The Division of Allied Health Sciences was established by the Howard University Board of Trustees on July 1, 1974. Accredited baccalaureate degree programs are offered in Nutritional Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Graduate degree programs are offered in Nutritional Sciences and Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Radiation Therapy and Health Management. The Division seeks to enrich the lives of students as future health care providers, and as useful members of society.

Clinical practice (fieldwork, clinical clerkships, clinical rotations, preceptorships) are required in all Division of Allied Health Sciences Programs. While individual student needs and desires will be recognized, final placement decisions are made by the department faculty who assume responsibility for the selection, approval, and assignment of students to clinical sites. Students are responsible for transportation, fees, and living expenses. They are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the assigned health facilities.

Academic advisement and counseling are readily available for all students. Students are responsible for meeting with their advisors on a regular basis and plan a course of study for meeting degree requirements. Since the demands of the allied health upper division curricula are grater than that required in the freshman and sophomore years of general education study, careful planning is crucial when considering applications for a program.

Students are responsible for additional costs for their education programs. This may include books, supplies and equipment, uniforms, and transportation and lodging costs associated with clinical/fieldwork experiences during the upper division program. Each student is assessed an upper division laboratory fee each semester. All students enrolled in the Departments of the Division are required to pay a one-time Human Clinical Experience fee and receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine.

The Division and University offer some assistance through grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Public health service grants, scholarships, and loan repayments are available in several disciplines. Other loan repayment opportunities are available through hospitals and other health care institutions. Student must submit general financial aid forms (FAF) and be in tough with the Financial Aid Office for complete information.

Howard University tuition costs are often less than many private schools of similar size, makeup and academic diversity. The total varies for undergraduate, graduate, health professional or law student, part-time or full-time student or whether one lives on/off campus. Tuition and fees are assessed on a per semester basis.

According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 of 20 fastest growing occupations through 2005 will be heath related. The demand for health care workers will continue well into the 21st century because of the growing population of older persons, increasing use of technology, and changes in health care insurance coverage.