Launch of School of Health Professions brings new clinical degree programs into Zuckerman College of Public Health
New clinical degree programs to train health professionals such as physical therapists, physician assistants, and genetic counselors have been integrated into the Zuckerman College of Public Health as part of the new School of Health Professions, established to expand the healthcare workforce for Arizona.
New clinical degree programs designed to train health professionals such as physical therapists (PTs), physician assistants (PAs), and genetic counselors have been integrated into the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health as part of the new School of Health Professions, starting on July 1, 2025. The new graduate-level programs in the school also include a Clinical Translational Sciences program and a Health Sciences Design program. The School of Health Professions programs were developed to expand the healthcare workforce for Arizona.
The integration of these new professional graduate level programs into the College of Public Health provides a unique opportunity that aligns with the college’s public health mission and values. It enables the college to increase its reach, strengthen interdisciplinary work, and build new bridges between clinical education and public health education, research, and service.
As the college expands with these new programs, it unites two complementary strengths: population and public health, and health professions training. Together under one umbrella, these areas of expertise will create new partnerships and better prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. The new school will also boost the college’s ability to conduct collaborative research, engage in community outreach, and create innovative educational models that respond to Arizona’s changing health needs.
The professional degree programs in the school were previously part of the College of Health Sciences, which has transitioned out of operation. The faculty and staff from the former college have now joined the College of Public Health in the new School of Health Professions.
Dean Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, continues to lead the College of Public Health and will oversee the new School of Health Professions. She will work collaboratively with Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C, Vice Dean for Health Professions and Executive Director of the new School of Health Professions to guide the new school to success.
All of us in the college are thrilled to welcome our new colleagues in the School of Health Professions! We look forward to a collaboration that will benefit all our programs, grow the healthcare workforce in Arizona, and improve health and wellness for everyone in our state!