NATCHITOCHES – The School of Allied Health at Northwestern State University is accepting applications for its new Master’s of Science in Allied Health program which starts this fall.
According to School of Allied Health Graduate Director Ben D. Wood, Ed.D., entry into the program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and prospective students must hold a licensure credential in their respective allied health field. Allied health professions are health professions distinct from nursing, medicine and pharmacy. They provide a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and support services in connection with healthcare. The professions include but are not limited to dental hygienists, dietitians, occupational assistants, physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, medical lab technologists, emergency medical personnel (EMTs and paramedics), exercise science professionals (athletic trainers), health information technologists and allied health educators.
These healthcare professions are rapidly growing and are presenting career opportunities for individuals in these professions.
“Allied Health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence‐based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health and apply skills to support healthcare systems in a variety of settings,” said Wood. “In order to progress to other positions, such as clinical education and clinical operations, these individuals require additional education to build the requisite skills.”
According to Wood, there is a disparity of allied health managers who do not hold a master’s degree. This is also demand from those in the allied health education where faculty at community colleges may only hold a bachelor’s degree and may have some graduate school coursework completed.
Wood said the Master’s of Science in Allied Health at NSU will be the first of its kind in Louisiana. The goals of the program are to: prepare healthcare professionals who can function as leaders in allied health professions; develop allied health professionals who are prepared to contribute to healthcare delivery; prepare allied health professionals to become departmental leaders who are supportive of and contribute to the overall organizational mission and prepare allied health professionals who are adaptable to changing legal and legislative trends regarding healthcare delivery.
“The MSAH program offers two concentrations in the areas of clinical education and clinical operations,” said Wood. “The program allows a pathway for allied health professionals to earn a graduate degree in their discipline and to develop skills that will assist with career advancement within allied health clinical education or clinical operations.”
According to Wood, the program will be offered online, allowing working professionals to continue in their current positions while pursuing the degree requirements.
For more information on the Master’s of Science in Allied Health at Northwestern, go to nsula.edu/alliedhealth.
