The state of Connecticut is a growing center of nationally known medical facilities, biotechnology development and pharmaceutical research and manufacture. These institutions have increased demands for individuals with up-to-date training. The Master of Health Science program offers several majors that meet these standards. The Cardiovascular Perfusion program provides comprehensive preparation in clinical sciences and clinical internships to prepare perfusionists who provide life support during cardiopulmonary bypass. The Medical Laboratory Sciences/Biomedical Sciences program provides laboratory professionals with the opportunity to specialize in fields such as microbiology and biomedical sciences. A full-time program for Pathologists’ Assistants provides training in pathology, anatomy and the medical sciences. The Physician Assistant studies program provides full-time instruction in the basic medical and clinical sciences needed for certification and a graduate degree in a growing profession. The Social Work program prepares students for achievement and leadership in the field of social work. The Radiologist Assistant program provides students with full-time advanced training in the field of radiology, which is needed for certification and to obtain a master’s degree.

Career Development

In the School of Health Sciences, the assistant dean for career development works with students to explore majors and career interests through individual consultations and group sessions, and guides them through a career development process. Assistance is provided with resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, conducting a job search and graduate school applications. Students can participate in experiential learning through community service as well as internships and part-time and summer employment. A health professions career fair is held every spring at the North Haven Campus.

Additional Requirements

Academic programs with clinical components use multiple clinical education centers. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from these clinical agencies.

Background Checks

Students should be aware that certain clinical sites or internship locations may require a criminal background check before a student is placed in the clinic or intern site. The university has procedures to assist students in obtaining such a background check. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of each individual student.

Academic and Clinical Software Package Cost

Students enrolled in certain undergraduate and graduate programs in the School of Health Sciences are required to pay for access to EXXAT, a clinical and academic software package. The cost for EXXAT is a one-time charge of $150 (subject to change) that permits access to the software for the duration of the student’s enrollment in their current major. Students in undergraduate and graduate programs that require clinical/fieldwork experiences will be required to pay for access to a documentation approval system through EXXAT. Specific information regarding documentation approval will be provided by individual programs. 

Technical Standards for Admission

Students admitted to all programs in the School of Health Sciences must be able to meet their program’s technical standards and/or essential functions. Technical standards are developed by accreditation agencies and organizations to establish the essential qualities and standards considered necessary to achieve the skills, knowledge and competencies for entry-level practice. Information on technical standards and essential functions may be found in the catalog, on the website or by contacting the individual program chairperson.

Academic Good Standing

All undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Health Sciences are expected to maintain the required minimum GPA set forth by their respective program of study (if applicable). Each program may have additional benchmarks that must be met to progress within the program of study. The student should refer to the program’s description in the Quinnipiac University Catalog and to the program’s student handbook (if applicable) for clarification for what is required to maintain their status within the program.

At the end of each semester, the program directors will compile a list of students who are deficient in meeting academic or clinical/professional achievement requirements. Utilizing the review process established by their program, the student will be notified via email of their status in the program. Deficient students may be: a) placed on probation, b) suspended or c) dismissed. Students placed on probation remain in their program but in order to progress, must meet the performance standards specified in their probation notification letter. For further clarification please see the Program Level Academic Good Standing Policy.

Admission

Students who have a bachelor’s degree in the biological, medical or health sciences are eligible for admission to the Master of Health Science program. A detailed autobiography of personal, professional and educational achievements as well as two letters of reference must be submitted with a student’s application. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applicants should refer to the Graduate Admission Requirements in this catalog.

The Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant program participates in the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Go to caspa.liaisoncas.com for more information regarding the application process and fees. All applications, transcripts, references and other supporting materials are submitted directly to CASPA. The Physician Assistant program admits students on a yearly basis. The deadline for completed applications to CASPA is September 1. Interviews are conducted from the early fall through mid-November. Classes begin in late May/early June.

Master of Health Science

Master of Social Work

Doctoral Degrees

Post-Baccalaureate Degrees

Certificates

Courses listed:

Advanced Medical Imaging & Leadership (AMI)

Biomedical Sciences (BMS)

Health Science Studies (HSC)

Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT 540. Special Topics in Occupational Therapy.1.5-3 Credits.

This course provides an opportunity for students to delve deeper into the specialized knowledge of the profession with evidence-based, occupation-centered practice as its core subject. Students further explore the specialized roles of the occupational therapist beyond that of a direct provider of skilled services, such as organizational/community leader, educator, case manager, entrepreneur and consultant at the systems level. In addition, students learn various modes of care delivery and systems of care including but not limited to tele-health, community building/development and train-the-trainer; they also evaluate the outcomes of such modes.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

Pathology (PA)

Perfusion (PR)

Physician Assistant (PY)

Radiologist Assistant (RA)

Social Work (SW)

SW 503. Social Work Practice II: Practice With Groups and Communities.3 Credits.

This is the second semester of the generalist practice sequence. Social Work Practice II provides an introduction to social work peactice. The courses present the knowledge and skills neccesary for the competent social work practice with groups and communities. There is a special attention given to vulnerable and dienfranchised populations.

Prerequisites: Take SW 501.
Corequisites: Take SW 502.
Offered: Every year, Spring

SW 600. Specialized Practice Field Education Practicum in Health/Mental Health I.3 Credits.

This specialized practice of field placement is the first of two placements and offers a social work experience focused on health/mental health in a variety of settings. Students complete 24 hours a week for a minimum of 600 hours. In addition to the hours required in the agency placement, there is a requirement to attend a monthly Field Seminar.

Prerequisites: All generalist curriculum courses.
Corequisites: Take SW 601.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

SW 602. Specialized Practice Field Education Practicum in Health/Mental Health II.3 Credits.

This specialized practice of field placement is thesecond of two placements and offers a social work experience focused on health/mental health in a variety of settings. Students complete 24 hours a week for a minimum of 600 hours. In addition to the hours required in the agency placement, there is a requirement to attend a monthly Field Seminar.

Prerequisites: All generalist courses must be completed prior to enrolling in this course .
Corequisites: Take SW 603.
Offered: Every year, Spring

SW 613. Social Work Practice in Schools.3 Credits.

This specialized practice social work course presents knowledge and skills for engaging in social work practice from preschool through high school in educational settings across the continuum from direct practice, to school and district level programming and policy, to partnering with community stakeholders to advance programming and policy.

Prerequisites: All generalist curriculum courses.
Corequisites: Take SW 602, SW 603.
Offered: Every year, Spring