Undergraduate Catalog 1998 - 1999

School of Allied Health

The School of Allied Health was established July 1, 1972 under authority from the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut to provide a source of approved education in allied health fields for the State of Connecticut, combining such specialized education with a general college education leading to a bachelor's degree. The School of Allied Health is comprised of three departments. The Department of Applied Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Cytotechnology, Diagnostic Genetic Sciences, Dietetics and Medical Technology. The Department of Physical Therapy offers an Integrated Bachelor's Master's Program in Physical Therapy. The Department of Health Promotion and Allied Health Sciences is comprised of the School's interdisciplinary studies including the Allied Health Undergraduate Common Core and the Graduate Program leading to a Master of Science Degree in Allied Health.

The dietetics program is currently granted accreditation by the American Dietetics Association Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Post Secondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. Upon completion of the dietetics program, students are eligible to take the national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.

The Cytotechnology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the United States Department of Education (D.O.E.). Graduates are eligible to take the certification examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists immediately upon graduation. The Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Graduates are eligible to take the certification examination administered by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) immediately upon graduation. The Medical Technology Program is offered in conjunction with Hartford Hospital which holds accreditation through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Graduates are eligible for certification examinations administered by the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Medical Technologists.

The program in physical therapy is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. Graduates are eligible to take the physical therapy licensure examination and meet the requirements of each state licensing agency.

Health

In addition to pre-entrance University requirements, students admitted to the School of Allied Health are required to have a tetanus immunization within the past ten years; physical examination; annual tuberculin test (with chest x-ray for positive reactors); rubella and rubeola titers (with vaccine if titer is negative); and varicella titer. Physical examinations, tuberculin tests and chest x-rays as indicated are planned through the University Student Health Services. In addition to the basic health screening requirements students in the Medical Technology, Cytotechnology and Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Programs are required to have Hepatitis B Immunization. The Hepatitis B Immunization requirement applies only to students in the Medical Laboratory Science Programs. In compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard the School of Allied Health will provide annual mandatory educational sessions for all students. Students who fail to provide written documentation that they have met the above stated health and OSHA requirements will not be allowed in the clinical setting.

CPR

A current certificate in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (professional level) is a prerequisite for entry into the Upper Division for all programs and must be kept current until graduation.

Clinical Experiences

Each of the curricula of the School require education experiences in clinical settings. Assignment to clinical placements is contingent upon completion of the appropriate prerequisite course work and the judgement of the faculty of the preparedness of the student for safe practice.

Fees and Expenses

Students can expect fees to approximate those of other University students. See Undergraduate Fees and Expenses. However, the professional courses have added expenses for texts, uniforms and clinical travel. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the clinical agencies. They should allow for transportation expenses which could include parking fees, cost of gasoline and cost of air travel/bus/train where necessary. Students are required to pay full fees and tuition during off-campus clinical affiliation s.

During periods spent full-time in the affiliated areas off-campus, it is the responsibility of the students to find living quarters and to provide their own maintenance.

Insurance

It is mandatory that all students in the Upper Division carry comprehensive health insurance, either privately or through the University.

All students in the professional phase of their curriculum are required to carry specific professional liability insurance under the blanket University policy. Students will automatically be billed for this on the University fee bill.

Academic Requirements

The School of Allied Health requires a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.2 in order to gain admission to the junior year program course sequence and/or Upper Division. It should be noted that admission to programs in the School of Allied Health is competitive. Thereafter students will be dismissed if there is a semester in which they earn a grade point average below 2.2; their Upper Division grade point average drops below 2.2 at any time. A "C" or better in all courses in the School of Allied Health, is required for graduation. No student may take a course in the School of Allied Health for which another course in the School is a prerequisite unless that student has earned a grade of "C" or better in that prerequisite course.

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

Upon the recommendation of the faculty, the degree of Bachelor of Science is awarded by vote of the Board of Trustees to students who have met the following requirements: (1) earned a total of at least 120 credits, (2) earned at least a 2.2 grade point average for all calculable Upper Division course work, (3) met all requirements of the School of Allied Health.

The requirements which must be met are stated in detail in the plan of study current at the time of the student's entry into the junior year program or the time of the student's admission or readmission to the School, whichever is later.

Exemptions and Substitution

Students who desire to be excused from any of the requirements, or to substitute other courses for those prescribed, should consult the director of the program in which the student is enrolled. Such exemptions or substitution s must be approved by the Director of the Academic Advisory Center.

Major Programs of Study

Cytotechnology

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences

Dietetics

Integrated BS/MS Physical Therapy Program

Medical Technology
 

ADMISSION TO THE SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS

Admission to the School of Allied Health is competitive. The School of Allied Health is an Upper Division professional school. Students may enter their Upper Division programs only after they have fulfilled their respective program's admission requirements. Students who have not fulfilled the University General Education requirements prior to admission to the School of Allied Health may have to extend their program and/or utilize summer school. Students complete their first two years in one of the other schools or colleges of the University or a two- or four-year accredited college or university other than the University of Connecticut. However, please note the Physical Therapy Program DOES NOT admit transfer students. Most students enroll in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences during their freshman and sophomore years declaring a pre-allied health School of Allied Health economics (PRAH) major. Students should apply for admission to the School of Allied Health after completion of their third semester of study, in order to be considered for admission at the beginning of their fifth semester (junior year). Admissions to the School of Allied Health will be for the Fall semester. However, Physical Therapy students will be expected to begin their course work during the Summer following their admission.

All students seeking admission to the School of Allied Health must file a School of Allied Health application for admission. The School of Allied Health applications may be obtained from the Academic Advisory Center in Koons Hall or may be requested in writing: School of Allied Health, Program Administrator, 358 Mansfield Road, U-101, Storrs, CT 06269-2101. The School of Allied Health applications will be available on or about October 31st each year.

Students who are not or have never attended the University of Connecticut as an undergraduate degree seeking student must file BOTH a School of Allied Health Application AND a separate University application with the Transfer Admissions Office, 2131 Hillside Road, U-88, Storrs, CT 06269-3088. Students transferring who have not completed their Lower Division requirements should fulfill these requirements in a university, school or college other than the School of Allied Health. These students initially complete only the University application.
 

CURRICULA IN ALLIED HEALTH

The statements that follow describe the Lower Division curricula in the School of Allied Health. Specific professional Upper Division course requirement s approved by the faculty of the School of Allied Health for each program are available in the Academic Advisory Center in the School of Allied Health.

Allied Health Common Core

The Upper Division curricula in the School of Allied Health includes a common core designed and developed with an interdisciplinary focus. All majors in the School, as prescribed by individual program plans of study, complete requirements from the following Allied Health Common Core:

AH 241W - Research for the Health Professional

AH 242 - Counseling and Teaching for the Health Professional

AH 243 - Health Care Issues for the Health Professional

AH 244 - Management for the Health Professional

In conjunction with the Department of Modern and Classical Languages the Allied Health Common Core offers opportunities in Spanning. Spanning is an integrated option that provides students with the cultural dimensions of health in the Spanish-speaking world and the opportunity to strengthen their language skills for later use in clinical courses and professional practice.

There are also elective courses in aging, health and wellness, issues for women and health, peer health education, drugs and society and conversationa l Spanish for the health professional.

Cytotechnology Program

Cytotechnology involves the study of cells for the early detection of cancer. Cytotechnologists aid in the early detection of cancer by examining specimens from various body sites to distinguish normal, abnormal and cancer cells. Through the recognition of microscopic abnormalities of cells and cellular patterns from various body sites, the cytotechnologist assists the pathologist in the diagnosis of cancer and related diseases.

Cytotechnology is offered in conjunction with the UConn Health Center and selected affiliated hospitals. Students complete their Lower Division courses on the Storrs or Regional campuses. The first year in the professional phase of the program is at the Storrs campus. The final year is a 52 week off campus clinical program at the UConn Health Center and affiliated hospitals. Cytotechnology Program Courses

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences

The diagnostic genetic sciences encompass two diagnostic fields: medical cytogenetics and molecular genetic technology. Medical cytogenetics involves the detection and diagnosis of chromosomal defects in humans. The cytogenetic technologist works in conjunction with cytogeneticists, physicians and genetic counselors, as an integral part of the medical genetics team in determining the nature of inherited disorders and detecting acquired chromosomal changes seen in many cancers. The cytogenetic technologist cultures and harvests cells from peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, solid tissues, bone marrow and other tissues, selects and performs appropriate banding and staining methods to differentiate the human chromosomes or provide specific information about particular chromosomes; microscopically evaluates the chromosomes to diagnose abnormalities in their number and structure; and creates karotypes from photographed metaphases or computer based imagining systems. While prenatal and pediatric diagnosis have been, and remain, major components of Medical Cytogenetics, the cytogenetic analysis of cancerous cells is becoming increasingly more important in the initial diagnosis and follow-up of cancer patients. As the genetic basis of many diseases is being discovered and clarified and new technologic advances are being made, molecular genetic techniques are emerging as major diagnostic tools of the future, and have application in a variety of other settings as well.

Molecular Genetic Technologists match donors and recipients for tissue and organ transplantation; diagnose human diseases and inherited disorders; identify missing and displaced persons and war and disaster victims; determine parentage; and rule in/out crime suspects. Individuals with skills in the molecular technologies are also in demand in a variety of research and industry settings.

The Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program functions in conjunction with major genetic centers throughout New England and in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, and Florida. Students enrolled in the undergraduate program spend seven semesters taking formal course work, including courses in medical cytogenetics and diagnostic molecular technologies. During one of the senior semesters, students receive clinical experience in medical cytogenetics at one or more of the affiliated genetic centers. To enter this six-month
clinical semester the student must have satisfactorily completed all required prerequisite course work.

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Courses

Dietetics Program

Dietitians apply the science of nutrition through the art of dietetic practice. They can assess nutritional needs, plan individualized dietary plans, provide counseling, and evaluate nutritional care for individuals and groups. They can plan, direct, and supervise the procurement, production, distribution, and service of food. They can promote nutritional health and well being through community nutrition programs. As a dietitian you can help others improve their health with good nutritional practices.

Dietetics is a challenging health profession that offers diverse opportunitie s for practice. Dietitians work in hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, community agencies, food companies, sales, schools, and the media. Many dietitians are in private practice where they combine counseling of individual clients; consulting to health care facilities, corporations, restaurants, and fitness centers; and writing for publications. The direction you take as a dietitian is up to you and your imagination.

The Coordinated Program (CP) in Dietetics combines knowledge and performance requirements to prepare students for entry level practice as dietitians. During the last two years, or professional phase, students in the CP combine theory in the classroom and practice in the health care setting.
Dietics Program Courses

Medical Technology Program

The Medical Technologist has a broad range of opportunities to contribute to health care through the performance, interpretation and correlation of laboratory analyses which are designed for the promotion of health and for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Biological, chemical and physical principles are applied to determine the constituents of body fluids and tissues. Medical Technologists are engaged in selection of the appropriate tests and are responsible for implementing quality assurance.

Clinical laboratories are composed of biochemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology and transfusion service units. Laboratory practice continues to expand and new technologies in molecular biology, instrumentation, and computer science have enhanced traditional testing methods. The medical technologist may choose to specialize in any one of these areas as well as focus on management, research, education or consultation. Laboratory testing is moving into a variety of settings outside traditional laboratories. Independent laboratories, research facilities, pharmaceutical and educational institutions all offer opportunities for employment. The Medical Technology Program will prepare individuals for graduate study and future leadership roles.

The Medical Technology Program is offered in conjunction with Hartford Hospital. Students complete their Lower Division courses on the Storrs or Regional campuses. The professional phase of the program provides the unique opportunity to take courses at the Hartford Hospital campus beginning in the sixth semester. The clinical laboratory courses in the senior year at the hospital campus include experiences in all laboratory units and emphasize the evaluation of normal and abnormal test results and the integration of clinical laboratory results with the overall care of the patient.

Medical Technology Program Courses

Physical Therapy Integrated Bachelor's Master's Program

The Physical Therapy Program is a truly integrated BS/MSPT Program. The student receives a B.S. in Allied Health with a major of pre-physical therapy at midpoint of the professional program. The student is not eligible to take the exam for licensure as a physical therapist until completion of the M.S. portion of the degree. For a student to be admitted to the graduate level of the Integrated Bachelor's Master's Program all previous course work, undergraduate and graduate, must be of at least the following quality: a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 for the entire undergraduate record; or a 3.0 for the last 2 years; or excellent work in the entire final year.

Physical therapy is a profession concerned with the restoration of function and the prevention of disability following disease, injury or loss of a body part. The therapeutic effects of various exercises and physical agents according to biomechanical and physiological principles are used to assist patients/clients to achieve optimal functional capacities. Physical therapists evaluate, treat and instruct individuals and family units to achieve goals through the application of exercise and physical agents. Physical therapists apply biomechanical and physiological principals to guide clients/patients toward their optimal functional capacities. Consultative, research, administrati ve and various advisory services are a part of the role of the physical therapist and contribute to the ability to reduce the incidence and severity of physical disability, bodily malfunction and pain.

Graduates of the Integrated BS/MSPT Program may practice in a wide range of sites including hospitals, extended care and nursing facilities, school, home and early intervention settings, private offices, research centers, and industry.

Physical Therapy Integrated Bachelor's Master's Program Courses
 

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PROGRAMS

The University General Education Requirements are listed in detail in the Appendix of this Catalog. The course requirements listed below are those of the School of Allied Health and as indicated in each group satisfy the University's General Education Requirements. The General Education requirements are ordinarily completed prior to admission to the School of Allied Health. Students who have not fulfilled the University General Education requirements prior to admission to the School of Allied Health may have to extend their program and/or utilize summer school. The professional (Upper Division) course requirements are stated in detail in the plans of study current at the time of the student's entry into the junior year program. Current plans of study are available in the Academic Advisory Center (Koons, Room 102 and 102A) in the School of Allied Health. Unless otherwise noted, students are permitted to select course requirements for each group as listed in the Appendix to fulfill the General Education Requiremen ts.

 For the purpose of school and college curricula, skill code designations (W, Q, C) have not been applied to the respective courses. Skill code identifica tion will be restricted to the Directory of Courses section.

There are limits on Pass/Fail courses throughout the University. Therefore, students should consider the option with care prior to placing a course on Pass/Fail. No course on Pass/Fail meets the following requirements.

Group 1. Foreign Language Requirement

The minimum requirement is met if the student is admitted to the University with three years of a single foreign language in high school,* or the equivalent . With anything less than that, one year (2 semesters) of college level study in a single language is required.

* When the years of study have been split between high school and earlier grades, the requirement is met if the student has successfully completed the third-year high school level course.


 

Group 2. Expository Writing

English 105 and 109 are required of all students. Additionally, all students must take two W courses, which may also satisfy other requirements. The two W courses are normally satisfied by two required Upper Division courses. (Note: English 105 is a prerequisite to all W courses.) Evaluative testing may exempt qualified students from the 105, 109 requirement. Students passing English 250 will also be exempted from the 105, 109 requirement.

Group 3. Mathematics

All students must enter with a competency level equivalent to that obtained in Math 101, as evidenced by a passing grade on the Q-Course Readiness Test,** or take Math 101 as a remedial course without credit toward graduation. Additionally, all students must take two Q courses and one C course, which may also satisfy other requirements. (Note: Math 101 or a passing grade on the Q-Course Readiness Test is a prerequisite to all Q courses.) One Q course must be a mathematics or statistics course unless the student attains a high pass on the Q-course Readiness Test. SEE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.

**A quantitative skills test administered by the University.

Group 4. Literature and the Arts

All students must take two courses: one of which emphasizes major works of literature which could be elected from English or Foreign Languages (in English translation or in the foreign language), and one which emphasizes major achievements in art, and/or music and/or the dramatic arts.

Group 5. Culture and Modern Society

All students must take History 100 or History 101, and a course which emphasizes non-Western or Latin American cultures.

Group 6. Philosophical and/or Ethical Analysis

One course is required.

Group 7. Social Scientific and Comparative Analysis

One course is required. SEE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.

Group 8. Science and Technology

Two courses are to be selected, one of which must include a semester of laboratory. At least one of these two courses must be a course in chemistry, biology, or physics. SEE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.

In addition to the general education requirements listed above the following courses, groups of courses and sequence of courses are required for graduation of all students in each program.

Cytotechnology Program

Group 3. Mathematics

Group 8. Science and Technology Other course requirements for graduation in Cytotechnology:

Science Courses

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program

Group 3. Mathematics

Group 8. Science and Technology Other course requirements for graduation in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences:

Science Courses

Dietetics Program

Group 3. Mathematics

Group 7. Social Scientific and Comparative Analysis Group 8. Science and Technology Other course requirements for graduation in the Dietetics Program: