Healthcare Studies

Faculty

Associate Professor: Victoria J. Morrison, chairperson

Professors

Amy L. Everitt, Michele M. Sweeney, Yvonne M. Vissing

Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science Healthcare Studies

The Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Studies is a non-clinical degree preparing students to work in a variety of settings in the healthcare industry. Designed with an interdisciplinary approach, students will complete a core of healthcare studies courses before completing a mandatory minor in their chosen concentration. There is also a completion option for Allied Healthcare providers with an associate degree or certificate to finish a bachelor’s degree.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Services prepares students who would like to enter non-clinical occupations in the healthcare field. These jobs may include:

Health Care Advocate or Lobbyist
Medical and Health Service Managers
Medical Equipment Marketing and Sales
Pharmaceutical Marketing and Sales
Department Managers
Insurance Sales or Claims Reviewer
Wellness Coordinator
Social Services Case Manager

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies requires students to complete 120 credits. A highlight of the program will be an opportunity for workplace observation hours in addition to a senior level internship. This includes 32 credit hours in the Healthcare Studies core with an additional 12 credits of electives to support the core; 35 credit hours of distribution courses in the humanities, natural sciences/mathematics and social sciences; 12 credits of prerequisite support courses and 11-15 credits of free electives. In addition students will complete a mandatory minor of 15-18 credits to support the student’s area of interest in the healthcare field. Suggested minors may include: Accounting, Communication Studies, Computer/Information Studies, Fitness/Wellness, Journalism, Management, Marketing, Public Policy, Public Relations, Social Work, Sociology, or World Languages.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Healthcare Studies Department is to provide foundational, interdisciplinary educational preparation of students to support their engagement in roles and careers in health care. In recognition of the unique interdisciplinary nature of health care we promote a humanistic caring environment which enhances students reaching their potential.

The global goals of the Healthcare Studies program are:

To expose students to the wide range of careers and roles in the health care arena
To prepare students to adapt to the ever changing health care environment
To stimulate students ability to critically examine social problems and issues being faced globally
To ensure students have an understanding of ethical health care practice
To stimulate and support scholarship and research and to facilitate efforts for interdisciplinary collaboration
To foster a sense of civic engagement in the local, national, and global community
To develop an understanding of diverse cultural and social groups to promote respectful relationships
To develop effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills
To identify and explore potential areas of interest as long-term career paths
To instill in students and faculty the value and importance of lifelong learning and incorporating technological innovations