Curriculum

3 credits
This course provides a critical academic exploration of healthcare ethics and seeks to foster a community of learners engaged in the pursuit of ethical knowledge. This pursuit embraces diversity and cross-cultural competency as it tries to envision a just society committed to the common good. As such this course seeks to answer the question, “What is the good life and human flourishing in relation to healthcare ethics?” The course proceeds in two parts: 1) introducing students to the normative ethical theories of consequentialism, deontology, virtue, human rights, theories of justice, and Catholic social ethics; and 2) applying these theories to the ethical domain of the health care professional. Special attention will be paid to the question of how advances of biotechnology and medicine benefit the most vulnerable members of society. Furthermore, this course aims to develop the critical thinking skills of students and help form them into ethical leaders within the healthcare professions.

3 credits

HUM 1010 is an introductory writing course that teaches students to compose college-level essays in response to readings in the arts and Humanities. With an emphasis on context, the course explores the connection between critical thinking and persuasive writing. By completing frequent writing assignments, students learn to craft written products that are clear, organized, coherent and persuasive.

4 Credits
Integrative Seminar I is a multidisciplinary course that brings together insights from various modes of analysis (historical, social, economic, ethical, theological and aesthetical) to examine a specific topic. This integrated approach acknowledges that human beings and human knowledge are holistic; that is, that the intellectual, physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of humanity are all intimately connected. Therefore, any effort to analyze complex human behavior requires an integrative approach. Sample topics include History of the Civil Rights Movement and Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual Dimensions of Health and Wellness.

Prerequisites: All 1000 level general education courses or permission of Division Chair

3 credits
This course will present a broad array of topics studied in the field of psychology. Major theorists’ attempts to explain what makes human beings “tick” will be critiqued and the contradictions of their theories are highlighted. The interactions of the body and the psyche will be explored as well as motivation, sexuality, and abnormal behavior. Students will be required to participate in an interactive class, to look critically at the assumptions that underlie many theories in psychology, and to draw conclusions as to their validity. As one of the aims of the College is to prepare health professionals for evidence-based practice, research skills are introduced (or reinforced) in this course. Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts from a broad array of psychological fields; apply and analyze concepts studied; will use a variety of tools to locate current and reliable research data; evaluate the validity of data resources; and prioritize and synthesize research data to develop a theory and a hypothesis.

3 credits
This course provides a summary of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development from birth to death. Major theorists in the field of human development are studied and critiqued and the contradictions of their theories are highlighted. The important tasks for each period of development are examined. Students also look closely at the inter-relationship between physical, cognitive, and psychological changes in each period of life. Students will be required to apply theoretical concepts to personal experience as part of the process of evaluating the validity of those concepts. As one of the aims of the College is to prepare health professionals for evidence-based practice, research skills are reinforced in this course.

Choose 1 of 3 options below, or transfer in an equivalent course.

THE 2050: Religions of the World

3 Credits 
In an increasingly interconnected world, and especially in the religiously plural context of the United States, it is crucial that healthcare professionals become acquainted with the beliefs and practices of people from the diverse religious traditions that make up the American landscape. This course examines the world’s religious traditions and, in particular, the ways they conceptualize the person, health, and healing. Study of world religions can offer important and challenging insights into Western medicine. By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts, beliefs, and practices of a variety of religious traditions; analyze primary sources drawn from religious traditions, such as sacred texts, images, ethical and dietary codes, first-person accounts, and the like; make comparisons between religious traditions based on evidence from primary sources; and use a variety of tools (online databases, journals, books, newspapers, web sites) to develop and research questions regarding the connection between a particular religious tradition and healthcare issues. Because one of the aims of the College is to prepare health professionals for evidence-based practice, research skills are reinforced in this class.

OR

THE 2070: Christianity

3 Credits 
Christianity is concerned primarily with the life, teaching, and historical setting of Jesus of Nazareth. This course also investigates the development of the New Testament and the subsequent development of the Christian faith, including the early Christian period, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and Christianity in the New World. The Eastern and Western Churches and the Protestant tradition are examined. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to describe the important religious and political themes at the time of Jesus, identify significant historical figures in the 59 Christian story, and comprehend the different elements which led to the development of the Christian faith within the Roman Empire. Critical-thinking skills and evidence-based practice are introduced and reinforced.

OR

THE 2090: Dying in the Human Life Cycle

3 Credits 
This course is a critical academic exploration of issues surrounding the human experience of death. The course examines the topic of death through information gathered from the medical, psychological, social/cultural, theological, and visual arts perspectives. These diverse approaches to the dying process will be analyzed as they pertain to what happens in the lives of patients, their families and friends, those who accompany the patients, and healthcare providers. Current issues and materials concerning the topic of death and dying will form the foundation for class discussion and reflection. As a course in theology, analysis of the dying process will be situated within the Catholic framework of emphasis on the inherent dignity of the human person. Special attention will be paid to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, 5th Edition, in order to explore ways human dignity flourishes and diminishes within the contemporary milieu as it pertains to end of life issues. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be afforded the opportunity to identify relevant concerns about the end of human life through informed personal reflection; develop and articulate an informed approach to death and dying as they impact healthcare delivery; and describe and evaluate the Roman Catholic Church’s moral stance on end-of-life issues.

Select 6 - 8 credits of natural sciences.

The Natural Science Requirement can be satisfied by transfer credit or taken at Labouré College. These 6 - 8 credits may be courses such as Biology, Anatomy & Physiology I and/or II, or other natural science courses from an area of specialization. 

Students who do not receive transfer credit for this requirement must satisfy the Natural Science Requirement with Labouré courses and may do so by completing both of the following courses: 

• ANA 1010
• ANA 1120

3 credits

This course introduces students to the foundations of human communication; some topics covered include listening well, speaking productively, the importance and use of body language, managing conflict, and effectively communicating across cultures. Course material is taught with practice in mind, integrating lecture, discussion, and activities to help students develop the skills necessary to assist patients and their families with understanding health-related concerns and ultimately supporting them in making informed healthcare decisions.

3 credits

This course introduces the student to proficiencies needed by healthcare professionals. Topics included are necessities in all healthcare professions and include historic and current healthcare systems, professional qualities of a healthcare professional, diversity in healthcare, infection control, safety, medical terminology, anatomy basics, nutrition, vital signs, first aid, and health career exploration. 

4 credits

This course explores the principles of electrocardiography (EKG) and the advanced topics necessary to become certified and employed as an EKG technician in the medical setting. Anatomy and function of the circulatory system are reviewed and includes basic function and structure with the conduction system and associated terminology and abbreviations. Topics also covered include equipment and supplies needed for electrocardiography, the electrocardiography procedure, reading and interpretation of an EKG, stress testing, Holter monitor procedure, cardiac abnormalities, circulatory abnormalities.

Laboratory component required with minimum of 10 performed EKGs.

3 credits

This course introduces the clinical laboratory and phlebotomy with the exploration of how these areas contribute to the health care system including history of phlebotomy, hospital organization, legal and ethical concerns in Healthcare, regulatory agencies and quality assurance, safety, and infection control. Medical terminology, anatomy of the cardiovascular system with the formation of blood and lymphatic system will also be explored.

4 credits

This course explores the principles of phlebotomy and the advanced topics necessary to become certified and employed as a phlebotomist in the medical setting. Topics covered include anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, equipment and supplies needed for venipuncture, the venipuncture procedure, pre-analytical errors, specimen processing, and capillary blood sample collection. This course also includes EKG testing, non-blood specimens, point of care testing (POC), and arterial puncture. Students complete 45 hours lecture/lab during the first 4 weeks of the semester and 120 hours of phlebotomy experience [clinical practicum] at a clinical affiliate agency during the last 3 weeks of the semester. Clinical settings can include physician offices, reference laboratories, STAT laboratories, hospitals, or other medical facilities. 

3 credits

This course examines global health and reviews the health status of populations across the world. Topics that are covered include communicable and non-communicable disease burden, health security, health inequalities, and how climate change and nutrition status affect health outcomes. Students will critically examine the current literature on global health and will be challenged to use evidence-based research to develop practical ideas to improve global health outcomes. 

3 credits

This course examines critical challenges and opportunities in the care of diverse populations of patients, families, and communities in contemporary society. As an introduction to a career working in healthcare, weekly class modules involve relevant concepts of verbal and written communication, culture, ethics, evidence-based practice, informatics/technology, interprofessional collaboration, and social determinants of health. Course delivery methods utilize open educational resources (assigned readings), literature reviews, discussion boards, case studies, and scholarly article appraisals. 

3 credits

The purpose of this course is to introduce the history and development of epidemiology in relation to public health and disease. Communicable, epidemic, and endemic as well as social diseases will be discussed. 

3 credits

A foundational course that provides an introduction to aging and the aging process. The course introduces the interdisciplinary field of gerontology from bio-psycho-social-spiritual, ecological perspectives. The demographics of an aging population and its implications societal and policy impacts will be explored. Students will build upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed, both personally and professionally, to prepare for contemporary and emerging careers in the field.

3 credits

A contemporary focus on social determinants of health (SDOH), including poverty, race, class and gender, will be explored from an interdisciplinary perspective, along with its specific effects on older adults and the aging trajectory. Within a historical context, students will explore minority, disadvantaged and vulnerable older adult populations’ health disparities and health equity strategies. Students will analyze potential health equity strategies for use in health science professions, and apply this knowledge to a specific health disparity in a specified population.

3 credits

Older Adult Care across the Continuum: This course focuses on the continuum of healthcare delivery in the United States for older adults from aging in place to hospice care services. Financing for healthcare and health professional workforce needs will be explored. Knowledge of future trends in gerontology and healthcare for older adults informs the student when considering employment and continuing education opportunities in this field.  This course will serve as the capstone for the gerontology certificate program.

3 credits

This course examines the practice management processes of physician practice. An an introduction to a career working administratively in healthcare, weekly class modules involve relevant concepts of verbal and written communication, the patient visit process, leadership, office triage, and scheduling. Course delivery methods utilize open educational resources (assigned readings), critical thinking exercises, discussion boards, case studies, and evidence-based practice. 

3 credits

This course is designed as an introduction to health care plans that are underwritten by the federal government as well as selected private HMOs. Topics will include Medicare, Medicaid, Public Health, Indian Health Service, Veteran's Administration, Military Health Systems, and Managed Care. An understanding of the social, political, and professional forces that shape the health care delivery system will be discussed. 

3 credits

This course will provide the framework for developing a patient safety program. Specific topics will include: the link between patient safety and legal and regulatory compliance and managing patient safety compliance through accountability-based credentialing for health care professionals. The student will be expected to complete a case study on the implementation of a patient safety initiative in a health care setting of their choice.