
Salus University, a private graduate school in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, has been associated with Drexel University since their merger in 2024. Salus University, named for the Latin word for health and well-being, offers graduate degree and certificate programs in health science professions with an emphasis on clinical experience. The university's main campus is in Cheltenham Township, with clinical facilities including The Eye Institute, the Occupational Therapy Institute, the Speech-Language Institute, and the Pennsylvania Ear Institute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Private graduate school |
| Location | Elkins Park, Pennsylvania |
| Campus | Cheltenham Township |
| Founding College | Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) |
| Year founded | 1919 |
| Year renamed to Salus University | 2008 |
| Parent University | Drexel University |
| Year merged with Drexel University | 2024 |
| Number of students | 1,100 |
| Number of alumni | 14,000 |
| Areas of Specialization | Optometry, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Physician Assistant Studies, Biomedicine, Orthotics and Prosthetics |
| Clinical Experience | Yes, approximately 3,000 hours |
Explore related products
$12.18
What You'll Learn

Salus University is now part of Drexel University
Salus University, a private graduate school in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, is now part of Drexel University. The merger of the two institutions was announced on June 13, 2023, and completed in 2024, pending regulatory and judicial approval. The campus is located in Cheltenham Township, with a census-designated place in Elkins Park.
Salus University, founded in 1919 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry, has been a leader in health and wellness education. The university offers graduate and postgraduate degree and certificate programs in health science professions. With a focus on clinical experience, Salus students gain approximately 3,000 hours of hands-on patient care during their studies. This extensive clinical education prepares graduates to excel in their professions and take on leadership roles.
Drexel University, on the other hand, is a comprehensive, global R1-level research university known for its strong academics and real-world experience. The merger between Salus and Drexel brings together their respective strengths in health science education and research. Salus contributes its expertise in fields such as optometry, audiology, blindness and low vision studies, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy. Drexel, as an R1 research institution, provides a platform for innovative exploration and collaboration in healthcare.
The integration of Salus and Drexel universities creates a unified entity committed to graduating professionals with exceptional academic and clinical skills. This merger expands the opportunities available to students and faculty, fostering a community that advances health, wellness, and public service. The combined resources of the universities enhance their shared mission of providing community-centered patient care and driving holistic healthcare approaches.
With the merger, Salus University at Drexel continues to build on its legacy of progressive thinking and tight-knit community while benefiting from the expanded resources and reach of Drexel University. The integration represents a new beginning, blending the histories and cultures of both institutions to create a bright future for health sciences education and research.
Finding a Provider's Medicare Number: Quick and Easy Steps
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The university has a focus on health and well-being
Salus University, a private graduate school in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, has a strong focus on health and well-being. The name "Salus" is derived from the Latin word for health and well-being, reflecting the university's dedication to enhancing the welfare of the communities its graduates serve. With a century-long legacy, Salus University offers professional and graduate degree and certificate programs to nearly 1,100 students, attracting a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff united by their commitment to improving public welfare worldwide.
The university's founding college, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), was established in 1919 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO). PCO was the first college in the United States to confer the legislature-approved Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after a four-year educational program. Over the years, Salus University has expanded its programs to include other health science professions such as audiology, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.
The College of Health Sciences, Education, and Rehabilitation at Salus University takes an interdisciplinary approach to education. It educates professionals dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of those they serve. The university emphasises hands-on, clinical experience for its students, setting them apart from their peers. Salus students can expect early and sustained clinical exposure, with opportunities to practice with patients of all age groups. By the time of graduation, students will have earned approximately 3,000 hours of clinical experience, preparing them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for their chosen professions.
The university's commitment to health and well-being is further demonstrated by its establishment of various clinical facilities. The Eye Institute (TEI), for example, serves as a training site for optometry students and as a community vision care centre. Additionally, the Speech-Language Institute (SLI) was established as the clinical facility for the university's Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program. These facilities enhance the practical aspect of the university's health-focused education.
In recent years, Salus University has merged with Drexel University, combining their complementary strengths in graduate health sciences education, research, and clinical practice. This merger expands the reach of Salus' leading-edge health science education and reinforces their shared commitment to community-centred patient care. The integration of these institutions promises to provide exciting opportunities for students and staff, solidifying Salus University's focus on health and well-being.
Hospital Visit: Naga Chaitanya and Samantha's Emotional Reunion
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It offers graduate degree and certificate programs
Salus University, a private graduate school in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, offers graduate degree and certificate programs to nearly 1,100 students, with almost 14,000 alumni worldwide. The university's graduate programs include renowned courses such as optometry, audiology, blindness and low vision studies, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and orthotics and prosthetics.
The university's founding college, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), was founded in 1919 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO). It was one of the oldest optometry colleges in North America. In 1975, PCO was the first college of optometry to develop an off-campus externship program. The college also established its main clinical facility, The Eye Institute (TEI), in 1978, which served as a training site for optometry students and as a community vision care centre.
The Speech-Language Institute (SLI) is the clinical facility for students enrolled in the university's Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) master's degree program. The Occupational Therapy Institute (OTI), established in 2021 in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, is a clinical facility for students enrolled in the university's Occupational Therapy (OT) master's degree program.
Salus University's graduate programs provide students with extensive clinical education, offering approximately 3,000 hours of clinical experience. This comprehensive clinical training prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values expected in their professional practice. The university's commitment to academic excellence and hands-on patient care sets its graduates apart from their peers.
Morris Hospital: Support Groups Available?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students gain extensive clinical experience
Salus University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, is a private graduate school that offers professional and graduate degree and certificate programs to nearly 1,100 students. The university has a particular focus on health science professions, with courses in optometry, audiology, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology, among others.
The university's commitment to providing an early and sustained clinical experience is what sets its graduates apart from their peers. Students at Salus University can expect to gain extensive clinical experience throughout their studies. For example, optometry students can expect to work at two different clinical sites and five externship sites throughout their four years at the university. The Eye Institute (TEI), a clinical facility at the university, provides optometry students with the opportunity to practice with patients of all age groups.
The Speech-Language Institute (SLI) is another clinical facility at Salus University, serving as a training site for students enrolled in the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) master's degree program. The Occupational Therapy Institute (OTI), located within The Eye Institute, is a clinical facility for students enrolled in the Occupational Therapy (OT) master's degree program.
Upon graduation, students will have earned approximately 3,000 hours of clinical experience. This extensive clinical education prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and values expected when they enter their chosen profession. The university's approach to clinical education is hands-on, emphasising quality and continuity with patients and their interprofessional teams.
Exploring Hospitals: What to Consider Before Checking In
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The university has a campus in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Salus University is a private graduate school with a campus in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. The university is a part of Drexel University and specializes in degree programs for healthcare professions. The campus is located in Cheltenham Township, in the Elkins Park census-designated place. The university's founding college, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), was founded in 1919 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO). It is one of the oldest optometry colleges in North America.
The name "Salus" is derived from the Latin word for health and well-being, reflecting the institution's dedication to the health and well-being of the communities served by its graduates. In addition to its optometry program, Salus University offers a range of other healthcare-related programs, including audiology, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. The university has a strong focus on clinical experience, with its graduates having completed approximately 3,000 hours of clinical practice. This extensive clinical education prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and values expected of them in their future practices.
The Speech-Language Institute (SLI), established in 2015, serves as the clinical facility for students enrolled in the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) master's degree program. Similarly, the Occupational Therapy Institute (OTI), established in 2021 in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, within The Eye Institute, is a clinical facility for students enrolled in the Occupational Therapy (OT) master's degree program. The Eye Institute, founded in 1978, is a key part of the university's optometry program, serving as a training site for optometry students and providing community vision care.
Salus University merged with Drexel University in 2024, bringing together their complementary strengths in graduate health sciences education, research, and clinical practice. This merger expands the reach of Salus' health science education and enhances Drexel's position as a leader in preparing interprofessional health sciences practitioners. The Elkins Park campus continues to operate in its present location, with Drexel owning all facilities associated with Salus University following the merger.
Where Do Most People Die?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Salus University is a part of Drexel University and is located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. The merger of the two universities was completed in 2024.
Salus University was founded in 1919 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO). The name was changed to Salus University on July 1, 2008. The word "Salus" is derived from Latin and means "health and well-being".
Salus University offers graduate degree and certificate programs in health science professions. Some of the programs offered include Optometry, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology.
Salus University has a strong reputation for its academic foundation and clinical training. Its graduates have been leading their professions with progressive thinking and are well-prepared with extensive clinical experience, totaling about 3,000 hours.



































