Features

School of Health Professions

Preparing compassionate healthcare providers.

School of Health Professions students at Saint Joseph's University working in a medal lab for the physicians assistant program

By Diane Holliday   |    June 2022

 

The mission of the School of Health Professions is simple: prepare future leaders, innovators and skilled practitioners in healthcare and science.

Through the skills they acquire in programs like occupational and physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health science, and pharmacy, students address pressing healthcare needs — from helping to improve cognitive function in stroke patients to delivering medications to vulnerable populations.

Students are trained using state-of-the-art equipment, honing their skills in the country’s best medical and rehabilitation centers and clinics. They not only have the opportunity to interface with healthcare organizations during their studies, but they’re also able to work collaboratively with students and faculty outside of their discipline.

“We’ve already begun developing interdisciplinary courses and experiential opportunities in collaboration with the School of Education and Human Development,” says Dean Sinclair Smith, ScD. “There are countless opportunities for research, teaching and service across Saint Joseph’s, and I’m excited for the possibilities.”

Key Programs

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at Saint Joseph's University where students are working in a mock Pharmacy lab.
OT and patient working on a strength and balancing exercise as part of the Saint Joseph's University MOT program.
a physical therapist observing a leg with a brace on
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a college student lifting weights inside a kinesiology lab at Saint Joseph's University

Pharmacy (PharmD)

Housed in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the doctoral program prepares students to become practice-ready pharmacists with a competency-driven curriculum and training in 400+ sites worldwide.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Marketing MBA, Business Administration

Occupational Therapy (MOT, DrOT)

This program prepares students for careers helping others engage in meaningful and goal-directed activities regardless of their disability or non-disability needs.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Health Sciences, Applied Behavior Analysis, MBA

Physical Therapy (DPT)

Under the direction of faculty experts including board-certified specialists, students study evidence-based techniques to assess and treat the body, and work as part of an interprofessional healthcare team during clinical experiences.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Healthcare Management, Health Sciences, Leadership Certificate

Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

Students take courses in state-of-the-art learning facilities and complete nine clinical rotations, most of which are offered in the Philadelphia region.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Healthcare Management, Business Administration, Leadership Certificate

Exercise Physiology (BS)

Through a science-based curriculum and hands-on practice, students learn the science of movement and the multidimensional nature of wellness.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Biology, Health Sciences, Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

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Fast Facts

  • The School of Health Professions provides the foundation for some of U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs of 2022, including physician assistant (No. 3), physical therapist (No. 28) and occupational therapist (No. 31).
     
  • Top employers of School of Health Professions graduates include GlaxoSmithKline, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Johnson & Johnson, Merck and MossRehab.
     
  • Home to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy — North America’s first college of pharmacy — training leaders in pharmacy practice, research and education.
     
  • Featuring one of the top 50 pharmacy programs in the United States, ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Sinclair Smith, ScD, Dean of the School of Health Professions
Dean's Spotlight

Sinclair Smith, ScD

Sinclair Smith, ScD, brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, teaching and research to his role as dean of SJU’s School of Health Professions. Most recently, he was dean of the University of the Sciences’ Samson College of Health Sciences.

With a doctor of science in applied anatomy and physiology, Smith has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, presentations and book chapters, and mentored over 50 graduate student research projects.

“Mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals has been a highlight of my career,” he says. “I am so impressed by their adeptness and drive to improve society.”

Smith and Associate Dean Carol Maritz, PhD, have also overseen the growth of an on-campus, pro-bono clinic providing free physical and occupational therapy services to the West Philadelphia community.

“The clinic allows students to work directly with patients, grow their skill sets and serve the community,” Smith says. “We hope to incorporate pharmacy, physician assistant studies and behavioral health in the future.”