About the school

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), which traces its origin to 1838, is a nationally recognised urban public research institution. Initially known as the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney, the Institution was later renamed the Medical College of Virginia. In 1968, the College assumed the name Virginia Commonwealth University following its merger with Richmond Professional Institute. Many of the programmes offered by the VCU College of Health Professions rank top in the US News and World Report’s Best Graduate School Courses list. Nurse Anaesthesia, Rehabilitation Counseling, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy top the chart at positions 1,6, 15, and 20, respectively. The VCU College of Health Professions has produced some notable alumni, including Cathy Saunders (associate broker, Long and Foster Realtors) and Christine Zambricki (CEO, America’s Blood Centers). The University’s location in Richmond, Virginia, presents a compelling advantage for students with its vibrant cultural scene and a range of recreational opportunities.

Where is the school located?

Life at the College of Health Professions

The College of Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University warmly welcomes international students to its vibrant community. With an impressive number of more than 500 student organizations, connecting with peers who share the same interests becomes second nature. When it comes to accommodation, VCU offers a diverse range of choices to suit student preferences, from traditional dorms to modern apartments. Living on campus enhances the chances of involvement in the University community. The Off-Campus Student Services help students choose accommodation outside the Campus in quaint neighbourhoods like the Fan and Oregon Hill. Having a dining plan with VCUDine provides students access to an impressive 22 dining locations, including Panda Express, Starbucks, and all-you-care-to-eat dining halls. Transportation is a breeze for students and faculty with unlimited access to GRTC's Pulse Bus Rapid Transit and local routes. Prioritizing student well-being, VCU College of Health Professions provides an extensive range of fitness centers, pools, and club sports. Students can participate in the Outdoor Adventure Programme, offering trips, gear rentals, and a bike shop.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Health Professions

• Research-focused Initiatives: The College of Health Professions stands out for securing a substantial fund for sponsored research and driving groundbreaking translational studies. The wide range of extramural research activities in the College of Health Professions allows students to take part in them and leverage the opportunity to gain practical knowledge.
• Industry Opportunities: Virginia Commonwealth University offers study, research, internship, and service abroad programmes in a variety of disciplines. This opens up several opportunities for students seeking to gain more experience and networking with an international community.

Admissions criteria

The international graduate applicants should adhere to the following admission requirements for applying to the Virginia Commonwealth University- College of Health Professions. - A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale - Original or officially certified copies of all grade reports for all secondary and higher school studies - Original or officially certified copies of academic certificates, diplomas, and national or other significant examination results. - Transcripts not in English must be submitted with an official English translation. - A personal statement written by the applicant - Resume/CV - 3 letters of reference from instructors or supervisors - GRE or GMAT may be required by specific departments or schools

International students must meet the following additional requirements:

• Proof of English proficiency: You must obtain the minimum score in the following exams to be eligible- TOEFL Internet-Based exam: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 65, and Duolingo: 120.
• Proof of sufficient funds to live and study full-time at VCU: Submit an I-20 DS Request Form and original bank verification letter

**Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost breakdown for studying at VCU College of Health Professions is detailed below: - Tuition and fees: $16,753 - Cost of books/course materials: $1,240 - Food: $5,366 - Housing (on-campus): $9,333 - Housing (off-campus): $8,688 - Other expenses (personal and miscellaneous): $3,730 - Transportation: $1,420 - $2,420 (on-campus), $3,304- $4,304 (off-campus)

Job placements

College of Health Professions of Virginia commonwealth university is committed to providing its students with an integrated student development approach that goes beyond academia to help them succeed in their careers. Through various career services, internships, and skill-building programmes, VCU equips students with the skills they need to build their careers confidently. VCU Career Services offers: - * Expert Career advisors and Counselors: The university has career advisors on campus who are available to assist students along the way - Search tools: Search tools like Handshake, Parker Dewey, and the Student Opportunity Center are always available to help students search for internship and job opportunities. - Career Fairs and Events: Career fairs and events are valuable opportunities for students to engage with potential employers, broaden their professional network, and discover exciting prospects in their field.