+ Applied Health Science

504 Life Sciences, 419-372-8109

The applied health science degree is designed to prepare graduates for work in a health-related field and for further education and training at the post-baccalaureate level. The AHS degree consists of six separate specializations which have common BG Perspective, core, and supportive requirements but differing specialization courses. The diversified curriculum provides a strong background in the basic sciences and emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Allied Health specialization — click for Summer2013 course requirements
The allied health specialization is open to any student who has completed an accredited associate degree program in an allied health field. Those courses which comprise the technical or clinical practice component of the associate degree may be used to satisfy the specialization requirements of the baccalaureate degree.

Applied Microbiology specialization — click for Summer 2013 course requirements
The applied microbiology specialization is designed to prepare students for work in public health agencies, infection control, food production and research, medical microbiology, and the biotechnology industry. Additionally, the specialization will prepare students for entry into graduate programs of microbiology and public health.

Community Health specialization — click for Summer 2013 course requirements
The community health specialization prepares students to work in schools, community agencies, industries, and organizations that promote wellness through programs that reduce disease by behavioral interventions. The courses focus on key public health problems such as drug abuse and sexually transmitted diseases and factors that contribute to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Students are taught how to develop and evaluate risk.

Health Care Administration specialization — click for Summer 2013 course requirements
The health care administration specialization is designed to prepare students to work in management and administration in hospitals, clinics, and other organizations providing health care services. Their roles include aspects of finance, budgeting, billing, human resources management, facilities management, marketing, and quality measurement and improvement.

Health Science specialization — click for Summer 2013 course requirements
The health science specialization is designed to prepare students for entry into post-baccalaureate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, public health, occupational and environmental health, and a variety of other options, including medical school.

Respiratory Care specialization — click for Summer 2013 course requirements
The respiratory care specialization is designed to prepare students for advanced practice in respiratory care. Advanced respiratory care practitioners work in a wide variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. Graduates are eligible to take credentialing examinations to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The program is available at the Firelands campus only, and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021. Advanced respiratory care practitioners perform diagnostic procedures to assess breathing function and treatments for airway and lung diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and medications for breathing problems, and provide patient education.

Learning Outcomes for Community Health

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students are expected to:

• Develop and evaluate programs that promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Master fundamental principles of natural science, social science, and mathematics and apply these to disease prevention and technology.
• Use statistical and computing skills to solve occupational problems.
• Use empirical methods to identify community health problems, develop action plans, and assess their outcome.
• Make decisions based upon ethical principles.

Learning Outcomes for Health Care Administration

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the health care administration specialization are expected to:

• Apply fundamental administrative and business skills to solve problems, evaluate outcomes, and assess quality and performance in health care settings;
• Master fundamental principles of natural science, social science, and mathematics and apply these in health-related situations;
• Understand applications of technology in health care practice;
• Use statistical and computing skills to solve occupational problems;
• Make decisions based upon ethical, organizational, and financially sound business principles;
• Analyze and evaluate daily operations and improve them.

Learning Outcomes for Health Science and Applied Microbiology

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students are expected to:

• Master fundamental principles of natural science, social science and mathematics, read the scientific literature, and critically evaluate research findings;
• Use reference materials, empirical methods, and statistical and computing skills to solve occupational problems, detect/resolve problems and errors, and develop/test/validate new models;
• Abide by laboratory safety rules, policies, and regulations, recognizing any unsafe conditions and correcting them;
• Instruct others in occupational practices and procedures;
• Make decisions based upon ethical principles.

Learning Outcomes for Respiratory Care

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students are expected to:

• Meet nationally accepted standards for the scope of practice of the advanced respiratory care practitioner as stated in the Standards and Guidelines for the Profession of Respiratory Care promulgated by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Utilize and apply knowledge of accepted respiratory care procedures in the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of patients.
• Perform all of the clinical procedural skills associated with the practice of the advanced respiratory care professional.
• Behave in accordance with the code of ethics for the advanced respiratory care professional.
• Master fundamental principles of natural, physical, and social science and mathematics related to respiratory care.
• Read the scientific literature and critically evaluate clinical research findings related to respiratory care.
• Use reference materials, empirical methods, and statistical and computing skills to solve occupational problems, detect/resolve problems and errors, and develop/test/validate new models.
• Abide by safety rules, policies, and regulations recognizing any unsafe conditions and correcting them.
• Instruct others in occupational practices and procedures.
• Supervise the work of entry-level practitioners.
• Make decisions based upon ethical principles.