School of Health Professions

Dean: Mark Merrick, PhD, AT, ATC, FNATA, FNAP, FASAHP
Interim Associate Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs: Jennifer Christy, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Associate Dean for Research and Innovation: Ritu Aneja, PhD

The School of Health Professions (SHP) delivers educational programs to prepare health personnel who will improve the services in health care and the systems through which these services are provided. In keeping with the mission of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the resources and programs of the school are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarly activity and service to the institution, the community, and the professions represented by programs of the school.

Degree options in the School of Health Professions include bachelor, master, and doctoral programs sponsored by five academic departments – Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Health Services Administration, Nutrition Sciences, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. In addition, minors, certificates, and post-doctoral fellowships are available in some specialized areas. The School sponsors more than 40 degree and certificate options, all of which require students to apply for and be accepted to the specific degree or certificate program.

The School of Health Professions is committed to the practice of ethical standards of conduct. School policies, procedures, and regulations reflect this commitment and follow those of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. To ensure continued practice of ethical standards, the administration and the standing committees of the school regularly review school policies and procedures. All research endeavors follow policies of the UAB Institutional Review Board. 

SHP Mission, Vision, Values

The mission of the School of Health Professions is “Improving the health and well-being of people everywhere through exceptional, collaborative, and innovative teaching, research, and service.” The School vision is, “To be recognized as a global leader in teaching, research, and service that develops new scientific knowledge, removes barriers and disparities, and develops leaders who help individuals, organizations, and communities to achieve their highest potential in a changing world.” Fulfilling the mission requires faculty and staff to embrace the following organizational values:

• Collaboration
• Compassion & Caring
• Excellence & Achievement
• Integrity
• Respect
• Service
• Social Responsibility
• Stewardship

SHP Admissions

Entrance requirements for the individual educational programs of SHP vary. Persons desiring admission to a particular program should consult the appropriate section of the University Catalogs for specific entrance requirements, application process, and program information. Students who attend an institution other than UAB are encouraged to seek academic advisement from the intended program as early as possible to plan for completion of program prerequisites.

The School of Health Professions welcomes applications from all individuals who are prepared for the programs offered. All applicants must offer acceptable evidence of ability and intent to meet the academic standards specified by the program into which admission is desired. In addition, certain immunizations are required prior to enrollment. For specific requirements, see the UAB Student Health and Insurance Programs and UAB Immunization Policy. If accepted into a SHP program, students must complete a background check and drug screen upon admission and again prior to clinical placement.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

For more information about SHP programs please contact the SHP Office of Student Services, Email: shp@uab.edu. 

SHP First Year Experience

All freshmen admitted to the university are required to complete a first year experience (FYE) course. The FYE course sponsored by SHP, HRP 101 Experience the University Transition is designed to ease the transition between high school and university experiences and to prepare students for success in health professions majors. The course is delivered in a blended seminar / online format. Students interact with faculty, advisers, and other students to learn academic skills and personal lifestyle management tactics to make their freshman experience positive and academically rewarding. Social interaction and engagement in the UAB community are key goals as well. 

Blazer Core Curriculum

All SHP majors are required to comply with the UAB Blazer Core Curriculum for a baccalaureate degree. However, most professional curricula in the school include specific prerequisite coursework that should be considered in making choices about options within the core curriculum. Students are strongly encouraged to make early contact with academic advisors in the School of Health Professions to plan their course schedules to meet the dual requirements of the core curriculum and the requirements of their chosen major. Elective and pre-professional credits differ by major, and are subject to change as programs respond to changes in workforce requirements. Students should work closely with their academic advisors to plan their programs of study during the freshman and sophomore years.

School-Wide Core / Capstone

The School of Health Professions does not specify a common core for all programs. Students must comply with the UAB core curriculum and the degree requirements for their chosen major. All SHP programs include capstone experiences, either a supervised practicum, a didactic course, or a combination of both. 

University Requirements

In order to receive a degree at UAB, a student must have a minimum 120 semester hours of acceptable credit. 

Interdisciplinary Majors / Minors

Interdisciplinary majors are not offered by the School of Health Professions. Students may elect to pursue any minor available at UAB in addition to their major, but minor study is not required. Several minor options are available in the School of Health Professions.

Research Technician Certificate

Undergraduate students who wish to explore an individual research experience may apply for the Research Technician Certificate. The certificate program is designed to provide didactic and experiential coursework to build knowledge, and skills appropriate to entry level work in research laboratories or in support of non-laboratory research. Students are expected to develop the following behaviors and skills through their experiences and courses:

• Understanding and application of responsible conduct of research
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Project management skills
• Experience in data logging and in communicating research results
• Experience in the application and performance of a variety of laboratory techniques
• Experience in the application of statistical methods for data analysis

Students will complete a total of 21 credits, including six hours of mentored research spread over at least two semesters, and a blend of required and elective courses selected from their degree major's course of study.  Students who complete this program will receive a Research Technician Certificate from the School of Health Professions, which will be reflected on their academic transcript.

For information about application to this certificate or any undergraduate research activity, or to make an appointment to discuss required courses and project work, please contact Dr. Samantha Giordano-Mooga by email at sgiordan@uab.edu.  Additional information is available on the SHP website at: http://www.uab.edu/shp/urh. 

School of Health Professions Undergraduate Research and Honors Programs

The School of Health Professions Undergraduate Research and Honors Programs provide experiential opportunities for undergraduate students to develop project leadership and research skills in a team environment to prepare for careers in health care or for graduate study in the health professions. All students’ projects are presented publicly in an appropriate professional forum.

SHP Honors Program. A cohort of students is accepted into the SHP Honors Program each year. Admission criteria include a 3.25 GPA and an application process.  Honors students participate in three semester credits of interdisciplinary seminars and a minimum of six semester credits in honors projects under the direction of a faculty and community mentor. Projects may involve community research or service learning activities and are completed by teams of students. Students who successfully complete all program requirements graduate with School Honors.

SHP Undergraduate Research Opportunities. Students who wish to pursue a mentored research experience outside of, or in addition to, the Honors Program are paired with a faculty mentor to complete a research activity consistent with their goals and abilities that will contribute meaningfully to their mentor’s research.

Individual Mentored Research. Students who wish to complete individual projects must be registered for the appropriate HRP course while working with their mentor.  Project hours completed will be documented on the student’s academic transcript. The number of credit hours allocated to the project is negotiated among the student, the mentor, and the Honors Program Director. Interested students should contact the Director of the Honors Program to determine the registration requirements.

Research Technician Certificate. Students who wish to expand their individual research experience may apply to the Research Technician Certificate Program. Students must participate in six hours of mentored research spread over at least two semesters, as well as complete a blend of required and elective courses selected from their degree major's course of study.  Students who complete this track will receive a Research Technician Certificate, which will be reflected on their transcript.

For information about application to any honors or research activity, or to make an appointment to discuss required courses and project work, please contact Dr. Samantha Giordano-Mooga by email at sgiordan@uab.edu. Additional information is available on the SHP website at: http://www.uab.edu/shp/urh.