Program and Courses

In response to the growing needs of this region and nation to provide a network of health advocates, SVC has established one of the country’s few Bachelor of Science degree programs in Healthcare Management and Advocacy.

Healthcare Management and Advocacy graduates can work in a variety of fields, such as: hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, small clinics, insurance companies, businesses, pharmaceutical companies, and governmental agencies. They can help patients and families navigate the healthcare system and ensure their medical and health needs are met. Healthcare advocates work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to mediate conflict and facilitate positive change.

Our HMA Program integrates analytical discussion of issues that face the nation's healthcare system with hands-on laboratory practica. Students acquire a broad, multidisciplinary knowledge base in a wide variety of subjects including: Psychology, interviewing and counseling, ethics, physiology, statistics, healthcare law, healthcare insurance, management, interviewing, counseling, and social research. The HMA program balances seminar-based studies with on-site supervised training in field placement, which solidifies the student's expertise in their chosen career path. 

During their senior year, students enroll in Senior Seminar, a Capstone Course designed to consolidate the student’s knowledge and understanding from previous coursework and field experiences. The seminar also serves to strengthen their identity as professional health advocates in preparation for successfully entering and navigating the healthcare arena.

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Program Requirements:

45 core credits.
57 course credits.
18 elective credits.
Capstone Course project.

The program may be taken on a part- or full-time basis.

Course descriptions can be found in SVC’s online College Catalogue. The following courses are required for the B.S. degree in HMA:

Introduction to Healthcare
Human Biology
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Interviewing and Counseling
Case Management
Healthcare Law
Organizational Behavior
Psychology of Health
Healthcare Insurance
Practicum
Topics in Healthcare Management and Advocacy
Conflict Resolution
Senior Seminar