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!
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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.
Teresa Lowe, a Lecturer for the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program, a partnership between UAA and the University of Washington School of Medicine, has been recognized as PA of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the field.
Earlier this year, Megan Eilers, a health occupations teacher at Hutchison High School in Fairbanks, was named a 2023-24 Milken Educator Award recipient, an honor considered to be the “Oscars of teaching.”
UAA School of Nursing Director Carla Hagen and Associate Director Kristin Lutz were inducted into the Western Academy of Nurses, recognizing their dedication to strengthening the UAA School of Nursing program.
Ever since she was six years old, Panikaa Teeple, B.S.W. Social Work ’21, knew that spreading love was her life’s purpose. Next year, Teeple will have the opportunity to spread love internationally as UAA’s latest recipient of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant, which provides students in more than 140 countries the opportunity to pursue graduate study and research abroad.
Dr. Tina DeLapp, a UAA emerita Professor of Nursing, and Pheobe Bales, a legal studies student, have received awards for their outstanding achievements in philanthropy.
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.