Health Services (A.A.)
Faculty
Dr. Nicole Betschman, Associate Professor and Program Director of Public Health and Health Services
Faculty representing diverse disciplines in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Arts & Sciences and School of Professional and Graduate Studies collaborate with and contribute to the Health Services program.
Overview
The Associate of Arts in Health Services offered at THEARC – the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus in Southeast, DC – introduces students to the health needs of the population as the healthcare landscape rapidly changes. The Health Services curriculum prepares trusted frontline health workers who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to address disparities affecting quality of health and health service delivery. Students learn methods for increasing community health capacity and building their clients’ health knowledge through a wide range of activities. Students enrolled in the A.A. in Health Services may achieve a Community Health Worker Certificate, become a Certified Nurse Assistant, or become a Patient Care Technician as they progress towards their degree.
Health Services Learning Outcomes
- Students will communicate effectively using written, oral, and digital modalities to advocate for current or emerging health care issues, tailored to diverse audiences and contexts.
- Student will be able to integrate evidence-based practices to develop and justify solutions for complex organizational and client-centered challenges in contemporary health care systems.
- Student will evaluate ethical and legal considerations in decision-making processes as a collaborative member of an interprofessional health care team.
- Students demonstrate leadership by designing and implementing strategies that address the evolving needs of individuals, populations, or health care systems.
Program Requirements
The A.A. in Health Services at THEARC consists of a core curriculum and an area of emphasis. Students can choose between two degree pathways.
Core Curriculum
The Associate of Arts degree program at THEARC requires students to fulfill a general studies core (11 general education courses). All students must take courses in each of the following areas:
Skills for Life and Work (15 credits)
- Writing (3 credits):
- ENGL 106 Writing for Academic & Profess. SuccessFocuses on planning, writing, and revising compositions for academic and professional purposes, including informational, analytical, evaluative, and persuasive compositions. Develops skills in accessing, evaluating, using, and documenting informational sources. Introduces students to professional writing applications, including memos, resumes, and reports. This course is only open to students in the Associate's Degree program. No other students are allowed to register.
- Communication (6 credits):
- COM 101 Introduction to Comm. & Public SpeakingStudies principles of communication, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed to communicate effectively in personal and professional relationships, and in informative and persuasive public speaking contexts. This course is only open to students in the Associate's Degree program. No other students are allowed to register.
- COM 224 Cross-Cultural CommunicationCross-cultural Communication examines basic principles of communication in multi-cultural contexts. Students will analyze the impact of cultural assumptions and values on understanding and communication between individuals and among communities.
This course is only open to students in the Associate's Degreee Program. No other students are allowed to register for this class.
3 credits
- Numeracy (3 credits):
- MATH 111 Applied Mathematical SkillsCovers basic algebra with an emphasis on problem solving skills; elementary mathematical modeling, focusing on applications to real world phenomena; probability theory and applications; and introduction to the use of statistics to describe and analyze data.
3 credits or MATH 112 Finite Math with ApplicationsThis course is intended to provide students with extended critical thinking and reasoning skills. Topics include logic, set theory, problem solving, linear equations and inequalities, and unit conversions. Students will learn about truth values, operations on sets, analysis and representation of material using Venn diagrams, and use of the metric system.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 060 or placement test proficiency.
Gen Ed Area: Skills for Work and Life - Numeracy
- Information Literacy (3 credits)
- INT 117 Introduction to Information LiteracyIn order to be successful in both the academic and professional realm, a student must be able to discover, retrieve, evaluate, manage and communicate all forms of information. The purpose of this course is to help students learn the importance of the internet as a research tool and to enable students to evaluate the quality of information and understand how information is to be used in a way that supports critical thinking and communication of thoughts, ideas, and/or opinions. This course will also give students a clear understanding of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of information.
This course is only open to students in the Associate's Degree program. Formerly ISYS 102.
Understanding Self, Society, and Nature (19 credits)
- Arts & Humanities (3 credits chosen):
- HIS 134 American CivilizationThis course will examine the major developments in American history to 1877 (discovery, colonization, American Revolution, establishment of the Constitution, westward expansion, the role of ethnic minorities and women, Civil War, and Reconstruction). Students will be able to describe key historical terms and theories in American History and demonstrate knowledge of these theories clearly in both written and oral communication; analyze the role of state and federal government and the rights of citizens in terms of the U.S. Constitution; critically evaluate how historians and others have interpreted the American past; analyze various perspectives and interpretations of historical issues and events; identify and explain chronological relationships and cause and effect relationships in history; and evaluate contemporary problems/issues in terms of historical perspectives.
3 credits
This course is only open to students in the Associate's Degree Program at THEARC. No other students are allowed to register.
Prerequisites: None
- Social Sciences (6 credits chosen):
- PSYC 100 Fundamentals of PsychologyIntroduces students to the primary concepts of psychology, and to the tools of psychologists use to study the wide variety of human behavior. Provides a general overview of the fields of psychology through lectures, readings, shsort thought papers, and interactive class activities. The course surveys several major topic areas: the biology of behavior, learning, memory, conciousness, personality, and abnormal behavior. Students will learn to critically evaluate the state of knowledge in the field, particularly as it applies to a higly diverse society as or own.
- SOCY 101 Social IssuesExamines contemporary social issues in the United States using current sociological approaches and theories. Topics include poverty, racism and sexual discrimination, health care, aging, violence, family and community structures, and substance abuse. This course is open only to students in the Associate's Degree program. No other students are allowed to register.
3 credits
- Scientific Understanding (4 credits):
- ENVS 102 Science of the EnvironmentIntroduces non-science majors to evolution, earth science, and plate tectonics with an emphasis on the mid-Atlantic region. Labs include use of the scientific method, development of observational skills, computer-assisted learning, and several field trips. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ENV 101 Discovering Planet Earth.
This course is only open to students in the Associate Degree Program.
- Ethics (6 credits):
- PHIL 252 Practical EthicsDevelops students' abilities to handle problematic ethical situations in their lives and work, and to come up with constructive responses to ethical dilemmas. The course will build skills in respectful, open dialogue about values and ethics. It will also increase students' awareness of and responsiveness to diverse values, including an understanding of tensions between values as well as the importance of seeking common ethical ground. This course is open only to students in the Associate in Arts program.
3 credits
- PHIL 101 Logic and Problem SolvingDevelops skills in reasoning and use of logic to assess arguments. Provides tools for creative and critical thinking. Emphasizes the enhancement of decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. This course is only open to students in the Associate's Degree program. No other students are allowed to register.
3 credits
Major Core Requirements (24 credits)
Students enrolled in the Associate of Arts in Health Services will choose between two pathways: the Community Health Worker or the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Patient Care Technician (PCT) (24 credits). Note that in order to progress through the CNA/PCT pathway, students must first complete the CNA courses (NURS 101 Certified Nursing Aide LectureThis lecture course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for classroom instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing exam. Topics will include the Nursing Assistant role; legal, ethical, professional and safety standards; an overview of human development and body systems and their common disorders; and techniques for patient care. Students who successfully complete this course and the clinical component will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant. 3 credits Prerequisites: Successful background check, 5th grade reading level or above, acceptance into the CNA certification program. and NURS 102 Certified Nursing Aide Lab/ClinicalThis course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for laboratory and clinical instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam. The focus will be hands-on demonstration and practice of patient care skills while maintaining the legal, ethical and professional standard appropriate to the Nursing Assistant. Students who successfully complete both this course and the classroom component will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant. 3 credits Pre- or Co-Requisite: CNA Classroom course
(NURS 101)) including the clinical components and pass the CNA national licensure exam in order to continue to the PCT phase.
Community Health Worker Core
- HPNU 121 Health Comm and Medical TerminPresents the language of medicine required for work in a variety of health care fields. Includes basic medical language, word-building skills, and introductory medical science and health concepts foundational for advanced study in the health professions. Covers how to effectively frame communication, select media, and construct public health campaigns; focuses on skills in informing, empowering, or persuading individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and on fostering public debate for ultimate health policy change.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 101 Intro to WellnessIntroduces and examines all dimensions of health and wellness. Students will evaluate lifestyle choices and how they are impacted by social influences, the health outcomes that may result from these choices, and how these outcomes affect overall quality of life.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 102 Intro to NutritionFocuses on nutrients in food and water including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, and how they interact to promote overall health. Topics include the function of food and water, food sources, food consumption recommendations throughout the lifecycle, and the health consequences of food consumption.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 200 Political Policies and ProcessExplores policies and political processes that impact health care systems and influence patient outcomes. Students will explore the politics of local and global health care through a historical lens and examine how these policies have shaped our current health care systems.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 208 Client AdvocacyExplores patient advocacy against the background and development of the health care delivery system in the United States and the various forces impacting quality of care. Examines trends and issues in health care, the role of the advocate in health promotion, and health education in a complex health care delivery landscape.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 221 Health and Wellness PlanningFocuses on planning successful community health and wellness events, and develops effective communication strategies for community health messaging. Covers the six dimensions of health and wellness as a frame for conducting community-based needs assessments to support implementation of wellness programs. Explores a variety of diverse resources to enhance community health and wellness.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 223 History of Healthcare in DCExamines the history of healthcare in Washington, D.C. and how it has been shaped by various political forces; also explores various health disparities throughout history to present day.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 231 Working in Community HealthFocuses on the roles of Community Health Workers in different populations. Explores advocacy, cultural awareness, and access to services in diverse communities through various group activities and simulations for conflict resolution, client-centered outreach, and behavior change.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Patient Care Technician (PCT) Core
Note that in order to progress through the CNA/PCT pathway, students must first complete NURS 101 Certified Nursing Aide LectureThis lecture course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for classroom instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing exam. Topics will include the Nursing Assistant role; legal, ethical, professional and safety standards; an overview of human development and body systems and their common disorders; and techniques for patient care. Students who successfully complete this course and the clinical component will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant. 3 credits Prerequisites: Successful background check, 5th grade reading level or above, acceptance into the CNA certification program. and NURS 102 Certified Nursing Aide Lab/ClinicalThis course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for laboratory and clinical instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam. The focus will be hands-on demonstration and practice of patient care skills while maintaining the legal, ethical and professional standard appropriate to the Nursing Assistant. Students who successfully complete both this course and the classroom component will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant. 3 credits Pre- or Co-Requisite: CNA Classroom course
(NURS 101) including the clinical components and pass the CNA national licensure exam in order to continue to the PCT phase.
- SNHP 102 Intro to NutritionFocuses on nutrients in food and water including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, and how they interact to promote overall health. Topics include the function of food and water, food sources, food consumption recommendations throughout the lifecycle, and the health consequences of food consumption.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 200 Political Policies and ProcessExplores policies and political processes that impact health care systems and influence patient outcomes. Students will explore the politics of local and global health care through a historical lens and examine how these policies have shaped our current health care systems.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 208 Client AdvocacyExplores patient advocacy against the background and development of the health care delivery system in the United States and the various forces impacting quality of care. Examines trends and issues in health care, the role of the advocate in health promotion, and health education in a complex health care delivery landscape.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- NURS 101 Certified Nursing Aide LectureThis lecture course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for classroom instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing exam. Topics will include the Nursing Assistant role; legal, ethical, professional and safety standards; an overview of human development and body systems and their common disorders; and techniques for patient care. Students who successfully complete this course and the clinical component will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant. 3 credits Prerequisites: Successful background check, 5th grade reading level or above, acceptance into the CNA certification program.
- NURS 102 Certified Nursing Aide Lab/ClinicalThis course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for laboratory and clinical instruction in preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam. The focus will be hands-on demonstration and practice of patient care skills while maintaining the legal, ethical and professional standard appropriate to the Nursing Assistant. Students who successfully complete both this course and the classroom component will qualify to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam for certification as a nursing assistant. 3 credits Pre- or Co-Requisite: CNA Classroom course
(NURS 101)
- NURS 104 Patient Care Technician LectureThis lecture course builds on the Certified Nurse Aide credential to fulfill the requirement for classroom instruction in preparation for certification as a Patient Care technician in the District of Columbia. Topics will include the Patient Care Technician role; professional, legal, ethical, and safety standards; a review of human development and body systems and their common disorders; and advanced techniques for patient care. Students who successfully complete this course and the lab component will qualify to sit for examination for certification as a Patient Care Technician.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Certification as a Nurse Aide in the District of Columbia
- NURS 105 Patient Care Technician Lab/ClinicalProvides hands-on demonstration and practice of patient care skills while maintaining legal, ethical and professional standards appropriate to the Patient Care Technician (PCT). Fulfills the requirement for laboratory and clinical instruction in preparation for certification as a PCT in the District of Columbia. Successful completion of this course and the lecture component provides qualification to sit for examination for certification as a PCT in the District of Columbia.
6 Credits
Prerequisites: Certification as a Nurse Aide in the District of Columbia
Capstone (3 credits)
- SNHP 292 Health Services CapstoneProvides an integrative experience bringing together knowledge, skills and learning acquired throughout the Health Services program, including opportunities to assess theoretical frameworks informing local, national, and international health care and to explore the body of literature on health care delivery.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None Health Services Capstone
Health and Other Requirements
Students pursuing the CNA/PCT pathway will need an immunization form completed by a health care provider to be eligible to participate in clinical rotations, which will be provided by the CNA instructor. There are no accommodations for religious or other exemptions from vaccines.
Other requirements include the following:
- Criminal Background Check
- FBI Fingerprint
- Drug Test: Amphetamine (Methamphetamine), Barbiturates, Benzodiazepine, Cocaine, Marijuana, Methadone, Methaqualone, Opiates (Codeine & Morphine), Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene
- BLS/CPR certification for the Health Care Provider (2-year card)
- Clinical agencies may have additional health or safety requirements which students are required to meet prior to receiving access to the clinical placement site
*NOTE: No student will be allowed to participate in clinical experiences until all health and other requirements have been satisfied.
Stackable Degree Programs
This Associate of Arts in Health Services is one stairstep on Trinity’s ladder of academic offerings in Public Health. Students can earn credentials from the certificate level all the way through to an advanced degree, the Master of Public Health. The undergraduate programs are stacked so that all pre-requisites are met at the lower levels to prepare students for the next degree, with no stranded credits.
Program Policies
Advanced Placement: Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the health services major, but may be accepted to meet core curriculum requirements.
CLEP Policy: Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the health services major, but may be accepted to meet core curriculum requirements.
Transfer Policy: Consult program faculty for information about transferring courses to Trinity.
Grades in Major Courses: A minimum of 2.0 (“C”) cumulative GPA average must be earned in the required courses for the major. A grade of C- may be counted toward fulfilling the requirements, at the discretion of the program faculty, if the overall average in the required courses is at least 2.0.
Pass/No Pass: The pass/no pass grading option is not accepted for courses within the major.
TELL Policy: Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty.