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.
College of Health students (Master of Social Work graduate Autumn Merrill, School of Nursing graduate Artie Gorash, Radiologic Technology graduate Agnes Brown, and dental program graduates) take part in Sunday’s ceremony.
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.
UAA's School of Social Work received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to address the need for Alaska social workers in a K-12 setting. The School-Based Social Work Education and Network Development program (SSWEND) aims to graduate a cohort of 31 fellows by 2026 who will increase the amount of school-based mental health service providers in high-needs schools.
UAA Master of Social Work alumni Kim Kovol recently was appointed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy as acting commissioner of the new Alaska Department of Family and Community Services.
Each year, the UAA Diversity Action Council awards the Student Diversity Award Scholarship to students who significantly enhance diversity at UAA by increasing visibility of diverse people, cultures and/or perspectives; creating a welcoming environment; and/or representing diverse student voices through their advocacy and participation in UAA student organizations.
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.