College Catalog

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Studies is a 129-credit major for individuals who are currently or soon will be certified, licensed, or registered in a health care profession (BAH), or for students interested in the occupational therapy assistant (BAO), emergency medical services (BAE), radiography (BAR), physical fitness specialist (BAS), cardiovascular technology (BAC), or surgical technology (BAG) major who also wish to earn the bachelor's degree. The goal of this program is to prepare health care practitioners to function in a dynamic health care environment and to enable building on current knowledge and skills to assume positions of leadership. The major may be completed either full or part-time to accommodate students' work schedules. Students can avail themselves of the core knowledge, at an advanced level, that guides all health care practitioners. This curriculum provides students the opportunity to increase their knowledge base in management and administrative issues; to integrate and synthesize technical knowledge to assist in planning, problem solving and evaluating health care delivery methods and systems; and to expand knowledge and skills to establish a more marketable multi-skilled background.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this major will be credentialed health care practitioners. This degree can offer opportunities within disciplines and/or health care systems, to expand clinical roles and/or seek positions of management, administration, or education. The program may also be used as a route of preparation for master's level studies.

Recommended High School Subjects

A science-based academic program at the high school level is recommended for this major. However, an individually developed program of college level course work can be designed to augment high school (or secondary) course work.

Special Admissions Requirements

Individuals entering this major will be credentialed health care providers or preparing for entry into an approved, articulated health care training program. Based on evaluation of the applicant's health care credentials, a maximum of 47 credits are applied to this degree. The major is designed around 129 credits to include college core, major/program core, and at least 15 credits pertinent to the student's individual goals. There must be at least 24 credits at the 300-400 level. Interested students will need to meet with their specific program director or department head to learn more about acceptance, curriculum sequence and schedules. Students who are credentialed health care providers will need to contact the department head or school dean of the applied health studies program for admissions information.

Remediation Strategies

All developmental needs must be remediated before entry into this major. Students who enter this major must have a GPA of at least 2.0.

Transfer Procedures

Health care workers who are certified, licensed, and/or registered in a health care area are eligible to be evaluated for entry into this major. Individual portfolios/credentials/transcripts will be evaluated by School of Health Sciences officials for transfer credit. Students interested in a health care training program at a non-traditional education site (e.g., hospital) can be considered for entry into this major as a "pre" or provisional acceptance student IF the institution/program has a formal articulation agreement with the School of Health Sciences. See "Special Admissions Requirements" above for specific conditions and restrictions for entry under this option.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• evaluate and utilize techniques and skills for problem solving and decision making.
• value and formulate plans for continuing personal and professional growth and development.
• recognize and evaluate effective organizational, operational, and management skills common in health care environments.
• evaluate the effectiveness of health care delivery in a varied and changing environment.
• evaluate and use professional literature and scientific studies.
• recognize and evaluate the roles of leadership in developing, organizing, and managing programs relevant to the needs of health care.
• identify and assume personal accountability for ethical, political, and legal concerns within the realm of health care practice.
• identify, integrate, and value the need for cultural sensitivity in health care practice.
• draft reports, case studies, grants, and/or proposals that include appropriate documentation and that demonstrate mastery of the full range of writing skills.
• integrate professional behaviors and communication into professional roles and serve as a role model for other health care professionals.
• understand and apply the fundamentals of funding sources and systems that affect health care.
• gain familiarity with the technologies available within the health care environments, recognizing uses and limitations, applications and sources.
• expand knowledge and skills in specific topics related to health care practice, as determined by the individual's professional growth needs.

Curriculum