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College of Health Sciences

College of Health Sciences

Contribute to the Success and Vitality of Your Community

Apply theoretical foundations to practical environments and be prepared to take on tomorrow’s challenges in a rapidly changing health and wellness environment. EKU’s College of Health Sciences offers a broad array of health and wellness programs allowing students to pursue their passions and enter into a rewarding career that can impact their communities, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and beyond.

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close up of an EKU nursing student checking the blood pressure of a patient manikin in a bed with blood pressure cuff and stethoscope

Discover our Clinical Skills Laboratory and Simulation Center

Hands-on clinical lab experiences are crucial for healthcare students and professionals. The college of health sciences provides opportunities for all our students to participate in these essential experiences and gain proficiency in essential techniques, opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, bridge gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and procedures.

Student Stories & Features


  • Uniquca Abrams

    EKU BS in Nursing Graduate
    I am an Eastern Kentucky University graduate from the Fall 2020 Baccalaureate Nursing program. The exceptional education I received at EKU paved the way for my current role in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Being able to provide care and support to this resilient community is a privilege, and my passion for nursing and public health continues to grow.
  • Rachael Young

    EKU Master of Science in Nursing – FNP Graduate
    EKU’s Rural FNP program has been nothing short of amazing. I can honestly say that the faculty and staff truly care about their students. They see us not just as paying students, but as individuals with lives outside of school: as people who have kids, family, and other time-requiring commitments. There were several times throughout the program that I had challenging life events arise, and my professors always listened to and worked with me. They helped me work though these moments with grace and understanding. They embodied the compassion we should emulate.
  • Nicole “Nicki” Brown

    EKU Master of Science in Nursing – FNP Graduate
    I researched for hours when choosing a program. My non-negotiables were a program that was highly ranked, and prepared me for passing boards and entering practice. I chose EKU’s program because it checked all the boxes. One added bonus was that it is a rural health FNP program. Working in critical access the last 6 years, I realized just how big of an impact increasing access to healthcare could be. I can finally say that I am graduating with my MSN and will be able to make an impact in underserved communities.

Message from Interim Dean, Dr. Michael D. Ballard

Greetings! Welcome to the EKU College of Health Sciences (CHS) where we are dedicated to advancing health and wellness through our excellent academic programs, faculty research, staff support and community service and engagement. We invite you to explore our websites to learn more about our programs, research initiatives, and student engagement with our community partners and stakeholders.

Our dedicated faculty are experts in the field and experienced practitioners. We value teaching and mentoring the next generation of health and wellness professionals. Whether you are a prospective student exploring possible majors, a practitioner considering coming for an advanced degree, or a community partner, we invite you to explore the opportunities CHS offers.

In CHS, we have the following departments:

  • Environmental & Public Health, Administration & Medical Sciences (EPHAMS)
  • Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
  • Parks, Recreation, Exercise and Sport Science (PRESS)
  • School of Nursing

We offer a variety of associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees across the spectrum of disciplines. Explore our programs (majors and concentrations) in environmental health science and sustainability, exercise and sport science, health care administration, medical laboratory science, nursing, public health, occupational science/occupational therapy, recreation and park administration and sport management. We encourage you to visit the college and departmental websites for additional information. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

– Dr. Michael D. Ballard, Ed.D., MCHES

photo of mike ballard

College of Health Sciences Mission & Vision

Mission

Our Commonwealth is our common health. With a guided focus on student transformation, our purpose is our people. We demonstrate this through our recruiting and selection of faculty, staff, and students from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives; innovative strides in teaching and research to enhance knowledge; continuous performance improvement in operational efficiencies; and being intentional with community engagement endeavors. We listen to our people, affirm our purpose, and take action to this end.

Vision

To make a sustainable impact through the development of future health science practitioners. We strive to optimize the success, health, and well-being of the students and communities that we serve.


Upcoming Events

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Thu
04

Fall 2025 Graduation

December 4, 2025 at – December 5, 2025 at calendar-multiday
Thu
12

Provost's Leadership Institute

February 12, 2026 at – February 13, 2026 at calendar-multiday
Thu
19

High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
Mon
02

EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

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03

EKU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance

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20

News & Updates

EKU’s Brad Hall Selected for Graduate Medical Education Development Fellowship

Brad Hall, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) chief medical and strategic partnerships officer, has been welcomed into the second cohort of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Development Fellowship, a program of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) in partnership with the University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. […]

EKU Public Health Leads Evaluation of Kentucky Lung Cancer Screening Program

More Kentuckians screened. Lung cancer detected earlier. Longer, healthier lives. Put simply, that’s the goal of a research project in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Health Sciences.  November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which puts the spotlight on the prevention and education measures being implemented across the country. Kentucky has the highest incidence and […]

EKU Hosts Healthcare Forum at the Capitol to Address Physician Shortages Across Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) hosted a Healthcare Forum on Oct. 15 at the Kentucky State Capitol to discuss EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine and how it can help address Kentucky’s physician shortage. According to the Kentucky Physician Report from the Center of Excellence in Rural Health, 94% of the state’s counties are experiencing a […]

Contact Information

College of Health Sciences

Rowlett Building
Room 203

4373 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1523
Fax: 859-622-1140