Allied Health Biology Programs in Illinois | ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ
ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ University's Biology program has formal affiliation agreements with Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University that allow students to move directly from undergraduate coursework at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ into clinical training at those institutions.
Depending on the program, students complete three years of Biology coursework at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and spend their final year or two years in a clinical setting, graduating with a degree in their specific allied health specialty. Most 3+1 programs can be completed in four years. The 3+2 master's programs take five years total.
Students who are not accepted into a partner program after completing three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ still graduate with a Biology B.S. within the standard four-year timeframe and can reapply or pursue a different path. Acceptance into affiliate programs is determined by each institution's own selection process, not by ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ.
3+1 Allied Health Bachelor's Degrees
Cardiovascular Sonography, B.S.
This program will provide students with a state-of-the-art facility and an interdisciplinary environment that enables each student to master the theoretical and technical skills they need to be a successful echocardiographer. Students spend three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and complete their final three semesters plus summer sessions at , where they receive their degree from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, B.S.
Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to produce internal images for diagnostic purposes, without surgical intervention. Students spend three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ University and complete their final three semesters plus summer sessions at , where they receive their degree from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ.
A 2+2 option is also available through the, in which students transfer after two years and receive their degree from Rush.
Note: the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has a three-semester clinical component, which makes the total program length approximately 4.5 years.
Histotechnology, B.S.
Histotechnologists prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination as part of the diagnostic process. Students complete three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and apply in their third year to enter NMH for the final two semesters.
The clinical year at NMH is a 12-month program running August to August, covering lectures, labs, clinical training, and rotations through Histology, Special Stains, Gross Room, and Cytology.
Graduates sit for the Histotechnology certification exam. A double major option in Biology and Histotechnology takes five years.
Nuclear Medicine Technology, B.S.
Nuclear medicine technologists use radiopharmaceuticals and hybrid imaging to evaluate physiological function at the molecular level. Students spend three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and complete their final year at Northwestern Memorial Hospital or the , receiving their degree from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ.
Radiation Therapy, B.S.
Radiation therapists administer targeted radiation treatment for localized tumors. Students complete three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ, followed by their final year of coursework and clinical rotations at
3+2 Allied Health Master's Degrees with Rush University
These programs allow students to enter a two-year master's program at Rush University after three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ, graduating with a B.S. in Biology from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and a master's degree from Rush. Students need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for these programs.
Clinical Nutrition, M.S.
Clinical nutritionists develop evidence-based nutrition plans for disease prevention and management, working in public health, research, private industry, and academic settings.
Medical Laboratory Sciences, M.S.
Medical laboratory scientists perform diagnostic tests critical to disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Respiratory Care, M.S.
Respiratory therapists manage cardiopulmonary conditions and abnormalities in clinical settings.
Who Qualifies
Students who want to enter the allied health majors at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ need a minimum GPA of 3.0. For the 3+2 programs at Rush University, specifically in Respiratory Care and Medical Laboratory Science, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to be considered for the combined degree sequence.
A Biology advisor will help map out the correct course sequence from the first year based on the specific allied health program the student is targeting.
FAQs
Does completing three years at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ guarantee acceptance into the clinical program?
No. Each partner institution, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University, has its own selection committee that reviews and interviews applicants from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ and other affiliated schools. Completing the required coursework at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ makes you eligible to apply, but acceptance is determined independently by the partner institution.
What happens if I am not accepted into my chosen clinical program?
Students who are not accepted into a partner program can still complete their Biology B.S. at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ within the standard four-year timeframe. From there, students can reapply to the clinical program or pursue the certificate version of the program directly through the partner institution where available.
What GPA do I need to enter an Allied Health program?
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the allied health majors at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ. For the 3+2 programs with Rush University in Respiratory Care and Medical Laboratory Sciences, a 3.0 overall GPA is also the minimum GPA required to be considered for the combined degree sequence.
What degree do I receive from these programs?
For the 3+1 programs: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Histotechnology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy; the degree is a B.S. in Biology from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ. For the 3+2 programs with Rush University, students receive a B.S. in Biology from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ University and a Master of Science from Rush. For the 2+2 Diagnostic Medical Sonography option through Rush, the degree is issued by Rush University.
How long does the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program take?
The 3+1 track through Northwestern Memorial Hospital results in a program of approximately 4.5 years, as the clinical portion requires 3 semesters. The 2+2 track through Rush University takes a total of 4,5 years.
Can I double major while doing one of these programs?
Yes. Students can complete a double major in all programs, taking on average about 5 years to complete both programs, but this varies due to course load. Please reach out to an academic advisor to learn more.
When do I apply to the clinical partner program?
For most 3+1 programs, students apply during their third year at ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ. Biology faculty advisors work with first-year students to ensure coursework is sequenced correctly for the application timeline.
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