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.
Rural Alaskan communities are seeking grant funding to address health risks related to climate change. Associate Professor Micah Hahn from the Institute of Circumpolar Health Studies spoke to Alaska Public Media about her team’s efforts to help communities create climate adaptation strategies.
Alaska is prepared to handle harsh winter weather, but climate change has triggered a new threat – heat. Micah Hahn with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) is teaming with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Alaska branch to develop the state’s first hot weather warning system based on the local temperature threshold.
Historically, ticks haven’t been a problem in Alaska. But factors like climate change and tourism have created a welcoming environment for new species that can transmit illnesses to humans. Micah Hahn with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies is tracking them. “Our work over the past six years is to understand the baseline–where we are with the ticks that exist in Alaska.”
UAA Associate Professor of Environmental Health Micah Hahn is leading a research project around climate change, health, wildfire smoke and environmental justice in Alaska that recently received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
According to results from research led by Micah Hahn, an environmental epidemiologist here at UAA, Alaskans' health starts suffering when temperatures climb to 70 degrees, and that local and state officials should consider policies to respond to heat-related health problems that are expected to increase as the climate continues to warm.
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.