In response to the evolving demands of the health care industry, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences has unveiled its newest academic addition: the Department of Applied Health Sciences. The department, which houses the Allied Health Sciences major, aims to provide students with a flexible and interdisciplinary foundation for careers
in various health-related fields.
With an emphasis on preparing students for both direct entry into health care professions and further graduate studies, the department seeks to cultivate the next generation of health care professionals equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-changing industry.
“The [Allied Health Sciences] major is valuable for students who have an interest in health care but may not be sure of a specific area,” shares Lynn Flahive, MS, CCC, BCS-CL, F-ASHA, associate dean for health sciences and chair of the new department. “Many of the courses required allow flexibility for students in that they take foundational courses that are applicable to multiple majors.”
From pre-professional tracks in occupational therapy and pre-med to speech pathology and movement science, the Allied Health Sciences major offers an exciting array of options that allow students to explore various health professions. And for those with their sights set on graduate school, the program ensures that all necessary prerequisites are covered while also fostering interprofessional education—a critical skill in modern health care.
Don T. Galbadage, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the new department, explains how public health is becoming a key part of the program.
“Public health connects individual care with the bigger picture of population health,” Galbadage says. “It focuses on prevention and wellness at a population level, using evidence-based approaches to inform health policy and disease prevention.”
This broader perspective will help students tackle health disparities and promote health equity, preparing them for careers in hospitals, nonprofits and global health organizations.
Students also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Locomotor Performance Lab, led by Assistant Professor Emily McClelland, Ph.D.
The lab, which focuses on understanding the mechanics behind human performance and how they apply to fields like athletic training, sports medicine and physical therapy, studies how high intensity exercise affects individuals across all age groups.
Students are involved in every step of the research process, from designing studies and collecting data to analyzing results and presenting their findings, all while learning how exercise can improve health outcomes.
Furthermore, students in the Department of Applied Health Sciences can engage in cutting-edge research within the microbiology lab, guided by the Abell-Hanger Professor of Gerontological Nursing Dennis Cheek, Ph.D.
This bio-behavioral lab specializes in genetics and genomics, biomarker measurement from blood, saliva and hair, as well as non-invasive endothelial function measures. Students can collaborate with Cheek on ongoing projects, offering a unique opportunity to gain insights into how biological and behavioral factors influence health outcomes.
The Department of Applied Health Sciences is also exploring internship opportunities in Washington, D.C., in partnership with TCU Global.
This program will give students hands-on experience in health care policy, allowing them to engage directly with organizations that influence national policy. The department is also looking forward to adding additional study abroad options, providing practical exposure to health care policy and global health practices.
Together, these initiatives will enrich students’ education and prepare them for the challenges of the health care field, equipping them with the real-world experience needed to make a meaningful impact in their future careers.