Health Science Degrees in Connecticut

Health science degrees in Connecticut are taken in response to the growing need for research, innovation, and dramatically increased levels of services. Not only are there rapid increases in the numbers of insured and Medicaid recipients, there are national imperatives to improve wellness and community health resources. Prevention is a watchword in the face of realizations of the relative ease of preserving health as opposed to restoring it. Technology has advanced to the extent that new data forms have been inspired by the ready volume of data in management information systems and networks.

Goodwin College

An open enrollment model institution, Goodwin focuses on students who wish to use education to change their lives. The median age of the student body is 28 years of age, and it is predominantly female. The school follows the philosophy of its admission policy during student tenure as the University offers support and encouragement to overcome barriers including past failures. Goodwin has recently moved to construct a secondary level school to provide a bridge into college for those who can benefit from Goodwin College’s philosophy of admitting students qualified by potential as much as past records. With a student to faculty ratio of 10:1, students can receive as much attention as they need to succeed.

Bachelor in Health Science

The program is available in four tracks, exploration of healthcare careers track, an environmental health track, the health care administration track, and the degree completion track. The four-year course of study will provide students with a solid foundation in the healthcare industry, organizations and delivery of health services. In every option, students will learn fundamentals and the pursue interests and subject depth through elective course selection. The environmental option focuses on a global approach and the impact of environmental conditions on community health. The healthcare administration track is for students considering careers in the healthcare field in management or in a service delivery organization. Among the outcomes of successful completion of the program are abilities to make clear, professional quality communications, an appreciation of diversity, entry-level foundation in behavioral sciences, and the ability to explain the process of ethical and responsible healthcare decision-making.

Accreditation
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Contact
Paula Dowd,
Health and Natural Sciences Department Chair
One Riverside Drive,
East Hartford, CT 06118
(860) 727-6779
pdowd@goodwin.edu
Website

Associate in Health Science

This two-year degree program will enable completion of a Baccalaureate degree; it is an entry-level degree for careers in health services. Program Outcomes include capacity for clear and effective written and oral communications, in a professional manner. Identify and discuss ethical issues facing the healthcare practitioners, and which exist in the healthcare environment. The student will display and understanding of information technology and apply it in instances to complete work, analyze a problem, or develop a solution. The student will understand and discuss the roles of health professionals in managing organizations and delivering services. Each graduate will successfully complete an internship assignment including problem solving and analysis in a healthcare environment. The supervised work will confirm classroom learning by applying concepts to a real-world workplace environment. The student will gain an appreciation of diversity policies and their benefits, and demonstrate self- motivated learning skills and activity.

Accreditation
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Contact
Paula Dowd,
Health and Natural Sciences Department Chair
One Riverside Drive,
East Hartford, CT 06118
(860) 727-6779
pdowd@goodwin.edu
Website

Quinnipiac University

Consistently ranked among the best universities by U.S. News and World Reports, Quinnipiac enjoys a well-earned reputation for an interactive faculty and as a student-friendly institution. It uses small classes and encourages frequent participation by students in faculty research projects. The University extends opportunities for internship and project participation whenever feasible. Students have the best of small intense classroom experience and opportunities to put theories into action in real-world situations. The school offers professional education in Law, health, and business. With three campus locations, the university is accessible for the Connecticut community however, its philosophy of global engagement and sustainable enterprise extends to a far wider community where its graduates seek to provide leadership.

BS in Health Science Studies

The bachelor of science program in health science prepares students to enter a health-related career paths upon graduation and through later graduate levels. There are many ways to use the B.S. degree. It can provide career options in healthcare, and students can focus on areas of interest when selecting electives. One can add a business component to the degree by pursuing an MBA and pursue options such as healthcare management, finance, and management information. The degree can be combined in a joint degree design to become a six year B.S.-MPH. For undergraduate students, the key is in the early planning. If there are possible areas of interest beyond the four-year degree, then early completion of required courses will yield freedom to specialize. if on wishes to proceed into business or the management side of healthcare, then specialization outside of the health sciences will be helpful.

Accreditation
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Contact
275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06518
203-582-8200
Website

Master of Health Science Physician Assistant

The use of Physician’s Assistants to deliver and assist in delivery of healthcare services will further the goals of accessible healthcare. Training well qualified personnel to work within the limits specified in the certification will improve services, lower costs to the consumer, and promote wellness. The professional nature of service will be maintained through appropriate coursework and clinical training. Additionally, as in the medical profession elsewhere, there will be follow-on and frequent updating and refreshing of knowledge. Development is a continuous process in the medical profession. There is a downstream benefit to certification of Physician assistants in that at some point they become resources for training and development off others. Leadership in the sense comes from example. The tradition of mentoring and peer development will be another benefit. There will be impacts on communities, particularly in under-served communities.

Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the physician assistant program sponsored by Quinnipiac University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Contact
Lisa M. Barratt
Clinical Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
School of Health Sciences | Quinnipiac University Connecticut
275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06518
203-582-8983
Lisa.Barratt@quinnipiac.edu
Website

Sacred Heart University

Valuing faith and change could appear to be a difficult balance, but at Sacred heart College it is simply the norm. The free interchange of ideas between students and faculty is the essence of education at this progressive institution. The goal in each student’s life is to develop tools for a lifetime of learning and achievement. Faith and service to the community are duly emphasized as are change and the need to embrace it, use it as a tool to make ethical choices, and be aware of the impact of decisions on the communities they affect. With a diverse student body and a selectively chosen faculty, the university has followed a deliberate path of growth.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

The four–year course will prepare students for further graduate study towards an advanced degree in the health care field or for an entry level to a career in a health related field. The program has two tracks, one emphasizes leadership in a healthcare organization, and the other is preparation for professional study. Both tracks prepare the student to work in healthcare policy environments, to understand the current trends a rapid pace of technological change. All graduates will have the capacity to communicate in a clear and professional manner. The B.S. in Health Sciences is a platform for therapy work such as occupational or physical therapy. It is a good basis for medical services office assistant such as a physician assistant,. It is an excellent preface to dental, medical, optometry, nutrition and speech therapy. Courses cover the basics of medical sciences and statistics. The student will have a solid basis in research techniques, information management, and medical decision-making within a framework of ethics and responsibility.

Accreditation
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Contact
Undergraduate Admissions
Curtis Hall
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825-1000
Tel: 203-371-7880
Email: enroll@sacredheart.edu
Website

University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport provides unique and career building programs undergraduate, graduate, and professional. These programs bring professional status and expand capabilities so that individuals can work and develop in careers chosen for interest and talent. By its philosophy, which is built into every course offering, the University promotes academic excellence and service to the community. While urging personal responsibility and ethical conduct, the University selects faculty and dedicates its resources to be an example of a responsible business. The University promotes academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. The school uses distinctive curricula to create an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment. The school prepares graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. The University is independent and non-sectarian.

Graduate Program Physician Assistant

A 28-month program leading to a Master of Science degree has two phases. Divided into equal parts, students spend 14 months in classroom instruction and 14 months of work in clinical and office settings. The goal is to prepare students for the physician’s assistant certification exam and a career building credential authorizing physician assistant’s professional practice. The career advancement achieved by successful completion of the Physician’s assistant curriculum and certification is significant. The clinical settings are supervised, providing a variety of circumstances challenging the student to apply knowledge and develop solutions. The demands of a healthcare service provider will differ depending on size location and specialties, the effect is to challenge the student to work collaboratively and independently as the situation requires. The practicum is an on the job method to assess readiness to perform services.

Accreditation
Accreditation-Continued by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Contact
Director of Health Sciences Admissions
University of Bridgeport,
126 Park Avenue,
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: 203-576-4348
Website

University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is the major public university in the State. it is a large institution with more than 30,000 students. It offers a wide range of majors, graduate degrees, and doctoral level programs. Ranked as one of the leading public universities in the nation, their location near the finance and business centers in New York make it an attractive place for legal, business, finance and the arts. It is a Land, Sea and Space grant Institution and a leader in health research. It maintains the original connection to agriculture that was part of its founding when Connecticut was a leading agricultural production area.

Bachelor of Health Science

Students can choose from among four concentrations for the bachelor in health science degree. Within the University’s allied health sciences major, the choices range from laboratory and research areas, to health promotion and community health. The Standard Program approach is a generalist position that is a platform for further graduate study, or as a B.S. Degree, and entry-level qualification into a health related field. The concentration in health sciences is excellent preparation for the medical health professions. The concentration in health science also sets the stage for certification in one or more technical discipline. The option for public health is a growing body of work as public agencies move more aggressively into the areas of wellness and disease prevention. The concentration in environmental and occupational health is also a useful preliminary degree for graduate specialization. They can both be successfully combined with business-centered areas such as Business, finance, and law.

Accreditation
American Dietetic Association Certificate
Diagnostic Genetic Sciences National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Lab. Sciences
Council on Education for Public Health

Contact
Susan Gregoire, PhD
Director of AHS Academic Programs
University of Connecticut
Department of Allied Health Sciences
358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101
Storrs, Ct 06268-1101
Phone: (860) 486-0015
Email: susan.gregoire@uconn.edu
Website

Masters Program – Graduate Program in Allied Health (GPAH)

The program has many benefits including internships, research assistant positions, and teaching assistant roles. These positions permit the student to get more deeply involved in research and projects. This comprehensive set of options in health can be completed in two ways: by theses or by practicum. All students must complete a Master’s core of coursework and then select electives to complete the required hours. The thesis requirement is the preferred way to complete the degree, a body o research that can add to the knowledge base in the profession for specific area chosen. The second method is by coursework and a practicum or project that demonstrates mastery of health subject matter. The thesis has advantages of more control by the student to select the topic for research and work closely with a committee through its completion. The practicum leaves the assessment of the coursework and the student project to the grading system. The available concentrations for the Graduate Program In Allied Health are broad. The Department has a wide range of research activities and many state of the art facilities.

Accreditation
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Dietetic Association Certificate
Diagnostic Genetic Sciences National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Lab. Sciences
Council on Education for Public Health

Contact
Pouran D. Faghri, MD, MS, FACSM, Professor
Director of the Graduate Program in Health Promotion Sciences
Department of Allied Health Sciences
University of Connecticut,
358 Mansfield Road, U-1101
Storrs, CT 06269
Email: pouran.faghri@uconn.edu
Phone: 860-486-0018
Website

University of Hartford

A small school with a lot inside of it, Hartford offers more than 100 degree programs. It has students from more than 60 countries, and a diverse student body with enormous potential to broaden the student experience through sharing views. The range of programs includes arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education, and health professions. The ranks of accomplished alumnae is an inspiration to the current student body. The current student to faculty ratio 0f 12:1 is ideal for providing a close working relationship with each student. The active faculty features research and publication, which provides many opportunities for student participation in activities that produce subject matter depth and hands-on experience.

Health Science (BS)

The Health Science Bachelor of Science degree program is a healthcare industry entry-level degree curriculum. The program is flexible because it can be used by full-time students and also fully employed persons wishing to expand career options. The curriculum can formalize knowledge gained over years of work history. The degree is useful for personnel with significant amounts of healthcare work experience. For these individuals, the Health Science B.S. acts as a confirmation. Because the university recognizes that many seasoned employees will take this course of study, the upper level of the program can be used by those who can demonstrate sufficient experience. The curriculum prepares students for professional or graduate study in health-related fields. It can stand as a bachelor of science completion degree for health care professionals who have attained clinical competency. As such, it is very useful for those who have completed hospital based programs or community college health profession training.

Accreditation
The Board of Higher Education of the State of Connecticut
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges.Contact
Health Science Program
Claudia Oakes, Ph.D., OTR/L
Coordinator, Health Science Program
Department of Health Sciences and Nursing
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
860.768.5746
oakes@hartford.edu
Website

Western Connecticut University

Part of Connecticut’s public university system, the university began as a teachers college serving the Fairfield area. It has grown into a prominent part of the public higher education system in the State. It has developed an academic community with some outstanding characteristics. It takes a global view of its role as an institution and prepares students for leadership roles. By focusing on the dynamics of a learning environment, the university has created a blend of innovative research, scholarship, and a drive to excellence. The teaching methodology reflects its commitment to bring the best from each student, to give each student the best possible opportunity for growth. In a strategic choice, the university invests a breadth of effort in each student situation rather than, for example, expanding the breadth of the university. Diversity, a world-view, and a commitment to local and global communities are the university’s student-focused formula for success.

Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences- Bachelor

The B.S. Health Promotion Studies degree will prepare the student to set for the CHEN certification. The curriculum consists of studies and methods that create a set of skills, capacities, and body of knowledge aimed at promoting fitness derived from fact-based research. The degree has options for community health and wellness management concentrations. Numerous career options flow from a comprehensive approach to fitness, community health, and wellness management. There is a growing trend in healthcare to focus resources on wellness as a form of prevention, and to reduce avoidable instances of serious illness.

Accreditation
New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Contact
Jody Rajcula, Co-Chair
Berkshire 230a, Midtown campus
181 White Street,
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 837-8688
rajculaj@wcsu.edu
Website

Yale School of Public Health

The Yale School of public health is one of the outstanding research and development institutions in the United States. It has involvements in research and projects around the world, and it attracts some of the leading scientists and researchers into its faculty and institutes. The school of public health has played a part in some of the major discoveries against disease, and it continues today to carry on valuable research in disease stricken areas, and area that have endured epidemic conditions over long periods. It performs some sociological research on medical themes and these too can advance understanding and bring order from biostatistics and related data.

B.S. Health Promotion Studies

The school of public health has a special 5-year program that combines a BS degree with and MPH from the Yale School of Public health. Part of the program involves health promotion as a means of improving epidemiological results and better level of wellness and community fitness. The areas of expertise are disease prevention from public health studies and assets, health promotion and social and behavioral interventions from the experimental behavioral work, and psychosocial epidemiology. When combining these disciplines, researchers can investigate outcomes and factors that demonstrate the benefits of each system, and that in interaction, there are greater benefits. Institutionally there are significant tie-ins with Yale institutes that will support the overall effort. Ongoing efforts in areas such as HIV will benefit from the collaborations. This is an effort that will benefit studies in local communities in NY and Connecticut areas as overseas.

Accreditation
Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

Contact
Trace Kershaw, Interim Director SBSD
Yale School of Public Health
Yale University
60 College Street
P.O. Box 208034
New Haven, CT 06520-8034
dana.greene@yale.edu
Phone (203) 785-2846
Website

There are innovations and research that can support a far greater level of health and fitness among populations than now exists. Healthcare has moved closer to relating to community health and wellness. In the spirit of community engagement, healthcare industry relates to a global community, and a leading source of talent to meet those challenges, are students who will soon be awarded health science degrees in Connecticut.

For more information on obtaining your Health Science Degree online, please see “Top 10 Best Online Health Science Degree Programs“.