Health care is one of the most rapidly growing and cost intensive fields in the United States approaching 17% of GDP. Rapid changes in demographics, medical advances in technology and medical science with tremendous pressures to assure regulatory compliance and quality care have increased the need for more educated, more committed and more compassionate people to enter this field. This is especially true of individuals focusing on long-term care, chronic illness, rehabilitation medicine, ambulatory services, health promotion and wellness, whose health care services are directed toward long-term care and chronic illnesses. At the turn of the century to 1900, infectious diseases were considered the most significant threat to public health. However, at the turn of this past century to 2000, chronic illnesses are among the most major concerns for the health care industry. In fact, of the present expected life span of 76 years, most Americans will live with some sort of chronic illness for approximately 13 years.
The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Services is a program designed for students who intend to pursue careers in health-related fields, such as Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, Speech Therapy or Health Administration. The curriculum prepares students for a wide range of health care positions in hospitals, health departments, health agencies, research facilities, schools, and industry. This Program develops individuals who approach medicine using a carative model – that is, the focus is placed upon the patient living with and coping with a particular disease. This philosophy is in contrast to traditional medical practices that are based upon a curative model whereby patient care primarily involves fixing or curing the disease.
Based upon the interdisciplinary nature of health services, this program will consequently provide a comprehensive foundation in natural sciences, public health, the health care system, and social sciences. Students will be introduced to a broad spectrum of health issues including sociocultural influences on health, health behavior and management, the systems of health care, legal and ethical concerns, health promotion, environmental influences on health, nutrition, mental health, life cycle health, alternative/complementary medicine, and epidemiology. This major provides students with the flexibility to design an individual program of study based upon interests and career goals, and there is considerable flexibility within the program to complete prerequisites needed for graduate programs in health-related fields and to minor in biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology or business. Students majoring in IHS are encouraged to participate in study abroad and an internship near the completion of the degree requirements.
