TTUHSC School of Allied Health Sciences
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Allied Health Sciences is dedicated to providing a high-quality, student-centered learning environment that seeks, through continuous quality improvement, to achieve the highest levels of excellence in teaching, research and clinical service, while fostering in our students the professional insight and service-oriented compassion that will enable them to excel in merging "high tech and high touch" throughout their professional careers.

Click here to read more about the Mission, Goals and History of the School of Allied Health Sciences.

The School of Allied Health Sciences offers fourteen different doctoral, masters and baccalaureate health professions degree programs in the rehabilitation sciences, clinical laboratory sciences, speech, language and hearing sciences, and disciplines related to primary care.With a Fall 2003 enrollment exceeding 700 students on four campuses (Lubbock, Amarillo, Odessa and Midland), it is the largest School of Allied Health Sciences in Texas, and one of the most diverse and fastest growing institutions of its kind in the nation. The School has successfully developed and implemented ten new or upgraded academic degree programs since 1998. These programs are already producing their first cohorts of highly qualified allied health professionals who are serving the people of West Texas, the state and the nation.

Academic degree programs offered include Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.); Doctor of Philosphy in Communication Sciences & Disorders (Ph.D); Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (Sc.D., PT); Master of Science degrees in Molecular Pathology, Clinical Practice Management, and Speech-Language Pathology; professional Masters' degrees in Athletic Training (MAT), Occupational Therapy (MOT), Physical Therapy (MPT), Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), and Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC); and Bachelor of Science degrees in Clinical Laboratory Science, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, and Clinical Services Management.

To increase educational access to allied health professionals who are serving communities throughout rural West Texas and the state, some programs rely extensively on non-traditional formats or distance education technologies. The Sc.D., PT employs a unique combination of weekend clinical clusters in communities around the state, that are supported by distance education technology, as well as short, intensive periods on campus, to offer practicing Physical Therapists the opportunity to achieve advanced clinical skills and competencies while maintaining their practice. The M.S. in Clinical Practice Management provides an internet-based opportunity for baccalaureate degreed PT's, OT's and other health professionals to upgrade their knowledge and skills, without leaving their communities. Similarly, the Master of Rehabilitation Counseling provides an opportunity for vocational rehabilitation counselors of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, other State agencies and within the private sector to obtain their professional credentials while continuing to serve their clients. The Bachelors of Science in Clinical Services Management provides a web-based baccalaureate opportunity for graduates of community college Associate of Applied Science programs to prepare for career ladder progression, while continuing employment within their communities.

With the Summer 2002 session, the School admitted its first cohort of students into its "first-in-the-nation" Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program. This program, which is supported by extensive institutional investments in a state-of-the-art "gene-testing" laboratory, offers students the theoretical knowledge and technical skills needed by molecular diagnostics and forensics laboratories within the state and throughout the country.

In addition to its fourteen different degree programs, all of which are accredited for the maximum periods allowable by their respective accrediting bodies, the School operates two Centers that have been approved by the Board of Regents:

Personnel shortages continue in many of the Allied Health Sciences professions. Shortages are most acute in the clinical laboratory sciences, and for speech-language pathologists, audiologists and physician assistants. Increasing demands for physical therapists and occupational therapists are projected for the foreseeable future to meet the needs of an aging population. Similarly, the demand for certified and licensed athletic trainers is expected to grow dramatically within our society.

The School has an active faculty development program to encourage and provide financial support for faculty who participate in doctoral studies. With critical, national shortages of doctorally prepared faculty in the School's disciplines, this "grow your own" approach continues to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of our faculty.

Departments within the School of Allied Health Sciences include:

Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care

Rehabilitation Sciences

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences