John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences
302 Health Sciences Building
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
412-396-6652
412-396-5554 (fax)
rshs@duq.edu
www.duq.edu/rshs

Mission

The Rangos School of Health Sciences faculty will educate ethical healthcare professionals to engage and serve diverse local and global communities to advance person-centered healthcare. In the spirit of Duquesne University, moral, ethical and spiritual values support the scientific and philosophic underpinnings of all Rangos School of Health Sciences curricula. Students will be provided with opportunities and experiences to foster the development of comprehensive knowledge for practice in health care, education, and other professional settings. This knowledge will support advanced graduate education and scholarship. Graduates from the Rangos School of Health Sciences will be culturally-competent health science professionals who demonstrate competence, leadership, expertise, and a profound moral/ethical respect for their patients/clients, professional colleagues, and the general public.

Philosophy

The RSHS was founded in concert with the educational philosophy and objectives of Duquesne University. Students in the RSHS are exposed to a broad liberal arts education with emphasis on understanding the scientific, theoretical and theological constructs of the world. The academic programs focus on the scientific theories, which support the skilled ethical practice of the various professions, coupled with a strong appreciation and understanding of spiritual values. In recent years, health care in the United States has seen a transition to massive, complex health care delivery systems, which offer society choices to receive health care. A mixture of generalists and specialists practice in this sophisticated system to meet the growing health service demands of our society. To integrate our graduates into this system, the academic programs in the RSHS instill in-depth scientific and theoretical knowledge of health care practice, enhanced by a rich infusion of moral and spiritual values, necessary to prepare our graduates to be competent health care professionals. Through this preparation, students are encouraged to become cognizant of the needs of their patients/clients, their colleagues, and the health care systems in which they practice. Students are also required to develop an understanding of the necessity for on-going research and are prepared to advance the bodies of knowledge in their respective professions through their research efforts. All aspects of the students' education are coupled with an awareness and sensitivity of the human response to the functional limitations in various social and health care delivery contexts. The ultimate goal of the educational programs within the RSHS at Duquesne University is to educate truly outstanding health care professionals and citizens capable of explaining, investigating, and delivering the highest level of quality care with kindness, dignity, responsibility, and respect.

History

The Rangos School of Health Sciences has a distinguished history -- On January 29, 1990, Dr. John E. Murray, Jr., then President of Duquesne University, announced that the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences was being created to "graduate professionals who will provide assistance to people in maintaining their physical well-being. It will make them more self-sufficient physically and provide great hope for their futures. It meets an overwhelming societal need and it enlarges opportunities for students at Duquesne. In serving the citizens of Western Pennsylvania and our students, this initiative is precisely in accordance with the purposes of Duquesne University." The Rangos School of Health Sciences was Duquesne's first new School since 1937.

On March 18, 1991, Mr. John G. Rangos, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Chambers Development Company, Inc.; The John G. Rangos Charitable Foundation; and the Chambers Development Charitable Foundation, made a major gift to Duquesne University in support of the School of Health Sciences. In recognition of that gift, Dr. Murray announced the School would be named the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences (RSHS).

In September 1991, the first freshmen were admitted to the athletic training, health management systems, occupational therapy, perfusion technology, physical therapy and physician assistant programs; students were also admitted into the professional phase of the physical therapy program. In May 1992, the professional/accredited phase of the physician assistant program was initiated and in September 1992, the professional phase of the athletic training and occupational therapy programs were implemented. In September 1993, the health management systems professional phase was implemented. During the 1993-1994 academic year, the RSHS became fully operational. Approximately 700 students were enrolled from the freshman year through the fifth year of the entry-level master's degree programs. In September 1996, the first freshmen were admitted into the speech-language pathology program. In September 1998 the professional phase of the speech-language pathology program was inaugurated. In May 2002, the last class of perfusion technologists graduated from the perfusion technology program. The Department of Engineering joined the School on July 1, 2019.

Duquesne University is proud of its association with regional health care organizations which provide unique clinical experiences for health sciences students. In addition, many private practitioner groups have contributed significantly to the development of the RSHS. A complete listing of RSHS clinical affiliation sites is available in the Office of the Dean.

Masters and Doctorate Degrees Awarded by the RSHS

Duquesne-China Health Institute

Duquesne University has developed, in collaboration with universities in China, a linkage program that allows for the exchange of masters and doctoral students, as well as faculty. A Master of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology are available to Chinese students who have earned a minimum of a bachelor's degree in health and/or rehabilitation-related areas at Chinese universities. This program is not designed to prepare students to pursue professional certification or licensure as health care professionals in the United States. Students in this programs spend one year (3 academic semesters) on Duquesne's campus where they have all the same rights and responsibilities as other Duquesne students. Once admitted to this program, a student must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA every semester and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to graduate with a master's degree.

Health Administration

Master of Health Administration

The Master of Health Administration is a 42-credit degree program that includes foundation, core, and concentration courses, as well as a capstone. Concentration areas include Health Informatics and Data Analytics, Population Health, and Healthcare Compliance and Risk Management. The Master of Health Administration is a two-year, online program with a three-day residency requirement immediately prior to graduation.

Occupational Therapy

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The RSHS offers an entry-level master's degree program in occupational therapy (Master of Science in Occupational Therapy). The academic model for this program is 5 semesters of pre-professional liberal arts and science requirements, followed by 6 semesters of professional education. Professional-level education occurs on a year-round basis during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Students in the entry-level master's program are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the end of the fourth year and a Master of Science degree after successfully completing post-baccalaureate coursework and clinical fieldwork education. Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree will not be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences; they will work directly toward the master's degree.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

The RSHS offers an entry-level doctoral degree program in occupational therapy (Occupational Therapy Doctorate). The academic model for this program is 5 semesters of pre-professional liberal arts and science prerequisite requirements followed by 6 semesters of professional phase education, then 3 semesters of advanced professional education, which occur in a hybrid format. Professional and advanced professional-level education occur on a year-round basis including fall, spring, and summer semesters. These models are unique and provide the RSHS faculty the opportunity to maximally utilize the excellent core curriculum and science offerings at Duquesne as the basis for creative, professional curricula.

Students in the entry-level doctorate program are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the end of the fourth year and an Occupational Therapy Doctorate at the end of the program. Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree will not be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences; they will work directly toward the doctorate degree. Students who chose to pursue the OTD will not be awarded a Master of Science in Health Sciences; they will work directly toward the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree.

Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy

The RSHS offers a six-year entry-level doctoral degree program in physical therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy). Students may enter as freshmen and participate in the six-year program that is comprised of three pre-professional years and three professional years of study. These students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree upon completion of the fourth year, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree upon completion of the sixth year. Students who transfer into the program having already earned a bachelor's degree will not be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree; they will work directly toward the doctoral degree. 

All students who are granted the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree are eligible to take the national licensing exam that allows them to practice physical therapy.

Physician Assistant Studies

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies is only available to students who begin in the pre-professional phase of the program. We do not offer a stand-alone Master's program.

Speech-Language Pathology

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is only available to students who begin in the pre-professional phase of the program. We do not offer a stand-alone Master's program.

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences is a 72-credit program available to both domestic and international students who have earned a minimum of a bachelor's degree in health and/or rehabilitation-related areas. The program offers courses for domestic and international students to complete a program of advanced study with an emphasis in Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Public Health, or Health Care Administration, and related areas. Graduates of the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program will be prepared to provide excellent care, conduct research in the realms of rehabilitation and related health fields, work in academia, and assume managerial positions within health systems, hospitals, government agencies, and public and private research institutions or centers.

Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science

The Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science offers a Ph.D. (72 credits) degree. The Ph.D. program in Rehabilitation Science is a specialized curriculum in Orthopedics & Clinical Biomechanics. The curriculum is an integrative endeavor of the Departments of Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The academic course of study and the research focus are designed to meet the academic needs of the student and the collaborative research initiatives of the student and faculty. Graduates of the program will be productive members of the academic community who are engaged in teaching, research and scholarship.

Academic Policies

Policies for all RSHS academic programs can be found in the RSHS Student Academic Handbook.

Accreditation

Duquesne University-and by extension all of its programs-are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In addition, seven of the nine programs in the RSHS have earned or are seeking specialized accreditation through their disciplines.

The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), in collaboration with the National Athletic Trainers Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. During its most recent evaluation, the program received the maximum award of continuing accreditation. The program's most recent comprehensive review by CAATE occurred during the 2016-2017 academic year when it was found to be in full compliance with all CAATE standards and was awarded the maximum 10 years of continuing accreditation.
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is a discipline-specific professional accrediting agency that sets standards for health administration degrees. The CAHME offers voluntary accreditation to public health, medical, and business schools that offer graduate programs for preparing healthcare administrators. Duquesne University MHA program obtained CAHME candidacy status in spring 2021, which means that Duquesne University MHA program was favorably reviewed by the CAHME Board for meeting the key criteria established for excellent healthcare management education. Duquesne University MHA program is expecting to obtain final CAHME accreditation by the end of 2022.

The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) is a global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals and organizations dedicated to the improvement of health and healthcare delivery through excellence in healthcare management and policy education. AUPHA Certified Undergraduate program members are recognized for having withstood the rigors of peer review in which curricula, faculty, and educational outcomes are critically examined by peer review. Duquesne University B.S. in Health Administration program will be reviewed for AUPHA certification during the 2023-2024 cycle.

ACOTE accredited our MSOT program for the maximum re-accreditation period on August 5, 2016 and our OTD program for the maximum re-accreditation period on December 1, 2023. Information regarding the accreditation of Duquesne University's OT programs can be obtained by contacting the American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).Duquesne University's occupational therapy programs have consistently received accreditation for the maximum time periods. Information regarding the accreditation of this program can be obtained through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510 E, Bethesda, MD 20814.. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA is (301)-652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Duquesne University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation on Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. The program was initially accredited on May 12, 1993 and re-accredited in 2008 and 2018. On March 6, 2001, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education granted approval to Duquesne University for a program in physical therapy leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program is scheduled for its next comprehensive review by CAPTE in Fall 2027.
In October 2021, the ARC-PA  granted Accreditation- Continued status to the Duquesne University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Duquesne University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. The full accreditation history for the program can be found on the ARC-PA website.
The Master of Science (M.S.) program in speech-language pathology at Duquesne University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850; phone: (800)-498-2071 or (301)-296-5700. The speech-language pathology program received initial accreditation on August 1, 2002. An eight-year re-accreditation, the maximum time frame, was awarded on August 1, 2007, and again on August 1, 2015. The program is scheduled for its next comprehensive review by the CAA in the 2022-2023 Academic Year.

On November 1, 1999, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initially approved the speech-language pathology teacher certification program at Duquesne University. Final approval was received on October 29, 2002, and approval was most recently renewed in the Spring of 2017.

RSHS Student Organizations and Professional Associations

The RSHS encourages all students to become involved in a variety of University activities, as well as activities within the RSHS and those outside the University which are related to their field of study. Students are strongly encouraged to become active and assume leadership roles within class activities, as well as RSHS and professional associations. The RSHS has a Dean's Student Advisory Council with representatives from each of the School's six programs.

Pi Kappa Epsilon, a professional health science fraternity, was founded at Duquesne to promote scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. Students who exemplify these three tiers and who are willing to dedicate their time and energy to establish a reputable and exciting organization are invited to pledge.
DUSAT is a student-run University-wide professional association that is open to all students enrolled in the Department of Athletic Training and any other individuals who may be interested in the promotion and development of athletic trainers and the profession of athletic training. Activities of this association include guest speakers, trips to local sports medicine facilities and professional athletic associations, fund-raisers to gain money to attend professional meetings and serving as part of the medical teams for various special events. The association's advisors are Dr. Sarah Manspeaker and Dr. Erica Beidler.
Students automatically become members of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society when they join the NATA. Student members receive discounted rates for the annual state convention and are eligible for state scholarship opportunities.
Students are strongly encouraged to join the National Athletic Trainers' Association as a student member before the junior year. In addition to the monthly news magazine, student members are eligible for NATA, EATA, and PATS scholarships, research funding, and discounted rates at the national convention and on the BOC examination. Further, by becoming members of the NATA, students automatically become members of the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association and Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society.
Student membership and participation in the field's professional associations are strongly encouraged. Early involvement will enhance the student's transition to professional practice upon graduation. Students interested in more information should contact the department.
Students are encouraged to join the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) as a student associate. ACHE is a professional society for healthcare leaders committed to improving health. Benefits of a student associate membership include access to internship, fellowship and career opportunities, newsletters, financial assistance, and networking opportunities. Membership is $75.00 per year.
Students are encouraged to join the American Public Health Association. Members receive the Association’s monthly journal, newsletters and other pertinent information. APHA holds an annual meeting every fall, where students have the opportunity to present scholarly papers and take advantage of the APHA’s placement services. Membership is $85 per year.
The Pennsylvania Public Health Association is an affiliate of APHA. This growing professional association welcomes anyone with an interest in public health. PPHA also holds annual meetings featuring state and national public health leaders. Annual student membership is $20.
Duquesne University's Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) accepts members from the freshman through the graduate classes. Any interested student of the University community is welcome to join. Activities will include guest lecturers, "field trips," business, outreach, service and social activities.
COTAD is a national network of individuals, students, educators and advocates from across the globe all working towards a common goal of promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce. COTAD also works to increase the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to serve an increasingly diverse population.  The DU COTAD was established in 2020 and works closely with SOTA.
Pi Theta Epsilon is the national honor society for occupational therapy. Students are elected to membership during their professional phase based on their academic performance and demonstrated potential to be a professional leader. The PTE purpose is to promote professional development and leadership skills and perform service to the profession and community. A Pi Theta Epsilon chapter was established in Spring 1996 and works closely with SOTA.
The Physical Therapy students maintain an active student organization. Physical Therapy students in all classes at Duquesne University are invited to participate. Please contact the student leadership or the Department of Physical Therapy for more information.
Students are encouraged to be active in attending the Southwest District Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association meetings.
The state organization is the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (PPTA).
Students are encouraged to be active in Physical Therapy professional organizations. The national organization is the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) which is very influential in setting policy which affects all physical therapists. Students are strongly encouraged to join the APTA at their earliest opportunity once admitted to the professional phase.
Students in all years of the program are encouraged to become local and national members of their professional organizations. Attendance at their professional conferences as a student is difficult due to the academic schedule, however, students who have an opportunity to present their work at a conference may request permission from the Department Chair.
Membership is open to all pre-professional and accredited phase students.
Membership in the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants is open to all pre-professional and professional/accredited phase students.
An official class roster is submitted to the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistant (PSPA), which generates an entitlement for students to receive quarterly news bulletins and reduced rates for registration fees to professional conferences. Student dues are a one-time $15.00 fee that provides membership until the June after graduation. Membership is encouraged for accredited phase students.
The Department Chair submits an official class roster of accredited phase students to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), which will generate a one-year entitlement for the student to receive a 10-month complimentary subscription to professional publications, as well as membership services including reduced rates for registration fees to professional conferences. Membership is open to pre-professional and accredited phase students.
NSSLHA is the student branch of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Membership offers special information of interest to graduate and undergraduate students, a subscription to some of the professional journals offered to ASHA members, discounts to the ASHA national convention, and discounts when applying for membership to and clinical certification from ASHA. All students who are members of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology are strongly encouraged to join the Duquesne University chapter of NSSLHA, and Professional Phase students are encouraged to also join national NSSLHA. National NSSLHA applications may be obtained online.
PSHA is the state professional organization. Student membership is encouraged.
SWPSHA is a regional professional organization. Student membership is encouraged.
Students are encouraged to be active in Speech-Language Pathology professional organizations. The American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA) is the national, professional, scientific, and credentialing association for members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students.