The College of Health Sciences (CHS) at Eastern Kentucky University excels in healthcare education, preparing professionals across various disciplines to meet the evolving needs of Kentucky and beyond. With a rich history marked by innovation, knowledge, and transformation, CHS has been at the forefront of healthcare education since its inception.
Established to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region, CHS has emerged as a leader in healthcare education and community service. The college’s mission is to educate and prepare competent, compassionate healthcare professionals who promote health and well-being for diverse populations. Its vision is to create transformative experiences for students, fostering innovation and knowledge while optimizing community success and health.
Over the years, CHS has undergone significant changes to enhance its programs and better serve students and the community. One major milestone was the January 2023 reorganization of its departments under Dean Czech’s leadership. This strategic move aimed to improve efficiency, productivity, and faculty-staff sense of belonging while promoting work-life balance and enhancing office environments.
Departments within the College
The College of Health Sciences includes several distinguished departments:
- School of Nursing (SON): Established in 1965, the School of Nursing offers programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate levels. It prepares nurses to work in inter professional environments, promoting health and well-being for diverse populations. The school has a rich history of program development, including its transition to fully online MSN and DNP programs in 2013 and its designation as a School of Nursing in 2020.
- Environmental Public Health Administration and Medical Sciences (EPHAMS): Since its early days, EPHAMS has been integral to the college’s mission. This department emphasizes public health and medical sciences, continuously evolving to meet community needs. Its shift to a 100% online Master of Public Health program exemplifies its commitment to innovation and accessibility.
- Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy (OSOT): Set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, OSOT was one of the nation’s first programs to offer a degree in Occupational Science. The department has evolved from offering a BS in Occupational Therapy to a combined BS in Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, earning a national ranking as one of the best OT programs by US News & World Report.
- Parks, Recreation, Exercise, and Sports Science (PRESS): Originating in 1966 within the College of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, this department merged with Health Sciences in 2002. PRESS has a rich legacy, with leadership passing from its first chair, Jim McChesney, to his son, Jon McChesney.
Comprehensive Programs and Flexible Learning in Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences offers a wide range of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students and the healthcare industry. The college takes pride in delivering high-quality education through its various departments, each providing specialized and practical training.
The School of Nursing (SON) prepares students for diverse nursing careers through its array of programs. These include the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-BSN program, and the Second-degree BSN program. For advanced practice, SON offers a Master of Science in Nursing with specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Doctorate of Nursing Practice focusing on Organizational Leadership.
Many SON students are first-generation college attendees. The SON fosters a supportive culture through its CARES philosophy – caring, advocacy, resilience, excellence, and service. Faculty members embody this philosophy by dedicating themselves to helping students overcome personal and academic challenges to achieve success.
The Department of Environmental Public Health Administration and Medical Sciences offers programs from bachelors to doctorate levels. These programs equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in environmental and public health, healthcare services, and medical sciences.
EPHAMS emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, allowing students to gain real-world experience in their fields. The department also offers flexible learning options, enabling students to start their professional phase every semester and accelerate their path to degree completion.
The Department of Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy offers a combined BS in Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program for those aiming to become occupational therapists. Additionally, the department provides an Occupational Therapy Doctorate for professionals seeking advanced education available fully online and a PhD in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences in cooperation with the University of Kentucky. The BS/OTD program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
The PRESS department offers a unique range of programs including exercise and sport science, pre-PT, pre-AT, sport management, outdoor recreation and natural resources management, recreation management and event planning, tourism and resort recreation, and recreation therapy. This variety allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests within the expansive field of recreation and sports science.
Admissions Requirements and Financial Aid Options
At CHS, students can pursue a range of academic programs tailored to meet their diverse needs. Here’s an overview of the college’s admissions requirements and financial aid options:
School of Nursing (SON)
To be eligible for the college’s nursing programs, students must meet the following admission requirements:
- Associate of Science in Nursing (AASN): a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a score of 75 or better on four areas of the HESI A2 entrance exam.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): a minimum GPA of 2.5 and successful completion of all prerequisite and pre-nursing courses.
- Graduate programs: a minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience as a nurse, three positive letters of reference from medical professionals, and a well-written goal statement.
- Doctorate programs: a minimum GPA of 3.0, three positive letters of reference from medical professionals, and a well-written goal statement.
The college offers numerous nursing-specific scholarships to undergraduate and graduate nursing students. The AASN program is eligible for the Work Ready Scholarship Program in Kentucky, which covers tuition, books, and course fees for students completing an initial associate degree.
Additionally, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program receives an annual Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarship that pays tuition for three students to complete their FNP degree and practice in a rural area after graduation.
Environmental Health Science & Management Systems (EPHAMS)
Admission requirements vary depending on the academic program students wish to pursue within EPHAMS. Each program has specific admission requirements, such as GPA and specific support courses, which students must complete before proceeding to the professional phase.
The EPHAMS department offers several financial aid opportunities in the form of scholarships awarded based on academic merit and financial need. They also provide paid co-op opportunities and/or scholarships to cover tuition during clinical internships or professional practice experiences.
Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy (OSOT)
Students are admitted to the BS/OTD program after completing 60 credits and five prerequisites. Admission is competitive, but financial aid is available.
Leadership Excellence in the College of Health Sciences
At Eastern Kentucky University, The College of Health Sciences is led by a team of distinguished chairs who embody a leadership paradigm built on trust, clear communication, and a strong sense of community. These leaders work tirelessly to serve students, faculty, and staff, ensuring the college’s success.
Dana Howell stands out as a highly competent leader and critical thinker. She motivates her team to strive for excellence and is deeply respected within her discipline. Dana’s commitment to her field’s growth is evident in her dedicated leadership and continuous departmental development.
Jon McChesney, a veteran chair, brings wisdom and experience to the table. His care and love for his program, department, college, and university are evident. Jon excels at team building and motivation, inspiring others with stories of successes and impacts. His exceptional organizational and time management skills set a high standard.
Brooke Bentley is highly respected in the nursing discipline for her resilience and astute problem-solving skills. She prioritizes the well-being of nursing students, faculty, and staff. As a staunch advocate for her school, Brooke’s leadership has led to significant success and positive outcomes.
Ismail El-Amouri is a highly competent teacher and administrator known for his patient demeanor. As an advocate for Trust, Optimism, Belongingness, and Serving Others (TOBS), Ismail demonstrates strong listening skills that enhance his decision-making capabilities. His committed leadership fosters a supportive environment.
Vibrant Student Life and Community Engagement at CHS
At CHS, student life is vibrant and enriching. The campus offers numerous opportunities for personal growth, engagement, and social interaction, providing a dynamic environment where students connect, collaborate, and thrive.
The School of Nursing (SON) supports a Health Sciences Living Learning Community (LLC) on campus. This community allows nursing students to connect with peers immediately, fostering a sense of belonging and support. LLC consists of students with similar majors or interests living on the same floor or floors of a residence hall.
The EPHAMS department enriches student life with various organizations, events, and activities. Students can join clubs and groups that align with their academic and social interests. The CHS Living Learning Community brings together CHS students, creating a supportive environment that fosters teamwork, friendships, and academic success.
The OSOT department offers clubs catering to different interests within the field. Students can join the Student Occupational Science Association (SOSA), Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), Pi Theta Epsilon Occupational Therapy Student Honor Society, or the EKU Chapter of the Coalition for Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD). These clubs provide opportunities for professional development, networking, and advocacy.
In the PRESS department, students often describe their EKU experience as being part of a family. The department hosts various activities to connect students and stakeholders, enhancing networking and community spirit. Events like the fall pig roast, Back to School Bash, RecFest, annual homecoming kickball game, ChiliFest, 4-square tournament, and James McChesney Memorial Golf Classic offer fun ways for students to bond while developing their knowledge, skills, and abilities through event planning and execution.
Diverse Horizons: Nurturing Inclusion at CHS
CHS prioritizes diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment where all students feel valued. The college actively recruits and supports students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a rich, multicultural campus experience.
The School of Nursing welcomes a diverse student body. For example, SON invites YMCA Black Achievers to campus for hands-on CHS experiences, introducing them to the field of nursing.
In addition, the nursing curriculum integrates diversity and inclusion, preparing students to work effectively in diverse healthcare environments. SON also offers a co-op course for international nursing students, providing practical experience and easing their transition.
EPHAMS emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion within the campus community. CHS commits to creating a welcoming environment that embraces students’ unique backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures.
EKU’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides essential support for international students, helping them adjust to campus life. Faculty and staff ensure these students transition smoothly into their academic and professional programs.
OSOT employs holistic admissions, considering personal experience in addition to GPA. This approach encourages students from diverse backgrounds to apply, ensuring a varied student body. OSOT creates a supportive environment for all students.
PRESS’s commitment to diversity and inclusion dates back to the Hull House founded by Jane Addams in 1889, and the playground movement starting in 1885. These efforts aimed to enhance the lives of children from poor, immigrant, and homeless backgrounds. Today, PRESS addresses the needs of individuals with disabilities, different races, ethnicities, and LGBTQ backgrounds. Inclusion remains crucial in education preparation at PRESS.
Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Practical Training
The College of Health Sciences excels at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring students are well-prepared for their careers in healthcare. Through a combination of clinical experiences, interdisciplinary education, and hands-on training, CHS students gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in their fields.
The School of Nursing (SON) requires all nursing students to complete clinical hours in various settings, preparing them for real-world practice upon graduation. SON faculty, who continue to practice in their areas of expertise, bring current knowledge into the classroom, enriching the didactic learning experience. This dual focus on clinical practice and academic instruction ensures students are up-to-date with the latest healthcare practices and trends.
The EPHAMS department promotes an interdisciplinary approach to education through events like CHS Scholars Day and Interprofessional Health Education. These initiatives encourage collaboration among students from different health science disciplines, reflecting the teamwork necessary in the healthcare industry. EPHAMS also offers simulation-based training, real-world hands-on experiences, and intradisciplinary education opportunities, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of their fields and the practical skills required to succeed.
The OSOT department emphasizes hands-on learning through various field experiences. Students complete three semester-long Level I experiences, where faculty lead small groups in practical occupational therapy settings. Additionally, students undergo two three-month Level II fieldwork experiences, working directly with occupational therapy educators to deliver services to clients.
To culminate their training, students undertake a 14-week Capstone experience at a site of their choosing, allowing them to develop in-depth knowledge in areas such as clinical practice, research, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development.
The PRESS department offers a range of practical experiences to complement theoretical learning. Students engage in various activities, such as event planning and delivery, that mirror real-world scenarios in recreation and sports science. These experiences help students develop essential skills in organization, leadership, and teamwork, preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Launching Careers in Healthcare and Beyond
CHS prepares its graduates for success in various healthcare settings. After completing their programs, they are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination and apply for state licensure. This opens doors to careers in hospitals, clinics, schools, industries, home health, and skilled nursing facilities.
Additionally, they can pursue specialty certifications and practice areas like hand therapy, pediatrics, mental health, neurology, orthopedics, hippotherapy, and academics.
CHS alumni have found employment in prominent Kentucky medical systems such as UK HealthCare, Saint Joseph Health System, Central Baptist Hospital, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, Clark Regional Medical Center, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children Medical Center Lexington, and Eastern State Hospital. They also work in K-12 schools across all counties and pediatric clinics like Hogg Therapy and Marshall Pediatric Therapy. Furthermore, they are employed by major skilled nursing facility providers like Encompass Health and industries such as Toyota.
The recreation and tourism industry is a significant sector globally. In fact, tourism employs one out of every ten people worldwide. Eastern Kentucky University stands out with its unique recreation therapy program – the only one in the state – and its Recreation and Park Administration program is the 8th longest accredited program nationally. This recognition makes EKU an attractive choice for students.
The university’s sports management program has received national recognition as well. Sportsdegreeonline has ranked it among the Top 20 programs in the nation. Students can also kick-start their physical therapy and athletic training careers through EKU’s pre-BS programs.
Dr. Daniel Czech: Championing Positive Psychology and Performance Excellence
As Dean and Professor at CHS, Dr. Daniel Czech embodies visionary leadership. He is deeply committed to the success and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, as well as the growth and advancement of the college.
Dr. Czech fosters a nurturing environment that promotes holistic growth, built on the values of TRUST, OPTIMISM, BELONGINGNESS, and SERVANT LEADERSHIP (TOBS). He recognizes that personal and professional development are intertwined, so he actively supports initiatives that help students, faculty, and staff thrive in all aspects of their lives.
By spreading positivity in the workplace, Dr. Czech cultivates a sense of belonging among faculty and staff. He believes each employee is valued and accepted. His message to students centers around academic excellence and self-belief. Dr. Czech encourages students to embrace their uniqueness, explore their passions, and seize opportunities to become future leaders in their professions.
Dr. Czech takes great pride in seeing students succeed and carry their passion for the profession into the future. His advice is simple: chase your passion! Find a career that brings joy to your life, considering TOBS principles along the way. Students with optimism and a servant’s heart will make a difference in the world.
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