2004-05 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
 

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

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Bachelor of Science–Nursing/Registered Nurse Track

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Allied Health Professions Programs

Coordinator: Jodell L. Kuzneski

Respiratory Care

The Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory care prepares the graduate for a career as a registered respiratory care practitioner. Respiratory care practitioners evaluate, treat, and care for people with breathing problems. They assist physicians in the evaluation and treatment of heart and lung disorders. Respiratory care practitioners are experts in the therapeutic use of medical gases, oxygen administration, pulmonary resuscitation, and artificial airways. They are employed in hospitals, extended care facilities, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physicians’ offices, private companies providing home care services, and municipal organizations.

IUP and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh jointly offer this program. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The program consists of two academic years of pre-clinical studies (61 credits) on the main campus at IUP and two academic years (59 credits) of clinical study at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Respiratory Care, Pittsburgh. Students must earn a GPA of at least 2.25 in the required natural sciences and mathematics courses and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 to be considered for admission into the clinical years in respiratory care. How-
ever, since admission to the clinical years is competitive, IUP cannot guarantee admission. Upon graduation, graduates are eligible for certification (CRT) and registration (RRT) in respiratory care. The granting of the degree is not contingent upon passing the examinations. Graduates are prepared for graduate degrees that may lead to careers in administration, education, and medicine.

The Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory care is offered for Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) who are graduates of an accredited certificate or associate degree respiratory care program. CRT students will be awarded advanced standing (33 credits) based on prior academic work completed in a respiratory care program. Students fulfill degree requirements set by the university. This track is designed to prepare the certified respiratory therapist (CRT) to function in an advanced practice role.

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

Bachelor of Science–Respiratory Care

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Bachelor of Science–Respiratory Care/Certified Respiratory Therapist Track

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Clinical Laboratory Science

Clinical Laboratory Science encompasses the study of analytical and diagnostic procedures used in clinical laboratories and in medical research. Clinical Laboratory Scientists (also known as Medical Technologists) 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 clinical laboratory science programs in hospitals, prepares the student to enter the profession. Upon completion of the four-year program, the Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science is granted. The program also prepares the student for graduate and professional schools.

IUP maintains affiliations with accredited Schools of Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology. To be competitive for clinical placement the student must have a minimum overall GPA and Math/Science GPA of 2.5. Since admission to any hospital program is on a competitive basis, IUP cannot guarantee admission.

The following programs maintain agreements of affiliation with IUP: Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington; Altoona Hospital, Altoona; Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown; Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia; Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Lancaster; Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading; St. Vincent Health Center, Erie; and York Hospital, York.

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–Clinical Laboratory Science

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Nuclear Medicine Technology

Nuclear Medicine Technology is a medical specialty in which allied health care professionals, under the direction of a nuclear medicine physician, use radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They are responsible for patient education and preparation regarding the nuclear medicine procedures, administration of radiopharmaceuticals, performing complex computer imaging studies, and radiation safety procedures for both patients and staff. The nuclear medicine technologist’s skills complement those of the nuclear medicine physician.

The College of Health and Human Services offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Students are admitted to the nuclear medicine technology major as freshmen. Transfer students and those with a previous degree may also be admitted. The program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology consists of three years of pre-clinical study on the IUP main campus and one year of clinical study at the Nuclear Medicine Institute, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio. The Nuclear Medicine Institute program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Nuclear Medicine Technology national certificate examination offered by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The granting of the degree is not contingent upon passing the examinations.

Students must must meet specific academic requirements to be considered for admission to the Nuclear Medicine Institute. Admission is competitive; IUP cannot guarantee admission into the institute’s program. Information regarding academic requirements and other special requirements for the clinical year is available in the department’s office. 

Bachelor of Science–Nuclear Medicine Technology

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Gerontology Certificate Program

Coordinator: Jodell L. Kuzneski

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-credit 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.
 

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