Health Arts
The University of St. Francis recognizes that the academic, professional and clinical backgrounds of the health professional, combined with continuous in-service updating, have already provided the specialized component of the major and a foundation in liberal studies.
In the Health Arts Program, the liberal education component of the degree is completed through USF. The courses are designed to provide learning experiences that will both enhance intellectual skills and broaden understanding of self and others. The mission of the Health Arts program at the University of St. Francis is to offer health care professionals the opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree combining their health care background with the liberal arts and professional education components offered by the University of St. Francis. Through the liberal arts, the university seeks to broaden horizons as well as develop within the student critical thinking and problem solving skills.
In response to the needs of the health care industry, graduates of the program will be able to:
- Write and speak effectively, read and listen critically, and handle learning resources effectively.
- Interpret and analyze literary works and historical data.
- Identify the human values which govern responsible moral choice and apply fundamental human beliefs in critical and reasoned manner.
- Critically analyze and interpret works of the arts.
The Health Arts Program at the University of St. Francis is specifically designed for working adult health care professionals (nurses, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, medical laboratory technologists, dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants) who want to attend college on a parttime basis. The program is available to licensed qualified health care professionals who have completed a hospital diploma and/or an associate degree.
The admissions requirements for this program are as follows:
- Professional registration in the United States
- Graduation from a diploma or associate degree program in nursing or radiologic technology or an associate degree program in dental hygiene, respiratory therapy or another qualified health profession
As many as 64 to 96 semester hours of credit may be awarded toward the B.S. in Health Arts based on documentation of prior education and professional experience.
Applicants in the states of Florida and California who wish to earn credit for life experience are required by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities or the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, to complete a more detailed portfolio process.
Foreign students for whom English is a second language must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 550. Transcripts from foreign universities must be accompanied by an evaluation from an accredited evaluating company.
Courses in the Health Arts Program are offered in three delivery formats:
- Classes are held one evening per week at locations throughout the country.
- The entire degree may also be completed through online courses.
- Courses are available through faculty-directed instruction.
The newly updated Health Arts curriculum offers core courses that focus on problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, and written and interpersonal skills.
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org).
It was announced in January 2005 that the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Arts will be phased out. Summer of 2006 will be the last semester in which new students will be able to enroll in the Health Arts program.
Current Health Arts students will be able to continue taking courses towards completion of their degree through the Spring term of 2008. Courses will be offered online, via Faculty Directed Instruction, and at selected off-campus sites with sufficient enrollment through Spring 2008.
In place of the Health Arts degree, a new Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Leadership has been developed. For more information (Bachelor of Science in Health Care Leadership)