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.
Nicole Blue has been part of the Seawolf Women’s Volleyball team since 2020. She’s a champion both on and off the court! The senior is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus in Speech Language Pathology. Blue shares some highlights from her time at UAA.
Nicole Blue is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus in Speech Language Pathology. She's also a senior player on the UAA women's volleyball team! Blue shared her experiences in the programs.
Hannah’s two degrees from UAA’s Division of Population Health Sciences have been invaluable to her as a program coordinator at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
UAA has been ranked one of the nation’s best schools for online health care degrees and certificates for 2023. Six percent of regionally accredited colleges and universities earned a ranking position.
University of Alaska Anchorage and Division of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) alumna Jordan Kamer (BS, Health Sciences, ‘17) has a pretty important job. As a public health educator with the Municipality of Anchorage Health Department, she is responsible for providing community education and guidance on public health—everything from COVID-19, to naloxone, to age-appropriate sex education.
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.