The mission of the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences is to enhance the
health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by educating and preparing
competent professionals in therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitation sciences.
Welcome to the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences (SPaTS) at UAA, where
innovation meets excellence in education. Our diverse range of programs, led by accomplished
program directors and dedicated faculty, is tailored to equip students with the knowledge
and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic healthcare landscape. From Dental Assisting
and Dental Hygiene to Dietetics and Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist
Assistant, Speech-Language Pathology, and Physical Education & Recreation, our mission
is to cultivate compassionate professionals who are well-prepared to meet industry
demands while making a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and communities.
Join us in addressing the vital needs of the healthcare field while embarking on a
journey of personal and professional growth. Your future in health and wellness starts
here!
Note: Admissions to the Dental Assisting program (major and pre-major) are closed, as the program is in a teach-out status and will
be discontinued after July 2025. As such, no new students will be allowed to start
the program. If you are interested in the Dental Hygiene program or other healthcare programs, please see a College of Health advisor to discuss your options.
The John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Courtroom officially opened on the UAA campus, expanding hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing legal careers in Alaska. University faculty, staff, and students gathered on Feb. 20 to celebrate the classroom's formal dedication an opening.
Butler’s deep connection to Alaska, paired with his extensive background in public health, infectious disease and health care leadership, made him the perfect fit as UAA’s new College of Health (COH) dean. Butler officially stepped into the role Dec. 28, bringing decades of experience — and has hit the ground running.
As we step into a new year, we are excited to welcome Dr. Jay Butler as the new Dean of the College of Health. A veteran of the public health and infectious disease field, Dr. Butler also has years of experience working in Alaska’s unique health landscape. He’s excited to bring fresh energy to COH’s goal of expanding its capacity to meet community-based health needs and train the next generation of healthcare workers.
Elaina Mack, a senior kinesiology major from King Cove, broke school records with 10 successful three-point shots in the Seawolves game against Northwest U. Mack scored a total of 41 points over the course of the game.
Dr. Jay Butler has been selected as the next dean for the College of Health following a months-long search. He brings decades of public health leadership experience in Alaska and nationally.
The on-campus dental clinic enables students in the dental assisting and hygiene programs
to provide basic care to their fellow students and community members while honing
their skills.
Established by the Dietetics & Nutrition faculty, the Seawolf Food Pantry exists to
help the nearly 45% of UAA students who experience food insecurity.