School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences

  • The mission of the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences is to enhance the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by educating and preparing competent professionals in therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitation sciences.

    Message from Director

School of Preventive & Therapeutic Sciences


Students performing a breathing test on a stationary bike
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

Dental Hygiene

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Dietetics & Nutrition

Physical Therapist Assistant

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Speech-Language Pathology

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. 

 

NEWS & Stories

  • UAA faculty members, Travis Hedwig, Melissa Chlupach, Britteny Howell, and Amana Mbise

    Scholarly Chronicles: Faculty Voices in Print

    UAA faculty, including those from the College of Health, are recognized for their published research, academic papers, and books.

  • Jennifer Spencer smiling

    Hidden Homelessness

     |  Rachel Musselwhite for True North Magazine  |  , , , ,

    The UAA Hunger and Homelessness Support Network (HHSN) was created to identify and combat housing insecurities that students face. UAA Alumni and current Academic Advisor Jennifer Spencer is one of the three people serving as HHSN Chair. She explains how she uses her personal experiences with homelessness to help find solutions for students.

  • Panikaa smiling in front of building

    Social Work alumna and UAA’s newest fulbright scholar is New Zealand bound

     |  Matt Jardin  |  , ,

    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.

  • Cass Pook standing in rural area covered in snow

    Lifetimes of helping

     |  Matt Jardin  |  , ,

    When human services and social work alumna Cass Pook says she has always been a helper, she’s not just referring to her nature as an empathetic and compassionate listener. “Culturally, it's in my DNA to be a helper,” said Pook. “Looking back on it throughout history, 100 or 200 years ago I would have been doing the same thing. I was born to be a social worker.”

  • Lorem ipsum

    Growing Alaska's research community

     |  Michelle Saport  |  ,

    UAA alumna and associate professor Holly Martinson hopes the new Biomed U-RISE program "lights a fire" in Alaska's research community by empowering undergraduate students with lab experience, mentorship and financial assistance. Martinson and co-PI, Professor Tracey Burke, welcomed the first cohort this academic year and will soon open applications for cohort two.


Student & Community sERVICES

dental clinic

Dental Clinic

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.

dental clinic

Human Performance Lab

Welcome to the UAA Human Performance Lab, your hub for cutting-edge research, personalized assessments, and fitness optimization.

dental clinic

Seawolf Food Pantry

Established by the Dietetics & Nutrition faculty, the Seawolf Food Pantry exists to help the nearly 45% of UAA students who experience food insecurity. 

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Upcoming Events

 

 

Contact Us:
Phone: (907) 786-6933
Email: uaa.therapeutic.sciences@alaska.edu

 

Location:

UAA School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences
Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Drive, PSB 146
Anchorage, Alaska 99508

 

Mailing Address:
UAA School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences
3211 Providence Drive, PSB 146
Anchorage, Alaska 99508

 

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