College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions

As a professional school, the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions prepares students for careers in a variety of educational, and health professions by providing opportunities to develop critical knowledge and relevant skills. The college is committed to provide professional development programs appropriate for the current and future needs of practicing professionals. In addition to on-campus courses and learning experiences, programs include internships or clinical placements conducted in conjunction with education, clinical, and community agencies in Greater Hartford. In the case of physical therapy candidates, clinical placements are available across the United States.

The Department of Education offers undergraduate programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Integrated Elementary and Special Education; and graduate programs in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education with Montessori concentration, Elementary Education, Elementary Education with Montessori concentration and Special Education. The department also offers a Doctoral Program in Education.

The Department of Health Sciences and Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate programs are Health Science, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care. The department also offers programs leading to graduate study in chiropractic, podiatry, pharmacology, osteopathic medicine, and optometry. The undergraduate program is a B.S.N. completion program for licensed registered nurses. Graduate programs are offered in Nursing Management, Nursing Education, and Public Health Nursing.

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences offers a Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy and a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics, open to those students who have completed an undergraduate bachelor’s-level degree and have satisfied all prerequisite course requirements and standards. The Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy and the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics begin with a 10-week term in the summer. The department also offers a transitional Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) for ABC-Certified Prosthetists (CPs) and ABC-Certified Orthotists (COs) who are interested in achieving their second discipline and attaining their MSPO degree, and to ABC-Certified Prosthetists (CPOs) who wish to obtain their MSPO degree.

Institute for Translational Research

The Institute for Translational Research in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions was chartered by the University in 2010 and serves as a college-wide umbrella for collaborative research activities by faculty and students as well as their community partners. The institute promotes academic excellence through relevant, community-engaging research and scholarship. Specific initiatives take full advantage of collaborations with two anchor partners that reflect the college’s dual focus, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center and Hartford Public Schools, in addition to a broad range of other health and education institutions. Translational investigation-those that are designed to “translate” scientific results into relevant outcomes and invite constituent communities to inform science’s directions-are conducted through three distinct but integrated content centers that reflect the college’s disciplinary foci: the Center for Health, Care, and Well-being; the Center for Learning and Professional Education; and the Center for Leadership in Education and Health.

Teaching and Research Spaces Affiliated with the Institute for Translational Research

The Institute for Translational Research’s Technology and Inquiry Laboratory houses state of the art equipment to create a supportive environment for students and faculty to engage in innovative learning, teaching, and scholarly activities. For example, with the use of interactive technologies, recordings of students engaging in professional practice training can be captured and shared.

The Esphyr Slobodkina Reading Room was donated to the University by Esphyr Slobodkina, Children’s author, illustrator, and artist. It provides a flexible space for children to read and be read to, for university students and faculty to interact on literacy course content and research, and for university and community members to discuss contemporary issues in elementary and early childhood education, especially those concerning reading and literacy.

The Clinical Simulation Resource Center utilizes realistic life-simulating equipment to model, experience, and study clinical practice scenarios in a safe, supportive, and non-threatening learning environment. These experiences promote mastery of complex technical skills and procedures and develop critical thinking skills that are needed by future clinicians in areas such as physical therapy, respiratory care, and nursing.

Public Magnet Schools on Campus

There are two public magnet schools located on the University of Hartford campus. The proximity of the schools facilitates collaboration among college and magnet school students as well as teachers and professors. In turn, it greatly expands learning opportunities for University students in education and the health professions.

The University of Hartford Magnet School is a prekindergarten to grade 5 elementary school. It employs Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, which proposes that there are many kinds of intelligence that are important aspects of human capabilities. Therefore, in addition to linguistic and logical/mathematical intelligence, teaching also focuses on visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, naturalist, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences.

The University High School of Science and Engineering opened a new, state-of-the-art building on the University of Hartford campus in 2009. The school maintains a rigorous, inter-disciplinary curriculum with a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is also an early college model that is focused on integrating high school students into the college experience through college courses, campus visits, and collaborative projects that expose students to higher-education options.

Select Physical Therapy

Select Physical Therapy is an outpatient practice located in Health Services at the Sports Center. Select offers a wide range of physical therapy sports medicine and work health services and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of patient’s lives. The clinic takes pride in outstanding customer service, excellent patient care and strong outcomes. Complimentary injury assessment is offered. Students in the physical therapy program are linked to the clinic through their integrated or full-time clinical experiences.

Field and Clinical Placements

The Department of Education has established relationships with area school systems and social service agencies that have resulted in many innovative programs. These reflect the college’s commitment to serving school and community needs by making full use of the talents of students and faculty.

Teacher education programs include extended periods of integrated professional instruction and experience in local public schools, providing the opportunities for students to apply knowledge and skills.

The Department of Education offers internship placements in a variety of settings. Students identify and plan these experiences under the supervision of an assigned faculty member.

The Department of Health Sciences and Nursing has contracts with approximately 40 clinical agencies in the Greater Hartford area and around the state. Acute care, long-term care facilities, and community agencies, including public schools and homeless shelters, are used to provide educational experiences.

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences maintains clinical affiliation contracts with major healthcare agencies in the region and more than 400 throughout the nation. These agencies provide clinical experience opportunities for students in physical therapy.

Academic Regulations

Time Limit and Transfer Credit

The graduate degree must be completed within six years, beginning with the initiation of course work toward the degree. Generally, a maximum of 6 graduate credits may be transferred from an accredited institution. These 6 credits will be transferred only if they have not been applied toward an earned degree and if they have relevance to the student’s planned program of study. Transfer credits must carry a grade of B or better.

Scholastic Requirements

The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for a graduate degree is 3.0. A higher average in the field of specialization may be required. A student whose grade point average falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below C will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee and is subject to dismissal. The required GPA for students enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is 3.5. Graduate students who do not meet the GPA standards will be placed on academic probation.

Comprehensive Examinations and Other Culminating Experiences Required for Degree Completion

Graduate degree candidates are required to complete a comprehensive examination or other culminating experience. Candidates for the Master of Science in Nursing in all three specialties develop an evidence based intervention proposal, carry out the intervention project, and write an article suitable for professional publication. Information on Praxis II and other required state certification test dates are available in the Department of Education office, Hillyer 206. Students should consult with their advisors for specific program requirements.

Successful completion of a comprehensive exam or other requirement is necessary within the six-year period, beginning with the initiation of course work toward the degree. Retakes of an exam or any sections thereof must be completed within the six-year period.

Comprehensive exams are offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters on scheduled dates. It is the students’ responsibility to be acquainted with the requirements for this examination.

More detailed information about the comprehensive exams, research/demonstration projects, and other culminating experiences, along with policies and procedures, are available from the department in which the student is enrolled.

Withdrawal

An official withdrawal form must be filed with the registrar. A student who does not complete a course and does not officially withdraw from it may receive a failing grade. Students should consult the current academic calendar for the withdrawal deadline (see Academic Regulations).

Application for a Degree

General requirements and procedures for application for a degree and graduation are described here.

Accreditations and Memberships

Department of Education

NCATE and State of Connecticut

Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education.

AACTE-CT

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Connecticut chapter (CTAACTE), is an organization of colleges and universities approved for the preparation of professional personnel for the public schools. The organization meets regularly to discuss issues of mutual concern and advises the State of Connecticut Department of Education and the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education on important issues in teacher education and personnel preparation.

Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society in education. Its members exhibit successful academic achievement, dedication to the ideals of education, and a desire to help others. Graduate and undergraduate students who exhibit high academic standing and a commitment to education are invited to become members. In addition to involvement in activities as a society member, Kappa Delta Pi offers members national scholarship funds, a Laureate Award to honored educators, and publications, such as the KDP Record and Educational Forum. The Pi Phi Chapter at the University of Hartford is an active participant in campus activities, conducting fund drives and service projects for the improvement of children’s education in the community.

Department of Health Sciences and Nursing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the State of Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE maintains program information on tuition, fees, and length of program. Contact CCNE at One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; 202.887.6791.

Sigma Theta Tau International, Iota Upsilon Chapter-at-Large

This nursing honor society recognizes superior achievement and leadership qualities, fosters high professional standards, encourages creative work, and strengthens commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession. Membership is by invitation for students who demonstrate excellence in the nursing program and for community leaders who have demonstrated excellence in leadership in nursing. The chapter is jointly sponsored by the Nursing programs of the University of Hartford, Saint Joseph College, and Central Connecticut State University.

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program was also approved by the Department of Higher Education, State of Connecticut, in 2005. Upon completion of the clinical requirements of this program, students are eligible to sit for the professional state licensure examination.

National Commission of Orthotic and Prosthetic Education

The foundational curriculum for the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics is fully accredited by the National Commission of Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Upon completion of the program requirements, students are eligible for their 24 month professional residency prior to sitting for exams.