DeSales, Salus Partner on Optometry, Orthotics & Prosthetics Programs

DeSales University and Salus University are teaming up to train the next generation of specialty healthcare providers. 

The two schools are partnering on three programs: a 4+4 Doctor of Optometry program, a 3+4 Doctor of Optometry program, and a 4+3 Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics program.

Leaders from Salus University visited DeSales on May 9 to sign the official agreements. Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, president of Salus, and Gerard O’Sullivan, Ph.D., provost, met with Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., president of DeSales, and Terese Wignot, Ph.D., provost.

“Both DeSales and Salus are universities that are committed to providing quality healthcare providers to their communities. This partnership allows DeSales students the opportunity to further their education at Salus in healthcare areas that are much needed by the region.” -Terese Wignot, Ph.D., DeSales provost 

DeSales students who finish the 90-credit or 120-credit pre-optometry curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher can apply to the 3+4 or 4+4 Doctor of Optometry programs at Salus. Salus will hold four seats in each class for qualified DeSales students.

DeSales students who complete the 120-credit pre-orthotics and prosthetics curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher can apply to the Salus 4+3 master’s program in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Salus will also reserve four seats per class for these students.

“We are excited about this new agreement,” said Mittelman. “By combining DeSales’ strong academic programs with Salus’ clinical expertise, we can give students excellent training and more opportunities in healthcare. This partnership will support our students and strengthen the healthcare community.”

DeSales has similar agreements with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.