Becoming a licensed physical therapist is a multi-year journey, leading many to ask, "how long does it take to get a physical therapy degree?" On average, it takes six to eight years, including a bachelor's degree (four years) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program (two to three years). However, accelerated pathways and dual-degree programs may help students reach their goals faster.
Is public health a good career? If you're looking for a field where you can make a tangible impact on communities, shape health policies, and work on the frontlines of disease prevention, the answer is a resounding yes. Public health professionals tackle everything from pandemic response to community wellness programs, ensuring healthier lives for individuals and populations alike. With the rising demand for healthcare professionals, this career path offers job security, diverse opportunities, and the chance to create lasting change.
Career opportunities in public health span a wide range of fields, all dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Whether working in disease prevention, health education, or policy development, public health professionals help shape healthier societies by addressing key issues like chronic disease, environmental health, and healthcare access.
Public health is about making a difference, and getting there starts with the right education. At SCU, our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) is designed to give students a strong foundation in healthcare, disease prevention, and community health—all while providing the flexibility to specialize and gain real-world experience.
SCU's Dr. Leah Grout Featured in BBC Article on Global COVID-19 Responses Dr. Leah Grout, a Southern California University of Health Sciences Research Data Analyst and Associate Research Professor specializing in public health, was recently interviewed by the British Broadcasting Corporation for a news article "Five Years On: The Countries That Never Locked Down for COVID-19.” In the article, Dr. Grout shared findings from the study, for which she was the lead author, "Comparing COVID-19 Pandemic Health Responses in Two High-Income Island Nations: Iceland and New Zealand.” The study, published in July 2023, compared Iceland and New Zealand's responses [...]
SCU's Eastern Medicine Department Programs Receive Maximum Seven-Year Re-Accreditation Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) and Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) programs both received the highest level of re-accreditation—a seven-year term—from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), a nationally recognized accrediting body for acupuncture and herbal medicine education. This recognition extends through February 2032, affirming SCU's unique and forward-thinking programs blending the best of traditional practices with the best of Western biomedicine. "This re-accreditation is a prestigious recognition of our commitment to maintaining academic [...]
SCU's Ayurvedic Medicine Program Makes History with National Accreditation Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) has achieved a historic milestone. Its Ayurvedic Medicine Department, led by Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, has become the first program in the country to receive accreditation from the newly established Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC). This is a big deal for SCU, its students, and the future of Ayurvedic medicine in the U.S., establishing SCU as a pioneer in Ayurvedic education and setting a gold standard for academic excellence and clinical training. As the AAC President said, "SCU has demonstrated not only a commitment to [...]
Embracing a New Paradigm: The Transformation to Whole Health In recent years, discussions about health and wellness have increasingly embraced a whole person approach, aligning with the principles of integrative health and medicine. But what does it truly mean to transition to Whole Health, and how can we achieve this shift? For decades, many healthcare professionals have worked within a system that primarily focuses on disease management. However, this traditional model has often failed to deliver optimal outcomes. In the United States, for example, healthcare spending remains high, yet life expectancy lags behind that of other nations. According to the [...]
New Study Shows Chiropractic Care May Be a Safer Choice for Treating Neck Pain in Older Adults Neck pain is a common problem, especially for older adults. Many doctors recommend first attempting to treat the pain without medication--but are those alternative therapies safer? A new study led by Dr. James Whedon at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) compared different ways to treat neck pain in older adults on Medicare. The results showed that chiropractic care might be a safer option than traditional medical care. What Was the Motivation for This Study? Doctors and researchers are trying to find better ways to [...]
Becoming a Physician Assistant is a journey filled with opportunity and purpose, offering a rewarding career in healthcare where you can make a real difference. Discover the step-by-step journey to one of the most rewarding careers in healthcare. From academic credentials to hands-on experience, learn how you can make a meaningful impact as a PA while enjoying flexibility and high demand in the medical field.
