Department of Health Professions

The Department of Health Professions offers baccalaureate programs which prepare students for professions in the fields of Cardiopulmonary Sciences (Respiratory Care), Health Information Management, Athletic Training, Health Services Administration, and Radiologic Sciences. The Department also offers a degree in Health Sciences Pre-Clinical Allied Health Track for those planning to go on to a graduate clinical professional program.

The mission of the Department is to provide quality undergraduate and graduate academic, administrative, and clinical instruction with an accent on educating future leaders of the health care system. The Department seeks first to strengthen existing programs, as well as to identify and develop new programs that fulfill a documented need for health care resources and technology. Another goal is to foster the development of knowledge through research, publications, and scientific presentations. Finally, the Department seeks to provide continuing education for the health care community and consumer health education.

The programs in Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Health Information Management, and Radiologic Sciences require a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 for consideration for admission and the Athletic Training program requires a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. In addition, for admission a minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for prerequisite courses and required courses within the program. These programs are all accredited by their national professional associations and graduates are prepared to take the appropriate examination for certification.

Program in Cardiopulmonary Sciences

The major in Cardiopulmonary Sciences (also known as respiratory care) leads to the Bachelor of Science Degree. In the professional curriculum, students study respiratory therapy skills, pharmacology, life support techniques, disease and patient assessment, and patient management. Upon completion of the undergraduate program, the baccalaureate prepared individual will possess basic patient care and advanced practice patient care skills and should be prepared to assume a future leadership role within the profession. Graduates will also be prepared to take the entry-level and advanced practice national examinations. These examinations will first lead to licensing by the State of Florida (CRT examination), and then to the advanced practice credential, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT examination).

The Cardiopulmonary Sciences program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care in conjunction with CAAHEP of the American Medical Association. The cardiopulmonary sciences program is a limited access program and requires a separate application to the program submitted by March 1st of the year in which admission to the program is sought.

Program in Health Sciences-Athletic Training Track

The Program in Athletic Training at the University of Central Florida is a track in the Health Sciences. The athletic training track is a six semester program where students complete 12-15 credits per semester while engaged in clinical affiliations. The core of athletic training coursework emphasizes the competencies and proficiencies necessary for successful clinical practice in a variety of settings in which certified athletic trainers are presently employed. A significant and important aspect of the educational process is the series of clinical experiences that occur in a variety of settings under the direction of an approved clinical instructor and certified athletic trainer. These local affiliation sites include high schools, colleges, universities, rehabilitation clinics, and professional athletic organizations. Upon successful completion of the course of study, the graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences - Athletic Training Track is eligible to take the National Board of Certification (BOC) Exam. By successfully passing the exam, the graduate will be recognized as a certified athletic trainer (ATC). The Program in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This is a competitive program that requires a separate application process following acceptance into the University. Consent from the program director is required.

Program in Health Sciences-Pre-Clinical Allied Health Track

This program is a preparatory program for graduate level clinical disciplines for the student who wishes to seek admission to programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant programs. Students with this preparation could also pursue graduate programs in Public Health, Environmental Health, or Health Services Administration.

Program in Radiologic Sciences

The University of Central Florida offers the only public accredited Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences limited access degree program in Florida. The Radiologic Sciences Program offers entry-level students the opportunity to specialize in conventional radiography and the advanced imaging modalities. Radiographers are integral members of the health care team dedicated to providing high quality patient care. Graduates are prepared to function as clinically competent radiographers and, with experience, advance to leadership positions in the profession.

The University of Central Florida also sponsors an AS to BS transfer program designed for ARRT certified radiographers interested in combining their professional development with earning a baccalaureate degree in Radiologic Sciences. Didactic courses for the entry-level and the AS to BS transfer programs are offered in the classroom and on the internet. Additional information regarding the transfer program is provided in the Statewide Articulated AS to BS Programs section of the catalog.

The primary role of radiographers is to perform medical imaging procedures for the diagnosis of disease and injury. The radiographer enjoys an interesting and challenging variety of examinations/procedures which may include conventional radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, vascular imaging, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, imaging centers, and private physician offices. Career advancement opportunities include positions in advanced imaging modalities, administration, education, and quality management.

The Radiologic Sciences Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to the Radiography certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

The program works in conjunction with area hospitals and imaging centers.

Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs in the College of Health and Public Affairs are located at: http://oeas.ucf.edu/alc/alc_students_cohpa.htm