Competency-Based Education in Health Professions
Our health professions programs are founded upon best practices and integrate academic excellence with rigorous practical and experiential preparation. Clinical and fieldwork-based education provides professional role modeling, direct observation and deliberate feedback, patient and client care, and competency development in various settings and contexts.
The core components of our health professions programs are:
- Cultural Humility
- Clinical and Critical Reasoning
- Patient and Client Centeredness
- Ethical and Compassionate Care
- Evidence-Informed Practice
- Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
Clinical Experience by Department
Behavior Analysis
You will receive comprehensive training on the science of behavior, research methods, evidence-based clinical applications, and ethical service delivery across broad domains of research and practice. Our interactive curriculum, experiential learning, and supervised student research requirements will help you become a scientist practitioner, preparing you for clinical and leadership roles post-graduation.
Nutrition
The Nutrition department offers abundant research and clinical experience opportunities, and our applied training requirements exceed most peer programs. You will learn through simulation, bench-lab training, and clinical skills practice with actual patients in acute care settings.
Physical Therapy
Clinical experiences are planned to coincide with your coursework and level of expertise. As you progress through the clinical education program, you will manage increasingly complex patients in different contexts with increased independence and confidence.
Public Health
We offer the opportunity to participate in internships, service-learning, and research opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate level, enhancing the in-classroom experience and allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of course concepts. Two in-person immersion courses are available for graduate students, one in Boston focused on racism, oppression, and health, and one in southern Arizona focused on immigration, health, and restoration in the borderlands.
Spotlight on Students and Alums in Health Professions
Celebrating the 2025-26 Passionate Leaders Scholars
Six undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected for a $3,000 grant that supports student-driven initiatives focused on advancing scientific research, improving communities, and represents unique voices through the arts and humanities.
Internship Student Combines Nutrition and Athletics
Marie Bazarbachian ’25MS, ’26DIP is an athlete focusing on clinical nutrition. We spoke with her about a customizable education at Simmons and her service to her community.
Undergraduate Focuses on Clinical Nutrition
Zoe Papas ’26 is a nutrition and dietetics major. We spoke with them about their interest in clinical nutrition, hands-on learning, and the welcoming atmosphere at Simmons.
Aspiring Physical Therapist Researches Heart Health
A senior in the Health and Exercise Science + Physical Therapy DPT (4+3) program, Jennah Harvey ’26, ’29DPT is engrossed in her capstone project on the cardiac effects of caffeine. We spoke with her about research/internship opportunities and the welcoming atmosphere at Simmons.
First-Gen Commuter Student Navigates Higher Education
Valeria Cardoza ’27 shares her unique experience as a first-generation student at Simmons, and a participant in the Bonner Leaders Program.
PT Graduate Student Appreciates Accelerated Education
Zuzanna Misztela ’26, ’28DPT is a 3+3 student in the Department of Physical Therapy. We spoke with her about the value of an accelerated education and the supportive atmosphere at Simmons.
Simmons Nutrition Student Supports Women and Children
Clarissa Palencia ’24, ’26MS is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion + Dietetic Internship (MSDI) Track. We spoke with her about her interest in women’s nutrition and the supportive community at Simmons.
3+3 DPT Student on Timing and Transition
Ashley McGrath '25 '27DPT shares her experience in the Accelerated Program in Health and Exercise Science & Physical Therapy (3+3).