Health Studies

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

HEA 100: Introduction Health Care Systems

This course provides students with an overview and analysis of the American health care delivery system. Cultural, political, economic and environmental factors that affect health care delivery are explored from a variety of perspectives. Specific internal and external forces influencing health care delivery are discussed. Examination of structure, organization, function and roles provide students with an introduction to the complexity of and unique characteristics of the system. Health care systems from other countries are examined from a comparative point of view.

HEA 105: The Vocabulary of Health

This course introduces students to the vocabulary, taxonomy and terminology related to body systems necessary to communicate information in the specialized environment of health care. Students learn the derivations and practice the principles of medical word formation, including the basic guidelines of accepted naming conventions, identifying suffixes and prefixes and combining forms related to the structures and functions of the associated systems of the body.

HEA 109, 111, 113, 115: Health Studies Seminar

Several programs cooperate to provide a program of speakers that focus on topics in the health care fields. Seminars are open to the public. Students receive one credit for attendance at 80 percent of the semester’s talks and produce several short writing assignments. Course content varies from term to term. Graded Pass/Fail.

HEA 110, 112, 114, 116: Health Studies Seminar

Several programs cooperate to provide a program of speakers that focus on topics in the health care fields. Seminars are open to the public. Students receive one credit for attendance at 80 percent of the semester’s talks and produce several short writing assignments. Course content varies from term to term. Graded Pass/Fail.

HEA 210: Practice and Leadership: Shaping the Future of Long Term Care

This seminar course examines healthcare leadership and practice in long-term care settings, addressing both challenges and opportunities in this complex environment. Students will explore topics such as comprehensive care planning, innovative models of care delivery, common geriatric syndromes, and interprofessional collaboration. The course also covers key aspects of nursing home financing and regulatory frameworks, providing a holistic view of how students can impact the delivery of person-centered care in long-term care facilities.

HEA 240: LGTBQIA+ Health Studies

With the advancing healthcare initiatives within the United States, the LGTBQIA+ populations have unique healthcare needs.  This introductory health studies course will help students have a better understanding of some of the specific health care needs for this specialized population, common biases against them and a better awareness of providing more inclusive care.  This course is open to all students.

HEA 304: Introduction to Genomics

Genomics is a rapidly growing field impacting health care delivery. This introductory on-line course will give an understanding of genetic testing, ethical and social issues with genetic testing and promote an individual or family’s ability to make an informed decision on genetic testing. In addition, students will read and discuss The Emperor of All Maladies to understand the genetic component to cancer.

HEA 310: Culturally Congruent Care

Students in this course will explore issues of human diversity in the context of health and health equity. Through a medical humanities lens, we will examine questions such as: How do we experience and understand diversity? How does diversity shape systems that affect individuals, families, communities and society? Students will explore human diversity in domestic and global contexts while connecting the concept to health and the provision of care. Students will be introduced to cultural humility, culturally specific approaches to practice and frameworks for equity and empowerment through the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes derived from standard models of multicultural competence and from national and global initiatives.