2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog

SVC at SHU - Certificate Courses

BI 102– Introduction to Pathophysiology

This course is designed to promote the understanding and application of fundamental disease processes and disabilities. General concepts of disease, including etiology, morphology and clinical significance are discussed. These concepts are applied in a systems oriented approach to disease processes, and concepts of human genetics will be covered. 


Co-Requisites: HRS 104, HRS 109


BI 117 – Introduction to Pharmacology

This course introduces the student to the study of drug action-absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, drug classifications, most commonly prescribed drugs, matching drugs to common conditions and matching drugs to lab findings. Formulary descriptions and use are included.


Co-Requisites: BI 102, HRS 104, HRS 109


BI 341 – Human Disease: Pathophysiology for Allied Health Professionals

This course studies basic physiological systems and underlying system dysfunctions associated with human disease processes across the life span. Relationships between etiologic agents and their consequence to human form and function are stressed. Critical thinking processes integrating symptoms, treatment and prognosis are applied to physiological perspectives. This course is designed for allied health majors.


HMG 301 – Healthcare Systems and Transcultural Healthcare

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the essential elements of U.S. healthcare – the history, the nature of the current health system and its future direction. It provides an overview of the management of the system.

HMG 303 – Healthcare Management and Leadership

The student is provided a broad understanding of the management functions necessary to healthcare professionals. There is a focus on characteristics of effective leadership. Case studies are utilized to apply the principles learned.

HMG 311 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the legal and ethical issues, including relationships between employers/employees, physicians/ employees (nurses, radiographers, etc.), service providers/patients, patients/third party payers, etc. Case studies will be used to help students understand the difficult, yet integral, relationships between all involved
in the delivery of healthcare services.

HMG 315 – Communications for Healthcare Services

Examining the diversity of communication encounters that occur in healthcare systems, emphasis is on development of competencies and skills necessary to communicate effectively in professional situations.

HMG 316 – Healthcare Economics and Finance

Provides an overview of the key factors affecting the economic and financial management of healthcare organizations in today’s environment. Provides the knowledge necessary for health service managers to apply financial management theory and principles to make decisions to promote the financial well-being of the organization.


HMG 350 – Healthcare Administration and Resource Management

Course introduces students to the management of human resources, with particular focus on resource decision making in healthcare environments.

HPR 101 - Introduction to Health Promotion

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the field of health promotion, which includes efforts to improve the health of a population. Current and future issues in health promotion are discussed.

HPR 102 - Introduction to Nutrition

This course covers the nutritional concepts used to maintain good health and the measures required to sustain wellness through the use of foods. The psychosocial role of nutrients and diet in health, as well as various nutritional modalities, are stressed.

HPR 103 - Environmental Health Assessment

Exploring the relationship between the external environment and health, topics including toxic hazards, air, water and soil pollution, and industrial wastes and pollution, students relate these topics with the associated social and legal problems which impact environmental health.

HPR 105 - Health, Illness and Culture

In this course the relationship between health and various cultural forces and social stressors in both rural and urban living is studied. Primitive, folk and scientific methods of healthcare in a variety of cultures are discussed.


HPR 110 - Lay Patient Navigator

A Lay Navigator or Community Health Aide is an individual who is familiar with the communities and acts as an advocate or liaison between community members and the health care system.  Course includes 4 hours of practicum/clinical rotation

HPR 325 - Cancer Survivorship

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers to increase their effectiveness in cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. 


HPR 350 - Patient Navigator

A Patient Navigator  is a trained clinical professional who will guide a patient through the healthcare maze and help to identify different patient financial resources from diagnosis to survivorship.  The Patient Navigator will work with patients to identify and eliminate barriers that may be preventing a timely diagnosis or treatment.  Once diagnosed, the patient and patient navigator will continue through to the health maintenance phase or sometimes prepare for the end of life.

HRS 101 – Insurance Reimbursement and Billing Procedures

Provides the student with the study of uses of coded data and health information in reimbursement and payment systems appropriate to all healthcare settings and managed care. It includes contemporary prospective payment systems and key health plans, charge master maintenance and evaluation of fraudulent billing practices.

HRS 104 – ICD Coding Part I

Designed to provide the student with an understanding of coding basics and their accurate utilization. Emphasis is placed on coding diagnoses using the ICD-9 & ICD- 10-CM systems. Use of official coding guidelines and reporting requirements are discussed. Review/discuss other diagnosis coding systems or code sets including DSM-IV, ICD1O are included. Competencies will be developed with coding exercises.

Pre-Requisites: MED 105

HRS 108 – Introduction to ICD-10-CM

This course will provide a framework on how the ICD-10-CM coding system for diagnosis is used. It will include pathway tracks for physician practices and inpatient coders and for specialty settings, such as, home health and long-term care. It can also include a path for other non-coding healthcare personnel involved in the transition to ICD-10.

HRS 109 – CPT Coding Part I

This course will provide an in depth study of nomenclature and classification systems for CPT coding. It includes the principles and application of coding systems (ICD-9-CM Volume III and ICD-10-PCS, CPT 4, HCPCS) and procedural groupings.

HRS 110 – Introduction to ICD-10-PCS

This course will provide a framework on how ICD-10-PCS for hospital inpatient coding is used. It will include pathway tracks for inpatient coders working in acute care.

HRS 204 – ICD Coding Part II

This class provides an in depth study of nomenclature and classification systems for ICD coding. Coding compliance strategies, auditing, and reporting are discussed. Compare and contrast ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code assignments and conventions. The course utilizes practical examples to reinforce coding principles and provides an introduction to computer applications related to coding.

Pre-Requisites: HRS 104

HRS 209 – CPT Coding Part II

The course will provide an in depth study of the principles and application of coding systems (ICD-9-CM Volume III and ICD-10-PCS, CPT 4, HCPCS). Examples are used including professional fee billing examples in coding (Evaluation and Management services, etc.). There are case studies and more complex code assignments using CPT and HCPCS Level II codes. 

Pre-Requisites: HRS 109


HRS 210 – Clinical Data Analysis

Designed to provide the student with the tools needed to analyze clinical, administrative and financial data to allow for trending of data. The student will learn to understand and create detailed analytical reports in order to demonstrate trends in risk, reimbursement and long term planning. Create improved work flow to improve outcomes related to clinical data. To understand how the implementation of new electronic systems can improve work flow and outcomes.
Pre-Requisites: HRS 204, HRS 209

HRS 211 – Legal and Compliance Aspects of Healthcare

This course is designed to provide the student with the legal side/ethics of coding in the healthcare environment. The course includes relationships between employers/ employees, physicians/employees, service providers/patients, patients/third party payers, etc. Case studies will be used to help students understand the legal and ethical dilemmas in the delivery of health care services.

HRS 220 – Healthcare Data/Structure/Delivery Systems

The course will allow the student to use and build from the knowledge and skills learned in HRS 101, 104, 109, 204, 209 and 210. The HRS 220 course will provide the student with an understanding of the current healthcare environment and entities. The student will gain insight into all healthcare environments. The Virtual Lab and practicum will provide the student with coding practice in a hospital, physician’s office, clinic or other health care settings.

Pre-Requisites: HRS 101, HRS, 104, HRS 109, HRS 204, HRS 209 and HRS 210


NON CREDIT

CST 100 – Central Sterile Processing Technician

This program represents the basic study of Central Sterile Processing and preparation for national certification as a Central Sterile Processing Technician. This certificate program includes human anatomy/physiology, microbiology and infection control, decontamination and sterilization processes, handling, care and identification of surgical instrumentation. This course is designed to provide application of sterile processing functions through in-class and on-site didactic, lecture and demonstration.


CNA 100 – Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistant program (total of 120 hours of theory and clinical) will prepare students for the state licensure exam which measures student nursing skills, knowledge and judgment. The CNA course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. Successful completion and clinical experience qualifies a student to take the state exam for certification as a Nursing Assistant in the State of Connecticut.

PCT 100 – Patient Care Technician

Patient Care Technicians are allied healthcare workers who, upon completion of this certificate program (total of 384 hours of theory and clinical), are CPR certified, technically competent in basic phlebotomy, electrocardiogram, data entry skills and eligible for state certification as a nurse aide. These skills enable the Patient Care Technician to work with a variety of patients in physicians’ offices, clinics, extended care facilities, surgical centers, hospitals, and community agencies. 

PHT 100 – Pharmacy Technician

Offered in cooperation with the Connecticut Pharmacists Association, this 60-hour certificate program prepares individuals to enter the pharmacy field in a hospital, home infusion or community pharmacy as an ancillary working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam to receive national certification. Course content in the program includes: medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, drug distribution systems, IV admixture procedures, medication packing techniques, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control, aseptic technique and pharmacy law and ethics. A strong background in mathematics is recommended and a math placement test may be required. 


NUR 002 – RN Refresher

This seven week (152 hour) program is designed to update the registered nurse who has been away from the acute care practice setting and who is looking to return to staff positions. The program will provides: reinforcement of previous nursing knowledge as it relates to the nursing process and clients in the acute care setting with varied health issues and acuity levels; current therapeutic practices, advances and technology in the acute care setting; hands-on practicum in nursing skills lab and acute care clinical settings. Classes are offered three days per week. Theory and laboratory classes are held at SVC at SHU and clinical sessions are held at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. The program is open to applicants who hold a current Connecticut license as a registered nurse.