Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies

Revitalize your career with your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies earned online from Ashford University^®.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Health Care Studies demonstrates your knowledge and skills to provide quality service in the health care industry. In this curriculum, you will learn about the US health care system, as well as medical ethics and law. Your courses cover subjects from community health to special populations. You can make a difference in peoples' health.

Career Opportunities
When you complete your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies degree, you will be prepared for a career in which a broad background and general knowledge in health care are requirements. This generalist degree prepares you for a wide array of non-clinical, non-managerial positions. Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies include:

• Wellness expert
• Community liaison
• Health insurance representative
• Patient account services
• Health care education
• Health care human resources
• Health care support staff

Special Terms and Conditions
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies program is not intended to lead to certification. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state licensure requirements. Ashford University does not represent that this degree program meets requirements for licensure in any state. A criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification or employment in this field of study. For additional information, please refer to your state licensing board or agency.

Specialization
You may also choose to delve into other areas of health care when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. For more detailed information, see the Courses tab. Choose the following specialization:

Long-Term Care Management
Gain new perspectives on long-term care when you add the Long-Term Care Management specialization to your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies degree program. Discover the factors that influence consumer choices in long-term care.

Transfer Concentrations
Use previous education or work experience to enhance your degree and customize it more closely with your professional and educational goals. You can transfer up to 12 approved credits of applicable coursework to add to your Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies. Transfer concentrations are available in the following fields of study:

• Applied Behavioral Science (Human Services)
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Exercise Science
• Health Care Administration
• Health Studies
• Human Resources Management
• Medical Records
• Physical Education
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Social Services
• Speech and Language Therapy

If you don't see a concentration listed here but you have some courses or experience in another field, just give us a call at 866.711.1700 to find out if it could qualify as a transfer concentration.

Your courses in this Bachelor of Arts degree program are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies degree program will be able to:

• Explain the major components of the US health care system;
• Explain the major population factors that influence the delivery of health services;
• Analyze driving factors influencing health care, including reform and quality;
• Apply principles from management theory, social and health sciences;
• Analyze non-clinical issues arising in delivering health care;
• Discuss regulatory elements influencing health care delivery such as ethics and legal issues; and
• Demonstrate communication skills that facilitate the delivery of health services.

Program Requirements

• Total number of credits required: 120 credits
• General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
• Major Course Requirements: 30 credits*
• Electives: 41 credits

You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University^® to meet the residency requirement.

* In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
• English Language Requirement.
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements


Competencies

Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
• Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
• Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
• Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category.

If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies

Revitalize your career! In this curriculum, you will learn about the US health care system, as well as medical ethics and law. Your courses cover subjects from community health to special populations.

Below you will find the courses for this program beginning with the introductory courses. You have a choice in this program, either to take a standard program composed of major course requirements, or you may choose to add a specialization. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements' capstone course before you can begin your specialization. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits.

• Introductory Courses
• Major Course Requirements
• Specializations:
  Health Informatics
  Long-Term Care Management

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take the Student Success Orientation and one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you are required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

Student Success Orientation
The orientation is designed to provide students with a complete overview of the Ashford University^® experience, prepare them for success in their courses, and help them to self evaluate their readiness to succeed in an online classroom setting. Students will be instructed on Ashford University policies and the learner resources that are available to them through interactive videos and assessments. Students enrolled in orientation must successfully complete all assigned activities.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(30 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

HCA 305 The US Health Care System
The US Health Care System is an introductory course exploring historical origins, foundations, values and resources. Other national health care systems are discussed in comparison to that of the United States. Throughout the course, health care service is integrated with marketplace, legal, ethical, regulatory, and financial forces that influence the continued evolution of the US Health Care System, and its resulting opportunities.

HCA 322 Health Care Ethics & Medical Law
Ethics and Medical Law presents the ethical and legal implications of health care administration. The unique legal aspects encountered in the provision of health services are analyzed. Concepts of access, affordability, health care interventions, and human rights are combined with legal and ethical issues that challenge the provision of health care services. Concepts of risk management, continuous quality assurance, guardianship, Institutional Review Boards, and needs of special and diverse populations provide discussion points. The overlapping domains of ethics and medical law are examined. Case studies, and discussion of ethical and legal precedent-setting decisions, are used to link theory with reality.

SOC 313 Social Implications of Medical Issues
This introductory course provides learners with a basic foundation of human biology, as it applies to health and human services providers. This course explores basic human biology and its relationship to selected socio-cultural domains, grounded in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model of Human Development.

HCA 340 Managing in Health & Human Services: An Interdisciplinary Approach
An upper-level management course providing basic management theory for the beginning manager. Management challenges, human service environments, management theories, organizational design, program planning, supervisory relations, managing finances, program evaluation, leadership theories, and teams in organizations are explored.

BUS 303 Human Resources Management
This course applies theory and research to human resource management (HRM) policies and practices; including attaining organizational goals; legal concerns, labor relations; strategic analysis; the HRM role in shaping organization and employee behavior; applying technology and systems to HRM; and HRM problems/issues.

HCA 415 Community & Public Health
Community and Public Health explores public health services in the well-being of a population. Regulatory mandates that promote public and community health are explored. The relationship between public health services and the overall health care industry is explored. Legal and ethical imperatives emergent in public health services are discussed. Financing options are explored, recognizing the role of categorical fiscal resources. Health care promotion and prevention strategies are explored in concert with the role of health care institutions and the public sector. Health information data is utilized in the planning of a community and/or public health project.

HCA 430 Special Populations
Special Populations explores health care services for special populations, such as: mental health, substance addiction, rehabilitation, geriatrics, and selected specialty services. The course is problem-focused, emphasizing access, cost-quality issues, and financing. Health information data is utilized as resources for the analysis of demand, quality and cost-efficiency. Historical perspectives are presented as factors that influence the present models of health services for special populations. Government mandates, categorical services, legal, ethical, and reimbursement issues are presented as driving forces in the provision of special population health services. Multidisciplinary models of special population health service models are discussed. Learners will develop a model program for a self-selected special population.

HCA 331 Introduction to Health Care Education
This foundational course provides an introduction to teaching and learning for health care professionals, consumers and clients. Theories of adult learning and introductory instructional design concepts provide the framework for students to design interactive courses.

HCA 333 Introduction to Long Term Care
This course provides an overview of the long-term service delivery continuum. Course topics include: patient-family-centered services; introduction to theories of adult development and aging; modalities of the long-term care delivery system; organizational culture; introduction to regulatory agencies; financial resources; and quality assurance.

HCA 497 Health Care Studies Capstone
In this final course, students will demonstrate their mastery of program outcomes by reflecting on and synthesizing insights gained from their studies. This will take the form of a focused study of a significant trend or problem in contemporary health care.

Specializations

You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of health care when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits each. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. Choose from the following specializations:

Health Informatics

HCA 401 Introduction to Health Care Informatics
This course provides an overview of health care informatics including basic vocabulary, concepts, technology, uses and practices. The history, background, and development of health care informatics are presented, as well as academic, private, and government influences.

HCA 417 Electronic Health Records
This course begins with an exploration of the evolution of electronic health records (EHRs) and then delves into the current forces driving the adoption of electronic health records. The components of EHR’s are reviewed and the core functionalities of the EHR are examined. Major consideration is given to HIPPA and confidentiality regulatory requirements in terms of EHR management. In addition, the different methods of data capture and recording of data are reviewed, as well as a comparison of contents for an inpatient versus an outpatient EHR.

HCA 419 Current Topics in Informatics
This course examines trends and emerging technologies involved in health care delivery and information systems/technology management within diverse health care settings. Content includes the following health care applications: process improvement and innovation for computerized provider order entry (CPOE), telemedicine, imaging systems, bio-surveillance, genomics, bioinformatics (methods used to process data from biological experiments), robotic surgery, and pharmacogenomics. In addition, ethical and legal considerations and aspects related to the use of computerized technology and information systems in the delivery of health care are reviewed.

HCA 435 Informatics Applications
This course provides a broad overview of the various components of informatics and the practical usage focusing on administrative and clinical functions across diverse health care and health care delivery settings. Emphasis is given to process improvement, control, and management of health care data. Topics covered include the following: evidence-based medicine, information retrieval, decision support systems, security and confidentiality, bioinformatics, information system cycles, key health information systems and standards, and medical devices.

 

Long-Term Care Management

SOC 304 Social Gerontology
This course focuses on social stereotypes and prejudice against the aged, discrimination, friends and family, care giving, living environments, demography, senior political power, legislation, elder abuse, and death and dying.

PSY 317 Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly
This course explores cognitive functioning in later life including biological, socioeconomic, environmental, cognitive adaptation, and life history factors influencing cognitive function as an individual progresses along a developmental continuum. The major psychological constructs of self concept, socialization, and thinking processes are presented. Etiology, interventions, education, and support systems are discussed.

HCA 442 Contemporary Issues in Aging
This course presents significant major interdisciplinary aging issues and controversies drawn from biological sciences, medicine, nursing, psychology, sociology, gerontology, public policy, and social work. With an emphasis on critical thinking, divergent views and perspectives of aging phenomenology are explored through the reading and research of selected articles and reports covering current topical content.

HCA 444 Long-Term Care: The Consumer Perspective
This course examines the role and impact consumers have in long-term care decision making and provision of care. Factors and challenges influencing consumer choices are explored within the context of long-term care improvement in both institutional and community settings. Current topical issues such as customer/provider relationships and quality of care are overviewed in this course.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

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