Explore Different Duration Options Pre-Health Programs

The Pre-Health Programs, including the Health Science Associate of Science, Medical Radiography (Pre-Health) Pre-Professional Program, and Physical Therapy Assistant (Pre-Health) Pre-Professional Program, offer different duration options to provide students with a strong foundation for pursuing careers in healthcare. The Health Science A.S. program introduces students to core concepts in health and wellness, preparing them for further education or entry-level positions in the health field. The Medical Radiography Pre-Professional Program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in diagnostic imaging. The Physical Therapy Assistant Pre-Professional Program focuses on the practical skills required to assist physical therapists in patient care. These programs offer a fast track to advancing in healthcare professions through both theoretical learning and hands-on experience.

Programs Offered

Health Science

Associates Degree

Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Curriculum Sheet

Description:

The Associate Degree in Health Sciences provides pre-health students with the opportunity to earn a degree that allows them to meet their prerequisite requirements for transfer to health professional programs at other institutions.

Medical Radiography (3 Quarters)
Pre-Professional Program

Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Medical radiographers, or radiologic technologists, assist physicians in diagnosing fractures, tumors, and diseases using imaging technology. They operate x-ray equipment, position patients, and ensure high-quality images while following radiation safety protocols. Radiographers may assist with fluoroscopy, use mobile imaging in surgery or at the bedside, and assess patient history to adapt procedures. Certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and continuing education are required to maintain professional competency.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Pre-Professional Program

Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
Curriculum Sheet

Description:

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a licensed or certified healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to help implement treatment plans that improve patient mobility, relieve pain, and promote overall physical function. PTAs assist with therapeutic exercises, functional training, and other interventions, while also monitoring patient progress and reporting to the supervising therapist. The extent of their responsibilities may vary depending on state regulations, the policies of the healthcare facility, and the needs of individual patients. PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.

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Career Outlook

Medical Radiography

Outcomes & Career Options

Medical radiographers, or radiologic technologists, assist physicians in diagnosing fractures, tumors, and diseases using imaging technology. They operate x-ray equipment, position patients, and ensure high-quality images while following radiation safety protocols. Radiographers may assist with fluoroscopy, use mobile imaging in surgery or at the bedside, and assess patient history to adapt procedures. Certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and continuing education are required to maintain professional competency.

Educational Qualifications

After completing the A.S. degree, students may complete 9 to 24-month long certificate programs specializing in Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, or Special Imaging. Unit’s fir these areas may also be incorporated in the Bachelor of Science Program, which begins in the junior year. The B.S. program emphasizes the more advanced areas in radiologic technology. It is designed to prepare graduates for careers in administration, clinical specialties, teaching or health physics.

Job Outlook

The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $83,740 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,420.

The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $73,410 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,380.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Outpatient care centers $125,470
Hospitals; state, local, and private $84,440
Medical and diagnostic laboratories $83,160
Offices of physicians $81,760

Physical Therapy Assistant

Outcomes & Career Options

The physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a licensed or certified healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to help implement treatment plans that improve patient mobility, relieve pain, and promote overall physical function. PTAs assist with therapeutic exercises, functional training, and other interventions, while also monitoring patient progress and reporting to the supervising therapist. The extent of their responsibilities may vary depending on state regulations, the policies of the healthcare facility, and the needs of individual patients. PTAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.

Educational Qualifications

One year at La Sierra University to complete the pre-requisites and one additional year in a Physical Therapy Assistant program. When professional training is completed the candidate is eligible to take the licensing exam.

Job Outlook

The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $33,520 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $43,980.

The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $64,080 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,830.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for physical therapist aides in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) $42,180
Hospitals; state, local, and private $36,970
Offices of physicians $36,210
Government $31,700
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists $31,200