History and Overview

The College of Health Professions, established in 1958, was the first college of health professions in the United States. The founding dean, Dr. Darrel J. Mase, recognized the importance of having diverse health professions come together in one college to address the common challenges faced by the different disciplines and to fill the existing void for health care professionals. During its 45- year history, the College of Health Professions has grown to become one of the largest and most diversified health education facilities in the country.

The college currently ranks in the top three Health Professions Colleges in the country in NIH research funding. It is part of the dynamic University Health Science Center, which also includes the colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine.

The College of Health Professions’ mission is to prepare tomorrow’s leading health care educators, researchers, and clinicians. The college is committed to advancing and integrating science and practice and demonstrating excellence in scholarly activity. This mission has withstood the test of time. The college’s commitment to excellence in health education is reflected in the variety and quality of programs available. The college offers Bachelor of Health Science degree programs in Health Science and Rehabilitative Services, master’s degree programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, health administration, public health, and health science (with advanced specialties in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation counseling); and doctoral degree programs in audiology, clinical and health psychology, health services research, and rehabilitation science. The Department of Clinical and Health Psychology also offers a nationally accredited predoctoral internship in clinical psychology.

The faculty is committed to helping students develop the intellectual resources and skills necessary to prosper in today’s complex health care delivery systems. The college incorporates both discipline specific and interdisciplinary education to prepare students to work in a rapidly changing health environment. Students benefit from access to a variety of settings, ranging from prevention to chronic care. Students can also take advantage of the Health Science Center Libraries, one of the largest biomedical library systems in the Southeast.

Health Professions students contribute actively to the community and their professions through their participation in professional activities. The College Council is the main college student organization and brings together students representing diverse health care disciplines. Students select a variety of college and community service projects each year in which to get involved.

In addition to the interdisciplinary College Council, the Health Science Student Organization (HSSO) represents all students in our undergraduate program in health science. Some disciplines also have student associations affiliated with their national organizations:

American Medical Association student section