UNDERGRADUATE
Bulletin

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Program Descriptions

 

 

Athletic Training

Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition (SMN)

The undergraduate athletic training education degree program earned initial accreditation in 1997 and continuing accreditation in 2004 and 2012 through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Prior to this, the curriculum had been National Athletic Trainers’ Association approved since 1978. The athletic training curriculum is defined by the current Board of Certification, Inc. Role Delineation Study, which consists of five performance domains to include: (1) Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection; (2) Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis; (3) Immediate and Emergency Care; (4) Treatment and Rehabilitation; (5) Organizational and Professional Health and Well-Being. The curriculum is structured to provide both academic and clinical instruction. The academic curriculum includes such courses as anatomy, kinesiology, human and exercise physiology, injury evaluation and treatment, and therapeutic modalities and exercise, among others. This course work provides a foundation for the hands-on clinical experiences provided in the clinical education setting. The students’ clinical requirements include direct patient care with athletes and physically active patients and evaluation of skills by preceptors who supervise each student’s clinical experience.  Students rotate through four on-campus athletic training facilities and several off-site affiliated settings during the clinical education component acquiring valuable skills under the direct supervision of certified athletic training staff, team physicians and other allied health professionals. Upon completion of the four-year baccalaureate degree, students are eligible to sit for the BOC, Inc. certification examination. Successful completion of this exam affords the candidate a variety of employment opportunities including athletic training positions at the high school, college, or university level; sports medicine and rehabilitation clinics; and professional athletic teams. Additionally, many students pursue graduate education opportunities in a number of sports medicine-related professions.

Procedures

Application to the Athletic Training Education Program is made following successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits and enrollment in ATHLTR 1811 and 1812.  Notification of admission occurs following a personal interview with the athletic training faculty and verification of completion of all prerequisite criteria.  The deadline for submission of an application for admission consideration is March 15 annually. 

Applications are online at:  www.shrs.pitt.edu/Apply.

Prerequisites for Admission

A. Completion of the following

 

A grade of C- or better is required for 1–9.
A grade of B or better is required for 10–11.
46 credits of prerequisite course work
14 additional credits of elective course work required

B. Successful completion of at least 60 credits of course work prior to admission.

C. EMT certification is required through course for credit of other qualified course leading to EMT-B certification.

D. Forty-five clinical observation hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer at the University of Pittsburgh. These hours are made available to students who are registered for REHSCI 1811 Basic Athletic Training.

E. Twenty hours of observation outside the University of Pittsburgh and under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. The 20 hours must be distributed evenly between a high school facility and a sports medicine clinic.

F. Completion of admissions application including technical standards for admission.

Technical Standards for Admission

The Athletic Training Education Program at the University of Pittsburgh is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE].

The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

• The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
• Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
• The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
• The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
• The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
• Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
• Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to meet these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation.

Selection Criteria

Based upon the following:

• A.   Overall minimum GPA of 2.50
• B.   Completion of all prerequisites
• C.   Personal interview
• D.   Personal qualities important for athletic training, i.e., enthusiasm, motivation, positive health habits, strong work ethic, and time commitment

Transfer Students

Transfer students may apply for admission to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences by completing the transfer application and SHRS supplemental application available through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at http://www.oafa.pitt.edu/transadm.aspx.  All other admissions criteria apply for transfer students in the same way as students enrolled at the Pittsburgh campus.

Students with prior athletic training experience seeking to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program must complete the same pre-requisite requirements as all other candidates including the Basic Athletic Training (ATHLTR 1811) and Basic Athletic Training Lab (ATHLTR 1812) courses and all observation hours.  If admitted to the program, all students must complete University of Pittsburgh core athletic training courses.  In some instances, credit may be given for other coursework taken at another institution and will be evaluated on an individual case basis.

Athletic Training Curriculum Sequence

The following course sequence is identical for all athletic training students in the junior and senior years.

 

 

 

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Communication Science

Department of Communication Science and Disorders (CSD)

The Department of Communication Science and Disorders offers a major in communication science that focuses on the anatomical, physiological and psychological foundations of communication as well as on the basic structure of language and the process of speech and language development. This major, leading to a BA degree, is particularly appropriate for students considering graduate study in communication science and disorders (Speech-Language pathology [SLP] and Audiology). A graduate degree is required for clinical practice in both of these professions).

The field of communication science and disorders and the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology are currently among the most attractive and diverse health care and educational professions available. The scientific basis of the field appeals to the scientist who has an interest in basic or applied research, whereas the human clinical element of the field appeals to the practitioner who is motivated to make a difference in people’s lives.

One in 6 Americans has a communication disorder because of a speech or language disorder, stroke, head injury, hearing loss, stuttering or voice problem, or some other disorder or problem that interferes with speech, language, or hearing development or use. Each one can be helped in some way by a speech-language pathologist; audiologist; or speech, language, or hearing scientist.

Recent projections from the U.S. Department of Labor indicate a shortage of speech-language pathologists and audiologists for many years to come. The future of the job market is healthy due to an increasing public awareness of the need for early diagnosis of speech, language, and hearing disorders; an awareness of the educational, social, and employment benefits of remediation programs for communication disorders; an aging population; and a concern about occupationally induced hearing disorders, among other factors. The need for speech, language, and hearing scientists is also great—there are many research and academic opportunities for those interested in research in these fields. For more information on the Department of Communication Science and Disorders and the degrees it offers, visit www.shrs.pitt.edu/csd. Other Web sites of interest are www.asha.org and www.audiology.org.

The undergraduate degree in communication science is also an excellent preparation program for graduate work in education of the deaf and hard of hearing, elementary or special education, the neurosciences, speech and hearing sciences, and other health-related professions such as rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The necessary additional prerequisites for these programs can be taken while completing the major.

Admission Requirements

Students can enter the communication science program, either from the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) from a regional campus or from another institution, once they have completed approximately 60 credits and maintained a minimum of 2.75 GPA. Students entering the University of Pittsburgh as freshmen will be admitted initially to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. After the first two years of study in A&S, students will transfer to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. During these first two years, students will work on the basic skills, general education and basic science requirements for the degree (see below). One or more of the introductory major courses may be taken during these first two years (e.g., CSD 1230 Introduction to Speech and Language Pathology, CSD 1232 Introduction to Audiology, CSD 1101 Introduction to Clinical Processes in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology). (Note: It is not necessary to complete all of the general education courses listed below prior to transfer to the major, but it is advisable to include as many of these courses as possible in the 60 required credits. It's advisable to have the basic science requirements completed before transfer if possible. Any outstanding general education or science courses can be completed in the junior and senior years while enrolled in the communication science program.)

Students transferring from outside the University of Pittsburgh should complete the University of Pittsburgh transfer application which can be found on the school’s Web site at http://www.oafa.pitt.edu/transadm.aspx.

Regardless of where a student is transferring from transfer or application forms should be submitted once approximately 45 credits have been completed in anticipation of completing close to 60 credits prior to transfer.

Students should make direct contact with the CSD Director of Undergraduate Education, Dr. Janice Vance, jvance@pitt.edu, for help academic advisor, 412-383-6562, for help with the transfer process. Early contact with the CSD

Academic Advisor (Dr. Erin Lundblom - lundblom@pitt.edu) is also recommended to take advantage of the specialized advising available during freshman and sophomore years.

Course requirements for the undergraduate major in communication science:

(Total credits required—120)

 

 

Major (Core) Courses (41 credits)

Core courses in the communication science major are offered in fall and spring terms. Several courses have prerequisites and care needs to be taken when planning the curriculum. It is essential that students consult with their CSD Academic Advisor (Dr. Erin Lundblom- lundblom@pitt.edu) before scheduling their courses. The full schedule for each semester is completed with any remaining general education or mandatory elective requirements, minor or certificate courses, or other elective courses. Interested students should be aware that the core course requirements may change before this University bulletin is revised again. Please consult with the CSD academic advisor (Dr. Erin Lundblom - lundblom@pitt.edu) or CSD Director of Undergraduate Education - (Dr. Janice Vance - jvance@pitt.edu) for current information.

 

 

Three of these courses can be taken in freshman and sophomore years

Introductory courses open to freshman or sophomore.  If not completed prior to transfer, these will be included in the junior schedule.

Freshman fall: 

CSD 1232 Introduction to Audiology (3)

Freshman spring:

CSD 1230  Introduction to Speech Language Pathology (3

)

Sophomore fall:

(CSD 1232  Introduction to Audiology)

Sophomore spring:

(CSD 1230 Introduction to Speech Language Pathology)

CSD 1101  Introduction to Clinical Processes in SLP and Audiology (3).  Prerequisite for CSD 1101: CSD 1232 and CSD 1230 (may be taking CSD 1230 simultaneously)

 

Related Requirements

Five additional courses must be completed, one from each of the areas listed below. These courses are designed to ensure that the student is well educated in related disciplines, in keeping with the place of communication science and disorders at the confluence of several realms of study. Several are also required for professional certification in SLP or Audiology. Consult with the CSD Academic Advisor for more course options.

1. Statistical Methods (Basic Applied Statistics, Applied Statistics Methods)
2. Biological, Neurological, Cognitive Foundations of Language
   Sensation and Perception, Introduction to Biopsychology, Learning and Motivation, Cognitive Psychology, Brain and Behavior, Introduction to Neuroscience
3. Philosophy of Science
   Principles of Scientific Reasoning; Introduction to Philosophy of Science; Mind and Medicine; Morality and Medicine; Philosophy and Rise of Modern Science; Magic, Medicine, and Science
4. Sociocultural Studies
   Introduction to Cultural Anthropology; History of Medicine and Health Care; Social Problems; Science in Society; Global Society; Introduction to Social Psychology; Language, Gender, and Society; Cross-Cultural Communication.
5. Lifespan Development
   Developmental Psychology, Child Development, Lifespan Development

 

Related Area/Minor/Directed or Independent Studies

No additional related area or minor is required for this undergraduate degree. However, many students are able to complete certificate programs or minors in addition to the requirement for the BA in communication science. In recent years, students have attained certificates in conceptual foundations of medicine, Latin American studies, American Sign Language, and children’s literature and minors in neuroscience, linguistics, and sociology, among others. These are only a few of the many certificate and minor programs available at the University of Pittsburgh. Students may also consult with the CSD Director of Undergraduate Education or the CSD Academic Advisor about the possibility or pursuing a directed or independent study with a member of faculty.  A formal approval process is required for this.

Pennsylvania Education Certification in Speech-Language Impaired

Students wishing to practice as speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania public schools after graduate school should consider taking one or two basic education courses as electives in preparation for completing additional certification requirements at graduate level. Students should consult with the CSD Academic Advisor (Dr. Erin Lundblom - lundblom@pitt.edu) for more information.

Emergency Medicine

Today, the field of out-of-hospital medicine is expanding rapidly to include many aspects of patient care in addition to emergency management. As this field continues to grow and change, leaders and educators with a background in emergency medicine are needed to help shape the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A Bachelor of Science Degree in emergency medicine can benefit the EMS professional in many ways. This dynamic and multidisciplinary approach to emergency medicine education will provide the student with a strong foundation in clinical experiences, educational expertise and administrative leadership.

This program is designed to meet the growing need for the advanced skill levels required in the EMS profession and to prepare students for the technical, clinical and administrative challenges of a career in EMS and health care today. Many Emergency Medicine (EM) students continue to medical school and other graduate level education.

In addition to enhancing the knowledge, skills, and careers of EMS professionals, many students who are interested in pursuing a health care career in nursing, physician assistants or physicians may benefit from the clinical experience offered through the program. A significant number of graduates have used this program to meet the requirements for admission to medical school or PA programs.

Recognizing that students will be entering the program with varying levels of education and experience, students are admitted into the program at the appropriate level based on student's career and academic experiences.

Students who have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including EMT certification and the designated prerequisites, are admitted into the program for the junior year and with successful completion are provided the opportunity to obtain Pennsylvania paramedic certification and National Registry paramedic certification at the end of that year.

Students who have earned the aforementioned credits and are currently certified or licensed paramedics (by a state EMS agency or the National Registry of EMT), advanced standing can be awarded and they will be admitted into the program as senior transfer students. During the senior year, these students will be required to complete 30 credits within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences to be eligible for graduation. Senior transfer students must complete EM core credits in a traditional format; web-based or distance course delivery format is not permitted. For more information, please contact the program at 412-647-4547.

 

Due to the ever changing health care industry and the integral part EMS has played in public safety, EMS will be more than a medical response in an emergency. It will play a vital role in improving the general health of the population in the community it serves. The demand is also growing for EMS professionals to have an expertise in business, management, teaching and clinical techniques. This program is intended to give its students the edge in every aspect of the field.

 

The Pitt Freshman Guarantee

All incoming Pitt freshman choosing the Pre-Emergency Medicine major  code PREEM will be granted guaranteed admission contingent on maintaining a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 or greater and successfully interviewing with the EM Faculty during their sophomore year (at regional Pitt campuses, choose corresponding codes).

Admission Requirements

Notification of admission occurs following a personal interview with the Emergency Medicine faculty and evidence of completion of all prerequisite criteria.

Applications are due March 15 and interviews for junior year applicants will begin in January. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed based upon available space. All applicants are encouraged to apply early, as limited seats are available. Application may be submitted while course requirements are in progress.

For Juniors: This program requires students to complete clinical education at facilities external to the University, and such facilities will require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34/73 clearance, physical examination and a drug screen to determine whether the student applicant is qualified to participate in the clinical education. Students are required to purchase and wear clinical uniforms designated by the program and maintain health insurance throughout the entire junior year and strongly recommended for senior year. Additionally, in order to become certified/ licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor and a felony.

 

 

Prerequisite Courses

Students are admitted into the Emergency Medicine program after successful completion of a minimum of 60 college credits, including the following prerequisite courses:

 

 

Additional Senior Level Elective Courses

EM 1185 Beyond the Body: An Introduction to Hidden Factors that Influence Health (3 credits)

This course was designed to introduce clinicians and health administrators to variables that influence health beyond behaviors, genes and germs.  This course will introduce the “social ecology” model that addresses the broader social, environmental and policy factors that influence our health, which are known as “health determinants”.

EM 1187 Organizational Theory (3 credits)

Through didactic and practical sessions, students will have the opportunity to discover organizational theory and to evaluate an EMS agency.  Through this course students will learn about the 11 components of an EMS system and how to use them to evaluate an EMS system.

EM 1186 Certified Ambulance Coder (1 credit)

The Certified Ambulance Coder course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the complex rules and requirements related to effective and compliant ambulance billing. The course focuses on a baseline of critical knowledge and commitment to excellence necessary to be a well-informed, conscientious and compliant ambulance billing professional.

 

Transfer Students

Students are required to earn 30 credits within the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and may not include prerequisite courses.  Senior transfer students are required to have current certification/licensure as a paramedic and have completed 51 college credits, including the required prerequisite courses.  All senior transfer students will be offered a 3-credit online EM course each semester to fulfill the 30-credit requirement (Beyond the Body will be offered in the fall semester and Organizational Theory will be offered in the spring).  Students may take other 3-credit courses within SHRS each semester to fulfill the 30-credit requirement. Senior transfer students must complete EM core credits in a traditional format; web-based or distance course delivery format is not permitted.

For Juniors: This program requires students to complete clinical education at facilities external to the University, and such facilities will require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34/73 clearance,  physical examination and a drug screen to determine whether the student applicant is qualified to participate in the clinical education. Students are required to purchase and wear clinical uniforms designated by the program and maintain health insurance throughout the entire junior year and strongly recommended for senior year.  Additionally, in order to become certified/ licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor and a felony.

Health Information Management (HIM)

Accurate, reliable patient data is critical to health professionals, and the health information management department is the key health center for medical staff, administrators, other health professionals, and the community. In today's, environment, HIM professionals engage in a variety of roles, from the more traditional HIM directors, to privacy officers, systems analysts, and electronic health record specialists. The health information management professional is a key member of an organization and ensures that patient information is available when it is needed, while maintaining high standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and security. Health information management professionals design, develop, evaluate, and manage health information systems and disease registries in all types of health care facilities, organizations, and agencies.

Health information management graduates are prepared to serve the health care industry wherever health information is collected, organized, and analyzed, and work in a variety of health care settings such as acute-care hospitals, psychiatric facilities, ambulatory-care facilities, physician office practices, long-term care facilities, mental health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. Their ranks are also increasing in consulting, accounting and legal firms, disease registries, payer organizations (e.g. insurance, reimbursement), research and policy agencies, and educational institutions.

Due to the increased presence of technology as a key component of health care delivery, more HIM professionals are finding career opportunities in the information systems environment, where they develop, market, and implement software; ensure that systems comply with standards and regulations, and work in support of quality, privacy, and security in paper-based as well as electronic medical records. The opportunities for graduates continue to be plentiful. In a 2012 US News World Report, health information management/informatics ranked number four among top college majors with a future.  This report also stated that in the next 5-7 years, there will be a need for 50,000 workers in this field.

In order to meet the data requirements of all facets of the health care delivery system, a broad-based curriculum has been designed for health information management students. The health information manager combines knowledge of health care, health records, information management, and administration to provide quality services that meet the medical, epidemiological, administrative, legal, ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements of the health care delivery system being served. The graduate must also have an understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiological research, statistical methods, and legal aspects of health care, as well as knowledge of both state and federal regulations.

Clinical education, beginning in the spring term of the junior year, is scheduled at various health care institutions to provide the student with real experiences in the profession. The final clinical education is a six-week full-time management affiliation at a health care institution within, or, at times, outside the state. Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical sites, whether they are on campus or located at an off-campus site and are responsible for all expenses during clinical education.

The health information management program is accredited by the Commission on Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Following satisfactory completion of all course requirements, the graduate will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science and students are eligible to sit for the RHIA credentialing examination administered by the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) an affiliate of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) during their last semester of study. For more information, see http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/him/.

Part-Time Study

Students may pursue this program on a part-time basis. A meeting with the appropriate advisor is recommended.

Progression for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Provision for transfer of credits may be made for those students who have satisfactorily completed a junior college health information technology program accredited by the Commission on Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). In addition, the HIM department has an articulation agreement with the Health Information Technology Program at the Community College of Allegheny County, enabling qualified graduates of the HIT program to matriculate into the HIM program at the University of Pittsburgh as juniors.

The Pitt Freshman Guarantee

All incoming Pitt freshmen choosing the Pre-Health Information Management major will be granted guaranteed admission (at regional Pitt campuses, choose corresponding codes).

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted into the health information management program after successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits, including the following prerequisite courses:

 

Note: For part-time and registered health information technician students, HIM Clinical Education 1440, 1460, 1480, and 1495 and HIM 1496 (Capstone Course in HIM) may be taken in any term with permission of advisor and the instructor after the appropriate prerequisite courses have been completed.