New High Demand Major Strengthens College’s Offerings for Health Careers
ALBANY, NY—New York State has approved Maria College’s proposal for a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Occupational Sciences (HOS). The new major has been designed for both Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) graduates, who will be able to seamlessly transfer their credits, or prospective students looking to enter the health services field.
Maria College President, Dr. Lea A. Johnson stated, “We are very pleased with the decision that allows us to offer a high demand major in health and occupational sciences. We purposely designed this degree program to prepare graduates for immediate or eventual entry into careers of services to others, thereby fulfilling the Maria College mission.”
The HOS program is a diverse blend of theoretical, scientific principles and practical technology applications in health and occupational sciences. According to Dr. John Kowal, Maria College Vice President for Academic Affairs, “This major will allow Maria OTA alumni to advance their education in their chosen field and will also satisfy the entry requirements for admission into a graduate degree program in occupational therapy. In addition, new students, either those graduating from high school or working professionals, will find this four-year degree program as a springboard for a successful career in allied health and a pathway for advancing their education.”
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts double digit job growth through 2020 for the health care and health services industry. The HOS program is expected to fulfill a critical need in educating graduates for health-related, entry-level careers in a variety of settings, including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare agencies and facilities. It complements the other health-related degrees that the College offers in nursing, occupational therapy assistant and healthcare management.
Johnson referenced the College’s success in educating over 4,000 healthcare professionals, specifically as practicing nursing, occupational therapy assistants, and physical therapy assistants in the Capital Region. She stated, “Maria College is very proud to be a trusted educational partner in this Region for providing employers with dedicated, competent and talented employees. Our curriculum, since the College was founded in 1958 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, has been grounded in the humanities to transform learned skills into caring service. Our newest (HOS) bachelor of science degree was carefully designed to align with this tradition and also continue our strategic growth as a baccalaureate institution.”
Recruiting and enrollment is underway for fall ’15 semester for both traditional and non-traditional students. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Maria Admissions for more information and enrollment: (518) 861-2517 or admissions@mariacollege.edu
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About Maria College
Maria College is a baccalaureate nonprofit, independent, co-educational institution, founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, and is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. The College serves traditional and nontraditional students through day, evening, weekend and online classes. A student focused and highly affordable private college in Albany, NY with a 99% placement rate—employment and continuing education.
For Immediate Release:
communication@mariacollege.edu