Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions

Michele A. Gerwick, Chairperson; Barlow, Beck, Bellak, Hartman, Holmes, Houser, Kuzneski, Labant,
Palmer, Polansky, Poorman, Rossiter, Sadler, Settlemyer, Shellenbarger, Twal, Walz, Zuraikat;
and professors emeritae Blair, Kresak, Murray, Smatlak, Thistlethwaite

Website: www.iup.edu/rn-alliedhealth

The College of Health and Human Services offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Students are admitted to the nursing major as freshmen. Transfer students and those with a previous degree may also be admitted. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is prepared to write the examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania and all other states. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The nursing curriculum has as its primary goal the development of professional nurse generalists who are liberally educated, clinically competent, and aware of their social responsibilities as health professionals. The program is designed to provide a broad background in liberal education, coupled with the specialized knowledge and skills required for professional nursing practice. Additionally, the curriculum prepares the nurse to practice within the professional code of nursing ethics, to function effectively as a member of the health care team, and to utilize scientific principles in planning, implementing, and evaluating health care. The nursing curriculum emphasizes concepts in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of health problems.

The first two semesters are devoted mainly to Liberal Studies and science courses considered essential to the nursing major. Throughout the last six semesters clinical experiences in patient care are provided in acute and long-term care facilities as well as community settings.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing is offered for registered nurses who are graduates of accredited diploma or associate degree nursing programs and who have met IUP’s admission requirements. The track for registered nurses awards advanced standing based on prior work completed in a nursing program. Registered nurse students will fulfill all degree requirements set by the university. The track is designed to prepare the professional nurse to function as a provider, designer, manager, and coordinator of care in a variety of health care settings.

Detailed information is available in the department office regarding requirements such as health screening, liability insurance, legal clearance, transportation, and professional uniforms.

Bachelor of Science—Nursing

Liberal Studies: As outlined in Liberal Studies section

55-56

with the following specifications:

Mathematics: MATH 217 (1)

Natural Science: CHEM 101-102

Social Science: PSYC 101, SOC 151

Liberal Studies Electives: PHYS 151-161, PSYC 310, no courses with NURS prefix

Major:

52-55

Required Courses:

NURS 211	Nursing Practice I	1sh
NURS 212	Professional Nursing I	2sh
NURS 213	Nursing Practice II	1sh
NURS 214	Health Assessment	2sh
NURS 236	Foundations of Nursing	3sh
NURS 312	Professional Nursing II	2sh
NURS 316	Research Utilization in Nursing	3sh
NURS 336	Adult Health I	4sh
NURS 337	Adult Health Clinical I	5sh
NURS 338	Maternal-Child Health	4sh
NURS 339	Maternal-Child Health Clinical	5sh
NURS 412	Professional Nursing III	2sh
NURS 432	Psychiatric/Mental Health	2sh
NURS 434	Community Health	2sh
NURS 435	Community/Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical	5sh
NURS 436	Adult Health II	4sh
NURS 437	Adult Health Clinical II	5sh
NURS 450	A Cognitive Approach to Clinic Problem Solving (2)	3sh

Other Requirements:

Science Sequence:

BIOL 105	Cell Biology	3sh
BIOL 150	Human Anatomy	3sh
BIOL 151	Human Physiology	4sh
BIOL 241	General Microbiology	3sh
FDNT 212	Nutrition	3sh

Free Electives:	0-1

(#)Total Degree Requirements:	124-127

(1) The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires two units of high school mathematics (one of which is algebra) for admission to the nursing major.

(2) Students who achieve a higher score than a specified minimum on a department-required standard test(s) are exempt from NURS 450.

(#) See advisory paragraph “Timely Completion of Degree Requirements” in the section on Requirements for Graduation.

Bachelor of Science—Nursing/Registered Nurse Track

Liberal Studies: As outlined in Liberal studies section

51-53

with the following specifications:

Mathematics: MATH 217

Health and Wellness: Fulfilled by the major

Major:

Required Courses:

NURS 316	Research Utilization	3sh
NURS 334	Transitions in Professional Nursing	3sh
NURS 411	Advanced Health Assessment	3sh
NURS 412	Professional Nursing III	2sh
NURS 434	Community Health	2sh
NURS 454	Health Promotion of Families Across the Lifespan	3sh
NURS 455	Introduction to Nursing Informatics	3sh
NURS 467	Leadership Practicum	2sh
NURS 469	Community Practicum	2sh
NURS 480	Seminar in Nursing	3sh
NURS XXX	Electives	3sh
NURS	Credits via articulation	30sh

Free Electives:	12-14

Total Degree Requirements:	124

Allied Health Professions Programs

Jodell L. Kuzneski, Coordinator

Respiratory Care

Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the care of patients who have respiratory system problems or illnesses that relate to breathing. Their assistance includes administering gaseous drugs and executing therapeutic procedures. Included are the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.

The program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care. Presented jointly by IUP and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, the program offers intensive theoretical and applied knowledge to produce highly skilled graduates who are prepared to enter the profession as therapists or instructors.

Two academic years of university studies, followed by two academic years of hospital studies and clinical practice, constitute the program. Students must earn a GPA of 2.25 in Natural Sciences and Mathematics courses to be considered for admission into the clinical years in Respiratory Care. However, since admission to the hospital is competitive, IUP cannot guarantee admission into the hospital program.

Bachelor of Science—Respiratory Care

Liberal Studies: As outlined in Liberal studies section

45-47

with the following specifications:

Humanities: PHIL 222 recommended

Mathematics: MATH 105 or higher level

Natural Science: CHEM 101-102

Social Sciences: PSYC 101, SOC 151, non-Western course

Liberal Studies Electives: one course, BTED/COSC/IFMG 101 recommended

Synthesis: not required

Writing Intensive: not required

Major:

Required Courses: (1) (2)

RESP 101	The Profession of Respiratory Care	1sh
RESP 326	Respiratory Care Clinical Practice I	3sh
RESP 327	Pharmacology	3sh
RESP 328	Introduction to Respiratory Care	4sh
RESP 329	Respiratory Care Equipment	4sh
RESP 330	Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation	2sh
RESP 333	Respiratory Care Clinical Practice II	4sh
RESP 334	Respiratory Care Instrumentation and Application	4sh
RESP 335	Patient Care Skills	3sh
RESP 336	Cardiopulmonary Evaluation and Clinical Correlation	4sh
RESP 337	Intro to Pulmonary Function Studies	1sh
RESP 425	Clinical Case Studies	3sh
RESP 426	Respiratory Care Clinical Practice III	5sh
RESP 428	Essentials of Electrocardiology	2sh
RESP 429	Design and Function of a Respiratory Care Program	2sh
RESP 430	Pulmonary Function Studies	3sh
RESP 431	Pediatric Respiratory Care	1sh
RESP 433	Respiratory Care Clinical Practice IV	5sh
RESP 434	Neonatal Respiratory Care	3sh
RESP 436	Respiratory Care Teaching	2sh
RESP 437	Methods in Critical Care	2sh
RESP 438	Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation	1sh

Other Requirements:

Science Courses:

BIOL 105	Cell Biology	3sh
BIOL 150	Human Anatomy	3sh
BIOL 151	Human Physiology	4sh
BIOL 241	General Microbiology	3sh
PHYS 151	Medical Physics Lecture	3sh
PHYS 161	Medical Physics Lab	1sh

Free Electives:	0

(#)Total Degree Requirements:	124-126 (1)

(1) Qualified students are encouraged to elect RESP 342, in which case total credits would be 126-130.

(2) RESP 300- and 400-level courses are completed at Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. The courses are consistent with the requirements of, and the program is accredited by, the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education.

(#) See advisory paragraph “Timely Completion of Degree Requirements” in the section on Requirements for Graduation.

Medical Technology

Medical Technology encompasses the study of analytical and diagnostic procedures used in clinical laboratories and in medical research. Medical technologists/clinical laboratory scientists perform a variety of laboratory tests upon which the physician depends for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and proper treatment of the patient. The program of studies, presented jointly by IUP and accredited medical technology programs in hospitals, prepares the student to enter the profession. Upon completion of the four-year program, the degree of Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology is granted. The program also prepares the student for graduate and professional schools.

IUP maintains short- and long-term affiliations with selected hospital schools. The Allied Health Professions coordinator provides student counseling and maintains a liaison with hospital schools. However, since admission to any hospital program is on a competitive basis, IUP cannot guarantee admission into any hospital program.

The following programs maintain permanent agreements of affiliation with IUP: Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington; Altoona Hospital, Altoona; Elkins Park Hospital, Elkins Park; Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Lancaster; Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading; St. Vincent Health Center, Erie; University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut; and York Hospital, York. Other temporary affiliations are negotiated for the convenience of the student.

Completion of academic studies at IUP and of one year of clinical experience qualifies the student to take a national certification examination. Successful results on this examination lead to certification as a professionally qualified medical technologist/clinical laboratory scientist.

Bachelor of Science—Medical Technology

Liberal Studies: As follows:

45-47

Composition: ENGL 101, 202

Humanities: three courses – one in each area (PHIL 222 recommended)

Fine Arts: one course

Mathematics: MATH 110 or higher level

Natural Science: CHEM 111-112

Social Sciences: three courses

Health and Wellness/ROTC: H&W recommended

Liberal Studies Electives: PHYS 111

Synthesis: not required

Writing Intensive: one required

Major:

Required Courses: (1)

MEDT 494	Clinical Microbiology	8sh
MEDT 495	Clinical Chemistry	10sh
MEDT 496	Clinical Hematology/Coagulation	6sh
MEDT 497	Clinical Immunohematology	4sh
MEDT 498	Clinical Immunology/Serology	2sh
MEDT 499	Clinical Seminar	2sh

Other Requirements: Science sequence

37-39

Required Courses:

BIOL 111	Principles of Biology I	4sh
BIOL 250	Principles of Microbiology	3sh
BIOL 364	Immunology	3sh
CHEM 231	Organic Chemistry I	4sh
CHEM 232	Organic Chemistry II	4sh
CHEM 323	Analytical Methods	4sh
CHEM 351	Biochemistry	4sh
PHYS 121	Physics I Lab	1sh
PHYS 112/122	Physics II Lecture/Lab	4sh
Controlled Electives: Two courses from the following: BIOL 112, 120, 151, 263, 331, 350, 352, 360, 432, 466, 476		6sh

Free Electives:	6-10

(#)Total Degree Requirements:	124

(#) See advisory paragraph “Timely Completion of Degree Requirements” in the section on Requirements for Graduation.

(1) These courses are offered by our affiliating hospital-based clinical programs. These areas of study are consistent with requirements of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. All six of these areas of study are completed during the final twelve months of the degree program at one of the affiliating hospitals.

Nuclear Medicine Technology

Nuclear Medicine is the medical specialty that utilizes the nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the anatomic or physiologic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with unsealed radioactive sources. A nuclear medicine technologist’s skills complement those of the nuclear medicine physician.

The nuclear medicine technologist is a highly trained individual who has completed an approved course of study in the theory of nuclear medicine technology. This allied health profession utilizes radioactive materials for the diagnosis of various pathological disease states and for the treatment of some specific disorders. The American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, American College of Medical Technology, American Society of Technologists, Society of Nuclear Medicine, and the Society of Medicine-Technologist Section cooperate to establish, maintain, and promote appropriate standards of quality for educational programs in nuclear medicine technology.

The program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology consists of three years of study at IUP and one year at the University of Findlay/Nuclear Medicine Institute in Findlay, Ohio. Students must achieve a GPA of 2.25 in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics to be considered for admission to the Nuclear Medicine Institute. Since admission to the Nuclear Medicine Institute is competitive, IUP cannot guarantee admission into the institute’s program.

Bachelor of Science—Nuclear Medicine Technology

Liberal Studies: As outlined in Liberal Studies section

54-55

with the following specifications:

Mathematics: MATH 217

Natural Science: CHEM 101-102

Social Science: PSYC 101, SOC 151

Liberal Studies Electives: BTED/COSC/IFMG 101 plus three Liberal Studies electives or
two Liberal Studies elective courses and one Synthesis course

Major:

Required Courses: (1)

NMDT 427	Nuclear Scintigraphy	3sh
NMDT 428	Radiation Physics	3sh
NMDT 429	Nuclear Medicine Instrumentation	3sh
NMDT 430	Radiation Biology and Radiation Protection	2sh
NMDT 431	In Vivo/In Vitro Non-Imaging	1sh
NMDT 432	Radiopharmaceuticals	3sh
NMDT 433	Introduction to Tomographic Imaging	1sh
NMDT 434	Clinical Nuclear Medicine	16sh

Other Requirements:

Science Courses:

BIOL 105	Cell Biology	3sh
BIOL 150	Human Anatomy	3sh
BIOL 151	Human Physiology	4sh
PHYS 111	Physics I Lecture	3sh
PHYS 121	Physics I Lab	1sh
PHYS 112	Physics II Lecture	3sh
PHYS 122	Physics II Lab	1sh
Required courses: (2)
ENGL 310	Public Speaking	3sh

Free Electives: At least two of the selected courses must be Writing Intensive	17

Total Degree Requirements:	124-125

(1) These courses are offered at the University of Findlay/Nuclear Medicine Institute, Findlay, Ohio. These areas of study are consistent with requirements of the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs on Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT). All eight of these areas of study are completed during the final twelve months of the degree program.

(2) Students are also required to complete a medical terminology course/program. Options to fulfill this requirement must be approved by the Coordinator of Allied Health Professions.

Gerontology Certificate Program

Jodell L. Kuzneski, Coordinator

The Gerontology Certificate program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the systematic study of the aging and is designed to be combined with any undergraduate major at IUP. The 21-semester-hour program entails three core courses, three elective courses, and an internship that will provide experiential learning in an agency or program serving older adults. Many courses fulfill the requirements for the Liberal Studies program. Applications are available at 244 Johnson Hall. For information, call 724-357-7647.

Gerontology Certificate Program

Core Courses:

HPED 350	Health Aspects of Aging	3sh
PSYC 312	Adult Development and Aging	3sh
SOC 357	Sociology of Aging	3sh

Controlled Electives:

ANTH 340, 444, CDFR 324, CNSV 315, GERN 281, 481, 482,
HPED 413, MGMT 300, 311, PSYC 376, 378, PHIL 400, 405, RHAB 312,
SAFE 380, SOC 336, 342, 345

9sh

Other Requirements:

Internship (GERN 493 or internship in student’s major)

3sh