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 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 degree program is for students who have an earned Associate Degree and are seeking to advance their education. Health Science degree students can transfer up to 90 credits towards lower division general education requirements.

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. The relevance of research and strategies for utilization of evidence based practice throughout every role is emphasized. 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. Students individualize the program by concentrating their learning with a WilmU certificate or embedded courses in a specific focus. The program is offered 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, educators, or a variety of other clinical roles in healthcare. The curriculum provides a foundation for graduate education and for career mobility. 

Work Integrated Learning Experience

Eligibility for WIL learning courses requires the student to have completed 60 credits and have a minimum GPA. Interested students should contact the Health Sciences Program Chair and the Office of Work Integrated Learning Specialist at least one (1) semester prior to the start of a WIL assignment. For additional information on the Work Integrated Learning program option, please visit http://www.wilmu.edu/coel/work-integrated-learning.aspx

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 science 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 healthcare.

9. Appraise research and integrate findings into healthcare practice. 

10. Evaluate and formulate strategies for healthcare education planning and assessment as well as learner-centered teaching. 

11. Exhibit leadership qualities and collaborative behavior in preparation to lead effectively in the inter-professional healthcare role. 

Program Policies

Students are responsible for following all COHP policies, and procedures, which are distributed in HSC 303.

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 Program 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. 

Minimum Grade Policy

The College of Health Professions sets a required minimum grade of "C-" for program core courses. Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any required program core course must retake that course. 

Accelerated Option - B.S. in Health Sciences to MSM or MBA with Healthcare Administration Concentration

This accelerated option provides the substitution of two specified courses from the HSC Bachelor of Science core curriculum for two specified courses that are shared within both the MSM and MBA Healthcare Administration concentrations. 

Eligibility criteria for this accelerated option includes: 

1. Successful completion of 90 undergraduate credits;

2. Completion of all required 100 and 200 level courses;

3. Successful completion of HSC 303, Professionalism in Health Sciences

4. GPA of 3.5 or higher

The courses permitted for this accelerated option are: 

HCA 7720 Health Policy and Economics in place of HSC 380 Health Care Policy and, 

HCA 7740 Legal Aspects in Health Care in place of HSC 313 Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare.

Courses taken at the graduate level will fulfill the requirements for both the HSC Bachelor of Science and the MSM/MBA programs. 

The HSC to MSM/MBA Healthcare Administration accelerated option intent form is located in the HSC Student Handbook and in the Health Sciences student program site. This form is to be submitted to the HSC Program Chair for review. Upon approval from the appropriate MSM or MBA Program Chair, the student will be electronically notified of the decision by the HSC Program Chair. Students will seek advisement from the HSC Program Chair to ensure proper course selection. 

Please note that students who wish admittance into the MBA Healthcare Administration concentration may have additional course pre-requisites that must be completed prior to full admission into the program.