Salus University

About Salus University

Salus University stands as a specialized health sciences institution in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, dedicated exclusively to preparing students for careers in healthcare and rehabilitation. Founded in 1919 as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the university has grown into a multi-program graduate institution that trains professionals in optometry, audiology, speech-language pathology, physician assistant studies, and occupational therapy. The suburban campus sits just outside Philadelphia, giving students access to major medical centers and clinical sites throughout the Delaware Valley region. What sets Salus apart is its singular focus on health education, with every program, resource, and facility designed to support students pursuing healthcare careers. The university operates several clinical centers on campus, including the Eye Institute, which serves thousands of patients annually while providing students with real-world training. With an acceptance rate of 55%, Salus seeks students who demonstrate both academic capability and genuine commitment to serving patients. The small, focused nature of the institution means students receive individualized attention from faculty who are practicing professionals in their fields. Class sizes remain intentionally small to ensure hands-on learning experiences that translate directly to clinical practice.

Admission to Salus University requires completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, though specific prerequisite courses vary by program. The Doctor of Optometry program expects applicants to complete coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English, with most admitted students holding GPAs above 3.3. Physician assistant applicants must demonstrate patient care experience, typically through work as EMTs, medical assistants, or in similar roles totaling at least 500 hours. The audiology doctorate program looks for students with backgrounds in communication sciences, psychology, or related fields. All programs require standardized test scores appropriate to the discipline, whether the OAT for optometry, GRE for most graduate programs, or CASPA application for PA studies. Letters of recommendation carry significant weight, with programs preferring references from healthcare professionals who can speak to an applicant's clinical aptitude. Personal statements should articulate specific reasons for choosing healthcare and explain why Salus represents the right fit. Interviews are required for most programs and give applicants the chance to demonstrate professionalism, communication skills, and genuine interest in patient care. International applicants must submit TOEFL scores and credential evaluations.

Salus University offers exclusively graduate-level programs in health sciences, with the Doctor of Optometry serving as its flagship degree. The optometry program spans four years and includes extensive clinical rotations at the campus Eye Institute and affiliated sites across the country. Students can pursue concentrations in areas like pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or ocular disease management. The Doctor of Audiology program prepares students to diagnose and treat hearing disorders, with clinical placements in hospitals, private practices, and school systems. Speech-language pathology students earn master's degrees while completing practica in settings ranging from rehabilitation hospitals to elementary schools. The physician assistant program graduates students ready for immediate clinical practice, with rotations covering family medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and specialty areas. Occupational therapy students learn to help patients recover function and independence following injury, illness, or disability. The university also offers certificates and continuing education for practicing professionals seeking to update their skills. Interprofessional education initiatives bring students from different programs together to learn collaborative care approaches. Research opportunities exist across programs, with faculty actively investigating topics from vision science to hearing technology.

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Student Life & Environment

Life at Salus University centers on professional development and clinical preparation, though the campus offers more than just classrooms and labs. The Elkins Park campus occupies a tree-lined suburban setting with historic buildings alongside modern clinical facilities. Student housing options exist nearby, and many students share apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods. Professional organizations for each discipline provide networking opportunities, guest speakers, and community service projects. The Optometry Student Association organizes vision screenings at local schools and community centers, while audiology students participate in hearing health awareness campaigns. Study groups form naturally among cohorts, with students supporting each other through rigorous coursework and exam preparation. The campus fitness center gives students space to decompress between classes and clinical shifts. Philadelphia sits just a short train ride away, offering cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options for weekend breaks. Student government represents all programs and advocates for student needs while organizing campus-wide events. The relatively small student body means professors know students by name and career services staff provide personalized guidance. Many students form lasting professional connections during their time at Salus that benefit their careers for decades.

Location & Surroundings

Elkins Park offers an accessible suburban setting that balances quiet residential neighborhoods with easy access to Philadelphia's resources. The campus sits along Old York Road, a historic corridor connecting communities throughout Montgomery County. Public transportation runs frequently to Center City Philadelphia, placing world-class hospitals, research institutions, and cultural venues within a 30-minute commute. The surrounding area features restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to both longtime residents and student populations. Wyncote and Glenside neighbor Elkins Park, creating a continuous community with varied housing options at different price points. Clinical rotation sites span the greater Philadelphia region, exposing students to patient populations in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The Eye Institute's location on campus means optometry students can complete significant clinical training without lengthy commutes. Major employers in healthcare dot the region, from university hospitals to private practices, providing employment opportunities after graduation. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with colorful autumns and mild springs. Interstate highways provide connections to New York, Baltimore, and other East Coast cities for students seeking weekend getaways or visiting family.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Salus University provides support services tailored to graduate students balancing demanding academic programs with personal responsibilities. The library maintains extensive collections in optometry, audiology, and health sciences, with electronic databases accessible from any location. Academic support staff offer tutoring, study skills workshops, and test preparation assistance for standardized professional exams. Career services begins working with students early, helping them identify clinical rotation preferences that align with career goals. The office maintains relationships with employers nationwide and hosts career fairs specific to each health profession. Financial aid counselors help students navigate loan programs, scholarship opportunities, and budgeting for graduate school. Mental health counseling services recognize the pressures of professional education and offer confidential support. Disability services ensure all students can access learning materials and testing accommodations as needed. The Office of Clinical Education coordinates rotation placements and handles logistics for students traveling to distant sites. Alumni networks connect current students with graduates practicing across the country, providing mentorship and job leads. Technology support keeps clinical simulation equipment running and helps students troubleshoot issues with course management systems.