HCS 200 (3 credits)
Foundations of Healthcare Science
This course will identify current information in healthcare science and how it relates to different healthcare science professions. Various topics covered include medical ethics, legal obligations, the human body and wellness. Medical terminology is discussed as well as the importance of evidence-based research.
HCS 300 (3 credits)
Writing for Healthcare Science
This required course emphasizes how to think critically and write effectively within the field of Healthcare Science. The approach focuses on the role of the Healthcare Science professional as an informed consumer of research and other evidence for the best practices within the healthcare industry. Evidence-based principles are viewed as a lens through which all information is critically analyzed. Students review and analyze the research of others with an emphasis on adequacy of design, appropriateness of the analysis, and generalization of the results. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to the study of health are presented and compared, and the course stresses the importance of critical evaluation. Professional writing is designed to introduce students to a set of advanced intellectual and rhetorical skills. Various forms of writing for Healthcare Science professionals are practiced including research reports, data-driven summaries, literature reviews, the development of educational brochures and materials and grant writing.
HCS 310 (3 credits)
Health & Wellness over the Life Span
This course focuses on the issues of health and wellness throughout the life span. Students learn various challenges concerning health and wellness including sociological, psychological, physiological and economic factors that can impact their overall health. Disruption of homeostasis and common disease conditions as they present through the lifespan will be addressed. Motivational strategies, techniques, and plans for designing age-appropriate exercise and fitness programs will be discussed and implemented. Current research in health and wellness programs will be studied and evaluated for effectiveness.
HCS 320 (3 credits)
Healthcare Science & Cultural Competency
This course focuses on the health care beliefs in a variety of cultures that interact with the health care system in the United States. The myriad of factors presented by diverse individuals and communities will be examined including: geographical, societal, economic, political and spiritual factors. Cultural competency for the Healthcare Science professional will be defined, modeled and practiced. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement.
HCS 330 (3 credits)
Healthcare Literacy & Advocacy
This course will focus on the value of health literacy as an ideal for our country. Students will discuss the present barriers to that ideal and propose strategies for overcoming them. The requirements for health literacy for patients, providers, communities and society will be explored and strategies propose to contribute to health literacy at each level. Current national, state and local initiatives to address health literacy will be described and explored. The ethical principles of health care will be used as course themes to establish this need for literacy, advocacy for individuals and communities and health care reform.
HCS 340 (3 credits)
Healthcare Science Management
This course examines the organizational principles, practices, and pertinent management of health service organizations. Topics covered include quality improvement, risk management, strategic planning, financial planning and control, medical terminology, and medical ethics. Managerial implications of emerging issues in health care area also discussed.
HCS 400 (3 credits)
Healthcare Systems and Policy
This course introduces students to the U.S. health services system, describing healthcare institutions and the variant strengths and challenges of those systems, providers, payment practices, and significant health legislation. It examines current trends and perspectives against a historical background. This course focuses on health care delivery systems, including practice models and multi-level methods of intervention for effective service in health care, including health promotion, disease prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, continuing care, and discharge planning. Examples of topics covered include the use of current ICD system in assessment, screening and intervention including workplace health promotion and community crisis intervention. The impact of differences in ability, age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, gender (including gender identity and gender expression) marital status, national origin, race, religion or spirituality, sex, and sexual orientation will be examined, as these relate to various health practices, policies and services. This course will help the student analyze the various components of American health care policy, including political and economic policy, as well as the process of policy formulation. Current medical legal and ethical questions are examined.
HCS 410 (3 credits)
Community Health Organization and Administration
This course explores the health care system and its evolution in the United States. Provides a review of health related study of the US health care system and its structure, finance, governance, personnel, and cultural values. Economic, political, and social forces are observed.
HCS 420 (3 credits)
Current Issues in Healthcare Science
This course focuses on the current issues in Healthcare Science/health care related to society. The focus on wellness and health care at the individual, community and global perspective will be explored. Investigation of emerging trends, practices and procedures including current research and implications will be discussed in the healthcare science/health care fields will be explored.
HCS 430 (3 credits)
Healthcare Science Capstone
The purpose of this course is to guide and facilitate the final development of the professional attitudes, practices and skills necessary for effective leadership within the Healthcare Sciences, with an emphasis on the roles and functions of those in leadership positions. Competencies and roles covered in the course include those related to motivation, accountability, organizational awareness, conflict resolution, negotiation, critical thinking and analysis, innovation, professionalism, change management, collaboration, influence, and communication. The overall outcome of this course is to develop and present a capstone project in the area of Healthcare Science, in alignment with the student's professional goals and aspirations.
Contact Information
Thomas G. Porrazzo PhD, LAT, ATC
HCS Program Director
Associate Professor
Francis Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 220-B
Phone: 610.796.8311
