Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

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-year degree program and a Completion degree program. The Completion program is for allied health practitioners who have an earned Associate Degree with an allied health concentration. Many baccalaureate programs do not recognize the specialized preparation of allied health practitioners, and the credits earned in their specialty may not be 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 with a range of consumers and leadership skills for healthcare will be explored and will lead to enhanced practice in the healthcare field. The health sciences degree completion program builds on prior learning and provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their chosen 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 Cooperative ("Co-op") Learning option allows students to complete selected Health Sciences core courses in a supervised educational work setting related to the student's major field of study. 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.

Eligibility for co-op learning courses requires the student to have completed 60 credits and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.  Interested students should contact the Health Sciences Program Chair and the Cooperative Learning Director at least one (1) semester prior to the start of a co-op assignment.  For additional information on the CAP/Co-op program option, please visit 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:

1. Use critical thinking strategies including reasoning, problem solving, and evaluation, as a basis for identifying and addressing issues within the health sciences profession.
2. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
3. Access, use, and evaluate evidence based information effectively and appropriately.  Use technology to effectively locate and communicate information.
4. Synthesize and apply knowledge and skills from the humanities and sciences as a foundation for evidenced-based practice for the health sciences profession.
5. Demonstrate commitment to self-directed lifelong learning to promote personal and professional development.
6. Integrate legal and ethical principles into professional practice and decision-making.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of issues related to cultural competencies in healthcare delivery.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of policy and public health principles that enact to shape health care.
9. Appraise research and integrate findings into healthcare practice.
10. Evaluate and formulate strategies for health education planning and assessment as well as learner-centered teaching.
11. Exhibit leadership qualities and collaborative behavior in preparation to lead effectively in the interprofessional healthcare role.