestigious Vanderbilt School of Medicine, the MS in speech-language pathology at Vanderbilt spans a full five semesters over at least two academic years. Students can be certified for practice or continue on for a research PhD.

Clinical experience at Vanderbilt can occur at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Vanderbilt University Hospital, the Carrell Children’s Hospital, or other partner facilities.

Graduate students can pursue specialized training tracks in children’s hearing loss, spectrum disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, and school-aged language and literacy deficiencies.

Candidates may apply online through Vanderbilt’s application portal. Official transcripts, a one-page personal statement, a resume, and up to five letters of recommendation should be submitted. Applicants to Vanderbilt’s speech pathology graduate program must meet the GRE standards for Vanderbilt graduate admissions.

A large, private, research institution located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University has the number one ranked program in speech pathology and in audiology, based on U.S. News.

The post The 15 Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) is the oldest written type of medical therapy and involves practitioners sticking extremely thin needles into the skin at important locations, usually as a form of pain management. 

While tradition embraced this as a way to manipulate energy flow, modern health care providers see acupuncture as places to stimulate nerves and tissues.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved to include elements of Western medicine, so acupuncture students can expect to learn not only about needlework, herbal medicine, and diet but also biological science. 

This practice has grown in popularity outside of its native Asia as well, with millions of people around the world taking advantage of acupuncture as they seek healing.

Acupuncturists earned a median annual wage of $82,420 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

The bureau, which considers acupuncturists and healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners as one group in its statistics, noted that more than 36,000 people worked in that field in May 2020, with the most working in Maryland (5,440 people) and California (5,430 people). Practitioners in Maryland also earned the nation’s highest mean annual wage, at $139,530.

People must pass a licensing exam through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in order to practice acupuncture or Oriental medicine.

Here, we’ll look closer at 10 of the best acupuncture schools in the US. All schools on this list are recognized by ACAOM, the Accreditation Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Bastyr University (Kenmore, WA)

Students learn from practitioners of Eastern and Western medicine in the acupuncture program at Bastyr University.

This approach is based on how people learn about and practice health care in China today. Students learn from top Chinese medicine teachers, with lessons including how to handle patient care alongside Western health care providers. 

They undergo clinical training as well, with most taking place in nearby Seattle at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, which cares for 35,000 patients each year. 

Students also have a chance to train at community care clinics that serve diverse populations elsewhere in the area. This gives them a chance to not only practice general acupuncture but also more specific skills, such as integrative pain management.

The university offers a certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine as well as graduate programs. These include master’s degrees and doctorates in Acupuncture as well as master’s and doctorates in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

Students graduate with the skills needed to pursue acupuncture licenses in 47 states and Washington, D.C.

New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS (Boston, MA)

This program, part of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, has several acupuncture degree programs. 

Students can choose from two master’s degree programs (Master of Acupuncture or Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) and two doctorate programs (Doctor of Acupuncture or Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Health). 

Undergraduates can take advantage of combined degree programs in which they can earn a bachelor’s in public health/master’s in acupuncture or a bachelor’s in health science/master’s in acupuncture.

Students attend lessons both in person and through a distance education platform, and they can pursue specialties, including orthopedic, Chinese, and Japanese acupuncture. Licensed acupuncturists teach small groups of students during clinical lessons, which start during the first week of classes and take students to different health care settings.

Maryland University of Integrative Health (Laurel, MD)

Students in the acupuncture program at the Maryland University of Integrative Health can choose to add on a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization to their master’s degree or doctorate.

In this flexible program, full-time students take classes online and in person two days per week. They learn in small groups as part of a cohort and even get one-on-one mentorship during their clinical training. 

This is the only accredited graduate program whose curriculum includes National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) training and clinical practice.

Students who want to pursue the additional herbal medicine specialization learn how to incorporate herbs in their practice and are prepared to take the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s (NCCAOM) certification exam. 

The program also instructs them about managing a Chinese herbal dispensary and prescribing the items.

University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, CT)

The University of Bridgeport teaches both classic and modern acupuncture techniques in its graduate program.

The school offers just one degree in the field, the Master of Science in Acupuncture, which it offers through the Acupuncture Institute. 

Lessons focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine and its connection with today’s Western medicine practices. 

Students learn about how to evaluate patients not only from an Asian-medicine perspective but also from pharmacological and biomedical standpoints to help determine the right course of treatment. 

Students gain hands-on experience at the university’s Health Sciences Center, where they work with patients of all kinds alongside health care providers. They also give back to the community by participating in outreach clinics. All of this teaches them not only how to care for patients but also how to collaborate with others in the medical field. 

Northwestern Health Sciences University (Bloomington, MN)

Students complete hundreds of hours of clinical training to earn a graduate degree in acupuncture at Northwestern Health Sciences University.

The school offers a Master of Acupuncture and a Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine. Students interested in pursuing a career in acupuncture who need to finish their undergraduate degree can enroll in the university’s Bachelor of Science in Human Biology Degree Completion Program.

To receive their master’s degree, students must finish at least 150 hours of observation or an assistantship plus 525 hours of supervised clinical practice. 

Doctoral candidates have to complete this clinical requirement plus three more shifts. Courses, meanwhile, teach students about the history and concepts of Chinese medicine plus nutrition and practical acupuncture techniques.

The full-time master’s program takes 2 2/3 years to complete, while the doctoral program, also full-time, takes a little more than three years.

Texas Health and Science University (Austin, TX)

Students learn the four ancient Chinese classics while studying for the Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization.

Texas Health and Science University’s program aligns with 95% of the Chinese acupuncture curriculum. In addition to learning about concepts such as the Golden Chamber and the Four Streams of Scholars, students come away from the program with knowledge of herbal medicine. 

The curriculum also includes plenty of lessons about Western medicine to help students better understand modern-day health care and how acupuncturists work with other practitioners.

Before beginning their clinical internship, students must pass a five-part exam. This clinical experience gives them a chance to work with real patients, develop a treatment plan, and then put it into practice.

Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (Fairfax, VA)

The Virginia University of Integrative Medicine has a low student-faculty ratio of 14:1 and delivers a more affordable education compared to the national average.

For acupuncture students, the school offers both a Master of Science in the field as well as two doctorates, one in acupuncture and another in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. 

All programs involve a mix of classroom lessons and clinical training, with students required to complete hundreds of hours of hands-on experience. Doctoral candidates also must complete lab training, ranging from 600 to 1,752 hours, depending on the program.

Students complete the master’s program in three years. The DAOM program takes two years to finish, while the DAc program runs for four academic years.

The average VUIM student pays $41,000 to attend, compared to $63,000 nationally.

National University of Health Sciences (Lombard, IL)

Students can earn a Master of Science in Acupuncture in just seven trimesters at the National University of Health Sciences’ Illinois campus.

In this 121-credit program, students learn about the background of acupuncture, including its theory and philosophy. 

The curriculum looks at these Eastern practices and also gives students a background in Western medical science. 

This aims to prepare them to practice these ancient techniques as part of a team health care effort with medical doctors and other providers at various medical facilities.

Students learn in an apprentice-style format and can take advantage of the university’s herbal dispensary during their clinical training. They also can intern at locations such as the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and community clinics.

All of the program’s full-time faculty members have PhDs and backgrounds in research.

New York College of Health Professions (Syosset, NY)

The acupuncture program at the New York College of Health Professions includes both bachelor’s and master’s degrees that students can pursue both full- and part-time.

This flexible program offers classes in the day and evening as well as on weekends, and students can take classes at the Long Island or New York City sites. 

The school also is one of the more affordable options in the tri-state area, with the lowest undergraduate and graduate tuition of any of the region’s private, non-profit, and accredited colleges of its type.

Students learn both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture skills alongside herbology and Asian bodywork. And while they undertake a clinical internship like most acupuncture students, they also learn the health and wellbeing practices of yoga, t’ai chi and qigong.

Pacific College of Health Science (Multiple Locations)

Despite its name, the Pacific College of Health Science actually operates in Chicago and New York as well as San Diego, California.

The Chicago campus offers the most acupuncture degrees, with the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Doctor of Acupuncture, and the Master of Science in Acupuncture programs available. 

In San Diego, students can earn the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine. New York has a Master of Science in Acupuncture program.

At all three campuses, students can enter the Transitional Doctorate for Master’s Graduates program, in which those who already have a master’s degree in acupuncture can move on to earn either a Doctor of Acupuncture or Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, depending on their previous degree.

Pacific College also is branching out and will start offering a Cosmetic Acupuncture Certificate

starting in January 2022.

The post The 10 Best Acupuncture Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

That said, it is true that we still know surprisingly little about the relationship between our brains and our moods, personalities, and behaviors. But that’s good news for scholars, as it leaves plenty of space to learn and grow. 

Of course, you can only do this learning and growing in the right academic setting. A good doctorate program needs to have an accomplished faculty to guide you on your journey, resources and connections to help you perform experiments, and a strong student community to encourage you on your way. 

Every one of the schools on the list offers all those aspects. 

Following the rankings provided by the National Research Council, this list covers the best psychology Ph.D. programs in the United States. This information will give you everything you need to find the right school and begin increasing our understanding of our minds and moods. 

Here are the best doctorate in psychology programs in the US.

8 (Tie). Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)

At the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Ph.D. in psychology offered by Carnegie Mellon University encompasses every aspect of the discipline. 

The department collaborates with programs across the University, such as the Center for Brain Imaging, the Social and Decision Sciences Department, the Neuroscience Institute, and the Pittsburgh Science Learning Center. 

This wide experience equips students with a well-rounded understanding of psychology. To that end, the program focuses students along one of three areas of research. 

The cognitive science track explores the science of thinking, perceiving, and acting, in terms of biology and action. Working alongside the University’s Children’s School, the developmental psychology track studies the relationship between maturation and cognitive processes. The social, personality, and health psychology track examines the connections between interpersonal relationships and thinking. 

8 (Tie). UCSD (San Diego, CA) 

Since the program’s founding in 1965, the department of psychology at the University of California at San Diego has awarded 426 PhDs. 

Today, the school shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to train the next generation of psychology professionals.

UCSD builds its reputation with an emphasis on research and intellectual exploration, especially experimental psychology. 

That focus drives the program’s lead research initiative, the Center for Brain and Cognition. The center devotes itself to understanding psychiatric and neurological conditions, including anorexia, childhood autism, strokes, and more. 

Experts from the Center, from the department, and throughout academia share their findings with students via regular colloquia. These meetings give students access to cutting-edge research, inspiring their scholarly work. 

With this basis in place, students leave the program well-prepared to continue these conversations with their own findings. 

8 (Tie). University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

Like every other program on this list, the psychology Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania trains students to pursue their research agendas. 

But U Penn offers provides clinical training for students who plan to take their studies in a more practical direction. 

Approved by the American Psychiatric Association, the clinical program prepares students for careers in clinical psychology. 

Students learn how to assess, diagnose, and prescribe therapies to psychological patients, learning how to think like scientists as well as clinicians. Through research and hands-on training, students use empirically supported treatments to improve their patients’ mental well-being. 

The school’s research initiative is constructed around the various agendas of its faculty members. Subjects include brain, cognitive, and decision science as well as clinical, positive, and social psychology.

Students approach these issues under the direction of professors such as David Brainard. In addition to directing U Penn’s Vision Research Center, Professor Brainard studies human vision, visual neuroscience, and computational modeling of visual processing.

7. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN)

In the Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, students can choose from a wide range of specialization areas. 

In addition to standard fields such as social psychology, cognitive and brain science, and behavior genetics, students can also study clinical science, industrial/organizational psychology, and counseling psychology. 

Thanks to that diverse set of specializations, experts from U Minnesota – Twin Cities have more opportunities to do work in the community. 

Associate professor Moin Syed presents, in 2021, a symposium on Data, Rigor, and Reproducibility in Light of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. His talk will cover the psychological response to reproducibility, diversity, and inference. 

The range of approaches also helps faculty win support for their research agendas. In January 2021, associate professor Scott Vrieze earned a $500,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health. The award will aid professor Vrieze’s work to examine large-scale genetic datasets of multi-ethnic groups. 

6. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

Harvard University is one of the most respected schools in the world, so it’s no surprise that their psychology Ph.D. program would show up on this list. But the school isn’t showing up just because of its reputation. Rather, it has earned its high billing thanks to its stellar teaching and research. 

Faculty in Harvard’s Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB) group includes professors such as Steven Pinker. 

Pinker has authored several books, including How the Mind Works and The Sense of Style, and regularly writes for high-profile outlets such as the New York Times and Time Magazine. 

Time listed professor Pinker as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” and he was listed on Foreign Policy’s list of “100 Global Thinkers.”

Faculty in Harvard’s Clinical Science group include professor Katie A. McLaughlin. Professor McLaughlin is an award-winning psychologist whose work has been funded by some of the world’s most influential organizations, including the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the Charles H. Hood Foundation.

2 (Tie). University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL)

The nine research program areas as part of the Ph.D. degree offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign give students plenty of choices when it comes to directing their education. 

Of special note is the school’s program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, which has long been considered the best in the nation. Thanks to the school’s innovative work, students gain the skills needed to examine pressing issues such as social networks, gender & leadership, and vocational interests. 

With this training, students go on to enjoy employment in corporations and government organizations and research institutions. 

The Clinical-Community psychology program applies clinical science principles to subjects such as interpersonal relations, behavioral attitudes, public health, and more. The program puts a priority and practical experience, encouraging students to put their backgrounds into conversation with their scholarly activities. 

To this end, the program encourages students to advance new research methods and to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and practical application. 

2 (Tie). UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)

The second University of California school on the list, UCLA edges out its sister in San Diego thanks to its important research programs and clinics. 

Operated by the Department of Psychology, the Fernald Child Study Center investigates childhood behavior disorders. Past studies at the Center have addressed a variety of child psychotherapy issues, including social behavior and intervention strategies. 

The Center features several resources to support research, including recording capabilities, classroom spaces, and a fully appointed playground. 

A clinical program devoted to examining one of the nation’s most pressing concerns, UCLA’s Minority Mental Health Training Program brings together social psychologists from across academia. 

The program strives to both draw attention to mental health concerns affecting American minorities and applies its findings with training and education courses. Students working with the program have ample research opportunities as they work within this rising and essential field. 

2 (Tie). Yale University (New Haven, CT)

The top Ivy League school on this list, Yale University’s Department of Psychology distinguishes itself with a student-first Ph.D. program that supports students’ research interests. Enrolling only 15 new students each year, the small class sizes within Yale’s Ph.D. program allow for closer collaboration between faculty and students, letting each student choose their home lab. 

Graduates from Yale have gone on to land careers and postgraduate studies in tier-one research institutions, as well as influential think tanks, non-profits, and governmental organizations. 

The center of Yale’s program is its accomplished faculty. Faculty members include Steve Chang, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience. Professor Chang’s work has been published in major outlets in the field, including The American Journal of Primatology, Trends in Cognitive Science, and National Neuroscience.

In 2020 alone, Professor Jutta Joormann published twelve articles in top journals, such as The International Journal of Psychophysiology, Molecular Psychiatry, The Journal of Abnormal Psychology. Professor Joormann’s work in attention, memory, and individual differences in cognitive control in depression continues to define the field. 

2 (Tie). University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) 

In the Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, students not only gain the training they’ll need for their future careers. They also have the opportunity to participate in research that truly changes the world. 

In 2021, a team of clinician-researchers from the U of M received an $11.7 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke to establish a research center devoted to studying Parkinson’s disease. 

Under the direction of faculty member Roger Albin, the school will use the money to create the Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research. Working within the Udall Center, students will collaborate with faculty members to be on the cutting edge of Parkinson’s research. 

That winning tradition continues with assistant professor Craig Rodriguez-Seijas. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies awarded professor Rodriguez-Seijas the Michael J. Kozak Critical Inquiry and Analytical Thinking Award for his recent research. 

1. Stanford University (Stanford, CA) 

How does Stanford University beat out other schools to earn the top spot on this list? It perhaps comes down to research. 

That research includes a recent study funded by the National Institute of Health, through which Stanford faculty discovered the way children’s brain regions operate while acquiring new skills. Using cutting-edge technology, researchers compared MRIs on 30 children to track the development of brain functions. 

Research at Stanford has been recognized by observers, as indicated by assistant professor Steven O. Roberts, who received a biennial award from the Society for Research in Child Development. The SRCD recognized professor Roberts for his work on children’s developing understanding of social groups. 

But Stanford doesn’t simply leave its research achievements to faculty. From their first semester, all students in the Ph.D. program are expected to begin their research work.

The post The Best Doctorate in Psychology Programs in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

And as the Baby Boomer generation ages, the demand for medical professionals, including sonographers, grows. 

The number of jobs for medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to increase by 12% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The field pays well, too. The bureau puts the average salary for diagnostic medical sonographers at $74,320.

Undergraduate sonography programs look to prepare students to not only pass their licensing or board exams but also to succeed in their careers. 

Many colleges offer training in general sonography, with opportunities to take a closer look at different specialties, like neurosonography or obstetric and gynecologic sonography, available during clinical training. 

Several schools offer separate tracks of study for people interested in echocardiography, which involves imaging of the heart. Students also learn how to work with patients and in various medical facilities appropriately.

Here we’ll take a deep dive into our picks for 10 of the best sonography and ultrasound tech schools in the U.S.

Oregon Institute of Technology (Klamath Falls, OR)

Oregon Institute of Technology has two types of ultrasound degrees available.

First is the bachelor’s degree program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which focuses on imaging parts of the body like the brain and breasts. Or, students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in Echocardiography, aka ultrasound of the heart.

Both bachelor’s programs are available at the Klamath Falls campus, where students learn on cutting-edge technology in the schools facilities before moving on to training in a real-world setting. Students spend their senior year working full-time alongside professionals in a clinical externship. 

People already working in the field who do not have bachelor’s degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Echocardiography also can complete their degrees at Oregon Tech. Because these programs are offered online, students must be working in a facility where they can access the required lab equipment to complete their studies.

Seattle University (Seattle, WA)

Seattle University students can choose from three tracks in the Diagnostic Ultrasound bachelor’s degree program.

The university lets students specialize in general, vascular, and cardiac sonography in the four-year program. After taking classes in various sciences and math, students wrap up their degree with clinical experience. 

The university has partnered with several clinical sites for these hands-on opportunities that expose students to inpatient and outpatient hospitals and other facilities. Transfer students also are welcome in the program.

In addition to the bachelor’s program, Seattle University offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in Diagnostic Ultrasound geared toward people who already have a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field related to the field. Beginning in fall 2022, certificate students also will get to choose one of the three specialty tracks. Students need to earn at least 44 credits to receive their certificate.

Lewis University (Romeoville IL)

Students at Lewis University finish their undergraduate studies with a year of training in a hospital setting.

The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography starts with three years of on-campus classes before moving to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, about an hour away from Lewis, for a final year of professional instruction.

But Lewis also offers other ways to earn a sonography degree. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology and then complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate program, also based at the hospital. Or, they can choose to double major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Biology, which would take five years to complete and involve training at the hospital as well.

Students can expect a program that mixes science with technology, including courses ranging from biology and chemistry to computer technology.

Grand Valley State University (Allendale, MI)

Students decide to study either heart-related or general sonography in the Department of Diagnostic & Treatment Sciences at Grand Valley State University.

The Cardiovascular Sonography program shows students how to do echocardiography (imaging of the heart) as well as vascular sonography, which looks at the channels fluids move through in the human body.

The general Diagnostic Medical Sonography track, meanwhile, focuses on abdominal and obstetric-gynecologic imaging.

In addition to offering small class sizes, Grand Valley has laboratories where students can learn on state-of-the-art equipment. And when it’s time to gain real-world training, students rotate around different sites during their clinical placements to get an array of experiences. It all aims to prepare students to sit for their national board exams once they graduate.

St. Catherine University (St. Paul, MN)

General sonography and echocardiography are offered as separate bachelor’s degrees at St. Catherine University, a private women’s college.

Both programs take four years to complete and start with two years of liberal arts and sciences classes. Students then begin courses in their specific major, including labs with small class sizes as well as clinical experience to give them a feel for the career in a real-world environment. 

Clinical opportunities are available at facilities in Minneapolis-St. Paul and even outside Minnesota. Graduates should leave the program prepared to sit for different national registry exams so they can begin their careers.

High-schoolers interested in joining the program can get an advantage for early admission through the Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP), in which the university gives priority consideration to applications received on or before Feb. 15 of the student’s senior year.

Concordia University Wisconsin (Mequon, WI)

Concordia University gives students two specialties to choose from in its undergraduate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

After two years of prerequisites and other courses, students apply to move on in the program and choose a concentration: General/Vascular or Cardiac/Vascular. All cardiac/vascular applicants apply through Advocate Aurora Health (Aurora St Luke’s Medical Center), the university’s partner program. General/vascular applicants, meanwhile, apply through the university, which makes its selections and forwards the applications it did not accept to Advocate Aurora Health. 

The university offers small class sizes and an ultrasound lab just for sonography students who experience a combination of classroom-based learning and clinical rotations. 

Concordia has not only a 100% program completion rate but also outstanding results. One-hundred percent of its alumni earn their credentials within a year of graduating and find a job within six months of earning their degree.

Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY)

Students gain firsthand knowledge of the sonography field in an ultrasound scanning suite armed with cutting-edge equipment at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). 

This modern lab is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving students lots of opportunities to take what they learned in the classroom and put it into practice. 

Before they get to that point, though, students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) bachelor’s degree program take classes in science, math, and more. 

Students also spend one year doing a clinical internship, which takes them to at least two medical facilities. The internship experience kicks off on campus, where students participate in a two-week, intensive program in which they continue their practice and prepare to work with patients. 

RIT also offers two sonography certificate programs: one in diagnostic medical sonography and another in echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound). 

Quinnipiac University (Hamden CT)

Quinnipiac University students spend more than 1,400 hours gaining clinical experience at five medical facilities on their way to earning a bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

The university is the only school in Connecticut that offers this type of program. Its students learn not only the technical side of actually performing sonography but also how to work alongside medical professionals and with patients.

The variety of clinical settings students work at gives them a chance to check out different specialties and discover what they enjoy, such as OB/GYN or musculoskeletal. Working at facilities such as Gaylord Hospital and Southern Connecticut Vascular Center, students gain valuable knowledge to help them sit for different board and certification exams. 

The university notes that the bachelor’s degree program even forms a strong foundation for students who hope to one day attend medical school.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Boston, MA)

Prospective students have lots of options for pursuing a sonography degree at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

The college offers bachelor’s degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Diagnostic Medical Sonography — Echocardiography. These accelerated, year-round programs take just 36 months to complete. 

In the general track, students learn about the imaging of several parts of the body, including the vascular system and breasts, as well as pediatric imaging. Meanwhile, the echocardiography track focuses on imaging of the heart for patients of all ages and vascular imaging.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree or who are transferring into the college can earn their degrees more quickly through the “fast track” program, available at the Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts, campuses. These programs take either 16 or 24 months to finish.

Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Sonography students can earn their degree in just over two years at Nova Southeastern University.

The school’s bachelor’s degree program in Medical Sonography takes 27 months to complete, with 15 months of coursework preceding a year-long clinical externship. The program gives students a strong foundation in general and vascular sonography. 

Students will find small class sizes and state-of-the-art equipment at Nova, where they can practice in the on-campus laboratories. Nova also offers several classes online. And when it’s time for their clinical education, students can choose from dozens of facilities in Florida and around the country.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree can enter Nova’s dual bachelor’s/master’s program, which also takes 27 months to complete. These students then graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Medical Sonography and a Master’s of Health Science.

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