Minor in Health Services
Program at a Glance
18 Credits
(six 3-credit courses)
In-person and online asynchronous courses
(can complete either fully-online, fully-in-person, or hybrid)
Open to all undergraduate majors
(sophomore standing or program director approval)
Complete in as little as 3 semesters
This minor provides students with health services courses designed to enhance their understanding of the healthcare system and discuss critical issues such as health disparities, health equity and diversity within the healthcare field.
Through this program, learners will be able to achieve a number of these outcomes depending on their course selection:
- Describe health, illness, and human development in the context of the U.S. health care system.
- Analyze contemporary issues and trends in health promotion and delivery in the context of the U.S. health care system.
- Identify and analyze cultural and economic factors impacting health disparities in the U.S. health care system.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of professional and ethical behaviors within the health care context.
- Apply effective written and oral communications skills within the health care services context.
- Analyze and apply basic theories of leadership and change management to the health care services workplace.
- Evaluate and interpret evidence-based practices in the health care services context.
Career Impact
The HSV minor develops learners with the interprofessional knowledge to participate in efficient healthcare teams. Students that complete the minor requirements will be able to work in diverse health care settings, such as hospitals, specific clinical areas or departments within those facilities, health management organizations or in medical practice groups. Graduates are positioned for career growth in and towards roles such as:
- Patient Care Technician
- Patient Advocacy
- Healthcare Business Professional
- Healthcare Economics
Skill Development
The HSV minor builds adaptable healthcare skills aligned with the priorities of health professions, preparing graduates to tackle challenges across various healthcare settings. Key skills include:
- Communication
- Decision Making
- Innovative Thinking
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
Learners refine these skills through case-based projects and problem analysis.
Curriculum
The six 3-credit courses (18 total) introduce learners to strategies and practices for leading and communicating within the healthcare field. Courses include:
- ALHP 310– Introduction to Health Care Professions
Explore principles of effective communication essential for teamwork and conflict resolution across healthcare fields. - ALHP 410– Professional and Clinical Ethics
Build on what you learned in ALHP300, and have more hands-on practice with teamwork, collaboration and leading change within the workplace. - 4 Student Choice Electives (12 credits total)
Use these 4 classes to gain experience in business, accounting, or other leadership skills.
Admission requirements, degree requirements, recommended course sequences and more information about the B.S. in Health Services minor can be found at VCU Bulletin.
Start Your Leadership Journey Today
For more information or questions regarding the minor, please contact:
Lauretta Cathers, PhD
Director of BSHS Program
Email: s2lasaff@vcu.edu
Meredith Dean
Program Manager
Email: deanml2@vcu.edu