The School of Allied Health Sciences (SOAHS) is one of three health professional schools at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical
University (FAMU). The school was established in recognition of the need to provide
access to quality education in a group of rapidly growing health professions. The
school is divided into five divisions: Cardiopulmonary Science, Health Care Management,
Health Informatics and Information Management, Occupational Therapy (which offer a
Health Science–Occupation and Wellness Concentration) and Physical Therapy (which
offer a Health Science–Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration).
Since its start in 1982, SOAHS has experienced continuous involvement in education,
practice and research that has contributed to the strong reputation of each academic
division within the school. Each division is accredited by its respective accrediting
body. Overall, FAMU ranks as the number one producer of African-American allied health professionals
in the State of Florida. SOAHS has been successful in attracting substantial extramural funding, and it has
received over $4 million from the Department of Health and Human Services to support
programs designed to increase the number of minorities and other underrepresented
persons in the allied health professions.
After completing their degree requirements, highly trained professionals assume leadership
roles in their discipline throughout the state and nation.
The mission of the School of Allied Health Sciences is to provide an enlightened and
enriched academic, intellectual, moral, cultural, ethical, technological, and student-centered
environment for the purpose of educating individuals to become competent allied health
professionals who are capable of:
• Complex critical thinking
• Comprehensive communication skills
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Analysis and involvement in research processes
• Improving the health status of under-represented and underserved populations
• Lifelong learning
This mission will be accomplished through the contributions of dedicated faculty and
staff that are capable of meeting student needs through inspired and creative teaching,
exemplary scholarship and meaningful public, community, and professional service at
local, state, national, and global levels. As a result, students will be prepared
to meet existing and emerging health care needs that will benefit the citizens of
Florida, the nation, and the world.
The School of Allied Health Sciences, as an exemplary health professions entity within the Florida A&M University, views itself as a provider of the highest quality academic experiences at graduate and undergraduate levels, through excellence in student advising, teaching, research and service, in existing and emerging health care arenas, for the benefit of the citizens of Florida, the nation and the world.
The School of Allied Health Sciences considers the following to be core values for students and faculty: Scholarship, Ethics, Excellence, Openness, Collaboration, Diversity, Service Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Collegiality, Freedom, Fiscal Responsibility, Accountability, Courage, and Honesty.
"Our faculty consist of scholars in their respective disciplines and are dedicated to excellence in teaching and service. Their commitment is to produce highly trained professionals who are qualified to become outstanding leaders and practitioners."
-Cynthia Hughes Harris, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA