Florida State University 2008-2009 General Bulletin Undergraduate Edition
Health–Related Programs
Numerous health-related programs at 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, degrees, 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. The institute offers a twelve (12) semester hour certificate in aging studies that may be completed by undergraduate or graduate students as part of their regular course of study. The program promotes several courses in health care policy, adult development and aging, and health care delivery systems. The institute also offers an undergraduate minor in aging studies. The resources of the institute are used to support individual or collaborative research initiatives by providing technical assistance or a location for conducting research. 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. The Institute also sponsors a large, lifelong learning educational program for mature adults, The Academy at FSU. For Information, contact Susan Lampman at slampman@fsu.edu or (850) 644-3520.
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 the department at (850) 644-2253 or visit the department Web site at http://comm.fsu.edu/CommDisDept/.
The Department of Communication Disorders administers the interdepartmental certificate program in developmental disabilities. The purpose of this program is to provide upper-division undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines with knowledge regarding etiology, assessment, treatment, and policy issues related to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Students seeking certification must complete nine (9) semester hours of coursework and three (3) semester hours of practicum from an approved list of courses and practica. More than forty (40) courses are available in the following disciplines: art education; communication disorders; family and child sciences; middle and secondary education; music education/therapy; nursing; nutrition, food and exercise sciences; physical education; psychology; social work; and childhood education, reading, and disability services. For information, contact Linda Gessner at lgessner@fsu.edu or (850) 644-9141.
Interdisciplinary Social/Health Sciences
The College of Social Science offers an interdisciplinary Master's degree: the Master's of Public Health (MPH).
MPH graduates are trained principally as health policy analysts. They obtain a rich background in epidemiology, health economics, health behavior, health administration, health policy and policy analysis, and statistical and qualitative analytical skills. The skills and knowledge gained may lead to careers in government agencies, legislative staff positions, health care provider organizations, consulting firms, think tanks, advocacy organizations and lobbying firms, international organizations focused on health and population issues, and academic or media positions.
For further information, please contact the Interdisciplinary Programs Office in the College of Social Sciences, 211 BEL, (850) 644-4418, or see http://www.coss.fsu.edu/publichealth.
College of Nursing
The College of Nursing offers a Bachelor's and a Master's degree program. The mission of the College of Nursing is to develop nursing leaders for professional practice and research in diverse settings. A separate Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program, leading to a baccalaureate degree or directly into the master's program, is available at the Tallahassee main campus, Panama City branch campus, or fully online throughout the state of Florida. Information regarding undergraduate programs is available from the Office of Student Services at (850) 644-3296. Graduates of the baccalaureate program are prepared for beginning levels of professional practice in a variety of settings. Graduates of the master's program are prepared for advanced professional positions in nursing education 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 or project receives a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. For specific information about each role specialty, contact the graduate program at (850) 644-5638.
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. Any of the majors in the department may be used as pre-medical programs with inclusion of specific electives. For more information concerning pre-medical programs, contact the College of Medicine Pre-health Professions Advising Office at medinformation@med.fsu.edu or at (850) 644-5638.
Students pursuing a degree in exercise science 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 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.
The food and nutrition science major has a strong science base and prepares students for employment in the food industry, government agencies, and graduate health programs.
The athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The athletic trainer's professional preparation is directed toward the development of specified competencies in the following domains: risk management and injury prevention; pathology of injuries and illnesses; assessment and evaluation; acute care of injury and illness; pharmacology; therapeutic modalities; therapeutic exercise; general medical conditions and disabilities; nutritional aspects of injury and illness; psychosocial intervention and referral; health care administration; and professional development and responsibilities. Through a combination of formal classroom instruction and clinical experience, the athletic trainer is prepared to apply a wide variety of specific health care skills and knowledge within each of the domains.
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, or exercise physiology. Four areas of specialization exist at the doctoral level: exercise physiology, food science, nutrition, and neuroscience. 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.
College of Social Work
The College of Social Work offers Bachelor's and Master's curricula that prepare professional social workers for practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. This versatile and nationally accredited degree enables our graduates to work with diverse population groups in a wide variety of settings. The academic design includes both classroom and field instruction. The college also has a doctoral program that develops social work scholars and leaders in research and teaching.
Social workers are employed in mental health centers, schools, hospitals, home health agencies, runaway shelters, protective services, teen pregnancy programs, battered women's shelters, correctional facilities, family and children's agencies, private and public organizations, hospices, medical clinics, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, and veterans' and military programs.
Opportunities are also available to expand electronic technology skills for use with clients, participate in ongoing research projects, and become involved in community service activities. All of our classrooms are fully connected with the Internet, and both instructors and students use these resources regularly during class sessions.