PhD in Health Related Sciences

OVERVIEW
The Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program in Health Related Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, was designed mainly as a distance learning program with the cooperation and commitment of the nine departments of the School: Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Gerontology, Health Administration, Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Patient Counseling, Physical Therapy, Radiation Sciences, and Rehabilitation Counseling. Structured as a four-year course of study, it is intended to meet the critical need for doctorally prepared allied health professionals across the nation in the areas of teaching, research and administration.
The mission of the School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP) is to serve as an international leader in the education of excellent, innovative and responsible allied health professionals. Educational formats that are technologically advanced and acces- sible to students through on-campus and distance learning are emphasized throughout all programs in the School. In addition, the School promotes excellence in health care service, and encourages collaborative research that generates state-of-the-art and specialized knowledge.

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
The goal of the doctoral program in Health Related Sciences is to provide experienced health professionals with advanced knowledge and skills so that they may assume positions in teaching, research and administration upon graduation. This Ph.D. program emphasizes both an interdisciplinary and multi- media focus, drawing from resources across the University.

The overall objectives of this Ph.D. program are to produce scholars who have:
- the ability to understand, analyze, design, execute, and evaluate research and practice in the allied health sciences, with particular in-depth understanding in the chosen area of specialization-
- the ability to translate research knowledge and principles into applied practice perspectives and skills-
- the ability to teach the current principles and content of the allied health sciences-
- the ability to do research, practice and teach in the area of interdisciplinary health care practice.
- the ability to continually examine current and future changes in the allied health disciplines from an interdis- ciplinary perspective.
- a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and conduct in the allied health professions.
- a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of ethnic issues and cultural diversity in health care delivery and health policy.