About Health Professions

Welcome to the Department of Health Professions at Metropolitan State University of Denver. For 50 years and counting, our Faculty and Staff have been preparing students for the Health Care industry.

A Letter from the Chair, Dr. Erin Seedorf

What drew me to MSU Denver, and specifically to the Department of Health Professions, was its authentic commitment to the students we serve. Our faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom; we’ve held the roles our students aspire to. This positions us uniquely to connect students with vital healthcare and public health communities, organizations, and movements. Through experiential learning, professional networking, and even international opportunities, we aim to cultivate not just knowledge and skills, but the leadership needed to transform communities.

I believe our work should be guided by the mission of the Department of Health Professions: “to provide quality education in preparing students for progressive, professional positions in the dynamic health care industry.” The way we bring this mission to life is where the art of our work lies. I want us to continue centering the diversity our students bring to the classroom, the richness of the communities we serve, and the ever-evolving nature of health and healthcare services. These elements are not just strengths, they are the foundation of our innovation and impact.

Let’s be honest—working in healthcare or public health is challenging, especially in today’s climate. From funding constraints and limited administrative support to persistent health inequities, the barriers are real. But within these challenges lie opportunities. If we can reframe these obstacles as catalysts for innovation, and empower our communities to advocate for their health and well-being, we can become the support system driving meaningful change.

We’re a department that thrives on innovation and collaboration. So come visit us—we’ll have coffee, and we’ll create something amazing together!

Erin Seedorf, DrPH | Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Health Professions | College of Health & Human Sciences

Why choose health care?

Working in the health care field makes significant contributions to the well-being of the people they serve. Whether you are interested in working in a large metropolitan hospital, a clinic in rural Colorado, a public health office, telehealth abroad, or aging services, there is a wide variety of career opportunities. Health care is one of the largest (and growing) industries that enables people to make a good living.

Why choose our programs?

Health Professions’ students are passionate about making a difference. Students (and Faculty/Staff) want to create the change they want to see in the world. Students are not only engaged in the classroom (both in person and online), but also enjoy experiential learning in the community.

Health Professions’ students, faculty & staff are passionate about making a difference in health care to positively impact the world. Our Faculty and Staff are experienced professionals with a wide range of diverse backgrounds and passions. We are committed to your success. Both as a student, and as alumni.

Students are not only engaged in the classroom (both in person and online), but also enjoy experiential learning in the community. Course work is offered both asynchronously, allowing you to study when it is convenient for your schedule, or with synchronous sessions, harnessing the power of live interaction with your professors and peers.

Support continues outside of the classroom. Mentoring by previous alum and industry experts, tutoring, and financial support from scholarships are all available to support students.

What is campus like?

The MSU Denver campus is a vibrant environment in the heart of downtown Denver. As you walk through campus it is common to hear different languages, see diverse groups of students, Faculty and Staff. The broader Denver community includes museums, art galleries, public parks and gardens, the Denver Zoo, an international airport, as well as great dining, and shopping. In addition, Colorado is recognized as a world destination for year-round outdoor activities. Whether you are new to health care or currently in health care looking to further your career, our purpose is to help you achieve your goals.

Thank you for taking time to visit the website.

The mission of the Department of Health Professions is to provide quality education in preparing students for progressive, professional positions in the dynamic health care industry. This is achieved through a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching that is designed to meet the diverse and future needs of our students and the community.

Academic Accreditation is an assurance of the quality of an academic program. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region, including Colorado and 18 other states. The mission of the HLC is to serve the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher learning. For more information, please visit the Higher Learning Commission.