Plan of Study – Allied Health

Never before in human history have so many people lived into old age. This aging population impacts the aging individual, families, communities, and social policy. An overview of the field of aging, with attention to the cultural, social, psychological, and economic factors which influence the life of the older adult.

Students systematically locate, evaluate, and incorporate evidence-based information to assist clients/patients in making informed decisions. Includes examination of research methods and procedures for the health professional.

Examines current health care policies in the United States. Includes the analysis of how health care policy affects clients and health professionals. Critiques the structure, organization, and financing of the system and how to inform clients about options for care. Case studies provide an opportunity for application of what is learned in the classroom.

Analyzes health promotion practice and policy across the lifespan in public health settings. Evidence supporting selected health promotion practices are synthesized. Various health promotion programs are designed and evaluated within the context of culture, systems, and community. Prerequisite: PSY 2450

Provides an in-depth examination of culturally appropriate health communication theories and models. Utilization of health communication strategies with various audiences and settings is evaluated.

Examines major challenges shaping health and healthcare in the 21st century. Explores how social, economic, political, technological, and ethical forces influence health outcomes, health systems, and population well-being. Current issues such as health inequities, healthcare access and financing, public health emergencies, digital health, and global health trends will be analyzed. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, informed citizenship, and the ability to interpret health issues as they affect individuals, communities, and society.

Provides an integrative, culminating experience in which students synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program and apply them to a real-world issue. Students engage in a supervised, applied capstone project focused on a current challenge relevant to health education, health communication, health marketing, health advocacy, or related professional fields. Through project development, implementation, and reflection, students demonstrate professional competencies in problem analysis, strategic planning, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Development of medical vocabulary with emphasis on anatomical terms, diseases, symptoms, treatments, and acceptable medical abbreviations.

An investigation of the range of health care professions, including careers involving direct patient care, support services, and community-based services. The course is designed to familiarize students with what it means to work as part of an interdisciplinary team, the ethical responsibilities of health care professionals, and types of communication in health care settings.

Study of the maturational and experiential influences on physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and personality development of the individual, from the prenatal period through late adulthood. Developmental tasks and theories of developmental change related to life stages. Prerequisite: PSY 1010.

Fundamentals of an evidence-based method of promoting change and growth by examining ambivalence and strengthening people’s own motivation and commitment. Areas of application include behavioral change for health, wellness, and wellbeing, and successful adaptation to social environments. Useful for students in psychology, social work, addiction studies, education, management, corrections, and in all health care disciplines. Prerequisite: PSY 1010.

Study of the theory and research on the intersection between mind and body: stress, depression, and physical illness; the psychological impact of illness; empirically supported ways to change habits, such as smoking, overeating, or reluctance to exercise; effective coping mechanisms; placebo effects; mindfulness and relaxation techniques; the impact of class and culture on health, and psychological interventions for pain. Useful for students in health care disciplines and in psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 1010.

Non-laboratory study of the functioning of the body systems considering the integration and control of life processes in the cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Not applicable to Biology major but may be applied to Biology minor.

Analysis of communications skills vital to personal and professional success. Examines the role of communication in interpersonal relationships from their inception through termination. Specific areas of focus include: listening, non-verbal behavior, empathy, assertiveness, relationship development, and conflict resolution skills.

Describes the major systems, central issues and historical development of modern psychology. Introduces basic principles in sensation, perception, cognition, learning, memory, language, emotion, motivation, personality organization, and social process.

Foundations and principles of social order, social control, social institutions, and social life in America and other cultures. Focus on how people’s conditions, character, and life chances are influenced by organizations and institutions. Emphasis on critical thinking about practices and beliefs in a variety of social contexts.

Issues of diversity, discrimination, and social justice with particular attention given to institutions that provide human services (sociology, criminal justice, nursing, gerontology, social work, psychology, education): how marginalized populations (e.g. race/ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, social class, medical/mental disability) are socially constructed; how these groups have been affected in the contexts of social stratification; institutional and structural discrimination; how economic, political, and cultural systems pose challenges to these marginalized groups; exploration of possible solutions.

Examination of the field of ethics, values, and tools for ethical decision-making. Overview and analysis of significant philosophical approaches to ethical questions, as a basis for the study of contemporary ethical issues.

Course is a study of moral issues and the ethical implications of human acts and values from a Christian perspective.