Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning turns knowledge into know-how

From patient care simulations, clinical placements, undergraduate research to co-ops and internships, you’ll engage in hands-on, human-centered learning throughout your degree. You’ll gain career experience, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking capabilities that make you a top candidate for careers in the health sciences.

Tech-infused Learning

Technology has revolutionized the health care field by enhancing patient care, improving diagnostic accuracy, and streamlining administrative processes. At RIT, technology is at the forefront of your health care education. You’ll work in state-of-the-art labs and on modern equipment as you gain real-world skills that will set you apart in the field.

Two students and an instructor looking at a display of a skeleton on the digital anatomy table.

Digital Anatomy Table

Engage with 3D simulations of human anatomy, providing a level of depth and interactivity that transforms how you learn about the human body.

An instructor monitoring a student participant's movement data while they are on a treadmill.

Human Movement Lab

Use state-of-the-art equipment like motion capture systems, sonography machines, and diagnostic tools to explore human biomechanics, providing insights into rehabilitation, movement, and overall health.

Clinical Internships and Patient Care Simulations

Health care isn’t just about theory—it’s about practice. Here, you’ll engage in patient care simulations and clinical internships that prepare you for real-world health care settings. Whether you’re working directly with patients in clinical placements or practicing critical decision-making in simulation labs, you’ll gain the technical skills and compassionate understanding that are essential in the health care field.

Three people working on a medical dummy in a simulation lab.

Simulation Labs

Step into lifelike health care environments where you’ll make clinical decisions, refine your skills, and build confidence in your ability to care for patients.

Interior view of the on-site human anatomy lab.

On-Site Human Anatomy (Cadaver Lab)

One of the few undergraduate programs in the country with access to a cadaver lab, CHST allows you to work with real human specimens, deepening your understanding of anatomy and medical procedures.

Learn more about patient care simulations and clinical placements at RIT.

Creative Collaboration Across Disciplines

At RIT, health care isn’t a solo effort—you’re part of a team that solves problems and finds solutions to today’s health care challenges. In our hands-on experiences, you’ll collaborate with students from fields like engineering, design, games, computing, and more to develop solutions that push the boundaries of health care.

An R I T professor holding a 3d-printed prosthetic.

Access Technology Prototyping Lab

Collaborate on projects to create 3D-printed prosthetics, assistive devices, and other technologies that improve patient care and accessibility.

Members of the Studio 930 Design Consultancy, having a discussion.

Studio 930 Design Consultancy

Join cross-disciplinary teams to design and develop health technologies that can transform patient care and improve accessibility.

Explore our collaborative projects and labs.

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships offer valuable opportunities for you to gain real-world experience in a range of health care settings. These hands-on opportunities allow you to work directly with health care professionals in various environments, from hospitals and clinics to ambulatory settings and research labs. You’ll gain valuable skills that help you stand out in your career.

Exterior of the Family Medicine at RIT facility.

Rochester Regional Health Partnership

Take part in exclusive clinical placements and internships within the Rochester Regional Health network, where you can apply your learning in real-world health care environments.

Three medical professionals standing in a group in a hallway.

Co-ops and Internships

Even if co-ops aren’t part of your program requirements, you will have support to pursue these opportunities and gain valuable hands-on experience in patient care, health technology, or wellness.

Learn more about health science co-ops at RIT.

RIT–Rochester Regional Health Alliance

As RIT's official clinical partner, Rochester Regional Health (RRH) plays a key role in shaping your hands-on learning experiences. Through our exclusive RRH partnership, you'll gain clinical hours and training in several health care programs, including physician assistant, diagnostic medical sonography, medical illustration, exercise science, and nutritional sciences. This collaboration enhances your education, providing you with direct access to some of the region’s most respected health care facilities and professionals.

With RRH’s extensive health care network, you’ll benefit from exclusive clinical placements, internships, and mentoring opportunities, giving you the hands-on experience and professional connections needed to succeed in health care.

Learn more about the RIT-Rochester Regional Health Alliance.

Logo lockup of R I T and Rochester Regional Health.

Study Abroad: Global Perspectives on Health

There’s no better way to gain insight into global health challenges and solutions than by experiencing them firsthand. Through study abroad programs, you’ll explore health care systems in other countries and broaden your understanding of how culture impacts health and wellness. From Denmark to the Dominican Republic, our global programs immerse you in different health care environments and help you develop the skills to address global health issues.

A canal in Denmark with colorful houses and boats.

Biomedical Sciences in Denmark

Study in Copenhagen, a leader in drug development and medical research. Visit biotech companies and participate in study tours to deepen your understanding of the global biomedical landscape.

An aerial view of a street in the Dominican Republic.

Global Public Health in the Dominican Republic

Explore health care systems in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, examining differences in health access, personnel, insurance, and treatment.

Learn more about study abroad opportunities for CHST students.

Local and Regional Partnerships

Students in the College of Health Sciences and Technology are gaining more opportunities for interdisciplinary, experiential learning and research locally, nationally, and globally than ever before. Our collaborations with industry partners give you the chance to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

In addition to our long-standing relationship with Rochester Regional Health System and the University of Rochester Medical Center, CHST partners with a variety of organizations. A sampling includes:

  • Abbott Nutrition
  • American Dairy Association and Dairy Council
  • American Heart Association
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Gates Chili School District
  • Heritage Christian Services
  • Hillside Family of Agencies
  • Jewish Senior Life
  • Genesee Dietetic Association
  • Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (a Johnson & Johnson Company)
  • Rochester Psychiatric Center
  • Foodlink
  • YMCA of Greater Rochester
  • The Al Sigl Center (Community of Agencies)
  • Rochester Regional Health
  • Wegmans Food Markets
  • The Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center

These partnerships offer you unique opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research and gain real-world experience in health, nutrition, exercise, food studies, and more.