Health Services (B.A.)
Faculty
Dr. Nicole Betschman, Associate Professor and 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 Studies collaborate with and contribute to the Health Services program.
Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Health Services is an interdisciplinary program designed to address the current and emerging needs in a changing health care landscape. The Health Services curriculum prepares students to promote delivery of efficient, quality driven health care through a core curriculum that includes a foundation in health care systems, health care policy, finance, and data management. The degree program offers students the option to complete the Core + 4 (core classes and 4 selective courses) which leaves the option for students to add a minor to their degree plan. Minor courses may not double-count for the Health Service major; they must be distinct courses in the minor discipline.
The Health Services major is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Professional Studies. A Health Services minor is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences.
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.
Major Requirements
Required Core Courses (36 credits)
All of the following courses:
- HPNU 120 Medical TerminologyThis is an 8-week course designed for individuals interested in learning the language of medicine required to work within a variety of health care fields. The student will acquire word-building skills in the field of medicine and will have a solid understanding of basic medical language and a foundational start on basic medical science and health related concepts that will be useful for other courses within the health professions.
1 credit
Prerequisites: None
- MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsThis course presents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, graphical representations of data, normal probability distributions and the Central Limit Theorem, linear correlation and regression and probability theory. This course also offers an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 102, MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course.
- PHIL 251 BioethicsExamines the legal and moral issues in areas dealing with the biology of human health and development, for example, experimentation on human subjects, organ transplants, euthanasia, abortion, fetal tissue use, contraception, and other aspects of human reproduction, as well as questions regarding rights to health care. Formerly PHI 211 Applied Ethics: Bioethics.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs
- SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
- PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II
- SNHP 220 Health Promotion, Policy and PoliticsThis course explores political factors that influence patient outcomes and health promotion strategies to enhance health and health care systems. Students are engaged in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems, determining accessibility, accountability and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed, and the effect this has on patient care.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Curriculum: Applications Area
- SNHP 224 Health Care Systems and Global HealthThis course provides an interdisciplinary overview of approaches to global public health. Students will interpret how issues related to public health can be understood from local, state, national, and international perspectives. Students will synthesize the evidence about leading and managing people in health care organizations and systems. Issues addressed included how health care systems are organized and administered in varying national and local contexts; the impact of cultural, economic and political factors on public health outcomes; and key policy and ethical debates related to the provision of global public health. Formerly Health Care Systems and Global Health
Prerequisites: None
3 credits
- SNHP 330 Research and Evidence-Based PracticeIntroduces fundamentals of research design, methods, data collection, analyzing results, and discussion of findings. Focuses on the entire research cycle from forming a research question, drafting a proposal, designing protocols, understanding research ethics such as IRB guidelines, patient safety and rights, to presenting or disseminating findings in professional and scientific settings. Outcomes include development of a student research project.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 110
Gen Ed V: Capstone Seminar
- SNHP 342 Health Care FinanceThis course focuses on the concepts, principles, tools, finances and strategies used in managing operations within a performance improvement model. Students will explore problem solving and decision making models as well as tools and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, reporting, and improving the productivity and performance of resources within a healthcare system. Additionally, topics will include healthcare finance reimbursement, budgeting processes (capital and operating), and cost/benefits analysis.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 405 Informatics and Data ManagementThe focus of this course is on the integration of nursing, computer, and information science for the support of professional nursing practice including critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Discussion and examination will be conducted of: ethical considerations in nursing informatics use of social networking tools, handheld computers and e-portfolios in health care environments.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 490 Leadership Skills in Health ProfessionsEquips students in health professions with leadership skills necessary for effective and ethical practice. Explores aspects of successful leadership with emphasis on application in the healthcare context. Utilizes theoretical frameworks, case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises to develop the leadership skills that contribute to a dynamic and ever-evolving field. Satisfies the Internship/Leadership requirement for Health Services in the School of Professional Studies. Open to all majors as an elective. (PGS students) or SNHP 491 Health InternshipFosters connections between academic coursework, applied experiences in health professions, and relations with client communities through internships in healthcare organizations such as local, state, or federal public health agencies, not-for-profit entities, or private sector companies. Provides supervised observation or application of skills and knowledge in health services and/or public health fields. May include opportunities for project-based service-learning with a community-based organization to uniquely enhance knowledge and professional development and practice entry-level skills in community settings.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Senior status (CAS students)
- SNHP 499 Senior Health SeminarInterdisciplinary capstone focuses on analysis of health-related issues from local, national, and global perspectives with the goal of recommending interventions for various specific problems. Practical applications include producing a scholarly thesis identifying and critically evaluating theories and empirical findings regarding hypothesized relationships between biological, sociopolitical, psychological, behavioral, and environmental variables and outcomes in a topic area. Various leadership theories will be introduced to promote understanding of one?s own and others? leadership styles as entry-level health professionals.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduating Senior status; Health Services or Public Health major; C or better in SNHP 330
Electives (12 credits)
Select FOUR of the following courses:
- BADM 110 Foundations of ManagementFoundations of Management would provide an overview of key concepts and practices in the field of management and organization. Topics would include structure and design, decision making, goals and effectiveness, culture and performance measures. Th is course would introduce students to a broad range of the basics of management preparing them for more specialized courses in the business program.
3 credits
General Education Applications Area: Leadership
- BADM 226 Organizational BehaviorThis course will provide an overview of selective OB theories relevant to the practice of management and decision making. Issues will include motivation and morale, perception, job satisfaction and quality of work /life and change management. The course work will consist of discussion, role play, case studies and practitioners presentations.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 110 or EXSC 321 (exercise science students only) or by Permission of Instructor
- BADM 236 Theories of LeadershipThis course will survey significant leadership theories, discuss current leadership issues (ethics, motivation, conflict) and relate theory to practice through case discussion.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 110, or EXSC 321 (exercise science students only) or by Permission of Instructor
- BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology IA systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year -long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
Pre-/Co-requisite: MATH 102, MATH 108 or MATH 109.
Pre-requisite: BIOL 101 (SPS); pass BIOL 101 with a C or better or placement test score (CAS).
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area.
- BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology IIA systematic approach to the study of the human body. The second part of this year-long course emphasizes the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. Prerequisite: C or better in BIOL 121. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
- COM 201 Interpersonal CommunicationOffers an introduction to the fundamental theories and principles of interpersonal communication with emphasis on analyzing and assessing the communication skills necessary to create and sustain effective communication in personal and professional relationships.
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding Self, Society, and Nature
- COM 225 Intercultural CommunicationApplies basic principles of intercultural communication to the analysis of specific situations involving cultural differences. Emphasis is on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication. Models of intercultural communication analysis are developed and applied to issues dealing with relations between a dominant society and subcultures, social change, and international relations.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
- ECON 101 Microeconomics ITeaches how to think like an economist and make more informed decisions. Builds models of economic activity that provide a framework for understanding the real world. Explores the supply-demand model of competitive markets, followed by other models that show how markets operate when they aren't purely competitive. Assesses the proper role of government in the marketplace and how government can improve welfare when markets fail to be efficient. ECON 101 is a prerequisite for all higher-level economics courses and fulfills the Social Science General Education requirement.
3 credits
- ECON 102 Macroeconomics IPresents key variables that summarize an economy. Uses economic analysis to explain why economies grow over time but also exhibit repeated cycles of boom and bust. Explores government-level policies that affect an economy as a whole, and models for analyzing their effects. Fulfills the Civic Knowledge General Education requirement and is required for upper level economics courses.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 is preferred, but students may take ECON 102 first.
- HPNU 200 Nutrition, Diet Therapy, and Health PromotionComprehensive survey of the biochemical basis of nutrition and disease for those intending to major in nursing or clinical health professions. Provides a foundation for understanding metabolic syndromes such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the impact of diet therapy on optimal health in wellness planning. Addresses social, physiological, psychosocial, behavioral and cultural influences on nutritional status and allows students to examine and analyze their own dietary values and beliefs. While not required, a basic understanding of chemistry is recommended.
3 credits
- PEH 121 Nutrition & WellnessIdentifies nutritional challenges affecting overall health. Topics include making conscious choices regarding nutrition, incorporating new food groups, identifying signs of emotional eating, body image issues, stress and time management, online tools to evaluate one?s food consumption and activity levels, and finding and utilizing available nutrition resources.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- PSYC 211 Social PsychologyStudies the individual interacting in a social context. Theories of attitude formation and change, social perception, and small group behavior are examined, as well as current theories, research, and methodology. Formerly PSY 255 Social Psychology.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
- PSYC 235 Psychology of AgingStudies human development from early adulthood to old age. Interaction of social, psychological, and physiological aspects of development are emphasized. The course is of special relevance to students planning careers to serve the growing population of senior citizens. Formerly PSY 231 Psychology of Aging.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
- PSYC 262 Psychology of WomenEmphasizes the experience of women and girls using theories and research about development across the lifespan. The course stresses the inter-relationships of biological, socio-cultural and psychological factors. Central issues explored in the course include: identity, interpersonal relationships, gender roles in various cultures, and women's roles in the workplace.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Credits: 3
- PSYC 343 Drugs and Human BehaviorFocuses on the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs, including medications (anti-depressants, neuroleptics) as well as alcohol and illegal substances (narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, etc.). Creative class formats utilize video, exercises, discussion, and readings to examine the biological, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences of drug use and effective approaches to treatment. Formerly PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and BIOL 101 or BIOL 111 or BIOL 112
General Education: Capstone Seminar
- PSYC 385 Ethnic & Cross Cultural-PsychologyExplores cultural components in theory and research in psychology. The interplay of individual, ethnic, and societal factors in psychosocial development will be emphasized.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, SOC 100, and at least three additional credits in Psychology
- SNHP 103 Medical Assistant Administrative SkillsProvides knowledge and skills required for entry-level medical assistant administrative and clinical functions in an office setting. Skills include maintaining patient records, billing and coding, appointment scheduling, and other administrative duties. Successful completion of the two-course medical assistant series (Medical Assistant Administrative Skills and Medical Assistant Clinical Skills) confers eligibility to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 104 Medical Assistant Clinical SkillsProvides knowledge and skills required for entry-level medical assistant clinical functions. Skills include assisting physicians with examinations, preparing patients for laboratory and diagnostic imaging procedures, and administering medications. Successful completion of the two-course medical assistant series (Medical Assistant Administrative Skills and Medical Assistant Clinical Skills) confers eligibility to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
3 credits
- SNHP 201 Introduction to Public HealthIntroduces the population health approach to public health, including a history of public health and an overview of core disciplines, current events, and issues in the field. Topics range from infectious disease outbreaks and control, the role of diet and physical activity in chronic disease, and the intersection of emergency services and preparedness with public health. Examines public health institutions and systems at the local/state, federal and global levels, and explores the future of public health.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 228 Patient AdvocacyThe focus of this course is on patient advocacy. The course considers patient advocacy within the background and development of the health care delivery system in the United States and the forces associate d with q uality of care. The course explores trends and issues impacting health care delivery and the role of the advocate in health promotion and health education in a complex health care delivery landscape.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 230 Community Health Workers in the U.SThis course focuses on the role of Community Health Workers in different populations. Students will focus on advocacy, cultural awareness, and access of services in communities. The course will include various group activities and simulations for conflict resolution, client-centered outreach, and behavior change.
3 credits
- SNHP 321 Health & Wellness ProgrammingThe course focuses on theoretical approaches to behavior change while examining public health issues. Students will examine various methods of planning and implementing programs to fit various populations, paying attention to underserved populations and how to be culturally competent. Formally EXSC 321.
*3 credits
- SOCY 320 Sociology of Health and Illness (Medical Sociology)The course presents an in-depth conceptual and topical introduction of medical sociology, based on the premise that we cannot understand health by focusing only on the biomedical factors, rather we must also consider the social, cultural, political and economic forces that are instrumental in shaping health outcomes. The course applies the sociological perspective to understand the experience and social distribution of health and illness as well as the organization of health care and health care delivery systems and associated patient outcomes.
3 credits
Prerequisite: SOCY 100
- SOCY 321 Inequality and SocietyExamines classical and contemporary theories of social stratification. Are we all created equal? Can we become equal? Particular emphasis is on the American class structure, its impact on social institutions, and the importance of gender and race as factors contributing to inequality in society. Formerly SOC 378 Inequality and Society.
3 credits
Prerequisites: SOCY 100
- SOCY 361 The Black FamilyProvides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Black families, including immigrant families from Africa and the Caribbean. The course covers four broad content areas: historical/theoretical approaches to the study of Black families; Black family patterns (including socioeconomic, demographic, and intergenerational patters); socialization within Black families; and advocacy for and gender relations within Black families. Formerly SOC 302 The Black Family.
3 credits
Prerequisite: SOCY 100.
- SOCY 381 Understanding AIDS: Interdisciplinary SeminarProvides students with a multi-dimensional approach to understanding AIDS. The course examines AIDS as a social construct utilizing Writing Across the Curriculum and cooperative learning techniques to build an interdisciplinary knowledge of AIDS. Formerly INT 340 and SOC 340 Understanding AIDS: Interdisciplinary Seminar.
3 credits
Gen Ed V: Capstone Seminar
- SOWK 211 Introduction to Social WorkIntroduces the profession of social work and the wide range of factors that influence generalist social work practice. Surveys the historical development of pro-social policy and practices of the profession, with particular focus on issues of social justice. Methods, fields of practice, knowledge and skills fundamental to social work are presented throughout. Discussion will also include current issues confronting the profession, volunteer and para-professional experiences, and guest speakers. Formerly HRE 200.
3 credits
Students majoring in Health Services are permitted to complete the Community Health Worker Certificate; however, certificate courses may not also satisfy the Plus 4 requirements. Students who complete the Health Services minor are not able to complete the Community Health Worker Certificate, and vice-versa.
Minor Requirements (19 credits)
Students interested in the minor in Health Services complete a total of 19 credits. Students who complete the Health Services minor are not able to complete the Community Health Worker Certificate, and vice-versa. Students pursuing a degree in Public Health are not permitted to minor in Health Services.
Required Core Courses (13 credits)
All of the following courses:
- HPNU 120 Medical TerminologyThis is an 8-week course designed for individuals interested in learning the language of medicine required to work within a variety of health care fields. The student will acquire word-building skills in the field of medicine and will have a solid understanding of basic medical language and a foundational start on basic medical science and health related concepts that will be useful for other courses within the health professions.
1 credit
Prerequisites: None
- SNHP 220 Health Promotion, Policy and PoliticsThis course explores political factors that influence patient outcomes and health promotion strategies to enhance health and health care systems. Students are engaged in understanding how health care policy shapes health care systems, determining accessibility, accountability and affordability. Students will evaluate how health care delivery systems are organized and financed, and the effect this has on patient care.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Curriculum: Applications Area
- SNHP 224 Health Care Systems and Global HealthThis course provides an interdisciplinary overview of approaches to global public health. Students will interpret how issues related to public health can be understood from local, state, national, and international perspectives. Students will synthesize the evidence about leading and managing people in health care organizations and systems. Issues addressed included how health care systems are organized and administered in varying national and local contexts; the impact of cultural, economic and political factors on public health outcomes; and key policy and ethical debates related to the provision of global public health. Formerly Health Care Systems and Global Health
Prerequisites: None
3 credits
- SNHP 321 Health & Wellness ProgrammingThe course focuses on theoretical approaches to behavior change while examining public health issues. Students will examine various methods of planning and implementing programs to fit various populations, paying attention to underserved populations and how to be culturally competent. Formally EXSC 321.
*3 credits
- SNHP 342 Health Care FinanceThis course focuses on the concepts, principles, tools, finances and strategies used in managing operations within a performance improvement model. Students will explore problem solving and decision making models as well as tools and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, reporting, and improving the productivity and performance of resources within a healthcare system. Additionally, topics will include healthcare finance reimbursement, budgeting processes (capital and operating), and cost/benefits analysis.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Electives (6 credits)
TWO of the following courses:
- SOCY 320 Sociology of Health and Illness (Medical Sociology)The course presents an in-depth conceptual and topical introduction of medical sociology, based on the premise that we cannot understand health by focusing only on the biomedical factors, rather we must also consider the social, cultural, political and economic forces that are instrumental in shaping health outcomes. The course applies the sociological perspective to understand the experience and social distribution of health and illness as well as the organization of health care and health care delivery systems and associated patient outcomes.
3 credits
Prerequisite: SOCY 100
- SOCY 327 Sociology of Mental IllnessThis course surveys sociological approaches to the study of mental illness. After reviewing theoretical foundations of the sociology of mental illness, the course covers two basic topics: social epidemiology of mental disorders and distress (the distribution of disorders and distress in the population and their correlation with social variables, i.e., gender, social class and race) and hospitalization for mental disorders. This course will emphasize equally the empirical and the theoretical aspects of the sociology of mental disorder and distress.
- SOCY 381 Understanding AIDS: Interdisciplinary SeminarProvides students with a multi-dimensional approach to understanding AIDS. The course examines AIDS as a social construct utilizing Writing Across the Curriculum and cooperative learning techniques to build an interdisciplinary knowledge of AIDS. Formerly INT 340 and SOC 340 Understanding AIDS: Interdisciplinary Seminar.
3 credits
Gen Ed V: Capstone Seminar
- PSYC 235 Psychology of AgingStudies human development from early adulthood to old age. Interaction of social, psychological, and physiological aspects of development are emphasized. The course is of special relevance to students planning careers to serve the growing population of senior citizens. Formerly PSY 231 Psychology of Aging.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
- PSYC 343 Drugs and Human BehaviorFocuses on the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs, including medications (anti-depressants, neuroleptics) as well as alcohol and illegal substances (narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, etc.). Creative class formats utilize video, exercises, discussion, and readings to examine the biological, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial consequences of drug use and effective approaches to treatment. Formerly PSY 212 Drugs and Human Behavior.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and BIOL 101 or BIOL 111 or BIOL 112
General Education: Capstone Seminar
Accelerated Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) Degree Program
During their senior year, Public Health majors who have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA have the opportunity to enroll into up to two Master of Public Health courses (one course each semester). These course will be counted as electives for the undergraduate program, and may also apply to MPH graduate curriculum requirements. Students must meet with the program director to obtain approval to enroll in the courses. Approval for undergraduate enrollment in individual courses does not confer admission to the graduate program. Students wishing to continue to the MPH must apply to the program through admissions. Click here to learn more.
Additional Requirements
Health Services Senior Assessment
Students are required to take Senior Seminar (SNHP 499) in their last semester prior to graduation. Students must take and pass Research and Evidence-Based Practice (SNHP 330) with at least a ‘C or better’ before registering for Senior Seminar (SNHP 499). Students must earn a final grade of “C” or better in Senior Seminar (SNHP 499).
Internship
Students who are completing their degree in the College of Arts and Science must take SNHP 491: Internship when they reach Senior status. Students who are completing their degree in the School of Professional Studies take SNHP 490: Leadership Skills in the Health Professions to satisfy the experiential learning requirement.
Students enrolled in SNHP 491 are required to obtain their own internship placement and it must be approved by the internship professor. Students must complete their hours during the semester in which they are enrolled and may not start hours until the semester of enrollment begins. Students and their internship supervisor must sign a learning agreement prior to starting their hours.
Internship placement sites may have additional health or safety requirements that students must meet prior to receiving access to the internship site.
NOTE: No student will be allowed to participate in internship experiences until these other requirements have been satisfied.
Transportation: Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from internship placement sites. Trinity’s free shuttle service connects the Main campus with the Brookland Metro station.
Program Policies
Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill the requirements of the Health Services major.
CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill the requirements of the Health Services major.
Transfer Policy
Consult program faculty for information about transferring courses to Trinity.
Grades in Major Courses
A minimum 2.0 (“C”) cumulative grade point 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 a 2.0. This policy applies to the required Health Services core courses except MATH 110 and PHIL 251.
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.