Health Science

Public health topics, both historical and contemporary are important to all citizens and to societal decisions. This survey course provides a foundation for understanding public health through exposure to current health care and policy issues viewed through the perspective of multiple disciplines. Students will learn methodology for understanding population health and developing critical thinking and decision-making skills in the analysis of public health issues using a population-based perspective. The course will provide an ecological understanding of the causation and prevention of disease with an emphasis on health issues that affect society as a whole.
 

The course will educate students on the “language” of healthcare. Students will study the symbols and abbreviations used in medical terminology, and will learn how word parts such as roots, suffixes, and prefixes, act as the building blocks of medical terms. Upon completion, students should be able to pronounce, spell and define accepted medical terms and understand the application as it relates to each system of the body. Body systems include Circulatory, Digestive, Endocrine, Integumentary, Blood/Lymphatic, Muscular, Special Senses, Nervous, Reproductive, Respiratory, Skeletal, Urinary and Mental Health.

This course focuses on the organization, financing and delivery of healthcare in the United States. Students will learn about the public and private sectors of the healthcare system as well as systems of other countries. Students will explore major issues currently facing providers.

Explore the variety of health information systems and technologies used in coordinating care and delivering health service. Develop an understanding of the evolution of health information technology, electronic health record systems, and the national standards applicable to clinical, financial, and administrative data required to manage health services. Student’s practice using electronic health record simulations to access and select the appropriate demographic, clinical, financial, and administrative data often used for reporting purposes. Privacy, security, and confidentiality of protected health information in the electronic environment will also be discussed.

Law and Ethics for Healthcare Professionals introduces legal and ethical issues that impact healthcare professionals. Focusing on an overview of laws and regulations related to the health care industry, students will evaluate moral and ethical issues that they would encounter in their field of study.