Department of Clinical Health Professions

We incorporate experiential, evidence-based, patient-centered training through innovative technology.

Overview

The Department of Clinical Health Professions (DCHP) is where education, technology, experiential learning, and research focused on healthcare intersect. The expansion of knowledge and technology and the increasing demand for high quality care necessitates the need for highly-trained healthcare professionals. The DCHP is a leader in preparing compassionate, well-rounded, well-educated healthcare professionals and leaders. We do this through innovative, high quality educational and practical experiences, with an emphasis on clinical medicine, medical imaging, behavioral health, and research that embraces the rapidly changing knowledge, technology and clinical landscape.

  • Accredited, cutting-edge programs that stress the application of knowledge.
  • Rigorous, hands-on approach and practical experience.
  • On-campus state-of-the-art equipment, digital therapeutics, and simulation facilities, which supplement clinical education and provide hands-on experiences.
  • Exceptional licensure and certifications pass rates and job placements.
  • Engaging and passionate faculty about education and breakthrough research who are fully committed to developing exceptional and compassionate healthcare professionals and leaders.
  • Diverse, ambitious, and innovative students.
  • Internal and external clinical affiliations, partnerships, research, and internships that provide students with relevant knowledge, in real-world settings with real-world problems.
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, shared governance, and high ethical standards.
  • Student-centeredness and career path.
  • Collegiality, respect, collaboration, and teamwork.
  • Creativity, innovation, and excellence in teaching, research, and learning effectiveness.
  • Academic excellence, practical experiences, and lifelong learning.
  • Interdisciplinary, inter-professional and collaborative spirit.
  • Pursuit of new and emerging clinically related career areas.
  • Development of curricula in response to changing technology and healthcare.
  • Effective communication, development and establishment of internal and external clinical affiliations and partnerships, which expand educational experiences, professional growth, and career prospects.
  • Establishing innovative solutions and new knowledge that makes a difference in the delivery of patient care and the future of healthcare.
  • Engagement and collaboration with alumni, medical industry, and local, regional, national, and global communities.
  • Humanism and compassion, which complement career-oriented knowledge and skills.
  • Integration and utilization of state-of-the-art medical imaging and other technologies in education and research.
  • Compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and guidelines.

Accreditation

Our bachelor of science degree in diagnostic medical sonography and physician assistant program are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants respectively. Please visit each program webpage for more information about program accreditation and organizations.

Our priority behavioral health and clinical psychology internship is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation.

Degree Programs

In RIT’s diagnostic medical sonography degree you’ll use learn to use ultrasound to diagnose, evaluate, and treat a range of medical diseases and conditions.

Learn more about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) BS program 

Dive deeper into the different disciplines of sonography–including abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, small parts examination, and much more–as you further your understanding of ultrasound technology.

Learn more about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) Certificate program 

Develop an expertise in examining the heart using ultrasound technology as you gain the skills necessary to excel in this exciting health care field.

Learn more about the Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound) Certificate program 

A physician assistant degree that provides diagnostic and therapeutic patient care by eliciting medical histories, conducting physical examinations, diagnosing illnesses, determining treatment, providing medical advice, and much more.

Learn more about the Physician Assistant BS/MS program 

News

  • December 1, 2023

    graphic with the text, 20 23 to 20 24 distinguished alumni awards.

    Distinguished Alumni Award winners named for 2023-2024

    Twelve RIT alumni have been honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards for the 2023-2024 year. The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented annually by each of RIT’s nine colleges, the School of Individualized Study, and the RIT Graduate School to alumni who have performed at the highest levels of their profession or who have contributed to the advancement and leadership of civic, philanthropic, or service organizations.

  • June 12, 2023

    seven researchers posing for a photo outside of R I T's clinical health sciences center.

    RIT and FDA test digital therapy/avatar to treat addiction, reduce intimate partner violence

    Researchers from five colleges at RIT are testing a new way to deliver mental health therapy to people struggling with alcohol/drug addiction and aggressive behavior. RIT is running a randomized clinical trial with the Food and Drug Administration to test the therapy platform “RITchCBT” as a tool for treating people whose substance use disorders have led to intimate partner violence.

Facilities

  • A group of people performing a sonogram on a patient
    Ultrasound Scanning Suite

    To remain a leader in educating technically sound sonographers, the diagnostic medical sonography program emphasizes not only on the didactic aspect of learning, but also the practical, hands-on, clinical aspect.

  • Patients sitting on medical tables in a mock exam room receiving examinations
    Physician Assistant Lab

    Arranged as a central classroom with mock examination stations positioned around the perimeter, the Physician Assistant Lab provides opportunities for lecture and break-out stations that support clinical skill training for physician assistant majors.