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2017-2018 
    
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2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Students should consult with the program chair if they are not sure of their preparation for a specific course. Course prerequisites specified are the minimum preparation required. In their first two university years, students need to work closely with their advisors to schedule the necessary General University Course Requirements and lower-division core courses to prepare properly for upper-division studies.
 

Nursing
  

  • NURS 114W - Personal Knowledge Development

    2 credits
    This course is founded on Carper’s personal knowing as a precondition for establishing therapeutic relationships. The focus is on mindfulness in the act of care. Students will practice various methods of reflection to develop personal knowing in nursing care.  This is a writing intensive course.    Prerequisite(s): Freshman Standing
  

  • NURS 205 - Aesthetics of Nursing Practice

    3 credits
    This course is grounded in assumptions from Nightingale’s theory of nursing arts and Carper’s aesthetics as a fundamental pattern of knowing in nursing. An experiential course, based in the principles of performing arts, the focus is on the act of care; integrates relational aesthetics and explores and applies dramatic arts foundational to allopathic and holistic nursing care competencies Prerequisite(s): Freshman pre-nursing standing; may be taken after admission to the BSN program. Performing Arts Cross-listed as   
  

  • NURS 206W - Ethical Nursing Practice

    2 credits
    Introduction to ethical comportment in nursing care; founded on Carper’s ethical ways of knowing in nursing; traces the history of nursing ethics from classical deontology and utilitarian frameworks to contemporary ethical theories of care. The American Nurses Association Code for Nurses with Interpretive Statements is presented as the foundation for right action in nursing. Students are introduced to the American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Practice and to the American Nurses Association Social Policy Statement as guides to professional practice; and to the laws relating to ethical nursing practice. Prerequisite(s):  Freshman pre-nursing standing; may be taken after admission to the BSN program.
  

  • NURS 207 - Relationship Based Nursing Practice

    2 credits
    Integration of nursing’s fundamental patterns of knowing and interpersonal nursing practice theories. Explores how the nurse establishes healing, therapeutic environments in relationships with individuals and families. Students learn verbal and non-verbal communication skills, self-awareness, and sensitivity to others. Emphasis is on interpersonal skills for effective human caring relationships with a diverse population of clients and colleagues. Students will integrate a Relationship-based Model of Care into The American Nurses Association Code for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Students will engage in case study and concept development; rehearse interpersonal practice with colleagues, individuals and families in simulations. Prerequisite(s):   ,   ,   
  

  • NURS 208 - Empirics of Nursing Practice

    3 credits
    Introduction to fundamental theories, concepts, evidence, and competencies pertaining to empirical inquiry in generation of nursing knowledge. The focus is on evidence-based practice. Students will rehearse using empirical evidence to explain and predict outcomes of nursing interventions. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BSN program.
  

  • NURS 209L - Nursing Procedures Lab

    2 credits
    Focuses on nursing procedures related to restoring and maintaining physiologic health needs and processes: Mobility, comfort, protection, sleep and rest, oxygenation, nutrition and elimination. The course builds on aesthetic and personal knowledge, and incorporates principles of ethical comportment. Through modular laboratory experiences, the student acquires psychomotor skills to provide safe and effective nursing care. Students should expect to spend approximately 96 hours in clinical performance throughout the semester, including laboratory simulation, laboratory practice, and applied care of persons in the clinical field. Prerequisite(s):  Admission to the BSN program
  

  • NURS 215 - Nutrition for Nurses

    2 credits
    This course examines the nutritional needs throughout the life span with emphasis on nutritional principles related to health promotion and protection. Content includes assimilation, digestion and absorption of nutrients and cultural and economic influences on dietary practices. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 202  or equivalent. Co-requisite(s): NURS 215L  
  

  • NURS 215L - Lab Nutrition for Nurses

    1 credit
    Focuses on nursing procedures related to restoring and maintaining nutritional needs and processes. Co-requisite(s): NURS 215  
  

  • NURS 216 - Professional Nursing-Thinking Like a Nurse

    3 credits
    Students will rehearse empirically-confirmed models of clinical judgment used in nursing practice, featuring the Tanner Model, with emphasis on the essential processes of noticing, interpreting, responding, and reflecting. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 210  NURS 114W  NURS 205  NURS 206W  
  

  • NURS 292L - Health and Physical Assessment Lab

    3 credits
    This course uses didactic and simulated clinical experiences to develop skills to conduct a comprehensive health assessment of individuals across the lifespan; integrate observations, systematic data collection, and effective communication in performing patient-centered health and cultural assessments; categorize risk assessment and risk reduction. The fundamental patterns of knowing in nursing are used to support the development of observation and assessment skills. Students should expect to spend 6 hours a week in the laboratory setting learning health and physical assessment skills.
  

  • NURS 300A - Pharmacology for Nursing

    3 credits
    Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of medications, including nursing care in the safe administration and evaluation of the human response across the life span; principals of ethics and law in the safe handling and administration of medications. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 202   Co-requisite(s): NURS 300AL  
  

  • NURS 300AL - Pharmacology for Nursing Lab

    1 credit
    Application of principals of safe handling and administration of medications. Rehearsal of safe administration and evaluation in the clinical laboratory setting of the human response across the lifespan and between populations to medication. Inter-professional lab experience with individuals from the discipline of Pharmacy, Medicine, and others. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 202L   Co-requisite(s): NURS 300A  
  

  • NURS 303 - Special Topics

    Credits variable
    Heritage University periodically offers Special Topics courses in Nursing [NURS] that reflect specific topics which are not part of the standard BSN curriculum. Special Topics courses in Nursing that are numbered at the 100/200 level are generally open to all students. Courses at the 300 level are specifically designed for students at either the junior or senior level, while courses at the 400 level are only open to students with senior standing. For any given semester, course title(s) and content area(s), as well as any specified prerequisites, are published during the preceding semester. Permission of the instructor is required before a student can register for any [NURS] Special Topics course.
  

  • NURS 304 - Quality, Safety & Informatics in Nursing Practice

    3 credits
    Emphasis is on the role of the nurse in using technology as a tool to create a culture of quality and safety to prevent systems errors; application of national guidelines and models of safety and quality in nursing practice. Students will learn methods of data analysis and meaningful data use for continuous care improvement and for outcomes-based reimbursement. Prerequisite(s): MATH 221  or equivalent.
  

  • NURS 306 - Family Nursing Inquiry

    3 credits

    Introduction to theories of family nursing science; the emphasis is on family as the unit of care rather than as the context of care for the individual; assessment of the health of the family as a whole; family health promotion, healing, and relief of suffering. This course is foundational to all upper division nursing courses. Prerequisite(s): NURS 207   Co-requisite(s): NURS 306L  

     

  

  • NURS 306L - Family Nursing Practice Lab

    2 credits
    Clinical practicum in nursing of the family as the unit of care; innovative laboratory experiences with close faculty supervision and role modeling. Students will spend between 48 and 96 hours in the clinical laboratory setting. Prerequisite(s): NURS 207   Co-requisite(s): NURS 306  
  

  • NURS 307 - Policy, Power & Politics of Nursing

    3 credits
    This course is founded on Chinn and Kramer’s emancipatory knowing in nursing and is focused on the professional nurse role in taking responsibility for shaping social policy.  Discussion of policy, politics and power in nursing; students will identify barriers to nursing political activism, and explore skills to achieve political competence, learn how to enter points of access for policy development. Students will learn about the roots of activism in nursing, and recognize past and current nurse activists; examine the social justice embedded in professional practices laws, standards, and ethics; how nurses fulfill the American Nurses Association Social Policy Statement; have a social contract with society to fulfill the demands of professional responsibilities through the American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Practice. Students will study the Washington Code for Nursing (WAC), and how it regulates nursing by licensing; commit to practice according to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics; and to act individually, collectively, and through political actions for social change.  Students will explore inter-professional practice issues related to health policy and shared power. Students will examine health care trends and issues contributing to population health outcomes.
  

  • NURS 310 - Pathophysiology for Nursing

    3 credits
    This course focuses on pathological factors that influence the disease process. Emphasis is on understanding the disruptive mechanisms that impact normal cell function and the physiological responses to the disease process. Risk factors and disease prevention are discussed to provide a foundation for health promotion, risk reduction, and management of the human response to disease. This course is foundational to all upper division nursing courses. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 211  BIOL 211L  or BIOL 241  BIOL 241L  or equivalent anatomy & physiology course with lab.
  

  • NURS 312 - Physiological Concepts in Clinical Reasoning I

    3 credits
    Clinical reasoning to solve nursing care problems in physiologic integrity across the continuum of health and illness and through the lifespan; needs and processes based; focuses on the nursing care of the human and family response to selected physiological processes affecting body regulatory mechanisms. Emphasis is on health restoration, maintenance and support as well as the continued development of the nurse-individual and -family relationship, critical thinking processes, ethical comportment and evidence-based nursing practice. Prerequisite(s): NURS 310  NURS 216   Co-requisite(s): NURS 312L  
  

  • NURS 312L - Physiological Clinical Reasoning I Lab

    2 credits
    Application of nursing knowledge in the clinical laboratory; emphasis is on making clinical judgments in the clinical laboratory setting. Integration of clinical reasoning, with a focus on diagnosis and treatment of individual and family response to actual or potential problems in physiologic integrity across the continuum of health and illness. This course includes and clinical activities in a variety of settings. Students will spend approximately 96 hours in the clinical laboratory setting. Prerequisite(s): NURS 300A   Co-requisite(s): NURS 312  
  

  • NURS 314 - Psychosocial Concepts in Clinical Reasoning

    3 credits
    This course focuses on psychosocial health principles and theories. The emphasis is on understanding nursing theories used for diagnosis and treatment of family and individual response during changes in health and illness states; for promotion of emotional and psychosocial health during developmental changes; relief of psychosocial individual and family suffering. Students also learn how nurses apply theories of health and behavior borrowed from the psychosocial disciplines, as well as those generated in nursing. Principles of screening and nursing care of individual and family responses to psychosocial distress. Prerequisite(s): PSY 325W  PSY 101  NURS 207   Co-requisite(s): NURS 314L  
  

  • NURS 314L - Psychosocial Concepts in Clinical Reasoning Lab

    2 credits
    The emphasis is on application of psychosocial health promotion during changes in health and illness states and promotion of emotional and psychosocial health during developmental changes. Students will apply principles from psychology and sociology to explain the human response to suffering; and those generated in nursing to predict the outcomes of nursing interventions; apply theories of health behavior borrowed from the psychosocial disciplines to intervene in health behaviors, principles of screening and nursing care of individual and family responses to psychosocial distress. Students will spend approximately 96 hours in the clinical laboratory setting. Co-requisite(s): NURS 314  
  

  • NURS 316 - Physiological Concepts in Clinical Reasoning II

    3 credits
    Continuation of clinical reasoning to solve nursing care problems in physiologic integrity across the continuum of health and illness; and through the lifespan. This course focuses on the nursing care the human response to selected physiological processes affecting body regulatory mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on health restoration, maintenance and support as well as the continued development of the nurse-client relationship, critical thinking processes, ethical comportment and evidence-based nursing practice. This course includes classroom and clinical activities in a variety of settings. Needs and processed based. Prerequisite(s): NURS 310   Co-requisite(s): NURS 316L 
  

  • NURS 316L - Physiological Clinical Reasoning II Lab

    2 credits
    Students will continue to apply nursing knowledge in the clinical laboratory. The emphasis is on making clinical judgments in the clinical laboratory setting. Integration of clinical reasoning, with a focus on diagnosis and treatment of individual and family response to actual or potential problems in physiologic integrity across the continuum of health and illness. Students will be in the clinical laboratory between 100 and 120 hours during the semester to fulfill the clinical requirement. 
  

  • NURS 317 - Community Oriented Nursing Inquiry

    4 credits
    Founded on assumptions from emancipatory knowing in nursing; population based nursing care, with emphasis on overcoming social determinants of poor health in vulnerable populations. Regulations related to nursing practice of public health principles. Students will think critically about the roles and responsibilities of the community oriented nurse in the context of epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, protection, maintenance, restoration, and surveillance. Examines foundational pillars of assurance, assessment and policy development to extend relationship-based nursing to the community as the unit of care. Prerequisite(s): NURS 306   Co-requisite(s): NURS 317L  
  

  • NURS 317L - Community Oriented Nursing Practice Lab

    2 credits
    Students will apply of principles of community and public health in nursing practice. Activities will include community health assessments and surveillance, as well as nursing of individuals and families in the ecological models of family and community as the units of care. Students will be in the clinical laboratory approximately 96 to 120 hours during the semester to fulfill the clinical requirement. Co-requisite(s): NURS 317  
  

  • NURS 318 - Nursing Leadership and Management

    3 credits
    This course explores leadership and management principles and concepts necessary for the professional nurse to function effectively in a changing health care system to create a system of safe and effective care; incorporates intra-professional and inter-professional collaborative strategies, technology, financial issues and the complexity of care.
  

  • NURS 322L - Physiological Clinical Reasoning III Lab

    1-4 credits
    Student will continue to apply nursing knowledge in the clinical laboratory. The emphasis is on making clinical judgments in the clinical laboratory setting. Integration of clinical reasoning, with a focus on diagnosis and treatment of individual and family response to actual or potential problems in physiologic integrity across the continuum of health and illness with a focus on serious illness. Students will spend approximately 96 to 220 hours in the clinical laboratory setting. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): NURS 316  
  

  • NURS 417 - Community-Based Collaborative Action Research

    2 credits
    The student will partner with a faculty mentor to participate in ongoing community-transformative nursing research.
  

  • NURS 418L - Professional Role Integration

    4 credits
    The senior nursing student will integrate theory and practice from previous courses with the goal of preparing for entry into professional nursing practice. Within a seminar context, students explore a variety of clinical nursing problems. The course includes research-based strategies utilized for health promotion and protection, health restoration, maintenance and support. Areas of study are selected from across the lifespan, including diverse populations in a variety of health care systems. Course includes classroom and clinical experiences in a focused setting. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 160 - 180 hours during the semester to fulfill the clinical requirement, and 2 hours per week in preparatory and evaluative seminar.

Philosophy
  

  • PHIL 210 - Logic and Critical Reasoning

    3 credits
    Principles of reasoning, criteria for validity, interrelation and sequence of facts/events: judicious evaluation of methods, policies and intentions. Case studies in government, health, education, business. Principles of argumentation in discourse as seen through analysis of texts; critique of sample arguments. Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
  

  • PHIL 310W - Philosophy & Culture

    3 credits
    Analytical and comparative study of pivotal ideas concerning reality, reasoning, ethics, and expression in the philosophies, science, art, music, literature, language, and other aspects of various cultures. Offered Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 210  
  

  • PHIL 410W - Advanced Critical Thinking

    3 credits
    Advanced study of critical thinking. Emphasis on application of critical thinking tools to the analysis of complex arguments such as Supreme Court decisions. Includes specific preparation for the Critical Thinking sections of the LSAT and GRE. Offered Fall semester. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 210  and PHIL 310W , or permission of Chair.
  

  • PHIL 411 - Native American Culture and Philosophy

    3 credits
    Study of Native American culture and embedded philosophical outlooks indigenous to North American through an examination of native oral traditions (including both sacred and secular tales, songs, etc., as well as the role of elders in establishing these cultural traditions). The class will connect these with relevant native/non-native historical and contemporary documents including orations, essays, letters, and other texts. The interactions of indigenous cultural and philosophical traditions with other traditions (Western, African, etc.) will also be considered. Offered Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 310W .
  

  • PHIL 450 - Applied Ethics

    3 credits
    Advanced study of the application of ethical theory to practical disciplines and situations. Includes discussions of business, medical, legal, and other applied ethics as well as analysis of contemporary societal issues in light of ethical theory. Prerequisites: Offered TBA. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 210 , PHIL 310W  and  

Physical Sciences
  

  • PHSC 101 - Science Concepts and Applications

    3 credits
    A survey course including practical physics, chemistry, astronomy and geology. The class includes a laboratory and field trips. Offered alternate Fall semesters. Prerequisite(s): MATH 096 . Co-requisite(s): PHSC 101L .
  

  • PHSC 101L - Science Concepts and Applications Lab

    1 credit
    Lab for PHSC 101 . Co-requisite(s): PHSC 101 .
  

  • PHSC 121 - Principles of Geology

    3 credits
    Introduction to rocks and minerals and how they are formed. The natural processes that affect the surface of the earth. The earth’s interior structure, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the evolution of the continents. Offered alternate semesters. Prerequisite(s): MATH 096 . Co-requisite(s): PHSC 121L .
  

  • PHSC 121L - Lab Principles of Geology

    1 credit
    Lab for PHSC 121 . Co-requisite(s): PHSC 121 .
  

  • PHSC 205 - Astronomy

    3 credits
    Modern theories and observations concerning the evolution of galaxies, quasars, solar systems, planets, sun, stars and nebulae, current topics in astrophysics and planetary research. Offered alternate Spring semesters. Prerequisite(s): MATH 096 . Co-requisite(s): PHSC 205L .
  
  

  • PHSC 321 - Environmental Geology

    3 credits
    Analysis of geologic hazards, problems, and constraints and their effects on human activity. Effects of human alteration of the earth’s surface and consumption of natural resources. Co-requisite(s): PHSC 321L .
  

  • PHSC 321L - Lab Environmental Geology

    1 credit
    Lab for PHSC 321 . Co-requisite(s): PHSC 321 .
  

  • PHSC 354 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Science

    3 credits
    Development and practice in teaching techniques in biology, chemistry, physical and earth science for secondary teachers. Lecture, laboratory and computer-assisted-instruction methods. To be taken the semester before student teaching.
  

  • PHSC 390 - Advanced Topic

    1-4 credits
    Independent study of specialized subject matter in physical science. Topics vary, depending upon current interests and needs. May be repeated for credit with a new topic. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair.
  

  • PHSC 490 - Internship

    1-6 credits
    Through individually appropriate field experiences students are given opportunities to apply knowledge gained from coursework, and to integrate theory and practice in professional situations. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing; permission of the Program Chair.

Physics
  

  • PHYS 101 - General Physics I - Algebra Based

    3 credits
    Basic concepts of physical mechanics and thermal physics using algebra and trigonometry: motion, force, momentum, fluids, waves, sound, temperature, heat and thermodynamics. This course is laboratory based. Offered Fall semester. Prerequisite(s): MATH 150 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 101L .
  

  • PHYS 101L - Lab General Physics I - Algebra Based

    1 credit
    Lab for PHYS 101 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 101 .
  

  • PHYS 102 - General Physics II - Algebra Based

    3 credits
    Continuation of PHYS 101 : electromagnetism, electromagnetics waves, optics, quantum physics, particle physics and relativity. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 101 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 102L .
  

  • PHYS 102L - Lab General Physics II - Algebra Based

    1 credit
    Lab for PHYS 102 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 102 .
  

  • PHYS 211 - General Physics I - Calculus Based

    3 credits
    Calculus-based introduction to classical physics. Selected principles and concepts of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, sound and wave phenomena, and electromagnetism. Offered Fall semesters. Prerequisite(s): MATH 212 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 211L .
  

  • PHYS 211L - Lab General Physics I - Calculus Based

    1 credit
    Lab for PHYS 211 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 211 .
  

  • PHYS 212 - General Physics II - Calculus Based

    3 credits
    Continuation of PHYS 211 . Translational and rotational kinematics and dynamics, optics, nuclear physics, applications in mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Offered Spring semesters. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 211 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 212L .
  

  • PHYS 212L - Lab General Physics II - Calculus Based

    1 credit
    Lab for PHYS 212 . Co-requisite(s): PHYS 212 .
  

  • PHYS 390 - Advanced Topic

    1-4 credits
    Independent study of specialized subject matter in physics. Topics vary, depending upon current interests and needs. May be repeated for credit with a new topic. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair.
  

  • PHYS 490 - Internship

    1-6
    Through individually appropriate field experiences, students are given opportunities to apply knowledge gained from coursework, and to integrate theory and practice in professional situations. Only 6 semester credit hours of PHYS 490, PHYS 495 and PHYS 496 may be combined to satisfy the upper-division concentration requirements. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair
  

  • PHYS 495 - Special Project

    1-6
    An advanced course designed to permit qualified students to pursue an approved topic through independent study under the direction of a faculty member, and to produce a specific outcome. Only 6 semester credit hours of PHYS 490, PHYS 495 or PHYS 496 may be combined to satisfy the upper division concentration requirements. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Program Chair

Political Science
  

  • POSC 101 - Introduction to Political Science

    3 credits
    Introduction to the field of political science and study of government; emphasis on U.S. law, political parties, interest groups, political socialization, public opinion, governing theory and practice. Offered Fall semesters.
  

  • POSC 201W - US Political System

    3 credits
    Principles, organization, and functions of the U.S. political system; current issues including, but not limited to, diversity, economic and social welfare policy, and Native American governance and sovereignty issues. Offered Spring semesters. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 .
  

  • POSC 311 - The Judiciary

    3 credits
    Study of the structure and function of the U.S. court system. Offered TBA. Prerequisite(s): CRMJ 101  or POSC 101  or POSC 201W  or junior standing or permission of chair.
  

  • POSC 312 - Legislative Process

    3 credits
    Study of the nature, function and development of law and its relationship to society. Offered TBA. Prerequisite(s): CRMJ 101  or POSC 101  or POSC 201W  or junior standing or permission of chair.
  

  • POSC 313 - Constitutional Law

    3 credits
    When persons are in conflict with each other, their government and its relationship, or the law, they can go to the federal courts. The U.S. Supreme Court is the last step in deciding what laws mean and what laws are permitted by the U.S. Constitution. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of legal research, the interpretation of laws, and the application of constitutional principles through the rigorous study of Supreme Court cases. Offered TBA.
  

  • POSC 314 - Civil Liberties

    3 credits
    Study of history and development of civil liberties as defined in the U.S Constitution and applied in criminal justice and law enforcement. Offered TBA. Prerequisite(s): CRMJ 101  or POSC 101  or POSC 201W  or junior standing or permission of Chair.
  

  • POSC 315 - Modern Middle East

    3 credits
    A study of the social, political, religious, and economic forces present in the modern Middle East, with emphasis on the period since world War I. Also covers the Arab-Israeli conflict and oil. Offered as an online course.
  

  • POSC 345 - Environmental Law and Justice

    3
    This course introduces the fundamental concepts of environmental law and justice. It familiarizes students with the various legal mechanisms used to protect the environment. A practical grounding in the basic legal concepts central to environmental law and how it applies at the local, state, national and international levels. Students will explore the foundation of environmental institutions and their relationships with the concept of justice and the environmental community.  Offered alternate spring semesters.
  

  • POSC 490 - Internship

    1-6 credits
    Through individually appropriate field experiences, students are given opportunity to apply knowledge gained from coursework and to integrate theory and practice in professional situations. Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Prerequisite(s): Permission of Program Chair.
  

  • POSC 495 - Special Project

    3 credits
    An advanced course designed to permit qualified students to pursue an approved topic through independent study under the direction of a faculty member and to produce a specific outcome. Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Prerequisite(s): Permission of Program Chair.

Physician Assistant
  

  • PAM 500 - Behavioral Medicine I

    1 credit
    Behavioral Medicine will cover the knowledge, skills and sensitivity needed in order to intervene effectively for a variety of psychiatric, emotional, and social concerns which impact upon the health and well-being of patients. Students will gain skills in the evaluation, counseling, diagnosis, and management of patients with mental illness, issues of aging, and other psychosocial situations.
  
  
  

  • PAM 515 - Master’s Research Project I

    2 credits
    The Master’s Research Project continues throughout the full two year program and begins as an on-campus course where the students are  introduced to research design, validity, reliability, and ethics as well as data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The course then moves into an online format where, during the next five terms, the students will incorporate independent study and formative feedback to move through to completion and presentation of their research projects. The applied projects are chosen by the students, approved by the PA Student Promotion Committee, and must be a health promotion, disease prevention issue that is pertinent for a specific patient population and health care team.
  
  
  

  • PAM 530 - Professional Issues for Physician Assistants I

    1 credit
    This course continues throughout the three terms of the didactic year of training. During the first term, the students will learn the necessary skills to search, interpret, and evaluate the medical literature in order to maintain a current and critical knowledge of new medical findings that are pertinent to their patients. Students will learn the basic principles of evidence-based medicine, including its application to individualized patient care. The second term will focus on the history of the PA profession; the health care team; professional organizations; cultural issues and their impact on health care policy; confidentiality, privilege and HIPAA; and personal ethics. The final term will continue with the discussion of ethics, including professional responsibility and a commitment to the patient’s welfare; health care delivery systems and policy; reimbursement; billing and coding; quality assurance and risk management; political and legal issues; and PA certification, licensing, and credentialing.   
  
  
  

  • PAM 545 - Introduction to Primary Care and the Normal Patient

    8 credits
    This course will introduce the physician assistant student to primary care and the “normal” patient from the newborn to the geriatric patient, including the expectant mother from pregnancy diagnosis to the delivery and postpartum care.  The student will learn what is “normal,” i.e. the general molecular chemistry of life, including genetics; growth and development; basic screening exams for adults, newborns, and children; principles of pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and how to take accurate and complete histories on all types of patients. Health promotion and disease prevention will be addressed as well as immunology, infectious diseases, and antibiotics.
  

  • PAM 550A - Procedures and Diagnostics I

    5
    The Procedures and Diagnostics course will allow the student to apply their knowledge by experiencing clinical situations with a simulation mannequin, standardized patient, or actual clinical patients.  Students will learn techniques of patient interviewing; performing physical exams across the ages; ordering and interpreting appropriate diagnostic studies, such as a radiography and electrocardiography; and written documentation and oral presentation of patient data.  Technical skills, including but not limited to suturing, casting, splinting, intravenous line insertion, and airway insertion, will be presented in a lab or workshop environment.  Observational experiences and case studies will be used to enhance learning.  The subject sequence is organized around the Integrated Primary Care course.
  

  • PAM 555A - Procedures and Diagnostics II

    5
    Continuing through fall and spring terms, this course provides students with instruction in patient assessment of the most common clinical problems seen by primary care practitioners. This course includes a review of human anatomy and physiology/pathophysiology and instruction in generation of differential diagnoses; written documentation and oral presentation of patient data; and appropriate referral of patients. Using an organ systems approach, essential information is provided in regards to the diagnosis and management of the most common acute, emergent, and chronic clinical problems seen by primary care providers in their pediatric as well as adult patients. Management methods discussed will include medical, surgical, pharmacologic, and rehabilitative modalities. The students will be able to develop an understanding of major drug classifications, their mechanism of action, the major side effects, and commonly used drugs in each category. Information is presented using lectures, labs, online assignments, and small group activities then enhanced with case studies. Standardized patient encounters and simulation mannequin experiences will be provided in Procedures and Diagnostics, a course running concurrently.
  

  • PAM 560A - Integrated Primary Care I

    14 Credits
    Continuing through fall and spring terms, this course provides students with instruction in patient assessment of the most common clinical problems seen by primary care practitioners. This course includes a review of human anatomy and physiology/pathophysiology and instruction in generation of differential diagnoses; written documentation and oral presentation of patient data; and appropriate referral of patients. using an organ systems approach, essential information is provided in regards to the diagnosis and management of the most common acute, emergent, and chronic clinical problems seen by patients. Management methods discussed will include medical, surgical. pharmacologic, and rehabilitative modalities. The students will be able to develop an understanding of major side affects, and commonly used lectures, labs, online assignments, and small group activities then enhanced with case studies. Standardized patient encounters and simulation mannequin experiences will be provided in Procedures and Diagnostics, a course running concurrently.  
  

  • PAM 565A - Integrated Primary Care II

    14 Credits
    Continuing through fall and spring terms, this course provides students with instruction in patient assessment of the most common clinical problems seen by primary care practitioners. This course includes a review of human anatomy and physiology/pathophysiology and instruction in generation of differential diagnoses; written documentation and oral presentation of patient data; and appropriate referral of patients. using an organ systems approach, essential information is provided in regards to the diagnosis and management of the most common acute, emergent, and chronic clinical problems seen by patients. Management methods discussed will include medical, surgical. pharmacologic, and rehabilitative modalities. The students will be able to develop an understanding of major side affects, and commonly used lectures, labs, online assignments, and small group activities then enhanced with case studies. Standardized patient encounters and simulation mannequin experiences will be provided in Procedures and Diagnostics, a course running concurrently. Prerequisite(s): PAM 560A
  

  • PAM 600 - Community-Based Clinical Experience I

    12 credits

    The clinical component of this training program will be based in rural and/or underserved communities, primarily in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. The students will be based in a home community, a Clinical Learning Center, and will participate in supervised, integrated, clinical practice experiences in emergency medicine, family medicine, general internal medicine, general surgical/operative care, geriatrics, pediatrics, prenatal and women’s health care, and psychiatry and/or behavioral medicine. Students will rotate through outpatient, emergency, inpatient, and long-term care settings throughout the clinical year as they gain experience and meet the objectives of the course.

    The Clinical Learning Centers will be in communities with critical access hospitals, which will have an active emergency room, essential specialists, and a strong family medicine and/or internal medicine base. Students would rotate through the available specialties throughout the year, while maintaining a continuity presence in a family medicine or internal medicine clinic. Students may be required to attend short intensive rotations outside of their home community for specific required experiences.

     

  
  
  
  
  
  

  • PAM 630 - Elective Clinical Experience I

    4 credits
    During the clinical year, students may choose two elective clinical rotations, up to 320 hours combined. These rotations may or may not be in their home community. All elective rotations must have clear educational objectives and be approved by the Clinical Coordinator or, in his/her absence, the Program Director.
  

Psychology
  

  • PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology

    3 credits
    Survey of the theories, research methods, and major findings in the field of psychology.  The class provides the student with a broad background in psychology including knowledge of important concepts necessary for further study in social sciences and education. Offered Fall and Spring semesters.
  

  • PSY 102 - Introduction to Human Relationships

    3 credits
    A training course in human relations. Emphasizes the development of skills in self-expression, listening and responding, challenging, and confronting. Especially recommended for those planning to enter human services fields. Does not substitute for other psychology courses.
  

  • PSY 222W - Psychology of Adjustment

    3 credits
    Application of psychological principles to the student’s life and career. Topics include: description, development and dynamics of the “self,” motivation, emotion and stress, managing human relationships, and life choices and change. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 .
  

  • PSY 224 - Introduction to Case Management

    3 credits
    Explores definitions and practical application to inter-professional case management with an emphasis on relevant functions, including child and family needs assessment, development of case management plans, and case monitoring. Does not substitute for other psychology courses.
  

  • PSY 321W - Social Psychology

    3 credits
    Study of persons as social beings i.e., how they influence and are influenced by others. Topics covered include conformity, persuasion, self-justification, attitude change, aggression, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, and small group processes. Offered Fall semester of alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 .
  

  • PSY 325W - Developmental Psychology

    3 credits
    A survey of the biological and social factors which influence the development of the human being throughout the life cycle. Major theoretical approaches to development and their practical applications are also presented. Offered Fall semester. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 .
  

  • PSY 326 - Behavior Modification

    3 credits
    Study of the principles and techniques of behavior modifications. Covers paradigms of classical and operant conditioning and social modeling. Examines their application in applied behavior analysis and approaches to behavior modification. Student will learn to design behavior modification programs for the modification of habits and addictions, child behavior management and other applied areas. Offered Spring semester of alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 .
  

  • PSY 330 - Human Learning and Cognition

    3 credits
    Historical development of learning and major theoretical positions and issues. General survey covering perception, attention, memory, attitudes, personality, motivation, learning styles, and thinking, including language and cultural variables. Offered Fall semester of alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 .
  

  • PSY 332 - Professional Ethics

    3 credits
    A study of the nature and foundations of moral judgment, the principles and criteria for sound decisions, and the application of these to contemporary moral issues. Discussion includes such issues including but not limited to: confidentiality, privileged communication, dual relationships, electronic communication, handling of confidential information, and sensitivity to ethical issues.
  

  • PSY 335W - Introduction to Theories of Personality

    3 credits
    Overview of theories, concepts, methods, and discoveries in psychology of personality. Emphasis on examination of major personality theories with application to the helping professions. Offered Spring semester of alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 .
  

  • PSY 345 - Measurement and Evaluation

    3 credits
    Introduction to the assessment of behavioral variables and individual differences in human beings; survey, development, and analysis of educational and psychological tests; introduction to individual and group psychological testing, ethical and technical considerations. Methods of evaluation. Offered Spring semester of alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 .
 

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