Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 University Catalog 
    
2017-2018 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Sciences, BS


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Philosophy

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences program prepares students for advanced learning by providing immersive and interprofessional experiences in a diverse setting.  

As health care professionals, we believe our students have strong altruistic desires to improve the health of their communities. We are committed to creating an environment in which these students can develop the skills to become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers and self-directed learners. These tenets are woven throughout the curriculum and educational experiences.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Mission


The mission of the Bachelor of Science in health sciences is to prepare highly-qualified, diverse graduates interested in pursuing health care careers that require advanced levels of professional education. The program seeks to create a bridge for students from a variety of backgrounds to improve the cultural competency of health care professionals.

 

Vision Statement

The BS in Health Sciences program will be a recognized leader in providing pathways for diverse students into the health professions.   

Bachelor of Health Sciences: Admission Requirements


Program entry requirements include satisfactory completion of two years of specified lower division course work at a regionally accredited college or university. Upper division course work for the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences may be completed in as few as 21-months, full-time. Students can elect a part-time option.

Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. Student selection will be based on a number of factors including overall grade point average, prerequisite grade point average, consistency of academic performance, course work completed prior to application, and communication abilities.

Requirements for admission to the professional phase of the program include:

  1. A minimum of 60 semester credit hours (90-quarter hours) of lower division undergraduate coursework from a regionally U.S. accredited institution.
  2. A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in undergraduate course work
  3. Completion of all professional prerequisite required courses with a grade of C or better
  4. Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  5. A personal interview with program faculty
  6. Three (3) letters of recommendation
  7. Completed application to the program and submission of official transcripts for all college course work completed.
  8. All applicants whose native language is not English must present evidence of proficiency in English by satisfactorily completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language examination (TOEFL). A waiver of this requirement way be requested if the individual has graduated from high school or successfully completed a higher education degree program (Associate degree or higher) in the United States, or one of its English-speaking protectorates.

Courses Required for Admission


For admission to the BS in Health Sciences program, students are required to complete, at minimum, the core general education requirements detailed below. In preparation for graduate school, hours may vary based on graduate program for which the student is preparing. For specific courses, see core requirements and general education.

A minimum of 60 semester credit hours (90-quarter hours) of lower division undergraduate coursework from a regionally U.S. accredited institution is required prior to admission to the BS in Health Sciences program. Prerequisite courses must include the general and biological sciences, mathematics, communications, the social sciences and humanities. Specific prerequisite courses may vary depending on the unique prerequisite requirements of the graduate level health professional program of interest to the student. For example, the prerequisite lower division course work required for medical school, though similar, may not be the same as that required for application to graduate school in the area of occupational therapy. Specific prerequisite courses are described below.

  1. Chemistry (8-20 semester hours)
  2. Biology (16-20 semester hours)
  3. Physics (4-8 semester hours)
  4. Mathematics and Statistics (6-12 semester hours)
  5. Communications (6 semester hours)
  6. Social Sciences (6 semester hours)
  7. Humanities and Fine Arts (6 semester hours minimum)
  8. Electives (3-9 semester hours)

Application for Admission


Application for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Health Science program must be made through the Rush University RU Applying site before August 1 for admission into the class entering in September. September is the only admission time for entry into the program. Prospective applicants may submit transcripts and a request for an unofficial evaluation to the following:

College of Health Sciences
600 South Paulina Street, Suite 1001
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Phone number: 312-942-7120

Minimum Core General Education Requirements


All entering students must complete the following core general education requirements in order to be eligible for the Bachelor in Science degree awarded by Rush University.

Requirements Semester Hours Quarter Hours
Two courses in communications (English composition) Composition is required 6 9
One course in mathematics (college algebra or higher) 3 4
Two courses in life sciences (anatomy, biology, microbiology, pathophysiology, physiology) 6 9
One course in physical sciences (chemistry, physics) 3 4
One course in social sciences (government, history, political science, psychology, sociology) 3 4
One course in humanities (ethics, fine arts, literature, philosophy) Performance courses do not meet this requirement 3 4
Elective courses in communications, computer science, ethics, fine arts, humanities, life sciences, literature, philosophy, physical sciences, or social sciences to total 36 semester (56 quarter) hours 36 56
Total Hours of Required and Elective Courses: 60 90

Lower Division Course Work


Lower division course work must have been completed at a regionally accredited college or university. However, lower division courses will vary depending on the student’s graduate school and career goals. Pre-medicine, pre-nursing and pre-allied health professional programs each have unique prerequisite requirements. The following general list encompasses these requirements (variations should be based on planned graduate school major).

  • Chemistry (8-20 semester hours) Suggested courses:
    • General Chemistry with laboratory (4-8 SC)
    • Organic Chemistry with Laboratory (0-8 SC) and
    • Biochemistry with laboratory (0-4 SC)
    • Students may elect 1 semester Organic (4 SC) and 1 semester Biochemistry with laboratory (4 SC)
    • Biochemistry may be taken in year three at Rush if it is not completed as a pre-requisite.
  • Biology (16-20 semester hours)
    • General Biology with laboratory (4-8 SC)
    • Microbiology with laboratory (4 SC)
    • Anatomy with laboratory (4 SC)
    • Physiology with laboratory (4 SC)
  • Physics (4-8 semester hours)**
    • Physics with laboratory (4-8 SC)
  • Mathematics and Statistics (6-12 semester hours)
    • College Algebra
    • Calculus I, II
    • Statistics (3 SC)
  • Communications (6 SC)
  • Social Sciences (6 semester hours)***
    • General Psychology (3 SC)
    • Sociology (0-3 SC)
    • Developmental Psychology (0-3 SC)
  • Humanities and Fine Arts (6 semester hours minimum)
  • Electives (3-9)

Bachelor of Health Sciences Technical Standards


Rush University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population.

Our core values - ICARE - Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. Rush actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful accountable culture through our confidential and specialized disability support. Rush is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations.

The following technical functions are required of all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program:

Acquire information

  • Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in courses such as lecture, group, and physical demonstrations.
  • Acquire information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature searches & data retrieval).
  • Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description, and transparencies.

Use and Interpret

  • Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers/procedures. Use and interpret information generated from diagnostic tools.

Motor

  • Possess psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with day-to-day responsibilities commensurate with the student’s discipline.
  • Practice in a safe manner and perform universal precautions against contamination.

Communication

  • Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families.
  • Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors, employees, other professionals and all members of the healthcare team during practicum, internship and/or other learning experiences.

Intellectual ability

  • Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to diagnosis and treatment of patients and populations.
  • Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the Health Sciences role.
  • Synthesize information, problem solve, and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory, assessment, management or treatment strategy.

Behavioral

  • Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances.
  • Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need.
  • Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to rapidly changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings.

Character

  • Demonstrate concern for others.
  • Integrity, accountability, interest, and motivation are necessary personal qualities.
  • Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the Rush University and Health Sciences Code of Ethics.

The technical standards delineated above must be met with or without accommodation. Students who, after review of the technical standards, determine that they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Student Disability Services to confidentially discuss their accommodations needs. Given the clinical nature of our programs, time may be needed to create and implement the accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged. To learn more about accommodations at Rush University please contact:

Marie Ferro-Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Manager, Office of Student Disability Services
Rush University
600 S. Paulina St. AAC 440
Chicago, IL 60612     
(312) 942-5237
Marie_S_Ferro-Lusk@rush.edu

 

Bachelor of Health Sciences: Academic Policies


Academic Progression


High academic performance in all courses is expected. Students will be considered in good standing at Rush University unless placed on academic probation. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required to be considered in good standing, and to be eligible to continue in the baccalaureate program. Cumulative grade point averages will be reviewed after each quarter.

The faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of a student whose conduct, health, or performance demonstrates lack of fitness for continuance in a health profession. Any such student not voluntarily withdrawing will be dismissed from the University, regardless of grade point average.

Academic Probation


Academic probation is assigned to any student who receives a semester grade point average below 2.0, or whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0. Students placed on probation have two semesters in which to regain the status of good standing as follows:

  • The next semester after being placed on probation, the student must attain a semester grade point average of at least 2.0.
  • Two semesters after being placed on probation, the student must have a cumulative grade point average above 2.0.

Failure to make the minimum quarterly grade point average one quarter after probation regardless of the cumulative grade point average, or failure to make the minimum cumulative grade point average two semesters after probation will result in dismissal from the University.

“D”, “F” or “N” Grades in the Bachelor of Science Program


Undergraduate students who receive an F or N grade in any course MUST repeat that course with the F or N grade being replaced by the grade earned upon repeating the course. In the event that a student is required to repeat a course that is a prerequisite for an advanced course, the advanced course may not be taken until the student successfully passes the prerequisite course. Thus, the student’s progression in the program may be affected. Students who receive a second D or F or N grade in the same academic year will be dismissed from the program, regardless of cumulative grade point average.

Residency Requirement


The Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences requires a minimum of 120 semester hours. This includes at least 60 hours earned at a lower division college or university, or at an affiliated college. A minimum of 60 Semester hours of academic credit shall be earned as an upper-division student in academic residence at Rush University. Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree must earn a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all computed upper division credits taken at Rush University. Participation in cap and gown at commencement exercises is expected of all graduates.

Bachelor of Health Sciences: Curriculum


Upper Division Course Work


Rush University provides two years of upper division course work to complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.
Upper division course work consists of core courses required of all students and elective courses offered within two concentrations:

  1. Medical sciences
  2. Leadership and Community Wellness

Students must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of upper division coursework to include a minimum of 28 SH in the required core and at least 32 SH of required concentration course work and electives, as approved by their academic advisor.

Core Courses Required of All Students


Course # Course Title Credit Hours
HSC 354 Introduction to the Health Professions 3
HSC 352 Professional Writing 3
HSC 448 Health Care Ethics 2
HSC 364 Health Care Systems and Policies 1
HSC 358 Global Health 3
HSC 366 Introduction to Research 3
HSC 462 Practicum 9
HSC 464 Capstone Project 3
HSC 372 Medical Terminology 1
Total Semester Hours 28

 

 

Medical Sciences Track


Course # Course Title Credit Hours
HSC 360 Anatomy with Laboratory 4
HSC 350 Medical Physiology   4
HSC 362     Clinical Immunology 3
HSC 445 Fundamentals of Neuroscience 3
HSC 454 Principles of Biochemistry 4
HSC 368 Genetics 3
HSC 458 Microbiology 3
HSC 459 Pharmacology 3
HSC 455 Pathophysiology 3
Total Semester Hours 30

 

 

Leadership and Community Wellness Track


Course # Course Title Credit Hours
HSC 460 Management Principles 3
HSC 461 Leadership Theory & Practice 3
HSC 467 Issues and Trends in Health Care 3
HSC 468 Chronic Disease Management 3
HSC 480 Principles and Health & Wellness 3
HSC 483 Community Health 4
HSC 371 Health Education 2
Total Semester Hours 24

 

 

Electives*


Course # Course Title Credit Hours
HSC 356 Biostatistics 3
HSC 425 Health Care Informatics 2
HSC 435 Nutrition 3
HSC 446 Health Care Disparities 3
HSC 447 Epidemiology 3
HSC 485 Fitness & Health  






 

*Elective courses must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and the program director and correspond with the student’s career goals.  The Bachelor of Science Degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours and will require students to complete approved electives.

Sample Plan of Study


Medical Science Track
Year 1

Fall

HSC 354 Introduction to the Health Professions 3
HSC 352 Professional Writing 3
HSC 454 Principles of Biochemistry 4
HSC 368 Genetics 3
Subtotal 13

Spring

HSC 360 Anatomy with Laboratory 4
HSC 350 Medical Physiology 4
HSC 362 Clinical Immunology 3
HSC 372 Medical Terminology 1
Subtotal 12

Summer

HSC 458 Microbiology 3
HSC 366 Introduction to Research 3
HSC 445 Fundamentals 3
  Elective* 3
Subtotal 12

Year 2

Fall

HSC 358 Global Health 3
HSC 455 Pathophysiology 3
HSC 459 Pharmacology 3
HSC 464 Capstone Project 3
Subtotal 12

Spring

HSC 448 Health Care Ethics 2
HSC 364 Health Care Systems and Policies 1
HSC 462 Practicum 9
Subtotal 12
Overall Total  61    

Transfer of Credit


Students who desire to complete additional elective courses, either offered at Rush University or at another regionally accredited college or university, may request to do so, and these electives may be incorporated into the student’s program plan with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.

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