Health Sciences, BS

Courses Required for Admission

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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

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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

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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

Bachelor of Health Sciences Technical Standards

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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

 

Academic Progression

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Upper Division Course Work

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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

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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

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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

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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*

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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

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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

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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.