Please note: Pomona College does not offer a degree in these health professional programs. This information is merely for the purpose of providing an overview and academic requirements to our undergraduate students.
Physical Therapy
Training
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
DPT programs are 2-3 years in length, followed by the national PT license examination. DPTs may choose to do a residency and fellowship as well (requiring another 9 months to 5 years).
The American Physical Therapy Association website has detailed information on all Programs.
Undergraduate Academic Preparation
Check out our pre-PT planning guide. See this helpful website for a comparative table of course pre-reqs by program.
Personal Preparation
Shadowing: 100 hours in a variety of locations “All applicants must be able to demonstrate understanding of the physical therapy profession, which can be demonstrated by completing a observation hours (paid or volunteer experience) in a variety of physical therapy settings. Experiences must be under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and must be completed and verified by the application deadline. Extensive clinical experience, while valuable, will not overcome a weak academic record. Clinical experiences are documented and verified in the PTCAS application. Refer to the PTCAS Observation Hours instructions for more information.” From the University of California, San Francisco Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science website.
Admissions Testing
GRE
Applications
Letters of recommendation: Generally, 3 letters of recommendation are required, one of which MUST come from a supervising PT, and the others from science faculty, other faculty, health professionals or employers.
More Information
- California Physical Therapy association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Difference between athletic trainer and physical therapist
Occupational Therapy
Training
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of OT
MOT programs are 2-3 years in length, followed by the national NBCOT license examination. Doctoral training programs are also 2-3 years, or can be combined with a Master's program in a 5 year educational experience. Occupational therapists can expect a median annual salary of $85,570.
The American Occupational Therapy Association website has detailed information on the pathway to becoming a practitioner.
Undergraduate Academic Preparation
Check out our pre-OT planning guide (coming soon). This website has helpful information about program criteria.
Personal Preparation
Shadowing: 40+ hours shadowing an occupational therapist. Program requirements vary widely; you should check admissions websites for accurate information.
Admissions Testing
GRE needed at some programs
Applications
Letters of recommendation: Generally, 3 letters of recommendation are required, one or more of which MUST come from a supervising OT, and the others from science faculty, other faculty, health professionals or employers.
More Information
Speech and Language Pathology
Speech-Language Pathologists (SPL) focus on a range of verbal and nonverbal communication. They assess, diagnose and treat children and adults. SPL’s work with individuals who have difficulty with speech, language, social and cognitive-communication, as well as individuals with swallowing disorders.
Training
SLPs complete either a Master’s degree or PhD in Speech and Language sciences. They also complete clinical internships and a supervised post-graduate clinical fellowship. Certification occurs through a national examination, followed by state licensing.
Admissions Testing
GRE
Applications
Apply to graduate programs in Speech Language Pathology
More Information
- American Auditory Society
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Home Page | NIDCD (nih.gov)
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology
- Internal Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics
- National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing
Podiatry (DPM)
Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) who provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. Podiatrists diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery involving the lower extremities. DPM’s typically work flexible hours in a variety of settings such as hospitals and extended care facilities, the Department of Veteran Affairs, private or group practice and more.
Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery involving the lower extremities. Most work in offices of podiatry, while some work in group practices and others in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or for the government.
Training
Podiatry school is typically four years, after which students must complete a two-three year residency, and then pass board certification and state licensing requirements.
Admissions Testing
MCAT
Applications
Podiatry school applications are submitted through a centralized service called the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting the first Wednesday in August for fall admission of the following year. You will have a better chance of success with earlier applications; try to submit by March at the latest.