Karl Minges, Ph.D., MPH, Interim Dean
Yanice Méndez-Fernández, Ph.D., MPH, Interim Associate Dean
The School of Health Sciences (SHS) at the University of New Haven is a regional destination and nationally recognized provider of quality health professions education. The School of Health Sciences at the University of New Haven prepares students to develop the competencies necessary to be a successful healthcare professional in the 21st century. The signature of a University of New Haven School of Health Sciences education is our commitment to competency-based education assessed through hands-on learning experiences in simulated and real-world healthcare settings. Students learn and grow through health career exploration, interprofessional education, and hands-on experiences. Our curriculum is focused on healthcare innovation, systems thinking, and using evidence-based approaches to solve today's biggest challenges in healthcare which gives students the tools to succeed in today's complex healthcare environment.
Mission
The School of Health Sciences' mission is to train competent, caring health professionals by delivering innovative, interdisciplinary healthcare education and services.
Vision
The School of Health Sciences aims to become a regionally and nationally recognized provider of health education and services at the forefront of health professional education for the 21st century.
Organizational Structure
The School of Health Sciences consists of three operational units as follows:
- The Department of Allied Health
- The Department of Health Administration and Policy
- The Department of Nutrition Sciences
Professional Accreditation
The A.S. in Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) (https://www.ada.org/en/coda).
The A.S./B.S. in Paramedicine is offered in conjunction with Yale New Haven Hospital and is accredited by the Commission on Education of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (https://www.caahep.org\).
The B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics and the Dietetic Internship Program are both accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ASCEND) the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend).
The M.S. in Healthcare Administration Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) (https://www.cahme.org).
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) Program is in the initial stages of accreditation with the Council on Education for Public Health (https://www.ceph.org).
University Core Curriculum
In addition to departmental requirements, students must fulfill all requirements of the University Core Curriculum.
General Policies in the School of Health Sciences
Each student is assigned an academic adviser. Typically, the adviser is a member of the faculty in the major department for the student's degree program.
A student may select a minor in a department other than the major department after consultation with the adviser or the appropriate department chair.
A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation.
Additional Requirements
Clinically intensive programs utilize several off-site facilities to support a wide variety of clinical experience. Transportation to and from these sites is the responsibility of the student.
Background Checks and Immunizations
Internships and clinical sites frequently require students to complete a criminal background check in order to be placed at their facility. Students are also required to submit required health and immunization records prior to the start of clinical education. Students are responsible for the cost associated in obtaining background clearance and necessary health requirements. Please consult the program-specific chairperson for more information.
Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Exposures to blood and other body fluids occur across a wide variety of occupations. Health care workers can be exposed to blood through needlesticks and other sharps injuries, mucous membranes, and skin exposures. The pathogens of primary concern are the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Technical Standards
Admitted students must meet the technical standards/essential functions of their program of study. Technical standards establish essential qualities necessary to achieve the skills, knowledge, and competencies for entry-level practitioners as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting agency. All students must meet the established abilities and expectations. If a student is unable to fulfill the technical standards/essential functions, with or without accommodations, the student may be dismissed from the program. Please consult the program-specific chairperson for more information.