University of Pittsburgh
  UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002 [ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ]


SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

 SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) offers educational programs leading to a baccalaureate degree in the following areas:

  • Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition
  • Communication Science
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Health Information Management
  • Occupational Therapy

Most SHRS undergraduate programs provide preparation for entry into a health-related profession. All programs are reviewed and approved by the SHRS Council on Entry-level Professional Education and provide opportunity for multidisciplinary learning experiences. Although specific program objectives vary, especially those related to professional competence, most curricula include clinical education experiences.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is an integral part of the world-class University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The medical center comprises a variety of hospitals and clinical facilities that afford students a wealth of opportunities for professional experience.

The mission of the school is to advance the theoretical base of knowledge underlying the practice of health and rehabilitation disciplines and professions through research, teaching, and professional service.


CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of Admissions
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
4019 Forbes Tower
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 647-1252
shrsadmi+@pitt.edu
http://www.shrs.upmc.edu


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Freshman application is made through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Students typically apply to SHRS in their sophomore year of college by the application deadline (see Admission Deadlines under Transfer Student Admissions for specifics). Students applying for transfer from other institutions may apply directly to SHRS. Second-career students or students who possess a bachelor's degree may apply directly to SHRS providing prerequisite courses are successfully completed.

General requirements for admission to SHRS's baccalaureate degree programs include the successful completion of a minimum of 60 college-level credits with a cumulative quality point average (QPA) of at least 2.50 (based on 4.00). Included in the 60 credits must be the required prerequisites for the SHRS program to be entered (see specific prerequisites listed under Program Descriptions). Students applying for transfer from other institutions and international students must have taken comparable prerequisite courses. In order to assist the Committee on Admissions in making a more accurate evaluation of academic suitability for the program, applicants should complete as many of the prerequisite courses as possible before applying to SHRS. A minimum grade of C- is required for courses designated as prerequisites.

SHRS does not evaluate CLEP (College Level Examination Program) scores for credit but will accept CLEP credits that have been evaluated and posted on an official transcript from an accredited college or university. CLEP credits are not applied toward courses that are listed as prerequisites.

Since many health professionals find a second (foreign) language valuable, SHRS recommends such study either during high school or the first two years of college. In addition, some computer background (a college-level computer science course) is recommended.

See SHRS Program Descriptions on for additional admissions requirements.


APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A completed application to SHRS should be sent by the admission deadline (see Admission Deadlines under Transfer Student Admissions section of this bulletin for specific deadlines) and should include the following:

  1. All relevant application forms:
    • University of Pittsburgh students must complete the SHRS application for undergraduate programs.
    • Transfer students and students possessing a bachelor's degree must complete the SHRS undergraduate application as well as a transfer application for the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
    • International applicants must complete both an SHRS and a transfer application as well as an application from the Office of International Student Services. See International Student Admissions.
  2. SHRS Supplemental Form.
  3. Self-evaluation. Applicants must submit a brief typed statement discussing when and how they became interested in the field and program to which they are applying and outline their long-term professional goals.
  4. Transcripts. Official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended. Students currently enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh are not required to submit high school transcripts. Credits shown on a transcript as transfer credits from another institution cannot substitute for the official transcript of the college or university at which the credits were earned.
  5. Evaluation Forms. Two recommendations are required for students applying to the occupational therapy program. These recommendations must be completed by OT supervisors with whom the applicant has worked or volunteered. For all other SHRS majors, one form of evaluation is required from a faculty member, academic advisor, or work supervisor. Evaluations must be enclosed in a sealed envelope signed by the evaluator.
  6. Experience Summary Form. Required only for students applying to the occupational therapy program; optional for other programs.
  7. The application fee of $35 (only if transferring from another institution; University of Pittsburgh students do not have to pay this fee).


ADMISSION STATUS

Students admitted to SHRS are admitted to one of three statuses: full, provisional, or special:

  • Students admitted to full status have met all admission criteria and have been admitted either as full-time or part-time students for study toward the baccalaureate degree.
  • In certain circumstances, when an applicant is admitted with a QPA of less than 2.50, he or she is admitted on a provisional basis and must earn 2.00 in the first term (or first 12 credits for part-time students) in order to be granted full admission. Students who are admitted provisionally who then do not earn a 2.00 in the first term (or first 12 credits for part-time students) may not continue in SHRS.
  • Applicants not matriculated in any school in the University who wish to take courses for credit without reference to a degree may be admitted as special students if they present evidence of ability to follow successfully the courses for which they apply. Students admitted to SHRS as special students may take a maximum of six credits toward a degree without submitting an application. A student wishing to register for more than six credits as a special student has the right to appeal in written form to the dean. Information concerning such requests should be directed first to the SHRS Registrar, 4024 Forbes Tower, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.


ACCEPTABLE ACADEMIC STATUS

All students must receive a C- or better in all required courses in the professional curriculum. Students who receive a grade below a C- must repeat that course and attain a grade of C- or better. Students will not be permitted to register for a course if they receive a grade below C- in a prerequisite for that course.


REPEATING COURSES

Students must repeat required courses in the professional curriculum in which they receive a grade below C-. Students are permitted to repeat a course one time only. When a student successfully repeats a course at the University of Pittsburgh, the repeated course grade and not the original grade is computed in the QPA.

A course in which a passing grade has been achieved may not be repeated to improve the grade. Since major portions of the various curricula are sequential in nature and courses are offered only once a year, courses cannot be repeated until the following academic year. See Repeating Courses in the Grading and Records section of this bulletin for more information.


CLASS DESIGNATION

Class designation of undergraduate students is based on successful completion of course requirements for each curricular year in the school. Therefore, all requirements in the junior year must be met before promotion to the senior year.


STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Part-time students must complete bachelor degree requirements within a reasonable period of time. A Plan of Study will be worked out with the student's advisor detailing the length of time needed to complete the program.


ADVANCED STANDING

A maximum of 60 credits will be posted on the SHRS transcript unless indicated to the Office of Student Services via the Plan of Study that the student qualifies for more than 60 credits. Grades of D will be accepted for advanced standing from all universities and colleges provided the D indicates passing. However, a D grade will not be accepted for advanced standing if it occurs in a prerequisite course.

Advanced standing for courses in the professional curriculum is a departmental decision. If advanced standing is not granted, credit by examination for specified courses may be taken to demonstrate mastery of the course content. Advanced standing is reflected on the Plan of Study, which the student completes with his or her academic advisor. The Office of Student Services will post advanced standing only as indicated by the Plan of Study.


CLINICAL EDUCATION - DIRECTED PRACTICE

Clinical or field learning experience is an integral and essential part of SHRS undergraduate professional programs. All students preparing to be clinical dietitians, emergency medicine technicians (paramedics), health information managers, or occupational therapists will spend a specific amount of time in a variety of clinical education experiences. These experiences are planned sequentially and in coordination with classroom or laboratory courses taken on campus.

All clinical education experiences take place at sites that have signed contracts with the University of Pittsburgh. An SHRS faculty member, usually called a Coordinator of Clinical Education, assigns students to these sites. Supervision or instruction during clinical education is provided by health professionals qualified appropriately for the type or level of content studied by the student. Students are required to carry professional liability insurance and personal health insurance during all phases of clinical education.

Students may be required to travel a distance or to relocate outside the city for their clinical education assignments. All expenses for transportation, housing, food, etc., are the student's responsibility.

Students must wear proper attire, which may vary with the clinical education. Students studying to be health information managers, for example, will dress in street clothes, while students studying to be clinical dietitians may wear white lab coats. Safety may be a consideration. The coordinator of clinical education will provide specific information about clothing or uniforms for each program.

Because of clinical education time requirements for accreditation purposes, any student who misses clinical time for any reason must see the appropriate practicum instructor or coordinator of clinical education to arrange for any needed make-up time.


GRADUATION

Candidates for a bachelor's degree from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences must have satisfactorily completed 120 credits, 30 (at minimum) of which must have been taken while registered in the school, and candidates must have completed the requirements for the program in which they have enrolled. The student's advisor must approve these credits. To qualify for graduation, students must have completed all courses and other degree requirements and must have a Plan of Study on file in the Office of Student Services, 4024 Forbes Tower.

The QPA used for graduation and for the awarding of honors will be calculated as a composite of all courses taken at the University of Pittsburgh counting toward completion of the degree. The baccalaureate degree student attaining an outstanding scholastic record may, upon vote of the faculty, be graduated with program honors if a minimum of 60 letter-graded credits has been earned at the University of Pittsburgh. A minimum QPA of 2.00 is required to graduate. A student failing to remove a D, F, G, or I grade in a required course will not graduate.

An application for graduation must be filed in the SHRS Office of Student Services at the time of registration for the term in which the student expects to complete all requirements for graduation. Students must be registered for a minimum of one credit in the term/session in which they plan to graduate. Students who have maintained an excellent academic record may also graduate with University Honors. See the Graduation section of this bulletin for further details.


PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS


CLINICAL DIETETICS AND NUTRITION (CDN)

It is widely accepted that good nutrition plays a major role in the maintenance of health and the quality of life, the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, as well as recovery and rehabilitation following physiological trauma. Although a number of professions include nutrition as one area of research and/or practice interests, it is the profession of dietetics that dedicates its efforts entirely to the improvement of the nutritional status of people and the advancement of the science of nutrition. Registered dietitians whose specialized education is based in the biological, sociological, nutritional, and food sciences provide nutritional care to people, both well and ill, by using their expertise in nutrition science, food science, psychological and social significance of eating behavior management, food economics, budgeting, counseling, and educational methodology. Registered dietitians practice in a variety of settings. These include hospitals and other health care institutions (as either clinicians or food administrators), industry, government, and in private practice.

Preparation for a career as a registered dietitian requires the completion of a bachelor's degree in an approved program and accredited supervised clinical education experience program (didactic internship), followed by the passing of a national registration examination. The clinical dietetics and nutrition program offers several options for meeting the eligibility requirements to take the registration examination:

  • Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in an accredited undergraduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD). This is a concentrated program in which supervised clinical education experiences are incorporated into the baccalaureate curriculum, eliminating the need for an additional postbaccalaureate internship. The CPD program is accredited by the American Dietetic Association.
  • Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in a Didactic Program in Dietetics requiring subsequent completion of an accredited post-baccalaureate dietetic internship program. The University assumes no responsibility for the placement or supervision of graduates in dietetic internships. The Didactic Program in Dietetics is approved by the American Dietetic Association.

    Both preceding options are available at SHRS. The emphasis in both programs is clinical dietetics practice. Admission prerequisites for both options are the same. For more information on these programs, see http://www.pitt.edu/~cdndept/.

  • Admission Prerequisites for CDN:

    Biological Sciences 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take BIOSC 0150). Lab is recommended.
    Chemistry (general) 8 credits. Courses must include labs (University of Pittsburgh students should take CHEM 0110, 0120).
    Chemistry (organic) 6 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take CHEM 0310, 0320).
    Computer Science 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take CS 0110 or 0131).
    Economics 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take ECON 0800).
    English Composition 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take ENGCMP 0200 - General Writing); see also "W-course" requirement below.
    Mathematics 3 or 4 credits - algebra and trigonometry (University of Pittsburgh students should take MATH 0031 and 0032, 0100, or 0200).
    Introduction to Psychology 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take PSY 0010).
    Public Speaking 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take COMMRC 0520).
    Sociology 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take SOC 0010).
    Statistics 4 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take STAT 0200 or 1000).
    W-Course 3 credits in any advanced composition course or in any course with a writing component (as designated with a W or WRIT in the Schedule of Classes) after English composition requirement has been completed.
    *Human Nutrition 3 credits (University of Pittsburgh students should take CDN/HRS1006).
    +Introduction to the Profession of Dietetics 1 credit, CDN 1600.
    +Social & Cultural Determinants of Food Behavior 3 credits, CDN 1612. (Transfer students may take this in junior year.)
    *Not available at University of Pittsburgh regional campuses. This course may be taken at the Pittsburgh campus in the summer before admission to the program.
    +Provisions will be made for transfer students to take these courses during the Fall Term of the junior year, after admission to the program.

  • Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) Curriculum

    FALL TERM - Junior Year
    HRS 1000 Introduction to Research 2 cr.
    HRS 1023 Human Physiology 4 cr.
    CDN 1620 Advanced Human Nutrition 1 3 cr.
    CDN 1609 Clinical Biochemistry 3 cr.
    CDN 1601 Medical Terminology 1 cr.
    CDN 1602 Nutrition Assessment 1 1 cr.
    TOTAL 14 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Junior Year
    HRS 1025 Introduction to Microbiology 3 cr.
    CDN 1610 Food Science 1 3 cr.
    CDN 1613 Food Science 1 Laboratory 1 cr.
    CDN 1604 Food Service Systems Management 4 cr.
    CDN 1621 Advanced Human Nutrition 2 3 cr.
    TOTAL 14 cr.
    SUMMER SESSION I - Junior Year
    CDN 1606 Introduction to Nutrition and Diet in Disease 4 cr.
    CDN 1603 Foundations of Dietetics Practice 3 cr.
    TOTAL 7 cr.
    FALL TERM - Senior Year
    CDN 1605 Principles of Nutrition Education 3 cr.
    CDN 1607 Nutrition Research Seminar 1 cr.
    CDN 1611 Food Sciences 2 3 cr.
    CDN 1630 Clinical Dietetics 1: Didactic 3 cr.
    CDN 1631 Clinical Dietetics 1: Clinical 6 cr.
    TOTAL 16 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Senior Year
    CDN 1608 Professional Trends and Issues 2 cr.
    CDN 1622 Nutrition in the Life Cycle 3 cr.
    CDN 1635 Clinical Dietetics 5: Community Supervised Practice 1 cr.
    CDN 1632 Clinical Dietetics 2: Didactic 3 cr.
    CDN 1633 Clinical Dietetics 2: Clinical 6 cr.
    TOTAL 15 cr.
    SUMMER SESSION I - Senior Year
    CDN 1634 Clinical Dietetics 3: Clinical 4 cr.
    CDN 1636 Clinical Dietetics 4: Clinical 2 cr.
    TOTAL 6 cr.
    TOTAL CREDITS 72

  • Didactic Program in Dietetics Curriculum

    FALL TERM - Junior Year
    HRS 1000 Introduction to Research 2 cr.
    HRS 1023 Human Physiology 4 cr.
    CDN 1609 Clinical Biochemistry 3 cr.
    CDN 1620 Advanced Human Nutrition 1 3 cr.
    CDN 1601 Introduction to Medical Terminology 1 cr.
    CDN 1602 Nutrition Assessment 1 1 cr.
    TOTAL 14 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Junior Year
    HRS 1025 Introduction to Microbiology 3 cr.
    CDN 1604 Food Service Systems Management 4 cr.
    CDN 1610 Food Science 1 3 cr.
    HRS 1613 Food Science 1 Laboratory 1 cr.
    CDN 1621 Advanced Human Nutrition 2 3 cr.
    TOTAL 14 cr.
    SUMMER SESSION I - Junior Year
    CDN 1603 Foundations of Dietetics Practice 3 cr.
    CDN 1606 Nutrition and Diet in Disease 4 cr.
    TOTAL 7 cr.
    FALL TERM - Senior Year
    HRS 1605 Principles of Nutrition Education 3 cr.
    CDN 1607 Nutrition Research Seminar 1 cr.
    CDN 1611 Food Science 2 3 cr.
    CDN 1630 Clinical Dietetics 1: Didactic 3 cr.
    Elective(s) 3 cr.
    TOTAL 13 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Senior Year
    CDN 1608 Professional Trends and Issues in Dietetics 2 cr.
    CDN 1622 Nutrition in the Life Cycle 3 cr.
    CDN 1632 Clinical Dietetics 2: Didactic 3 cr.
    CDN 1635 Community Dietetics: Clinical 1 cr.
    Elective(s) 3 cr.
    TOTAL 12 cr.
    TOTAL CREDITS 60


COMMUNICATION SCIENCE

The Department of Communication Science and Disorders offers a major in communication science, an area of study which focuses on the scientific principles underlying human communication. Attention is given to the cognitive, psychological, behavioral, neurophysiological, anatomical, and linguistic bases of human communication, emphasizing both normal and disordered functioning of the speech, language, and hearing systems.

This major, leading to a BA degree, is particularly appropriate for students considering graduate study in communication science and disorders (speech-language pathology and/or audiology). An undergraduate major in communication science is also appropriate for graduate work in the neurosciences, health-related professions (including dentistry and medicine), special education, speech and hearing sciences, and education of the deaf.

  • Admission Requirements

    Students entering the University of Pittsburgh as freshmen will be admitted initially to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Approximately the first two years of study will involve general education courses (see below), after which students will transfer to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. During these first two years it is recommended that one or two of the major courses are taken.

    Students can enter SHRS for study in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders, either from CAS or from another institution, once they have acquired approximately 60 credits. Any student interested in communication science should obtain transfer forms after they have completed 45 credits. Once admitted to the department, each student will be assigned a faculty advisor and will have access to the general advisor to facilitate planning of courses. Students interested in communication science should contact the general advisor (412) 647-1352, as early as possible to take advantage of the specialized advising facilities. For more information on the department, see http://www.pitt.edu/~commsci/.

  • Course Requirements for Undergraduate Major in Communication Science

    Total credits required: 120
    General education credits: 60
    Major (core courses) credits: 40
    Mandatory elective (cluster system) credits: 15
    Additional elective credits: 5

  • General Education Requirements: (60 credits)

    Basic Skills Requirements:
    General Writing/Composition 3 cr.
    Algebra 3 cr.
    Quantitative Reasoning (statistics, logic, computer science) 3 cr.
    Two "W" Writing Courses (e.g., literature, philosophy, history, international culture) 6 cr.
    Foreign Language**
    1st and 2nd levels (Spanish, French, sign language, etc.)    		 6 cr.
    General Education Courses:
    Literature* 3 cr.
    Music or Art 3 cr.
    2nd Literature/Music/Art or Creative Expression 3 cr.
    Philosophy* 3 cr.
    Social Science (sociology, social psychology) 3 cr.
    History* 3 cr.
    Public Policy or 2nd social science or history 3 cr.
    Natural Science - Life and Physical
    (e.g., biology, psychology, chemistry,physics, neuroscience, geology, astronomy)     		9 cr.
    International Foreign Culture (must include 3 credits in non-Western culture) 9 or 12 cr.
    *may satisfy writing requirement
    **satisfied by three years of foreign language in high school
    Transfer students with outstanding general education courses can complete these while enrolled in SHRS.

  • Major (Core) Courses: 40 credits

    Courses in the communication science major are offered in the Fall and Spring Terms. Several courses have prerequisites, and care needs to be taken when planning the curriculum.

    FALL TERM
    CSD 1022 Transcription Phonetics (prerequisite for Speech Science) 3 cr.
    CSD
    or
    LING     		1020
    or
    1950     		Nature of Language
    (prerequisite for Language Development)    		 3 cr.
    CSD 1023/
    1027    		 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech
    with laboratory (prerequisite for Speech Science)    		 4 cr.
    CSD 1024/
    1029    		 Anatomy and Physiology of Hearing
    with laboratory (prerequisite for Hearing Science)    		 4 cr.
    **CSD 1101 Introduction to Clinical Processes in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology 3 cr.
    **CSD 1231 Evaluation and Treatment of Communication Disorders 3 cr.
    *CSD 1232 Introduction to Hearing Impairment 3 cr.
    SPRING TERM
    CSD 1021 Language Development 3 cr.
    CSD 1026/
    1028    		 Speech Science with laboratory 4 cr.
    CSD 1025/
    1030    		 Hearing Science with laboratory 4 cr.
    *CSD 1230 Introduction to Speech and Language Disorders 3 cr.
    CSD
    or
    PSY     		1233
    or
    0035    		 Introduction to Research 3 cr.
    *These courses can be taken in freshman or sophomore year.
    **These courses are also offered in the Spring Term.

  • Mandatory Elective (Cluster System) Courses: 15 credits

    Five 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.

    1. Statistics and measurement (e.g., Tests and Measurements, Applied Statistical Methods, Basic Applied Statistics) - 3 cr.
    2. Biological, neurological and cognitive foundations of communication (e.g., Human Cognition and Learning, Introduction to Biopsychology, Foundations of Biology, Sensation and Perception, Introduction to Neuroscience) - 3 cr.
    3. Philosophy of science (e.g., Introduction to Philosophy of Science, Medical Sociology, Morality and Medicine) - 3 cr.
    4. Sociocultural studies (e.g., Human Relations in Health Care, Aspects of Sociolinguistics, Global Civilization) - 3 cr.
    5. Lifespan development (e.g., Developmental Psychology, Sociology of Aging, Adolescent Psychology) - 3 cr.

    The examples given for each cluster provide a guideline - consult with the CSD general advisor for additional courses.

  • Electives: 5 credits

    Five additional credits are required. It is recommended that students choose courses from the cluster system.

  • Grade Requirements

    C- or higher required for basic skills courses and each major (core) course. D- or higher required for general education, cluster, and elective courses. Quality point average (QPA) of 2.00 required for graduation.

  • Teaching Certification

    Students planning to practice after graduate school as speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania public schools need to take 12 undergraduate credits in the School of Education (not required for communication science major), as well as additional courses at the graduate level.


EMERGENCY MEDICINE

A Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medicine can benefit the emergency medical services (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 the student for the technical, clinical, and administrative challenges of a career in EMS and health care.

This unique program recognizes that EMS professionals will be entering this program with varying levels of education and is designed accordingly to be flexible to handle this diversity. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis and permits entry at various levels based on the student's career and academic experience.

The Emergency medicine program is a joint effort of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Medicine (Department of Emergency Medicine), and the Center for Emergency Medicine. For more information on the program, see http://www.shrs.upmc.edu/EMS/home.html.

  • Prerequisite Courses

    Students are required to take the following prerequisite courses during their freshman and sophomore years:

    General Chemistry (Must include lab) 4 cr.
    Microbiology (Introductory) 3 cr.
    Anatomy & Physiology 4 cr.
    Psychology 6 cr.
    Computer Science 3 cr.
    Life Span Development 3 cr.
    English Composition 3 cr.
    Sociology 3 cr.
    Humanities, social or natural science 6 cr.
    Ethics 3 cr.
    Statistics 3 cr.
    Public Speaking 3 cr.
    EMT with Lab 4 cr.
    Pathophysiology 4 cr.
    Introduction to Nutrition 3 cr.
    Pharmacodynamics or Pharmacology 3 cr.
    Electives 6 cr.
    Total prerequisite credits 64
    Total SHRS credits 65-70
    Total credits 129-134

  • Emergency Medicine Curriculum

    FALL TERM - Junior Year
    EM 1117 EMS Operations 3 cr.
    EM 1114 Medication Administration Lab 1 cr.
    EM 1111 Introduction to Out of Hospital 3 cr.
    HIM 1482 Legal Aspects of Health Care 2 cr.
    EM 1115/
    1116    		 Patient Assessment with Lab 4 cr.
    EM 1131 Clinical 1 3 cr.
    TOTAL 16 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Junior Year
    EM 1120/
    1121    		 Trauma with Lab 3 cr.
    EM 1122/
    1123    		 Cardiology/Respiratory with Lab 4 cr.
    EM 1124 Medical 1 3 cr.
    EM 1125 Medical 2 3 cr.
    EM 1132 Clinical 2 4 cr.
    TOTAL 17 cr.
    FALL TERM - Senior Year
    EM 1126 Medical 3/Assessment Based Management Lab 3 cr.
    EM 1133 Clinical 3 5 cr.
    EM 1150 Professional Issues in EMS 1 3 cr.
    HRS 2435 Concepts of Finance & Accounting 3 cr.
    HIM 1420 Organizational Theory & Behavior 3 cr.
    TOTAL 17 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Senior Year
    EM 1140 Summative Field Evaluation 3 cr.
    HIM 1455/
    1456    		 Quality Care Assess with Lab 4 cr.
    HRS 2903 Issues in Health Care 2 cr.
    EM 1151 Pre-Professional Project 3 cr.
    EM 1152 Professional Issues in EMS 2 (elective) 2 cr.
    EM 1199 EMS Independent Study (elective) 1-6 cr.
    TOTAL 15-20 cr.


HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (HIM)

In medical facilities, the health information management department is the key health information center for the medical staff, administrators, other health professionals, and the community. A health information manager (registered records administrator) directs the work of this department and is part of the management team in the health care facility helping with decisions affecting patients and the institution. Health information managers 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 function in settings such as acute-care hospitals, psychiatric facilities, ambulatory-care facilities, physician office practices, long-term care facilities, mental health/mental retardation agencies, rehabilitation centers, consulting firms, cancer and other registries, and education research institutions.

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 responsible for expenses during clinical education.

The health information management program is accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Following satisfactory completion of all course requirements, the graduate will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science and will be eligible to write both the registration examination of the American Health Information Management Association and the certification examination of the National Tumor Registrars' Association. For more information on the program, see http://www.him.upmc.edu/.

  • Part-Time Study

    In addition to the full-time curriculum, a part-time program is available. An attempt has been made to offer a few of the health information management courses in the late afternoon to accommodate those students who are employed on a full-time basis.

  • Progression for the Accredited Record Technician (ART)

    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 Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the AHIMA. In addition, the HIM department has an articulation agreement with the Health Information Technology Program at the Community College of Allegheny County. Credit by examination is offered for some of the professional courses. Students may receive a waiver for these courses if they successfully pass the examination.

  • Cancer Registry

    The health information management program has been chosen from all the bachelor's degree medical record administration programs in the United States to pilot the first integrated health information/patient registry management program. In addition to acquiring the knowledge and skills of a health information manager, graduates from this program will also have the necessary entry-level competencies to manage patient registries including, but not limited to, cancer, trauma, diabetic, cardiovascular, renal, gerontological, and AIDS registries.

  • Admission Prerequisites

    A minimum of 60 college credits is required, including the following prerequisite courses:

    English Composition 6 cr. (University of Pittsburgh students should take ENGCMP 0200 - General Writing.) Once General Writing or the equivalent has been completed, students should take the 3 additional credits in any advanced composition course or in any course with a writing component (as designated with a W or WRIT in the Schedule of Classes).
    Psychology (general) 3 cr.
    Biological Sciences
    (other than anatomy
    and physiology)    		 8 cr. - courses must include labs (University of Pittsburgh students should take BIOSC 0050, 0060, 0150, and 0160.)
    Chemistry
    (introductory)    		 3-4 cr.
    (University of Pittsburgh students should take CHEM 0110.)
    *Mathematics
    (college algebra)    		 2-3 cr. Minimum
    (University of Pittsburgh students should take MATH 0031 and 0032, or 0100 or 0200.)
    *Statistics 3-4 cr. Minimum
    (University of Pittsburgh students should take STAT 1131.)
    Communication
    (public speaking)    		 3 cr. minimum
    **Computer Science 9 cr. - including a programming information science course. Recommended programming Pascal or C++
    *Students must have a total of six (6) credits between math and statistics.
    **Students who wish to complete the 12-credit sequence of computer science credits available through the University's Department of Computer Science may arrange to do so. For health information management majors, this could mean three credits in addition to those required for prerequisites. Combined students are required to take C++.

    • Course work in the following subject areas is recommended:
      • Economics
      • Accounting
      • Business administration
      • Computer science
      • Information science
      • Additional behavioral or experimental psychology courses

    Other admission criteria include: minimum cumulative QPA of 2.50 (based on 4.00); minimum of a C- grade in all courses designated as prerequisite; volunteer or paid work experience in the field of health information management.

  • Health Information Management Program Curriculum

    FALL TERM - Junior Year
    HRS 1020 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology 3 cr.
    HRS 1021 Anatomy and Physiology Lab 1 cr.
    HRS 1027 Pathophysiology 4 cr.
    HIM 1405 Medical Terminology (independent study) 2 cr.
    HIM 1406 PC/Software Tools Lab 1 cr.
    HIM 1415 Introduction to Health Information and the Health Care System 3 cr.
    HIM 1416 Introduction to Health Information and the Health Care System Lab 1 1 cr.
    HIM
    HRS    		 1420/
    1009    		 Organization Theory and Concepts
    in Health Care Facilities    		 3 cr.
    TOTAL 18 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Junior Year
    HIM 1435 Classification Systems in Health Care 3 cr.
    HIM 1436 Classification Systems Lab 2 1 cr.
    HIM 1438 Cancer Registry Theory and Practice Lab 2 cr.
    HIM 1440 HIM Clinical Education 1 2 cr.
    HIM 1442 Application of Statistical Concepts in HIM 3 cr.
    HIM 1455 Quality Care Assessment 2 cr.
    HIM 1456 Quality Care Assessment Lab 3 1 cr.
    TOTAL 14 cr.
    SUMMER SESSION I - Junior Year
    HIM 1445 Human Relations in the Health Care System 2 cr.
    HIM 1460 HIM Clinical Education 2 1 cr.
    HIM 1462 Epidemiology 2 cr.
    HIM 1465 Reimbursement Seminar 1 cr.
    TOTAL 6 cr.
    FALL TERM - Senior Year
    HIM 1470 Supervision of Human Resources in Health Care 3 cr.
    HIM 1475 HIM in Nontraditional Settings 3 cr.
    HIM 1480 HIM Clinical Education 3 2 cr.
    HIM 1482 Legal Aspects of Health Care 2 cr.
    HIM 1485 Systems Analysis in Health Care Setting 3 cr.
    TOTAL 13 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Senior Year
    HIM 1486 Financial Management for the Health Information Manager 2 cr.
    HIM 1490 Comparative Health Information Systems 3 cr.
    HIM 1495 HIM Clinical Education 4 4 cr.
    HIM 1496 Senior Project 3 cr.
    TOTAL 12 cr.
    TOTAL CREDITS 63

    NOTE: For part-time and ART students, HIM Clinical Education 1440, 1460, 1480, 1495 and HIM 1496 (Senior Project) may be taken in any term with permission of advisor and the instructor after the appropriate prerequisite courses have been completed.

    • The following elective courses are also suggested:
      • Accounting
      • Behavioral or Experimental Psychology
      • Biostatistics and Research Methodology
      • Communication (Speech)
      • Computer science
      • HRS 1006 (Intro to Human Nutrition)
      • Information science
      • Management Science
      • Pharmacology


COMBINED HIM/HRS GRADUATE PROGRAM

The health information management (HIM) program, in conjunction with the health and rehabilitation sciences (HRS) graduate program, offers a combined program that enables students to obtain a Master of Science degree in HRS with an emphasis in health information systems and a specialization in HIM. The combined program qualifies the graduate as an entry-level health information manager with advanced preparation in health information systems. The program prepares professionals who are responsible for the development and management of health information systems consistent with the clinical, fiscal, administrative, ethical, and legal requirements of health care institutions.

Applicants to this program must have a bachelor's degree and must have met all the prerequisites required for entry into the undergraduate program in HIM (see above).

The curriculum consists of 50 undergraduate credits and 39-40 graduate credits. Students are admitted in the Fall Term only, and six terms of full-time study are required to complete the program. Students will be admitted initially as undergraduate students in the HIM undergraduate program. At the end of the Spring Term, qualified, first-year SHRS students may, upon recommendation of the HIM program faculty, apply for admission to begin graduate studies in the Fall Term of the second year. Qualified students who do not wish to enroll or students who are not accepted into the program may at that time continue as undergraduates and complete a second bachelor's degree with a major in health information management. For more information, see http://www.him.upmc.edu/.

NOTE: All students must complete the entire program that they select (either the program with a major in health information management or the combined program) to be eligible to write both the American Health Information Management Association Registration Examination and the National Tumor Registrars' Association Certification Examination.

  • Combined Program Curriculum

    FALL TERM - First Year
    Follow curriculum for HIM undergraduate program.
    SPRING TERM - First Year
    Follow curriculum for HIM undergraduate program.
    Students should apply for admission to the combined program prior to Summer Session I.
    SUMMER SESSION I - First Year
    HIM 1445 Human Relations in the Health Care System 2 cr.
    HIM 1460 HIM - Clinical Education 2 1 cr.
    HIM 1462 Epidemiology 2 cr.
    HIM 1465 Reimbursement Seminar 1 cr.
    BIOST 2011* Introduction to Statistics
    (or PIA 2000 or
    PSYED 2014, 2015, or 2016)    		 2-3 cr.
    Elective*+ 3 cr.
    TOTAL 11-12 cr.
    FALL TERM - Second Year
    (If accepted into the combined program, students begin graduate student status this semester.)
    HIM 1475 HIM in Nontraditional Settings 3 cr.
    HIM 1480 HIM - Clinical Education 3 2 cr.
    HIM 1482 Legal Aspects of Health Care 2 cr.
    HIM 1485 Systems Analysis in Health Care Setting 3 cr.
    HRS 2420* Intro. to Health Information Systems 3 cr.
    HRS 2423* Information Technology in Health Systems 3 cr.
    HRS 2903* Issues in the Health System 2 cr.
    TOTAL 18 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Second Year
    HIM 1486 Financial Management for the Health Information Manager 2 cr.
    HRS 2424* Data Base Management in Health Care 3 cr.
    TELECOM 2000* Introduction to Telecommunications 3 cr.
    HRS 2422* Object-Oriented and Web Programming 3 cr.
    HRS 2445* Human Resource Management/Labor Relations 3 cr.
    TOTAL 14 cr.
    SUMMER TERM - Second Year
    Students should take the comprehensive examination this term.
    HRS 2437* Implementing Information Technology 2 cr.
    HRS 2428* Software Engineering Project Management 3 cr.
    HRS 2921* Clinical Internship 4 cr.
    HRS 2438* Research Methods & Clinical Data Analysis 2 cr.
    Elective*+ 3 cr.
    TOTAL 14 cr.
    Total number of undergraduate credits 50
    Total number of graduate credits 39-40
    TOTAL CREDITS 89-90
    *Graduate Course
    +Students choosing the thesis option would take research credits instead of electives.

    The scheduling of graduate courses may vary; this is dependent upon the schedule of courses offered by each particular school each semester.


COORDINATED HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT BS
IN PREPARATION FOR THE MHA (GSPH-KGSB) INTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

The health information management program offers a coordinated program that provides an opportunity for students with upper-level management career objectives to receive intensive and more advanced management education. The program provides an excellent avenue for advancement within the management hierarchy of health care organizations by building on the courses in the undergraduate HIM program.

The coordinated program enables HIM students to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree and prepares students to seek admission to the joint program offered by the Graduate School of Public Health and the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, which awards the Master of Health Administration degree.

Applicants to the coordinated program must have all the prerequisites required for entry into the undergraduate HIM program. Students will be admitted initially as undergraduates and then seek admission to the coordinated program.

  • Coordinated Program Curriculum

    Students will follow the same curriculum as outlined in the health information management undergraduate program. Students will be eligible to take both the American Health Information Management Association National Registration Examination and the National Registrars' Association Certification Examination at the completion of the fourth year.


OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Occupational therapists are health care professionals who assist individuals whose abilities to function in the areas of self-care, work, or play and leisure are threatened or impaired. An occupational therapist assumes the roles of therapeutic facilitator, manager of occupational therapy services, and contributor to the health profession of occupational therapy. Those who choose occupational therapy as their life work should have a genuine interest in people.

Occupational therapists use purposeful activity (occupation) to prevent or mediate dysfunction throughout their patients' life cycles. The occupational therapist assesses an individual's capacities and limitations; plans and implements treatment to improve function; reassesses the patient/client's progress; and continues or terminates service or refers the individual to other agencies or professionals.

It is required that the applicant have an awareness of the field through either volunteer or paid work experience in occupational therapy.

All students enrolled in the professional program are required to successfully complete two Level II fieldwork placements as part of their degree requirements. In order to be in compliance with the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program with the ACOTE, these Level II fieldwork placements must be completed within 24 months following completion of the academic portion of the curriculum.

The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. AOTA's phone number is (301) 652-AOTA. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. For more information on the occupational therapy program, see http://shrs.upmc.edu/ot/index.html.

  • Admission Requirements

    In addition to meeting the SHRS general requirements for undergraduate admission, applicants must successfully complete the following prerequisite courses by the end of the Spring Term and have a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer or paid experience in occupational therapy (two or more clinical settings) to be eligible for application:

    Biological Sciences 8 credits - courses must include labs and must be acceptable for biology majors
    Chemistry 8 credits - courses must include labs and must be acceptable for chemistry majors
    Physics 3 credits
    Psychology (general) 3 credits
    Psychology (developmental or child) 3 credits
    Psychology (abnormal) 3 credits
    Statistics (elementary) 3 credits
    General Writing 3 credits, followed by 3 credits in any advanced composition course or in any course with a writing component (as designated with a W or WRIT in the Schedule of Classes)

    The following courses are also highly recommended to be taken before applying to the occupational therapy program:

    • Anthropology and Sociology
    • Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
    • Philosophy or Logic

  • Occupational Therapy Curriculum

    SUMMER SESSION II ö Sophomore Year
    OT 1501 OT Principles and Practice 3 cr.
    HRS 1022 Human Anatomy 4 cr.
    TOTAL 7 cr.
    Junior year Summer Session begins in early June (8 weeks)
    FALL TERM - Junior Year
    OT 1514 Activity Analysis 3 cr.
    OT 1510 Group Process 2 cr.
    OT 1503 Human Growth and Development 1 2 cr.
    OT 1507 Clinical Psychiatry 2 cr.
    OT 1508 Mechanisms of Disease 2 cr.
    HRS 1000 Introduction to Research 2 cr.
    HRS 1023 Human Physiology 4 cr.
    TOTAL 17 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Junior Year
    OT 1505 Human Growth & Development 2 2 cr.
    OT 1512 OT Evaluations & Interventions 1 4 cr.
    OT 1515 OT Fieldwork Application 1 2 cr.
    OT 1509 Neuromuscular Skeletal Disorders 3 cr.
    OT 1511 Introduction to Neuroscience 4 cr.
    TOTAL 15 cr.
    SUMMER SESSION I - Junior Year
    OT 1520 Neurophysiological Interventions 3 cr.
    OT 1518 Adaptive Activities 2 cr.
    TOTAL 5 cr.
    Summer Session I classes begin in late April (8 weeks)
    FALL TERM - Senior Year
    OT 1522 OT Evaluations and Intervention 2 4 cr.
    OT 1524 OT Evaluations and Intervention 3 4 cr.
    OT 1525 OT Fieldwork and Application 2 2 cr.
    OT 1526 Research Applications in Occupational Therapy 1 cr.
    OT 1528 OT Professional Seminar 3 cr.
    HRS 1005 Administration and Supervision 3 cr.
    TOTAL 17 cr.
    SPRING TERM - Senior Year
    OT 1540 OT Fieldwork Education A 12 cr.
    OT 1542 OT Fieldwork Education B 12 cr.
    TOTAL 24 cr.
    Fieldwork A & B typically begins the first week of January and ends in late June (24 consecutive weeks), pending availability of appropriate clinical sites.
    SUMMER TERM - Senior Year
    OT 1544 OT Fieldwork Education C
    (Optional)    		 4-6 cr.
    TOTAL CREDITS 85 cr.
    *This course is not a substitute for OT 1540 or 1542. All arrangements for fieldwork assignments must be made in advance with the clinical coordinator of the department.






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