Undergraduate Professional Programs

In addition to the Allied Health Sciences major, we offer three undergraduate professional programs that will prepare you for national certification exams in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences, Dietetics, or Medical Laboratory Sciences. These programs are open only to juniors and seniors and require a competitive supplemental application and admissions process. Admission to UConn or to the Allied Health Sciences major does not guarantee admission to a professional program. Each program has its own prerequisites, sequence of courses, and clinical rotation experience requirements.

Application deadline for professional programs: February 1 (for fall semester start)

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences (DGS)

brightly colored DNA strand - Diagnostic Genetic Sciences undergraduate professional programUndergraduate DGS students learn how to evaluate chromosomes and DNA to help predict risk factors for disease, diagnose disease, and identify prognostic biomarkers of survival or therapy. You can choose between two concentrations: Cytogenetics (the study of chromosomal abnormalities and their relationship to human disease) and Molecular Diagnostics (the study of DNA, RNA, and proteins and the application of molecular biology to medical testing). After completing the DGS program, you will be eligible to sit for the American Association for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam. Learn more about majoring in DGS!

Dietetics - Coordinated Program

brightly colored array of healthy food - Dietetics undergraduate professional programDietitians focus on the relationship between an individual's food intake and overall health, helping people translate scientific findings and recommendations into practical choices for health lifestyles. In Allied Health Sciences, students interested in pursuing a career in Dietetics can apply to the Coordinated Program, which includes both didactic coursework and supervised practice experiences over two academic years and a six-week externship following your final semester. Completion of the program will prepare you to sit for the Dietitian Registration Exam, which then makes you eligible to apply for certification as a Registered Dietitian. Learn more about majoring in Dietetics!

Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)

laboratory scientist works with samples in the lab - Medical Laboratory Sciences undergraduate professional programMedical Laboratory Sciences (sometimes also called Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Sciences) is the branch of laboratory medicine that deals with the study of blood and other body specimens to aid in the diagnosis of human disease, determine optimal therapy, and monitor the progress of treatment. As  Medical Laboratory Scientist, you're part of an exciting and growing field where you serve as an integral part of the healthcare team and provide results that impact up to 80% of important medical decisions. After completing the MLS program over two academic years and a summer session, you will be eligible to sit for the Association for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam. Learn more about majoring in MLS!