HEALTH-RELATED PROGRAMS

Numerous health-related programs at The Florida State University address issues of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, health sciences, and policy formulation. As part of an effort to develop and promote a coordinated plan for these programs, the following section lists and describes, by program/department, areas of study, services, and (in some instances) certification, opportunities for students. For more detailed information and requirements, see individual program listings in this General Bulletin.

Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy

The Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy has a multidisciplinary focus and plays a coordinating and facilitative role for the work of all academic units with interests in aging and social policy. As part of its Certificate in Aging Studies, the Pepper Institute promotes several courses in health care policy, adult development and aging, and health care delivery systems. The resources of the institute are used to support individual or collaborative research initiatives by providing technical assistance or a location for conducting research. As an aid to the community, the institute provides access to its information and professional staff. The institute facilitates and disseminates research information; provides opportunities for training and study; and sponsors conferences, public lectures, workshops, and symposia to promote the discussion of issues germane to the aging process and to share information with policy makers, professionals, and the community about the elderly and aging issues. Through the College of Social Sciences, the institute now offers a Master's Degree in Aging Studies.

Department of Communication Disorders

The Department of Communication Disorders has a major in communication sciences and disorders and offers bachelor's, master's, advanced master's, and doctoral degrees. The scope of the department includes the whole of human communication, both normal and disordered. Students learn the total processes of communication, develop analytical and communicative skills, and obtain experience in evaluation, treatment, and research. For information contact: pwinne@mailer.fsu.edu or (850) 644-2253.

Health Education Program

The health education program includes teacher certification or community health education and leads to either a bachelor of science (BS) or a master of science (MS) degree. This program is designed to prepare health educators to assist individuals in achieving an optimal level of health, to prevent disease and debilitating conditions from occuring, and to minimize the impact of such diseases and conditions upon individuals who have been affected. With a degree in health education, an individual may choose from such practice settings as the school system, business and industry, community agencies, and governmental and tax-supported agencies, as well as the medical care systems.

Health Policy Research

This interdisciplinary master's program prepares researchers to work with health care data in public or private sector positions. Students learn to organize, evaluate, and manage information. In addition, they develop analytical skills in evaluation and research using electronic information systems for the analysis of state and national health issues. The program admits students with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in any field from an accredited institution. Degree requirements of thirty-six (36) semester hours include coursework, internship and the production of a research paper. For information contact: Marie E. Cowart, Dean, College of Social Sciences at (850)644-8830. Email: mcowart@mailer.fsu.edu.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum in Health Services Administration and Policy

The graduate-level interdisciplinary curriculum in health services administration and policy is organized to train managers, policymakers, and researchers who will be able to respond to and help shape the rapidly changing health care arena.

The interdisciplinary curriculum draws upon faculty interest and expertise in health services administration and policy from throughout the University, including faculty from business, economics, law, public administration and policy, sociology, social work, urban and regional planning, geography, and education. The program consists of three core courses and nine electives that students can choose from. The three core courseshealth administration and policy, health institutions and social policy, and health care financeprovide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for any future work within health care policy and administration. Students choose from a range of additional courses to build upon this core. Specific degree programs may require or allow additional courses. Depending upon a student's choice of electives, the program will emphasize either policy or administration..

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing offers a bachelor's and a master's degree program. The mission of the School of Nursing is to develop professional leaders in nursing for practice in diverse settings. A separate RN/BSN completion program, leading to a baccalaureate degree or directly into the master's program, is available on campus or on-line. Information regarding undergraduate programs is available from the advising office at (850) 644-5170. Graduates of the baccalaureate program are prepared for beginnning levels of professional practice in a variety of settings. Graduates of the master's program are prepared for advanced professional positions in nursing education, nursing case management, or a blended role of clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner. All programs build on a foundation of family and community and prepare the graduate to function effectively and efficiently in the changing healthcare arena.

The student completing a thesis receives a master of science in nursing degree. Students not desiring to continue their education may elect a non-thesis option, leading to a master's in nursing degree. For specific information about each role specialty, contact the graduate office program at (850) 644-5974.

Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences

The Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences provides students with a solid foundation in the scientific aspects of nutrition, foods and health-related physical fitness through its bachelor, master's, and doctoral programs. Students are provided with in-depth study of the role that nutrition and physical activity play both in health and, in particular, the prevention of chronic disease. Both the major in Food and Nutrition Science, and the Exercise Physiology emphasis can be used as pre-medical programs.

To meet the growing demand for health-related practitioners, the department offers a major in exercise science. This preparatory program offers an emphasis in one of four curricular programs: fitness, exercise physiology, athletic training and pre-physical therapy. These students combine their study of nutrient metabolism, chemistry and physiology with courses in exercise physiology and health taught by the department faculty.

The dietetics major, particularly if it is followed-up by an accredited dietetic internship, prepares students to apply their expertise in nutrition science and food service management in a variety of employment settings such as hospitals, HMO's, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, business and industry, public health, education, research and private practice.

Students at the master's level may elect the thesis or non-thesis option in one of six areas of emphasis: nutrition science, food science, clinical nutrition, nutrition education/health promotion, sports nutrition, exercise physiology and motor control. Four areas of specialization exist at the doctoral level: exercise physiology, food science, nutrition, and motor control. Doctoral graduates continue to be recruited for traditional University teaching and research positions and many in the food sciences are hired by industry to research and develop new food products.

School of Social Work

The School of Social Work is committed to the pursuit and delivery of excellence in social work education. Through teaching, research, and service, the school educates its graduates for productive careers in diverse professional arenas, contributes to the knowledge base guiding social welfare practice and policy decisions, and offers expertise and energy to local, state, and national concerns. The school's initiatives build on the traditional heritage of social work, and are guided by a commitment to social services, including the development of caring communities. Recognizing that communities function as political, social, and familial entities, the school's efforts emphasize, but are not limited to, health care, mental health, and the special concerns of children, families, women, and the aged. In all of its capacities, the school recognizes and values achieving mutuality among diverse community groups, and promotes models of service delivery empowering the poor and disadvantaged and ensuring the social care of all community members.

Department of Sports Management, Recreation Admininstration and Physical Education

The Department of Sports Management, Recreation, Administration and Physical Education offers a bachelor, master's, and doctoral degree program in physical education. An area of specialization in health and/or physical fitness may be taken with any of the above degrees. Please also refer to the College of Human Sciences for additional opportunities.

Therapeutic Recreation

The therapeutic recreation concentration, within the Department of Sports Management, Recreation Administration and Physical Education, prepares students to work with a variety of persons with illnesses and disabilities. Therapeutic recreation includes a variety of disorders. The program prepares students to be able to provide the three components of therapeutic recreation, which are: therapeutic intervention, leisure education, and recreation and leisure programming for persons with disabilities and illnesses. The program is accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association and leads to national certification by the National Therapeutic Recreation Certifying Board.

HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY:
see Graduate Bulletin

HEBREW:
see Religion