College and University Teaching for Healthcare and Medical Professionals | Springfield College

College and University Teaching for Healthcare and Medical Professionals

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
(413) 748-3729 
dclough@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contacts

Chris Hakala
Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship
Professor of Psychology
chakala@springfield.edu
(413) 748-4732

Curriculum and Delivery
  • 9-credit certificate
  • 3 course program
  • Flexible courses offered 100% online and are designed to fit the busy schedules of professionals
  • Strong emphasis on science of learning in all courses
  • Cohort with other health care professionals who wish to teach in higher education
  • Curriculum requirements
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in January (spring semester)
  • Three consecutive, 7-week sessions (one week off between sessions)
  • Complete the certificate in 21 weeks
Paying for Your Education
Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, November 12 at 5 p.m.
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Resources for Military & Veteran Students Information Session
Thursday, November 14 at 5 p.m.
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Loni Kearney (Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator) with PA students

The College and University Teaching for Healthcare and Medical Professionals Certificate at Springfield College is designed for health practitioners who have obtained or are near completion of their entry-level clinical degree* and now want to expand their skills and knowledge with a goal of teaching in higher education. The program is designed for health and medical professionals (e.g., nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, physicians, chiropractors, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists) who have preferably worked in a clinical setting for at least two years and who have an interest in either classroom or clinical teaching. 

* Examples of an entry-level clinical degree as defined by the profession include the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Master of Physician Assistant (MPA).

Faculty members each have expertise in the areas in which they teach.

  • Chris Hakala has expertise in the science of learning and runs training programs on how to teach effectively and in line with knowledge of student learning.
  • Julia Chevan is an expert in clinical curriculum development and teaching and has taught for over 30 years both at Springfield College and as a Fulbright Scholar in institutions abroad

To complete the certificate, students take coursework in the organization of higher education, the science of teaching and learning, contemporary issues in clinical teaching, and interprofessional health professional education.

The program will provide all students the opportunity to:

  • Continue in their clinical role and to take on a role as a faculty member or adjunct faculty member in higher education in a health professionals entry-level program.
  • Learn about current issues in higher education teaching in the health professions including clinical teaching, interprofessional education, simulation, and competency-based education.
  • Learn how the science of learning can inform their pedagogy.

Health Profession Faculty are In Demand

According to the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, the U.S. population is aging. In 2010, approximately 13% of the U.S. population was over age 65. By 2030, over 20% of the U.S. population is projected to be over age 65. Sixteen of the projected top 30 fastest growing occupations are health and health-related professions that require postsecondary training. Health professions faculty will play a crucial role in helping prepare future health professionals to provide care for the aging U.S. population.

In the Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions released by AACN in October 2022, a total of 2,166 full-time faculty vacancies were identified in a survey of 909 nursing schools with baccalaureate and/or graduate programs across the country (84.4% response rate). 

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Personal Statement: 500 words or less on why you're interested in pursuing this certificate program. 
  3. Proof of licensure
  4. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:
Spring Start:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1