Majors at the University of Connecticut

Allied Health Science

The University of Connecticut’s Department of Allied Health Sciences realizes that a person in today’s society has a basic need for quality health care. To this end, it is the Program’s mission to provide outstanding education, scholarship and service dedicated to improving the health of the people of the State, the nation and the world. Through the completion of this degree with a standard plan of study or with a concentration in either Health Sciences or Health Promotion Sciences, graduates will be prepared to join the Allied Health workforce or seek admission to a graduate program in Allied Health or a related discipline.

• This major is designed primarily for the growing number of students who would like to pursue graduate health education programs that require a baccalaureate degree for admission, acknowledging that some students may seek immediate employment following completion of the Bachelor of Science degree.
• Students combine university general education and required coursework in Allied Health Sciences with a curriculum tailored to meet the admission requirements of specific graduate programs.
• Students may choose a Standard Plan or a concentration in either Health Sciences or Health Promotion Sciences.

Academic Department

• Department of Allied Health Sciences

Nature of Work

Allied Health professionals are involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; rehabilitation and health systems management, among others.

Sample Job Titles

Potential Employers

Potential employers for Allied Health Science majors include healthcare provider organizations such as hospitals, health systems, clinics, medical groups, academic medical centers. Allied Health Science majors may also seek employment at nursing homes public health departments, community clinics, academic or research institutions, community based organizations, bio-technology firms or Center for Disease Control.

Useful Skills

The Allied Health Science major provides quality educational experiences which include the acquisition of knowledge, development of attitudes and proficiency in specific skills needed for Allied Health professions. Students are provided with the opportunity to pursue research projects that will result in improvements in Allied Health or related basic sciences. Allied Health Science majors also have the opportunity to meet admission requirements for graduate level study in the Allied Health Professions.

Getting Experience

It is important for everyone (no matter what his/her major) to gain career related experience. Participating in volunteer work; finding an internship or a cooperative education experience; a work study or student labor position on campus; or a shadowing program will help students gain valuable experience which will make students marketable to potential employers. Such experience also introduces students to a possible career or industry by connecting classroom theory to “real world” experience. Some benefits of participating in an internship, cooperative education, or job shadowing experience include but are not limited to: creating a network of professional contacts mentors, and references; developing professional, transferable skills; establishing credibility with a potential full-time employer; and gaining an advantage over the competition. Please visit Career Services for assistance with finding opportunities to gain experience in your field of interest.

Employment Opportunities

There are a number of exciting and rewarding employment opportunities available to Allied Health Science majors. Healthcare careers offer numerous rewards including making a difference in the lives of patients and populations, intellectual challenge and continuous learning, attractive compensation and benefits. These options also require a vast range of skills. These might include:

• Physical Therapist --- Physical Therapists help improve patients’ strength and mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. They provide services to many different kinds of patients/clients, from those recovering from accidents or illness and people with disabilities to world-class athletes. After graduating from an accredited education program, physical therapist candidates must pass a state-administered national exam. Other requirements for practice vary from state to state according to state regulations.
• Healthcare Administrator --- Develop and implement policies that effect the populations they serve and/or the financing and delivery of services provided by healthcare provider organizations such as hospitals, health systems, clinics, medical groups, academic medical centers, hospices, home health agencies and nursing homes. Most positions require a masters degree in public health (MPH), healthcare administration, business, public policy or nursing combined with healthcare work experience.
• Public Health Professional --- Public Health Professionals work in a wide variety of settings including public health departments, community clinics, academic or research institutions, community based organizations, bio-technology firms or Center for Disease Control. Most positions require a masters degree in public health (MPH), healthcare administration, business, public policy or nursing combined with healthcare work experience.
• Clinical Professional --- Clinical professionals provide vital patient care services and play other key roles in healthcare organizations in areas such as research or teaching. Physicians work closely with other key clinical professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, radiology technologists, speech therapists, lab technicians, psychologists and respiratory therapists to meet the needs of patients.

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