Overview of the HPS Program
The objective of the Missouri State University McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) Health Profession Scholars (HPS) Program is to provide an opportunity for a select group of highly qualified incoming freshmen students to secure a guaranteed interview for one of five participating competitive-entry health care graduate programs on the Missouri State University campus. Therefore, the HPS Program is best suited for individuals who are confident that a career in Audiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training or the Physician Assistant profession is their goal.
A student who is accepted into MSU and subsequently into the HPS Program will have up to five years to:
- Complete the requirements of the selected undergraduate major (students may select from any major on campus)
- Complete specific requirements for the intended graduate program of study (Audiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Physician Assistant Studies)
- Maintain and adhere to all HPS Program requirements
Successful completion of HPS Program and intended pathway criteria will result in a guaranteed interview with the student's graduate program of interest once the student enters the application process. A student who fails to maintain HPS Program requirements will be removed from the Program. However, any student who is removed from the HPS Program and still wishes to apply to one of the graduate health programs is welcome to do so. The student will become part of the larger applicant pool; the student may or may not be granted an interview.
Students are encouraged to participate in one of the Living and Learning Communities, such as the Future Health Care Professions, as well as the Honors College (if eligible).
It is important to remember that students have to earn a baccalaureate degree before beginning these graduate programs. Missouri State University does not offer undergraduate majors in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training or Physician Assistant Studies; students interested in Audiology may pursue the Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate major. Any undergraduate major on campus is acceptable preparation for these four graduate programs of study. Advisors are available on campus to help students decide which undergraduate major is most appropriate for them based upon their interests and strengths.