Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Purpose
This degree is intended for students who have an interest in healthcare roles which provide managerial, educational, and/ or clinical expert direction as well as attracting those students on a pathway toward graduate study. The Health Sciences program intends to stimulate continued professional development and advancement toward graduate education. The Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences is available as both a Four degree program and a Completion program. The Completion program is for allied health practitioners who have earned an Associate Degree with an allied health concentration. Many baccalaureate programs do not recognize the specialized preparation of allied health practitioners, and the credits they have earned in their specialty are often not transferable to other institutions. At Wilmington University, up to 75 credits can be applied towards the baccalaureate degree. Our completion degree is projected to assist allied health practitioners to advance in their relative disciplines by preparing them for expanded roles in allied health.
Program of Study
This baccalaureate degree includes courses in professionalism to provide a basis for transition to novel roles in healthcare and provides opportunities for exploration of the many dimensions of professional practice. Students will be introduced to medical law and ethical issues specific to the provision of health care and will develop an understanding of public health principles and public policy surrounding health care. Topics of health education within a range of consumers and leadership skills for healthcare will be explored and will lead to enhanced practice in the healthcare field. The program is offered at the New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown sites, and 100 % online. Students can pursue their education on a part-time or full-time basis.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to practice as leaders in their discipline, in a variety of roles. The curriculum provides a foundation for graduate education and for career mobility.
Cooperative Learning Experiences
The Co-op option allows students to complete selected core Health Sciences courses in a supervised educational work setting related to the student's major field of study. Cooperative learning experiences (co-ops) are available in the Health Sciences program for HSC 323: Health Education and Principles of Teaching and HSC 333: Leadership for the Healthcare Professional. Elective courses may also be structured as co –ops.
To be eligible for co op courses, the student must have completed 60 credits and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. The students must contact the Chair of the Health Sciences program and the Director of the Co-op program one semester prior to the start of a co-op assignment. For additional information on the CAP/Co-op program option, please see the website: www.wilmu.edu/coop/
Program Competencies
In addition to achieving the Wilmington University undergraduate graduation competencies given in the Academic Information section of this catalog, undergraduate students in health sciences programs will achieve the following competencies:
- Use critical thinking strategies including reasoning, problem solving, and evaluation, as a basis for identifying and addressing issues within the health sciences profession.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
- Access, use, and evaluate evidence based information effectively and appropriately. Use technology to effectively locate and communicate information.
- Synthesize and apply knowledge and skills from the humanities and sciences as a foundation for evidenced-based practice for the health sciences profession.
- Demonstrate commitment to self-directed lifelong learning to promote personal and professional development.
- Integrate legal and ethical principles into professional practice and decision-making.
- Demonstrate an understanding of issues related to cultural competencies in healthcare delivery.
- Demonstrate an understanding of policy and public health principles that enact to shape health care.
- Appraise research and integrate findings into healthcare practice.
- Evaluate and formulate strategies for health education planning and assessment as well as learner-centered teaching.
- Exhibit leadership qualities and collaborative behavior in preparation to lead effectively in the interprofessional healthcare role.
Health Sciences Admission
General Requirements
Students are admitted to the University without regard to race, age, creed, sex, or national origin.
Additional Information
The College of Health Professions requires a minimum grade of “C-” for all health sciences core courses.
It is mandatory that all health sciences students complete a background check, drug screen and submit required credentials during HSC 303. Details are provided in the program handbook available through the Health Sciences Student Blackboard site. Please be advised there is a one time outside vendor fee required to complete the mandatory credentialing. This one time fee is the responsibility of the students. Previous screening will not be accepted.
Curriculum
Students are urged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Program Chair to plan their course sequence. The program of study will vary depending on transfer credits, part-time or full-time status, and credit earned in alternative ways.
General Education Requirements (39 credits)
ECO Economics Elective (3 Credits)
HUM Humanities Elective (6 Credits)
Free Electives (12-20 Credits)
Science Core (16-20 Credits)
Choose a minimum of four (4) of the following:
Social and Behavior Core (6 Credits)
Health Sciences Core (24 Credits)
| HSC 303 | Professionalism in Health Sciences | 3 |
| HSC 313 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare | 3 |
| POL 380 | Health Care Policy | 3 |
| HSC 323 | Health Education & Principles of Teaching | 3 |
| HSC 333 | Leadership for the Healthcare Professional | 3 |
| HSC 343 | Research for Evidenced Based Practice | 3 |
| HSC 423 | Essentials of Public Health | 3 |
| HSC 433 | Health Sciences Practicum/ Capstone | 3 |
Health Sciences Electives (15-18 Credits)
Choose 15-18 Credits from the following:
Health Science Upper Level Electives
and/or
Embedded Certificate Courses
and/or
CAP/ co-op option (semester)
Note: Students must speak with an academic advisor before registering for any Health Science Elective.