A common goal of allied health programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) is to prepare students to excel in the allied health professions by promoting innovative thinkers, caring and engaged learners, and those with an openness to learn and share information. Providing quality allied health education at HBCUs remains a challenge, especially during a pandemic.

Such challenges include improving knowledge of allied health professions, increasing student recruitment and retention rates, providing academic and mental health support, utilizing innovative virtual educational methods, and enhancing student success on licensure and certification examinations. The infrastructure that supports this quality education relies on attracting qualified faculty, alleviating faculty shortages, and the continuing mentorship of new educators as well as potential educators.