FAQ's
1. How can I set up an appointment to see an advisor?
You can set up an appointment to see an advisor by calling the Student Support Center at 747-7234. Appointments are required for students who are changing majors into the College of Health Sciences, exploring Health Sciences majors, on academic probation or suspension, seeking reinstatement, or who need assistance with the ROTC 104-R form, Satisfactory Academic Progress Form, or Study Abroad Forms. Most other inquiries can be seen during walk-in hours.
2. Can I come in as a walk-in if I can't make an appointment?
Yes. We have designated Walk-In Hours on specific days. Please view the Calendar for walk-in availability. However, you MUST call 747-7234 to schedule an appointment if you are changing majors into the College of Health Sciences, exploring Health Sciences majors, on academic probation or suspension, seeking reinstatement, or need assistance with certain forms (ROTC 104-R, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Study Abroad). We always advise calling before visiting to check walk-in availability.
3. Do you have to be a UTEP Student or College of Health Sciences student to see an advisor?
No. We will assist anyone who has questions about the College of Health Sciences and its majors. However, we can only advise and remove advising holds for students currently enrolled in a major under the College of Health Sciences.
4. Do I have to see an advisor in person in order to be advised?
No! We can assist you in person, via email, or via a scheduled phone or video appointment with any questions you have.
5. What is the difference between "registration advising" and "general advising?"
Registration advising is advising specifically to help you choose classes for the next semester based on your degree plan, review general policies, and lift your advising holds. Registration advising is mandatory and must be done every semester you wish to attend. In CHS, registration advising can be done completely online, but students can meet with an advisor after completing the online portion of registration advising for additional help.
General advising is everything that doesn't fall under registration advising - questions, concerns, and guidance related to selecting your major, your degree plan, graduation, academic issues, referrals to other departments on campus, or needing assistance with any other aspect of college life. General advising is recommended if you have any questions or are facing any difficulties while at UTEP.
6. I got advised for advising last semester. Do I need to be advised again?
Yes. All students in the College of Health Sciences must be advised each semester.
7. Will I always be advised by the advisors in the Student Support Center?
No. CHS Students are advised through the Academic Advising Center (AAC) until they have earned 46 cumulative credit hours (transfer hours included). All other students (46+ credits) are advised by the Student Support Center until graduation. In addition, students who are accepted into the professional sequences in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or Social Work receive additional advising from faculty members.
8. Can I become a medical doctor through the College of Health Sciences?
Yes - you can major in anything at the undergraduate level to prepare for graduate programs in Medical Schools and other health professions. Currently, in order to become a medical doctor one has to receive a degree from a 4 year medical college (graduate level). Most 4 year medical colleges require a 4 year undergraduate degree along with a number of other prerequisite courses. That being said, a student could earn a bachelor's degree from UTEP in one of the undergraduate majors offered by the College of Health Sciences and complete the necessary prerequisites to apply to medical school. We recommend that students seeking to enter medical school or other health professions speak to the Medical Professions Institute (https://www.utep.edu/science/mpi/) for assistance.
9. Does the College of Health Sciences offer Bachelor's degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech-Language Pathology?
No, there are no bachelor’s degrees offered for these programs at UTEP. The College of Health Sciences currently provides a bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Sciences with concentrations in PT, OT, Rehab Counseling, and Speech-Language Pathology. This major will prepare students to apply for graduate programs in these areas. In order to practice in any of these areas, students must earn a masters or doctoral degree in the field.
10. I am interested in Physical Therapy. Is there a pre-Physical Therapy program at the College of Health Sciences?
UTEP and the College of Health Sciences does have a specific "Pre-PT" curriculum. However, students interested in graduate programs in Physical Therapy can pursue an undergraduate degree in any major while completing pre-requisites needed to apply to PT graduate programs. The Rehabilitation Sciences major in CHS is one such major that can help students prepare for PT admissions.
11.Do you handle advising for nursing students?
No. Advising for nursing students and questions about the Nursing program are handled by the School of Nursing Advisor. Please call 747-7273 for more information.
