COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES.
At the University of Wyoming, the College of Health Sciences is where students become leaders in healthcare, wellness, social services, and scientific discovery. With nationally accredited programs, dedicated faculty, and strong partnerships across the state, we prepare students to make a difference— whether in a rural Wyoming clinic, a community agency, a research lab, or a global public health initiative. Our programs combine classroom excellence with real-world experiences that equip graduates for high-impact careers in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
As Wyoming’s flagship health college, we are deeply committed to serving our communities. Our students, faculty, and alumni contribute to better health outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Whether you’re a prospective student, a counselor, a policymaker, or part of the UW community, we invite you to explore the College of Health Sciences and discover how we’re building a healthier future for all.
UW’S COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
trains health and wellness professionals and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, speechlanguage pathology, social work, kinesiology, public health, health administration and disability studies. The college also oversees medical residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne, as well as operating a speech/hearing clinic in Laramie and primary care medical clinics in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne.
With more than 1,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the college is dedicated to training the health and wellness workforce of Wyoming and conducting high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and frontier populations.
Communication Disorders has been an area of study at UW for over 70 years, the first bachelor’s degree was awarded in 1952! Today, the Division of Communication Disorders offers a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, as well as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Our M.S. program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Additionally, we offer a Certificate in American Sign Language Studies, which attracts students from a wide range of majors.
DIVISION OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
Our faculty are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, advancing both basic and clinical science to improve communication across the lifespan. The UW Speech & Hearing Clinic at Mountain View Medical Park provides vital services to individuals across the state, with over 2,800 patient visits each year. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our academic programs, clinical services, and the impactful research being conducted by our faculty.
• M.S., Speech Language Pathology
• B.S., Speech, Language and Hearing Science
• Certificate: American Sign Language Studies Degrees
DIVISION OF KINESIOLOGY AND HEALTH
Degrees
• B.S., Physical Education Teacher Education
• B.S., Kinesiology and Health Promotion
• Master of Science, Kinesiology and Health (“Quickstart” option – earn BS+MS in 5 years)
Emphasis areas for MS programs include:
• Exercise and Sports Science
• Health Promotion and Education
• Physical Education Teacher Education
• Biomedical Sciences PhD*
The Division of Kinesiology and Health represents a longstanding commitment to understanding human movement, health, and wellness. Building on decades of experience in physical education and exercise science, the division has evolved to address contemporary health challenges and performance enhancement.
We offer comprehensive bachelors, masters and PhD degree options. Programs emphasize hands-on learning through extensive laboratory experiences and practical internship opportunities. The recently developed innovative international programs and study-abroad experiences offer global perspectives on health and performance.
FAY W. WHITNEY SCHOOL OF NURSING
Bachelors Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree (BRAND) is an accelerated Bachelor of Science (BSN) option for students with a previous non-nursing baccalaureate degree who desire to become a registered nurse.
The UW Nursing School aims to improve, promote and protect health for Wyoming and beyond through scholarly inquiry, Evidence Based Practice (EBP), and education of nurses as innovators and leaders in healthcare, fostering nursing education and innovation in healthcare for Wyoming.
Offering multiple BSN degree pathways for graduates entering the profession, to Advanced Practice degrees, the UW Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing is leading healthcare education and innovation for Wyoming.
The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing boasts a ‘small school’ atmosphere, accepting a maximum of 40 students into the on-campus bachelor’s degree nursing option each year
Degrees
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• BSN – Bachelors Reach of Accelerated Nursing Degree (BRAND)
• BSN Completion
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Biomedical Sciences PhD
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
School of Pharmacy prepares students to become leaders in the healthcare field. Pharmacists play a vital role in patient care, offering expertise in medication management and ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. The School of Pharmacy exists to advance the educational and professional development of our students, generate and translate scientific findings into meaningful innovations in healthcare, and positively impact the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Graduates of the program are equipped for a wide range of career opportunities in diverse sectors of pharmacy, including community pharmacies, hospitals, medical practices, academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and government agencies.
Degrees
Early Assurance Program
Qualifying high school applicants who are declaring prepharmacy as their major can be provisionally accepted into the professional pharmacy program as freshman.
Dual Degree Programs:
Students can pursue the following dual degree programs while working on their Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
· BS Physiology/PharmD
· MSHSA/PharmD
· MBA/PharmD
HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Current healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers can enroll in a Master of Science in Health Services Administration. Designed for the busy lives of working professionals, focusing on Health Institution Leadership or Bio-Pharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance.
11
22
Health Institution Leadership Group: Prepares students for high-level roles in healthcare administration, health system management, and policy development.
Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance Group: Ideal for those working in or pursuing careers in managed care, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and specialty pharmacy.
33
Classes provide you with opportunities to communicate and collaborate with our faculty and other students across the US and Canada to gain additional viewpoints.
The MSHSA program provides students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for senior managerial and planning roles in the healthcare sector.
“ “ “ “
Our MSHSA program will launch you into a world-class learning environment and prepares students to lead, plan, and innovate across today’s complex healthcare landscape.
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
UW’s Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are essential members of the healthcare team. They are highly trained professionals who apply advanced scientific knowledge and technical skills to perform, interpret, and ensure the quality of diagnostic laboratory testing. They utilize cutting-edge instrumentation and techniques to deliver critical data that supports informed clinical decisionmaking, patient care, and medical research. In addition to laboratory analysis, medical laboratory scientists contribute to quality assurance, regulatory compliance, information systems, education, and healthcare innovation.
Our Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) Program builds on a foundation of Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) coursework and provides advanced instruction in clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), microbiology, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics, laboratory management, clinical research design, and education methodology.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the MLS program at UW Casper is delivered in a hybrid distance-learning format, allowing students to complete their studies while living anywhere in the region. This model supports both traditional students and working professionals seeking career advancement.
The hybrid nature of the MLS degree allows students to access coursework from anywhere in the state or region. The MLS program isn’t simply the only one of its kind in the state; it’s also an exceptional opportunity for future laboratorians!
Where Can a Degree in Social Work Take You?
Graduates of our BSW and MSW programs are creating change in Wyoming and beyond. With strong clinical skills, leadership experience, and rural practice expertise, our alums serve in diverse roles across a variety of settings:
• Child Welfare & Family Services
• Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation and Community Reentry
• Healthcare & Hospitals
• K-12 Schools & Higher Education Settings
• Mental Health & Counseling
• Non-profit Organizations
• Policy & Advocacy
• Rural & Community Practice
• School Social Work
• Substance Use & Recovery
DIVISION OF SOCIAL WORK
In the Division of Social Work at the University of Wyoming, we’ve been preparing social workers to lead change for more than 50 years. Our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, first accredited in 1974, is available on both the Laramie and UW-Casper campuses. This offers students the flexibility to study close to home or experience both communities, and to start and finish their studies at either campus. Our Master of Social Work (MSW) program, accredited since 1999, includes a full-time option in Laramie and, as of Fall 2023, a part-time option on the UW-Casper campus tailored for working professionals.
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Master of Social Work (MSW) Degrees
WWAMI MEDICAL EDUCATION
The Wyoming WWAMI Medical Education Program is a unique partnership between the University of Wyoming and the University of Washington School of Medicine. Each year, we welcome up to 20 qualified Wyoming residents to join this dynamic program designed to prepare compassionate, skilled physicians ready to serve the diverse communities across Wyoming and the broader WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho).
Highlights include:
• Integrated, Active Learning Curriculum
• Early Exposure to Clinical Skills Training and Clinical Medicine
• Community-Based Projects and Community Engagement Experiences
• Longitudinal Mentorship and Support
• Progressive Clinical Responsibility in Rural and Urban Settings
• Wyoming WWAMI offers a personalized medical education focused on rural medicine, community engagement, and clinical excellence, equipping students to make a lasting impact on the health of Wyoming’s people and communities.
“ “
Discover your path to medicine with Wyoming WWAMI—where your journey to becoming a dedicated, compassionate, community-focused physician begins!
“ “
Degrees
Degrees in medicine are awarded through the University of Washington School of Medicine.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
NEW PROGRAM
In Fall 2027, we will launch our new Physician Assistant (PA) program—an exciting addition that reflects our deep commitment to expanding access to high-quality care across the state. The PA program will prepare graduates to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care in a variety of settings. With a focus on training clinicians to serve in rural and underserved areas, the program aims to strengthen Wyoming’s healthcare infrastructure and expand access to essential services. This initiative underscores our commitment to advancing rural health, building a resilient health workforce, and contributing to Wyoming’s long-term well-being and economic vitality. It also builds on our tradition of excellence and reinforces our mission to improve health and well-being through education, service, and discovery.
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
The UW Department of Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs are the only such programs in the state. The Casper and Cheyenne programs were founded in the late 1970s to help meet the healthcare professional needs of the state.
The programs focus on training physicians for full-scope family medicine for rural practice. The residents take care of all patients-”cradle to grave” including prenatal/obstetrical care, pediatrics/adolescent med, gyn, adult preventative and chronic disease management, and elderly patients. They care for patients in all locations of care including clinic, hospital, nursing home, hospice and home visits.
The Casper residency trains 8 physicians per year for 3 years, and the Cheyenne program trains 6 residents per year for 3 years. The Geriatric fellowship in Casper and Thermopolis Rural Training Track (RTT) were the first GME expansion in the history of the University. The Geriatric fellowship trains one physician a year in geriatrics to meet the needs of our aging population.
The Thermopolis RTT trains one Family Medicine resident/year with the first year at the core Casper program and the 2nd and 3rd years in the rural site. It is a proven and successful model of providing robust rural training in a rural setting. The clinical pharmacy residency is a one-year postgraduate training program that provides pharmacists with advanced clinical skills and knowledge in specific areas of pharmacy practice, in this case outpatient primary care.
The clinical site is a federally qualified health center, the Educational Health Center of Wyoming (EHCW), which is federally funded to care for the under-served and uninsured. The dual mission of education and service serves as the foundation of physician training.
EDUCATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS OF WYOMING
The Educational Health Centers of Wyoming were born out of a want and need for quality healthcare for the vulnerable populations in Wyoming communities. In addition, the University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency program has partnered with the EHCW from its inception. This collaborative relationship allows the residents in the program to interact with the patients in the EHCW clinics, providing healthcare services while in a learning environment.
The organization is proud to offer quality healthcare services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The people who work within the walls of our clinics embody the caring and giving spirit that pushes forth our mission. We want to create an environment for our staff, faculty and residents that is welcoming and rewarding. Our clinics and their teams represent the EHCW in the communities of Casper, Cheyenne and Laramie and demonstrate daily the importance of our mission.
RURAL HEALTH INSTITUTE
Wyoming is working to expand ultrasound use statewide through a multi-step initiative that (1) trains healthcare professionals in Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) and (2) strengthens sonographer support in Wyoming. Program components include inperson and online POCUS education for providers; hands-on learning opportunities through Skills Labs and Make-Up Training opportunities in Laramie and Casper; professional development financial support for sonographers and providers; and an Annual Ultrasound Conference offering up to 12 SDMS-approved CME credits.
The University of Wyoming’s College of Health Sciences is working to help educate through the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program. A CHW works within a community as a frontline agent of change, helping people navigate the healthcare system, incorporate health behavior change into their lives, and work toward overall health and wellness. The University of Wyoming CHW Training Program is an online, asynchronous, training program that will give students the skills needed to become a fully trained Community Health Worker.
Disability Studies is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that examines the nature, meanings, and consequences of disability from social, historical, cultural, and policy perspectives. Through this minor (6 courses/18 credit hours), students gain insight into the lived experiences of people with disabilities and apply disability studies research in community-based settings that best enhance their educational goals. Disability Studies is housed in the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), an academic unit in the College of Health Sciences.
Selected Disability Studies Courses
• Introduction to Disability Studies
• Literature & Medicine
• Diverse Minds
• Disability Studies Theory & Practice
WYOMING INSTITUTE FOR DISABILITIES
• Disability Studies Practicum (Field Placement)
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Health Sciences and Pre-Health Advising Office offers support and guidance for any UW student or alumni seeking admissions to professional programs. From initial exploration and course planning to interview preparation and essay review our office supports students on every step of their journey. We also offer freshmen year experience courses to help students get off to a strong start and an application course as students apply to graduate health professions programs.
In addition to working with UW Health Sciences majors, we provide support for graduate health professions including, but not limited to:
• Anesthesiology Assisting
• Athletic Training
• Dentistry
• Dental Hygiene
• Genetic Counseling
• Medicine – MD, DO, & Podiatry
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Physician Assistant
• Physical Therapy
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACCESS
Are you a Wyoming resident considering a career in the health professions? We have a variety of financial opportunities to access these programs and potentially pay for your education. In return for a three-year commitment to serve the people of the State of Wyoming, you can gain access to outstanding educational programs and significant financial support.
WWAMI Medical Education is a partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine to train physicians in a program ranked among the top in the world in primary care.
The WYDENT Dental Education program is a partnership with Creighton and the University of Nebraska Dental schools to train dentists to serve the rural West.
The WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program provides Wyoming residents access to 8 human health care fields* and veterinary medicine at programs throughout the West.
WICHE Fields supported by the State of Wyoming are:
• Medicine (MD, DO and Podiatric)
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Veterinary Medicine
*Veterinary medicine does not currently require a contract to receive funding
The Western Regional Graduate Program also provides Wyoming residents with a wide variety of graduate programs in health care and beyond! Not from Wyoming? The UW Pharmacy program accepts students from states participating in the WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program.
The
UW Masters of Social Work and Nurse Practitioner programs also offer tuition discounts to students from states in the WICHE region.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The University of Wyoming is proud to welcome the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program to our College of Health Sciences. For many years, the program was successfully administered in Casper by the University of North Dakota (UND), whose leadership and commitment to excellence have shaped a tradition of high-quality occupational therapy education in Wyoming. Building on that strong foundation, UW will continue to deliver the same outstanding curriculum and clinical training while expanding opportunities to meet the growing health care needs of our state and region. The OTD program prepares graduates with the advanced knowledge, skills, and compassion to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Wyoming and beyond.
NEW PROGRAM
DENTAL HYGIENE
Sheridan College’s Dental Hygiene Program has been serving students and the community since 1969, making it one of the longeststanding programs in the Rocky Mountain Region. Dental hygienists play a vital role in healthcare by educating patients about the link between oral health and overall well-being, as well as providing individualized care to help them meet their oral health goals. With access to the recently renovated Perkins Health Science Center—including the Kim and Mary Kay Love Dental Hygiene Clinic— students receive hands-on training in a professional environment featuring 24 dental hygiene operatories, modern classrooms, and fully equipped labs.
Each year, 24 students are accepted into the program, which allows for close faculty support and a strong sense of community among classmates. Sheridan College has a unique partnership with the University of Wyoming, offering students the chance to earn both an Associate of Applied Science from Sheridan College and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from UW, sometimes even at the same time. Students also have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at various off-site facilities, gaining valuable real-world experience. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bighorn Mountains, students enjoy both academic and outdoor opportunities during their time at Sheridan College.
CHS INTERPROFESSIONAL SIMULATION SPACE
The College of Health Sciences’ Interprofessional Simulation Space is a transformative resource designed to prepare Wyoming’s future health professionals for real-world, team-based care. This state-of-the-art facility brings together students from nursing, medicine, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, social work, kinesiology, and other disciplines to collaborate in realistic, high-fidelity clinical scenarios. By simulating the complexities of rural and frontier healthcare—where professionals often must rely on each other’s expertise in resource-limited settings—students gain invaluable hands-on experience in communication, decision-making, and patient-centered care. The space not only strengthens workforce readiness but also elevates UW as a national leader in interprofessional education and rural health training.
UW boasts over 250 diverse student organizations, each offering its own unique purpose, culture and opportunities. Twenty of those student organizations can be found throughout the College of Health Sciences. With a focus on the health professions, each of these groups helps students learn leadership skills, benefit from peer support in academia, and simply make new friends. Whether you’re looking to get involved in academics, service, recreation or anything in between, there’s a likely group waiting for you! Explore a complete list of student organizations to find one that excites you and aligns with your personal interests. This is your chance to connect, grow and make a lasting impact!
CHS STUDENT GROUPS
