Health and Gerontology

The BS IN HEALTH SCIENCE provides students with a broad-based curriculum to pursue many career paths in the health field. The health care system employs more than seven million workers, qualifying as the nation’s second largest employer. The demand for health-related professionals continues to increase due to 1) a growing number of elders who require more services; 2) advances in medical technology; 3) the entrance of private industry into the health care delivery system; and 4) the expansion of wellness and prevention programs.

The Option in Gerontology is geared for those who want to work with elders in the diverse field of health and community services. The option is designed to play a part in meeting the health-related needs and challenges of the fastest growing segment of the American population: older adults. Gerontology professionals are needed in senior centers, health and social service agencies, assisted living communities, nutrition and recreation programs, adult day-care centers, and long-term care settings.

The Option In Health Education prepares students for entry level positions as health educators in community organizations, medical service settings, school systems, and business corporations. Health educators assist people in taking responsibility for learning about healthy behaviors or behaviors that help them acquire a higher health status. The curriculum addresses needs assessment; program planning, implementation, and evaluation; resource acquisition and development; program coordination; and communication and promotion activities. Those meeting the requirements of the degree and option are qualified to apply to take the test for national cre-
dentialing as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

The Option In Health Services Administration qualifies graduates for a range of entry-level positions in the health care delivery system, such as department manager in a hospital, director of a convalescent hospital, managed care negotiator, clinic manager, or administrator of a public health program. The curriculum addresses the business skills related to operation of healthcare organizations as well as the organization of the healthcare system. The Health Services Administration program (HSA) is a Candidate Member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), the national accrediting body for HSA educational programs.

The MINOR IN GERONTOLOGY provides an interdisciplinary background in aging. The minor gives the undergraduate an opportunity to learn about the major aging-
related issues that can be applied to their major field of study. The courses also challenge students to explore their beliefs regarding their own aging and that of their family members by providing insight into the problems and opportunities associated with growing old.

The MINOR IN HEALTH SCIENCE provides a concentration of courses in the health field which can be a useful adjunct for students in psychology, sociology, social work, recreation, physical education, child development, and nutrition.

The MINOR IN HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION enables students to expand career potential by the acquisition of knowledge in the health care management field. The minor is especially suited for students in business, economics, public administration, public relations, nursing, psychology, and sociology.

The CERTIFICATE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) ADMINISTRATION combines knowledge of health administration and the healthcare system with specialized courses in EMS organizations and EMS systems. Career opportunities include EMS provider organizations and EMS coordinating/regulatory agencies.

The CERTIFICATE IN GERONTOLOGY consists of an interdisciplinary  cluster of courses required for the minor in gerontology with an added internship to enable students to develop skills to effectively work with older people in a variety of settings. The certificate prepares individuals in social work, recreation, nursing, psychology, sociology, nutrition, and other helping professions to work with older adults.

The SINGLE SUBJECT TEACHING CREDENTIAL IN HEALTH SCIENCE allows students to fulfill credential requirements while obtaining a degree. Students who want to apply to a credential program should choose the Option in Health Education.