Professor Paul P. Brooke Jr., Dean

The Health Sciences Center School of Allied Health offers the following degree programs: CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE, Bachelor of Science; EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, Bachelor of Science; COMMUNICATION DISORDERS, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Communication Disorders; AUDIOLOGY, Doctor of Audiology; PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, Master of Physician Assistant Studies; ATHLETIC TRAINING, Master of Athletic Training; OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, Master of Occupational Therapy; PHYSICAL THERAPY, Master of Physical Therapy; and VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, Master of Vocational Rehabilitation. All programs are fully accredited and include both didactic and clinical practice components in the curriculum.

Admission to School of Allied Health programs is competitive and by application to the school. Admission and application deadlines vary for each program. Inquiries and requests for applications should be directed to

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
School of Allied Health
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
3601 4th M.S. 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-3220; (806) 743-3249 FAX
www.ttuhsc.edu/pages/alh
Email: alhadm@ttuhsc.edu

Admission to Texas Tech University does not confer admission to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Allied Health. Nor does admission to the School of Allied Health confer admission to Texas Tech University.

Prospective students and other interested persons are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs for information on allied health careers and educational programs. Students who are attending Texas Tech University and wish to take the courses to satisfy prerequisite requirements for these professional programs may enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences as allied health majors. These students will be advised through the Office of Preprofessional Health Careers at Texas Tech University, Rm. 340, Chemistry Building, telephone (806) 742-3078.

Clinical Laboratory Science Program. Medical Technologists (MT), or Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) perform diagnostic laboratory procedures in hospital, clinic or veterinary laboratories. Diagnostic analyses in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis yield information which is of vital importance in establishing a medical diagnosis.

The clinical laboratory science program at Texas Tech requires students to complete two years of lower division courses followed by a two-year upper-division professional curriculum at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Admission is by application only. Transfer students may also apply.

The program in Clinical Laboratory Science offers four options: a standard option, a premedical (dental, veterinary, pharmacy) option, a business option, and a prephysician assistant option. Students enrolled in the premedical option are assigned to a faculty advisor. Particular attention is given in the areas of course selection, MCAT preparation, recommendations, and personal expectations. Students enrolled under this option will also have the opportunity to observe various aspects of the TTU School of Medicine and the Health Sciences Center, such as lectures, laboratories, etc.

The business option is designed for students who want a business education focused on the health care (especially the clinical laboratory) sector. Students receive a bachelor of science degree in clinical laboratory science with a business emphasis.

Honors College students accepted into the CLS program may complete honors college credit in the School of Allied Health and graduate with the honors designation.

Professional level courses are listed and described in the School of Allied Health Catalog.

STANDARD OPTION

*Social science electives may be selected from the following: ANTH 1301, 2301, 2302; ECO 2305; PSY 1300; SOC 1301, 1320.

PREMEDICAL OPTION

*Social science electives selected from the following: ANTH 1301, 2302, 2302; ECON 2305; PSY 1300; SOC 1301, 1320

BUSINESS OPTION

*Six hours of business courses may be taken during the summer of the junior-senior year.

PREPHYSICIAN ASSISTANT OPTION

Students who wish to apply should contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at the School of Allied Health for information and forms.

Additional information can be obtained from Lori Rice-Spearman, Program Director, at 743-3252.

Emergency Medical Services Management Program. The Emergency Medical Services Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers an accredited bachelor's degree in EMS Management as well as four certificate level programs at the ECA, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and Paramedic levels. Students seeking college credits for the certificate courses and/or an applied sciences degree in emergency medical services may do so through an educational cooperative agreement between TTUHSC and South Plains College. This agreement allows for the efficient use of facilities and personnel from each institution to provide quality EMS instruction throughout the Texas South Plains. TTUHSC retains responsibility for direction, administration, medical oversight, design, instruction, continuing evaluation, and modification of all EMS courses. The Health Sciences Center provides all instructors, instructional equipment, supplies and classroom support for these courses and maintains the clinical affiliations necessary to support the program of instruction. TTUHSC is also responsible for maintaining accreditation of the EMS instructional program through CAAHEP. The EMS program's administrative and faculty offices are located at the Health Sciences Center. Each program level has specific requirements and prerequisites. Further information may be obtained by contacting the EMS Program Office at 806-743-3218 or at <www.ems.ttuhsc.edu>.

Bachelor of Science in EMS Management. This program is designed for the nontraditional student and can be completed in the student's home area through a combination of Distance Educational Offerings (computer (WEBCT), HealthNet, and video's) from TTUHSC and TTU and the transfer of credits from colleges and universities in the student's home area. Based in the School of Allied Health's Department of Diagnostic and Primary Care, this EMS degree is an opportunity for students with EMS experience to answer their educational needs in a variety of areas requiring and understanding of administrative skills and/or management. Students come from a broad area of disciplines including ambulance, police, fire and military backgrounds. The program may be completed on a part-time basis.

Students may enter the program at any time in their educational career and after completing all courses, will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in EMS Management.

The degree requires a total of 131 credits with a maximum of 67 credit hours that can be accepted from an accredited two-year educational institution. EMS courses make up 34 credit hours while an additional 30 hours may be taken at any college or university. These courses require approval from the Program Director and can be tailored to meet each student's long-term goals. Each student must take one course in finance, economics, accounting, and statistics before taking any of the AHEM 4000-series courses.

The following table illustrates the required general education and technical credits for the Bachelor of Science in EMS Management. Substitutions may be considered for some courses on an individual basis. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale with a grade of C or better in each course.

*Students may be required to complete a higher level mathematics course as a prerequisite for statistics.

**Categories could include EMS, premedicine, fire, business, or other classes to be reviewed by the Program Director.

Physician Assistant Program. The Department of Diagnostic and Primary Care offers study towards a graduate degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The master's degree program is offered at TTUHSC site located on the campus of Midland College in Midland, Texas. To be considered for admission, the applicant must have completed at least 74 semester hours of prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. A baccalaureate degree is not required for admission. Individuals already holding a baccalaureate or graduate degree in another field are eligible, however, they must meet the same prerequisite course and grade requirements as all other applicants. Contact the School of Allied Health Admissions and Student Affairs Office or the Physician Assistant Program for specific requirements.

Applications are accepted beginning September 1 preceding the year of expected matriculation. New classes begin each year in early June. Applications must be received by the School of Allied Health Admissions and Student Affairs Office by December 15th to be considered for admission into the professional curriculum, beginning the following June. It is the applicant's responsibility to assure that all required supporting documentation is received by the deadline.

Upon successful completion of the professional program, students are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination required for state licensure to practice as a physician assistant in Texas. Further information about the program, school requirements and other related matters may be obtained from the School of Allied Health Admissions and Student Affairs Office or the Physician Assistant Program.

The following table illustrates the prerequisites for the Allied Health Physician Assistant Program.

*2000 level or higher

**Computer Basics & Medical Technology recommended but not required.

Communication Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology) Program. The ability to communicate is our most basic human characteristic. Communication is essential to learning, working, and social interactions. However, one in ten Americans has a communication disorder because of a stroke, an undetected hearing loss, a stuttering problem, a language disorder, a movement or muscle problem, or some other problem that interferes with speech, language, or hearing. This makes them the single largest population of challenged Americans. To meet these needs, speech-language pathologists and audiologists are educated to diagnose and treat all communication disorders and their related problems. Diagnostic techniques include many behavioral, cognitive, physiological, and technological procedures designed to assess speech, language, and hearing. Treatment for communication disorders is varied and often employs an interdisciplinary approach. Working closely with physicians, dentists, psychologists, educators, engineers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians, the speech-language pathologist or audiologist is solely responsible for treating the patients' communicative needs.

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists provide professional services in many different types of facilities such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, community clinics, colleges and universities, burn clinics, private offices, state and local health departments, public and private schools, and state and federal governmental agencies. Services are provided for all ages and may be administered over a brief period or continue for several years.

Admission to the Bachelor of Science Program. Admission to the baccalaureate program begins in March of each year for the following fall class. Class enrollment is limited. Admission guidelines include 1) filing of a formal application, 2) a cumulative 3.0 GPA, 3) a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses, 4) demonstration of superior communication skills, and 5) proof of appropriate immunizations against infectious diseases. Applicants whose native language is not English must earn a score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prior to admission. Applicants whose prerequisite courses were taken longer than seven years ago should contact the department to determine current acceptability. Students are required to adhere to all policies as outlined by the department, the School of Allied Health, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Students also have specific rights as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Prerequisite courses for entry into the baccalaureate program include those on the accompanying table or their approved equivalents for a total of 66 hours. These courses may be completed at any accredited college or university. Students should note that course requirements may change without notice.

*One technical writing course is required.

**One course in trigonometry (or calculus) and one course in statistics is required.

***One course addressing life span issues and one course addressing multicultural issues is required.

Students should be aware that the terminal degree for licensure in speech-language pathology is at the master's level and licensure in audiology is at the doctor's level. For further information on these advanced degrees, contact the admissions office at the School of Allied Health.

Athletic Training Program. An Athletic Trainer is an educated and skilled professional specializing in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries common to participation in sport activities as described by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). Athletic Trainers are integral members of the health care team, working in cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel in settings such as secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industrial settings and other healthcare environments.

The master's degree in athletic training is an entry-level program offered at the TTUHSC-Lubbock campus only. To be considered for admission, the candidate must hold a bachelor's degree, including prerequisites (Anatomy and Physiology8 hours, Kinesiology or Biomechanics3 hours, and Statistics3 hours), with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above.

Applications are accepted beginning September 1 preceding the year of expected matriculation. Applications must be received in the School of Allied Health Admissions and Student Affairs Office by January 30th to be considered for admission into the professional curriculum, that begins the following summer. It is the applicant's responsibility to assure that all required supporting documentation is received by the deadline.

Upon successful completion of the professional program, students are eligible to sit for the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) certification examination, which is required to practice athletic training in every state except Texas. Upon successful completion of the certification examination, students will be eligible to sit for the Texas State Licensure Examination, which is required to practice athletic training in the State of Texas. Additional Athletic Training licensure-registration requirements vary from state to state according to athletic training practice acts and state regulations that govern athletic training.

Occupational Therapy Program. Occupational therapy is a challenging profession that uses creative abilities in imaginative ways to meet each individual client's unique needs. Occupational therapists work with individuals whose life patterns have been changed due to cognitive or developmental problems, injury or illness, social or emotional deficits, or the aging process. Our focus is on helping people to achieve a healthy and satisfying balance between work, self-care, play, leisure, and rest. Occupational therapy is unique in that it uses meaningful occupations as therapeutic tools.

Our goal is to help individuals engage in their chosen occupations. Occupational therapy enables clients to develop or maintain the physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities needed to meet the demands of work, home, and community environments, and may also modify tasks and environments to facilitate optimal performance. The occupational therapist assesses the individual's strengths and weaknesses, determines how these affect ability to function in daily life, and then develops prevention, maintenance, or rehabilitation programs. Therapists are involved in collaboration with parents, families, and significant others; treatment planning and implementation; administration; research; education; consultation; and service. They also offer services focusing on prevention of impairment and disability.

Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Most states also regulate occupational therapy practice.

Applications are accepted each year between September 1 and March 1 for admission into the class beginning the following May. Applicants wishing to apply for early admission to the program should submit their application by October 1. This degree will be offered at three of the four TTUHSC campuses: Amarillo, Lubbock, and the Permian Basin. The first year summer semester courses are offered in Lubbock only. Applications are due in the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs by March 1 each year. Class size is limited and all admissions are competitive.

Prerequisite courses for entry into the master's program include those listed below or their approved equivalents for a total of 90 hours. These courses may be completed at any accredited college or university, but only 66 hours may transfer from a two-year college or university.

*Listed TTU courses are recommended. Other courses may fulfill requirement.

**Recommended electives are 6 hours of history and 6 hours of political science along with courses that focus on human behavior, the physical-social-cultural environment, human occupations, and/or skills needed in contemporary health care practice.

Physical Therapy Program. The entry level degree is the Master of Physical Therapy degree. This degree will be offered at three of the four Texas Tech University Health Sciences campuses: Amarillo, Lubbock, and the Permian Basin.

Physical therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is the promotion of optimal human health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, and alleviate acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. Physical therapistsas members of the health care teamevaluate, treat, and instruct human beings to alleviate and/or limit physical disability, bodily malfunction, and pain from injury, disease, and other bodily conditions. Physical therapists may use physical elements such as heat, cold, sound, light, water, exercise, electricity, massage, mobilization, and positioning to reach patient goals.

Applications are accepted each year between September 1 and January 15 for admission into the class beginning the following June. Applications are due in the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs by January 15 each year. All additional materials including the most recent transcripts and letters of reference are due by January 31. Applicants wishing to apply for early admission to the program should submit their application by October 1. Class size is limited and all admissions are competitive.

Prerequisite courses for entry into the master's program include those listed below or their approved equivalents for a total of 90 hours. These courses may be completed at any accredited college or university, but only 66 hours may transfer from a two-year college or university.

*Upper-level course work required

**Listed TTU courses are recommended. Other courses may fill requirement.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The entry level degree is the Master of Vocational Rehabilitation degree. This degree is offered in a distance education format, primarily through online instruction. Full-time attendance on campus is not required.

The last few decades have seen an increasing recognition of the need and right of persons with disabilities to access meaningful work and employment. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) specialists work in assisting persons with disabilities to make vocational decisions, obtain employment, and gain independence. Federal legislation, changes in the labor market, and an increasing awareness of the skills and abilities possessed by persons with disabilities has resulted in excellent employment opportunities in this field. State agencies, nonprofit organizations, health care facilities, private rehabilitation firms, insurance companies, health management organizations, probation and corrections, educational institutions, private industry, and research organizations all offer employment to VR professionals.

Application materials can be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs or the Vocational Rehabilitation Program office. Students will normally submit a completed application form, transcripts, a letter from the applicant outlining their rationale for applying to the program, 3 letters of reference, and a resume or summary of previous work or voluntary experience in rehabilitation. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications for degree seeking students must be submitted by April 1 for admission to the fall semester, and August 1 for admission to the spring semester. Applications for nondegree seeking students are accepted up to three weeks prior to the start of the semester.