The mission of the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences is to enhance the
health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by educating and preparing
competent professionals in therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitation sciences.
Welcome to the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences (SPaTS) at UAA, where
innovation meets excellence in education. Our diverse range of programs, led by accomplished
program directors and dedicated faculty, is tailored to equip students with the knowledge
and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic healthcare landscape. From Dental Assisting
and Dental Hygiene to Dietetics and Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist
Assistant, Speech-Language Pathology, and Physical Education & Recreation, our mission
is to cultivate compassionate professionals who are well-prepared to meet industry
demands while making a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and communities.
Join us in addressing the vital needs of the healthcare field while embarking on a
journey of personal and professional growth. Your future in health and wellness starts
here!
Note: Admissions to the Dental Assisting program (major and pre-major) are closed, as the program is in a teach-out status and will
be discontinued after July 2025. As such, no new students will be allowed to start
the program. If you are interested in the Dental Hygiene program or other healthcare programs, please see a College of Health advisor to discuss your options.
On September 27, the women鈥檚 volleyball team at UAA kicked off their match against Saint Martin鈥檚 with a heartfelt tribute. Before the game, players invited their chosen faculty members to join them on the court, honoring them during Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night. Among the honorees were four standout educators from the College of Health, each nominated by students who wanted to recognize their impact in the classroom and beyond.
Sara Hannon serves as the director of the Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center. Recently, she was selected to participate in the 2026 Advancing Simulation Careers and Empowering Next-Generation Development (ASCEND) cohort.
A poster by Medical Laboratory Science program director Grace Leu-Burke and her team has been selected as a Blue Ribbon Finalist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2025 Annual Meeting. The poster, 鈥淧ublic health risk assessment from Cryptosporidium colonization in 夜色视频appn urban wildlife,鈥� explores the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite that infects humans and animals and causes diarrhea.
DPHS Public Health Professor Philippe Amstislavski leads research using spruce and fungi to create biodegradable alternatives to plastic, addressing 夜色视频app鈥檚 pollution challenges.
Justice Center Assistant Professor Amy Doogan was recently recognized for her work with the Color of Justice program, which received the 2025 Sandra Day O鈥機onnor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education.
The on-campus dental clinic enables students in the dental assisting and hygiene programs
to provide basic care to their fellow students and community members while honing
their skills.
Established by the Dietetics & Nutrition faculty, the Seawolf Food Pantry exists to
help the nearly 45% of UAA students who experience food insecurity.
