Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 University Catalog 
    
2018-2019 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Sciences (BS)


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Philosophy

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

We believe our students have strong desires to improve the health of their communities. We are committed to creating an environment where students can develop the skills to become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers and self-directed learners. These tenets are woven throughout the BS in Health Sciences curriculum and educational experiences.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Mission


The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program 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 in order to improve the cultural competency of health care professionals.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Vision

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

 

Health Sciences (BS): Admission Requirements


Program entry requirements include satisfactory completion of two years of specified, lower-division coursework at a regionally accredited college or university. Upper-division course work for the Bachelor of Science degree in the Health Sciences program 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 the following:

  • A minimum of 60 credit hours (90- hours) of lower-division undergraduate coursework from a regionally U.S.-accredited institution.
  • A recommended overall GPA of 2.75 out of 4.0 in undergraduate course work.
  • Completion of all professional prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  • A personal interview with program faculty.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Completed application to the program and submission of official transcripts for all college course work completed.
  • 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, or 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 the Minimum Core General Education Requirements section.

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 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 coursework 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.

  • Chemistry (8-20 hours)
  • Biology (16-20 hours)
  • Physics (4-8 hours)
  • Mathematics and statistics (6-12 hours)
  • Communications (6 hours)
  • Social sciences (6 hours)
  • Humanities and fine arts (6 hours minimum)
  • 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 application website before Aug. 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:

College of Health Sciences
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 1001
Chicago, IL 60612
(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 in the Health Sciences program.

Requirements Semester Hours Quarter Hours
Two courses in communications (English 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 36 56
Total Hours of Required and Elective Courses: 60 90

Lower-Division Course Work


Lower-division coursework 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 most requirements, including suggested courses. Variations in requirements is based on intended degree and selected school.

  • Chemistry (8-20 semester hours)
    • General chemistry with laboratory (4-8 CR)
    • Organic chemistry with laboratory (0-8 CR)
    • Biochemistry with laboratory (0-4 CR)
    • Students may elect one semester organic (4 CR) and one semester biochemistry with laboratory (4 CR)
    • 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 CR)
    • Microbiology with laboratory (4 CR)
    • Anatomy with laboratory (4 CR)
    • Physiology with laboratory (4 CR)
  • Physics (4-8 semester hours)
    • Physics with laboratory (4-8 CR)
  • Mathematics and statistics (6-12 semester hours)
    • College algebra
    • Calculus I, II
    • Statistics (3 CR)
  • Communications (6 CR)
  • Social sciences (6 CR)
    • General psychology (3 CR)
    • Sociology (0-3 CR)
    • Developmental psychology (0-3 CR)
  • Humanities and fine arts (6 CR minimum)
  • Electives (3-9 CR)

Health Sciences (BS): 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 - I CARE (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 and 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 health care team during practicum, internship and/or other learning experiences

Intellectual Ability

  • Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data related to the 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 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. Contact the Office of Student Disability Services to learn more about accommodations at Rush University:

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

Health Sciences (BS): 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 term.

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 term grade point-average below 2.0 or whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.0. Students placed on probation have two terms to regain the status of good standing as follows:

  • The student must attain a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in the term following the term when probation was assigned.
  • Two terms after being placed on probation, the student must have a cumulative grade-point average above 2.0.


Failure to make the minimum term grade-point average one term after probation - regardless of the cumulative grade-point average - or failure to make the minimum cumulative grade-point average two terms after probation will result in dismissal from the University.

D, F or N Grades in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences 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, 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 2.0 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.

Health Sciences (BS): Curriculum


Upper Division Course Work


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

  • Medical sciences
  • Leadership and community wellness


Students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of upper-division coursework to include a minimum of 28 Credit hours  in the required core and at least 32 credit hours of required concentration coursework and electives, as approved by their academic adviser.

Additional Electives


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 Concentration


Please note, individualized plans of study are developed for each student based on their future academic goals.

Transfer of Credit


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

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