College of Health and Sciences Technology
The College of Health Sciences and Technology at RIT hosts educational, research, and outreach programs in the health sciences designed to meet both present and future needs and to support innovative advances in healthcare.
The college was established in 2008 as one of the first initiatives of RIT’s Alliance with Rochester General, now Rochester Regional Health.
Physician Assistant Program
Physician assistant students prepare for the future in new state-of-the-art lecture rooms, practice areas, and simulated settings. Here, they gain experience responding to clinical and critical-care scenarios before their clinical rotations in the community, including our alliance partner, Rochester Regional Health.
Priya Szklany
Physician Assistant (BS/MS '16)
Priya Szklany ’16 BS/MS (physician assistant) says the RIT physician assistant program aptly prepared her for work as a health care provider. “The RIT PA program is a superior advanced practice provider (APP) program. The exceptional faculty and staff prepare students to enter the medical field with knowledge, confidence, and compassion. There is an emphasis on continuing education, collaboration, and diligence. These qualities are evident in the core of Rochester Regional Health (RRH).”
Priya rotated at RRH for nine of her 10 rotations. “As a PA student, I was immersed into the RRH health system and a valued member of the team. The clinical rotations allowed me to experience various settings including several inpatient settings at multiple hospitals, and numerous outpatient specialty offices. There is a team-based approach to providing outstanding health care at Rochester Regional Health. As I progressed through the rotations, it was clear I would be joining the RRH family after graduation.”
Priya has now been with RRH for eight years and enjoys working in the primary care setting. “It is a privilege to care for the Rochester community,” says Priya. “There are many opportunities as an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) to have autonomy and practice to the top of my license. Our executive leadership, physician partners and other APP team members value the care we provide. RRH is committed to the alliance with the RIT PA program. I also enjoy teaching at the RIT program for fourth-year students and precepting students in their fifth year.”
Health Coaches
The College of Health Sciences and Technology partners with Rochester Regional Health System and the Greater Rochester Independent Practice Association, a physician organization, to improve the health of chronically ill patients in the Rochester community through student Health Coaches.
RIT students considering healthcare careers are participating in a program designed to help frail patients continue to live in their homes. As health coaches, students remind patients to take their medicine, exercise, and eat nutritiously. They also listen to their clients’ concerns and questions, which in turn helps the coaches identify potential issues that might require additional medical care.
Cory Wyman, Pharm D., Vice President of Care Management and Pharmacy Services at GRIPA, explains, “These students are the health professionals of tomorrow. Their experiences gained by working with patients in their homes and the community will assist in providing them the foundational skills needed to meet the expectations and demands of the changing healthcare landscape with the focus on keeping people healthy, in their homes, and out of the hospital.”
Before visiting patients, students must complete the required seminar class, Community Health Care from Theory to Practice, developed in conjunction with Rochester Regional Health System.
Learn more about RIT's College of Health and Sciences Technology