College of Health

Academic programs within the CoH represent some of the fastest-growing occupations across the nation. Visit these programs' websites and learn why the College of Health Professions has become a destination site for students pursuing careers in the allied health professions.

Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares graduate students to work in the fields of  Audiology, Speech Language Pathology and Listening and Spoken Language.  The Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program and the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology program are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Community and Public Health

Graduates from the Department of Community and Public Health work at the frontlines of emerging health issues and strategically guide organizations and communities through evidence-based decision-making and cultural humility. Each of our programs prepares students in areas with projected job growth as organizations and communities recognize the need for better programs, healthcare, and environments that foster healthy people and communities. Our mission is to advance health for all through collaborative learning and scholarly activities, enabling students and communities to thrive.

Our graduate degree programs include a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community and Public Health and a Master of Health Education (MHE). We also offer three graduate certificates: public health, rural health, and addiction studies. ISU’s MPH program is the only program in Idaho accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Counseling

The principal mission of the Department of Counseling is to prepare quality counselors for various settings in Idaho and the nation. More specifically, we seek to prepare quality School Counselors for public schools in K-12 settings, Marital, Couple, and Family Counselors, and Clinical Mental Health Counselors for community agencies, and other mental health settings, and Student Affairs Counselors for working in college settings such as advising, residence halls, and career centers.

We prepare doctoral-level counselor educators and supervisors to serve as faculty members in counselor education programs, counselor supervisors in various settings, doctoral-level counselors, leaders in higher education and counseling organizations, and scholars.

Dental Hygiene

We provide a quality educational experience for our dental hygiene students and are the only program in the State of Idaho to offer a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. The fundamental philosophy of Idaho State University Department of Dental Hygiene is threefold:

• Its members are committed to excellence in all academic endeavors.
• The program is progressive in instituting ongoing changes to prepare for the future of dental hygiene.
• As a component of the university's primary emphasis area, the program serves statewide and regional needs by providing access to quality education in the discipline as well as meeting the employment demands and oral health needs of the public.

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) programs equip students to ensure communities are resilient, secure, and prepared for a variety of threats and emergencies, including targeted attacks, wildland and structure fires, medical crises, natural disasters, and hazardous materials incidents. The Emergency Services Department offers a Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a B.S. to MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and a Homeland Security and Emergency Management Graduate Certificate.

Key program features include:

• The only graduate-level homeland security program in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington
• Cutting-edge curriculum with instructors who bring real-world experience
• Fully online for flexible learning options
• Streamlined 8-week courses, offered year-round
• Flexible start dates in Fall and Spring semesters

Medical Laboratory Science

Medical laboratory scientists are responsible for the development, implementation performance, and utilization of laboratory tests in the health care setting. Currently, it is listed second among the top ten most valuable BS degrees in terms of average pay of graduates and employment rate. ISU offers a NAACLS accredited program at the B.S, second B.S., and M.S. levels, all of which include the yearlong professional program of study that culminates in eligibility to take the national credentialing examination.

Nutrition & Dietetics

The ISU Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition degree provides the knowledge and skills needed to effectively promote evidence-based nutrition interventions. The program prepares graduates with advanced knowledge and skills to:

• Help individuals make behavioral changes to improve their health outcomes
• Spur systemic behavioral changes at the community and population levels
• Address major public health issues across the life span, including but not limited to, obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease.

The program includes two tracks:

• MS in Nutrition stand alone
• MS in Nutrition combined with Dietetic Internship.

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy department prepares entry-level clinicians to be competent to meet the diverse needs of people locally, nationally, and globally by upholding the standards of occupational therapy education. The program is committed to providing high-quality student-centered interdisciplinary education, scholarship, lifelong learning opportunities, and respect for cultural diversity.

Physician Assistant Studies

Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly skilled health practitioners who work under physician supervision to provide patient care services. PAs take complete medical histories, perform physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests and x-rays, diagnose, and treat patients. Physician Assistants improve the accessibility of health care of under-served individuals in both urban and rural settings. The Physician Assistant Program at Idaho State University is the only PA Program in the State of Idaho.

Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

The Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy, the Master of Science in Athletic Training, as well as several related dual or accelerated degree options.  The Doctor of Physical Therapy prepares entry level physical therapists who optimize human movement and function by providing educational opportunities in practice, service, and research.  The Master of Science in Athletic Training prepares entry level athletic trainers.  Students in the program experience clinical rotations with Division I FCS ISU athletic teams, high school athletics, sports medicine/physical therapy clinics, and physician’s offices. 

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences program (PhD in RHS) provides students with education and research training to develop their area of expertise to become independent scholars, educators, administrators, or leaders within their disciplines. Students will be expected to complete academic core, research core, specialized program, dissertation and other program requirements for degree completion. The program is offered through either traditional (on-campus) or non-traditional (online) models with full-time or part-time options, however certain limitations may apply.

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing (SON) Mission is to prepare caring, exemplary nurse leaders who integrate education, service, and scholarship, through practice and research, to enhance the quality of life for rural and diverse populations. The SON Vision is to be a distinguished School of Nursing committed to being as humanistic and compassionate as we are scientific and innovative.