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The School of Health Sciences offers programs leading to the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) with basic licensure and R.N./B.S.N. tracks*

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Health Care Management*

• Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) with a major in Allied Health Administration**

• Bachelor of Science (B.A.S.) with a major in Dental Hygiene Practice and Administration**

• Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene (A.S.D.H.) leading to licensure as a dental hygienist

• Associate of Science in Core Curriculum to provide the first two years of certain health programs offered at other universities.

The School of Health Sciences is administratively responsible for the University's Wellness programs and physical education offerings.

Related health occupations programs including Medical Office Administration and Paramedic Technology are offered by the School of Technology. Please see that chapter of the catalog.

Amelia Broussard, Principal Advisor

Business and Health Sciences Building, BHS-37

The School of Health Sciences, in cooperation with the, School of Business offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) with a major in Health Care Management. Advisement and support for the program are offered through the School of Health Sciences. The Health Care Management program prepares students for a variety of entry and mid-level management positions in health services organizations, such as benefits offices, insurance companies, home health agencies, PPOs, HMOs, doctors' offices, group practices, hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and ambulatory care centers. A significant strength of the program is the well-rounded mix of learning opportunities and methods used to reinforce learning. Blended course work in business, health care, technology, and the arts and sciences provides the interdisciplinary perspective required for performance in complex health care organizations. Vital ingredients for management success, such as the ability to think critically, communicate, and function in a team-oriented environment, are carefully taught, assessed, and reinforced throughout the program. Theory is balanced with practice and reinforced by opportunities to experience health care management and gain valuable hands-on experience. Problem-oriented research projects bring theory into focus and facilitate analysis and resolution of complex issues.

ADMISSION TO THE B.S. IN HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Students intending to enroll in the Health Care Management program must meet all University admission and academic requirements. The following additional requirements also apply and must be met prior to enrollment in any business or health sciences courses numbered 3000 or above:

2. Completion of Lower Division Requirements.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

A candidate for the B.S. in Health Care Management must have abilities and skills in the areas of critical thinking, communication, and visual, hearing, and behavioral function. Reasonable accommodation can be made for some disabilities. However, a candidate is expected to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

Standard Examples of Activities

Adapted by permission from the Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing and the Medical College of Georgia.

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ACADEMIC PROGRESSION AND RETENTION

Students must achieve a grade of C or better in all upper division course work including required courses and program electives. Students must repeat any required course in which a grade of C or better is not achieved. Any student who fails to meet this performance level will be placed on program probation. A student must earn a grade of C or better in all courses while on program probation. Failure to achieve this performance level will result in suspension from the program. Readmission following suspension must be approved by the program coordinator and the Dean of Health Sciences.

A suspended student may apply for readmission to the Health Care Management Program immediately following his or her first semester of suspension. For a subsequent suspension, a student may apply for readmission following three semesters of suspension.

Suspended students seeking readmission must submit an Application for Readmission to the B.S.-H.C.M. Program. The program coordinator will review the application and make a recommendation to the Dean, who will make the final decision. Positive recommendations for readmission must be based on clear and convincing evidence regarding the student's prospects for academic success following the period of suspension.

These rules apply in addition to the regular University policy on academic standing.

Students in the Health Care Management program are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes as part of the program of study. These outcomes are based on the overall mission of Clayton State University and the skills needed in the ever-changing health care environment. The outcomes are assessed during major-field and general education courses, and the progress toward outcome attainment must be reflected in the portfolio submitted by degree candidates prior to graduation.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS (Area A) 9 hours

* Students taking 10 hours in Area D must take 2 hours in Area B. Most students majoring in health care management will choose this version of Area D. (Health Care Management majors may choose to take an 8-hour sequence in the principles courses designed for science majors. See the Area D for science majors listed in the Arts & Sciences chapter.)

_________

Please note that this specialty requires different courses in Area F as well as in the upper division Specialty Emphasis courses.

ACCT 2101 Principles of Accounting (3-0-3)

ITFN 1101 Foundations of Information Systems (3-0-3)

ITFN 1112 Foundations of Systems Analysis (3-0-3)

ECON 2105 Principles of Economics (3-0-3)

HSCI 2111 Introduction to Health Care Environment (3-0-3)

* Students who have credit for MATH 1102 may substitute another course for HSCI 2201.

Choose SEVEN courses in consultation with a Health Care Management Advisor.

Choose any three semester credit hours of courses offered by the University outside the Schools of Health Sciences and Business, except for Physical Education (PHED) courses; courses offered for institutional credit only (e.g., WLAB with lab 1999, 2999, etc.); or career courses that generally do not fulfill requirements for a baccalaureate degree and are annotated as such in the catalog.

The Bachelor of Applied Science degree (B.A.S.) in Allied Health Administration offers career advancement opportunities to individuals who have earned the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), the Associate of Applied Technology (A.A.T.), or other career associate degrees in allied health fields. Students who have earned allied health associate degrees at Clayton State University or at other accredited institutions can bridge smoothly into the B.A.S. program with little or no loss of credit. To complete the B.A.S. at Clayton State, students will take additional general education classes and advanced courses appropriate to their fields and career interests. The B.A.S. can normally be earned in four semesters of full-time study, or students can attend part time. Courses are offered at convenient locations and times.

The Allied Health Administration major will prepare graduates to move into supervisory and management positions in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other health care facilities. Courses in various aspects of business will help students blend their specific expertise with new managerial skills. The curriculum includes vital topics such as legal issues, ethics, and finance.

Students who wish to pursue a B.A.S. in Allied Health Administration must satisfy these conditions:

Career associate degrees, sometimes called applied or technical degrees, are those that are principally designed to prepare the graduate for immediate employment in the field of the degree. The B.A.S. is not appropriate for students who hold associate degrees (A.A. or A.S.) that are designed to constitute the first two years of a typical B.A., B.S., B.B.A., or similar degree. A student who wishes to pursue the B.A.S. but who has not yet completed a career associate degree must finish the degree at Clayton State University or another institution before applying for entry to a B.A.S. major. (Students who hold a career certificate and a closely related associate degree or those holding an R.N. diploma may be eligible for admission upon approval of the Dean of Health Sciences.)

Students entering a B.A.S. major will take benchmark assessments to determine their readiness for upper division work in writing and other areas. Depending on the results of these assessments, students may be recommended or required to undertake work to improve their performance. Assessments are normally administered during HCMG 3111; other arrangements can be made when necessary.

Note: B.A.S. student are not subject to the requirements of the College Preparatory Curriculum but are subject to the Regents' Test. See the Graduation Requirements chapter of this catalog.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS (Area A) 9 hours

* Students taking 10 hours in Area D must take 2 hours in Area B. Most students majoring in Allied Health Administration will choose this version of Area D. Allied Health Administration majors may choose to take an 8-hour sequence in the principles courses designed for science majors. See the science majors listed in the Arts & Sciences chapter.

CAREER BLOCK (Lower Division) 38 hours

"BRIDGE" REQUIREMENTS (Upper Division) 10 hours

ALLIED HEALTH ADMINISTRATION CORE REQUIREMENTS 12 hours

RELATED ELECTIVES 12 hours

FREE ELECTIVE 3 hours

2. Graduates must complete a minimum of 40 semester hours of upper division credit applied toward B.A.S. requirements. Of these, at least 30 must be in residence at Clayton State University.

The Department of Baccalaureate Degree Nursing offers two tracks leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree: a basic licensure track to prepare graduates to seek initial licensure as registered nurses and a degree completion track for currently registered nurses. Both tracks of the B.S.N. program are approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the National League for Nursing. (For information about the accreditation of this program, contact the NLNAC, 350 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.) The program also holds preliminary approval from the Commission on Collegiate Education in Nursing.

Consistent with the mission statement of Clayton State University, the Department of Baccalaureate Degree Nursing is committed to providing comprehensive nursing education and public service to residents of our community and region, the Southern Crescent of Metro Atlanta. We incorporate these five elements in our mission: the utilization of effective communication systems with the application of information technology; the promotion of health and human development of our global community in transition; the provision of high quality educational services for the development of competent, caring, and committed professional nurses; the design and development of a program which incorporates modern health care and educational technology; and the provision of community-based, experiential learning.

It is the faculty’s mission to use those resources which will promote lifelong learning and enhance the acquisition of skill in information technology. Mastery of critical thinking skills, nursing therapeutics, theory-based practice, research, and communication is successfully accomplished by integrating theory, clinical practice, and technologically advanced communications.

The curriculum facilitates the transitional development of students to professional nursing roles, in which they are capable of practicing effectively in a multifaceted and multicultural health care environment. Recognizing and valuing the social, economic, ethnic and cultural diversity of individuals is central to efforts of promoting health and human development and maintaining standards of professional nursing practice.

The faculty is committed to providing educational excellence through a caring and supportive environment. We value and build upon the lived and professional experiences of our faculty and students. Learning experiences are designed as a collaborative process between the facilitator and learner. The learning environment supports the unique characteristics and learning styles of students and strives to enhance creativity and academic achievement.

With consideration to the many and varied advances in health care and educational technology, the program plays a leading role in transforming the learning facilities of our institution to ensure the provision of modern instructional and laboratory-based technology. Students will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills essential to modern and future clinical practice through our commitment to the design and development of innovative learning facilities.

The department program’s articulation process and awarding of advanced placement credit recognizes and supports the previous educational experiences of students. The provision of flexible schedules and the use of information technology enhances community participation in the program.

Graduates of the B.S.N. programs at Clayton State will . . .

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Note: Students in the R.N.-to-B.S.N. program usually have taken several general education courses as part of the A.S.N. degree. Equivalent courses will be counted toward Areas A-E at Clayton State University. Students should consult closely with an advisor concerning core curriculum requirements in order to determine if substitutions are appropriate.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS (Area A) 9 hours

Graduates of the Basic Licensure program are eligible to sit for examination for initial licensure as registered nurses.

The basic licensure B.S.N. track (sometimes called the "generic" track) is available to recent high school graduates, non-traditional students, current Clayton State University students, and transfer students who meet admission requirements. Program space is limited, and the admission process is highly competitive.

It is usual for the number of qualified applicants to exceed the number of available places in the class; therefore, applicants compete for class space.

Students planning to enter the nursing program must meet the admission requirements of Clayton State University and be officially admitted to the B.S.N. program. Admission to Clayton State University does not constitute admission to the B.S.N. program.

Students must apply well in advance of the semester that they expect to begin the B.S.N. program. Early decision is available to students with outstanding academic records. Deadlines, application forms, and additional information are available on the Clayton State University web page (http://healthsci.clayton.edu) under the School of Health Sciences. Potential applicants may also call or come by the school office (BHS-57, 770-961-3484).

All supporting materials, including transcripts and required letters, must be received no later than two weeks after the application deadline. Incomplete applications, including those due to failure to submit supporting documents, will not be considered. Students may progress on a full- or part-time basis.

The nursing application is in addition to application for admission to Clayton State University. The application process includes the following:

Applicants will be rated on the following criteria:

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PROBATION AND ADMISSION POLICY

Students may be granted probationary admission if space is available. Probationary admission may be granted under any of the following conditions:

After removing the deficit that resulted in probation admission status , the student’s probationary status will be removed and full admission will be granted. Status of all students on probation will be reviewed at the end of each semester prior to progression in the program.

While on probationary status, a grade of C must be achieved in all nursing courses, and a GPA of not less than 2.00 maintained. Failure to meet these criteria will result in dismissal from the Department of Nursing.

Students holding baccalaureate or higher degrees may apply and be admitted to the basic licensure track B.S.N. on an accelerated basis. Applicants desiring consideration under the accelerated process must hold a baccalaureate degree at the time of application to the nursing program. All application materials and supporting documents required under the regular admission process are required for students seeking accelerated admission. Admission to the nursing program is competitive. Although holding the baccalaureate or higher degree exempts students from certain requirements, it does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Students holding a baccalaureate degree are exempt from Areas A-E of the core curriculum and Regents' testing. (Although Area E of the core curriculum is deemed to be satisfied, students under this option are still required to meet the legislative requirement established by the University System of Georgia.)

In order to begin the upper division nursing program, students in the post- baccalaureate program must either have completed the following courses or be able to certify equivalent knowledge. Students who utilize the equivalent knowledge option must complete the appropriate form and have it approved by the dean or designee:

Students who complete Areas A-F and other associate degree graduation requirements may be awarded an A.S. in core curriculum with a program of study in General Health Sciences. Earning this degree does not guarantee admission to the B.S.N. program at Clayton State University.

For Areas A-E, see General Education for B.S.N., both tracks, as listed above. (Laboratory courses with the suffix L are corequisite with the lecture course of the same number.)

NOTE: Take HSCI 2111/2111L during sophomore year or summer before junior year.

The R.N.-B.S.N. track is an upper division program for registered nurses who are graduates of associate degree or diploma nursing programs. Clayton State University participates in the Georgia Statewide Articulation Model.

The program is designed to prepare graduates to practice professional nursing in diverse health/illness settings, including the hospital, home, clinic, hospice, industry, and community. Progression through the track is possible on a full-time or part-time basis. Flexible schedules are designed to help the working R.N. Core and elective classes are offered day and evening. Some elective classes are offered on weekends. Alternative formats and distance learning options are also available.

The track offers a flexible curriculum which builds upon previously attained knowledge and experience and recognizes the unique educational needs and abilities of the adult learner. Educational experiences are provided to facilitate the registered nurse in expanding the scope of his or her practice in a rapidly changing society and health care delivery system. Course work in upper division nursing includes content areas in leadership/management, health assessment, community health nursing, complex clinical situations, nursing theory, interpersonal communication, current issues/trends, and nursing research. Nursing and general college course offerings promote critical thinking, interactive communication, expanded role development, and leadership skills, as well as a sensitive and analytical perception of self, the human condition, and the world.

Applications to the R.N.-B.S.N. track are accepted on a continual basis, and students who meet all requirements are generally eligible to enroll in the next academic term. Application forms may be obtained on the web (http//healthsci.clayton.edu), in BHS-57, or by calling 770-961-3484 and requesting that an application be mailed.

Admission requirements are as follows:

1. Admission to Clayton State University.
2. Graduation from a state board-approved associate degree or diploma* program. (Transcripts must be provided to the Registrar's Office.)
3. Current licensure as a registered nurse in Georgia. (Evidence must be provided to the department.)**
4. Validation of nursing knowledge by one of the following criteria:

• Active engagement in professional nursing practice within the past four years.
• Graduation from a state board-approved basic licensure R.N. program in the U. S. within the past four years.
• Successful completion of the Clayton State University validation examination and procedure.

NOTE: For Areas A-E, see the "General Education for B.S.N." heading above.

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