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. 

Prerequisites: PHL 1010

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.

Prerequisite: GER 1010 

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.

Prerequisites: GER 1010 and  GER 1020