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 providing professional development programs appropriate for the current and future needs of practicing professionals. In addition to on-campus or online courses and learning experiences, programs include internships or clinical placements conducted in conjunction with education, clinical, and community agencies in Greater Hartford and across the State. In the case of prosthetics and orthotics, physical and occupational therapy candidates, clinical placements are available in Connecticut across the United States.

The Department of Education offers programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Integrated Elementary and Special Education and Early Childhood or Elementary Education with Montessori concentration; 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 Educational Leadership.

The Department of Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Health Science, Exercise Science, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care. The department also offers programs leading to graduate study in chiropractic, podiatry, pharmacology, osteopathic medicine, and optometry.

The Department of Nursing offers a direct-entry pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. At the graduate level, a fully online Master of Science in nursing program offered in Nursing Management, Nursing Education, and Public Health Nursing is offered. Additionally, the department offers a fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focusing on leadership and project management.

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences offers a Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics, and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. These programs are open to those who have completed a bachelor’s degree and have satisfied all prerequisite course requirements and standards. The Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy (DPT), the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO), and the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) begin with a 10-week term in the summer. The department also offers a transitional Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics 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. A post-graduate Certificate in Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy is also available for licensed physical therapists who wish to advance their skills. The Department also offers an ABPTRFE accredited residency program in orthopedic physical therapy in partnership with Hartford HealthCare.

Teaching and Research Spaces

The Education Methods Lab houses state of the art equipment to create a supportive environment for students and faculty to engage in innovative learning, teaching, and scholarly activities.

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 Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions houses state of the art labs and teaching spaces for exercise science, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and prosthetics and orthotics where students can learn and practice skills and competencies required in their profession. Additionally, the Hursey Center is home to our Clinical Simulation Resource Center which 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 rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, 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.

Clinical Placements

The Department of Education has established relationships with area school systems 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 clinical placements in a variety of settings. Students work with course instructors and the Director of Clinical Experiences to arrange these experiences.

The Department of Health Sciences and the Department of Nursing have contracts with over 45 clinical agencies in the Greater Hartford area and around the state, including acute care, long-term care facilities, and community agencies.

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences maintains clinical affiliation contracts with major healthcare agencies in the region and more than 300 throughout the nation. These agencies provide clinical experience opportunities for students in physical therapy.

The MSPO program currently maintains a partnership with Hanger Clinic. This provides students with over 800 potential clinical sites. Additionally, the MSPO program has partnered with over 50 other clinical sites as internship hosts.

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 in accordance with program policies. 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. Additional academic requirements may be included in program specific policies.

Comprehensive Examinations and Other Culminating Experiences Required for Degree Completion

Graduate degree candidates are required to complete a comprehensive examination or other culminating experience. 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.

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

Teacher Education 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. There is a mentor program as well as a series of professional development for teacher candidates.

Department of Nursing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited 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. The DNP program will seek accreditation in 2023 from CCNE.

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.

American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education

The Hartford Healthcare/University of Hartford Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). The program received its initial approval in 2022. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist examination administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

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 an NCOPE approved residency.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program was granted Candidacy Status in August of 2021. The MSOT program will undergo a pre-accreditation review and an on-site evaluation during the 2023-2024 academic year. Upon satisfactory completion of the review and on-site visit, the MSOT program will be granted Full Accreditation, completing all requirements for accreditation. A decision on granting of full accreditation is anticipated at the end of Spring 2024.