Available courses

MBA-HE101 Healthcare Economics

MBA-HE101: Healthcare Economics

Credits: 3 | Format: Online/Hybrid | Prerequisites: Microeconomics, Statistics

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines economic principles as they apply to healthcare markets, organizations, and policy. Students will analyze how economic forces shape healthcare delivery, access, and outcomes. The course covers demand and supply dynamics in healthcare, market failures, insurance economics, provider payment systems, and cost-effectiveness analysis. Emphasis is placed on applying economic frameworks to evaluate healthcare policies and organizational strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES (AACSB Aligned)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Analytical Thinking: Apply microeconomic concepts (supply, demand, elasticity) to healthcare markets
  • Ethical Understanding: Evaluate the ethical implications of healthcare resource allocation
  • Application of Knowledge: Analyze the economics of health insurance, moral hazard, and adverse selection
  • Communication: Present economic analyses of healthcare policy proposals
  • Decision-Making: Conduct cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses for healthcare interventions

COURSE MODULES

  1. Fundamentals of Healthcare Economics
  2. Demand for Healthcare Services
  3. Healthcare Labor Markets & Physician Supply
  4. Economics of Health Insurance
  5. Hospital and Provider Economics
  6. Pharmaceutical Economics
  7. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
  8. Healthcare Policy Analysis
  9. Global Healthcare Systems Comparison
  10. Economic Evaluation Project

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Economic Analysis Paper25%
Policy Brief20%
Midterm Examination20%
Final Examination25%
Class Participation & Discussions10%

REQUIRED TEXTS

  • Santerre, R. & Neun, S. Health Economics: Theory, Insights, and Industry Studies (7th Edition)
  • Drummond, M. et al. Methods for the Economic Evaluation of Health Care Programmes (4th Edition)

NP602 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics

Course Description

Advanced pharmacotherapeutics for nurse practitioners. This doctoral-level course provides comprehensive preparation for prescriptive practice, covering pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, and evidence-based drug selection across the lifespan. Emphasis on complex medication management and controlled substances.

Credit Hours

3 credits (3 lecture)

Prerequisites

NP 601 or concurrent enrollment

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF NP Core Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Scientific Foundation: Apply advanced pharmacological knowledge to prescriptive practice
  • Analyze complex pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
  • Integrate pharmacogenomics into prescribing decisions
  • Select and prescribe medications based on evidence
  • Manage complex drug interactions and polypharmacy
  • Apply DEA regulations for controlled substance prescribing
  • Develop comprehensive medication management plans

Course Topics

  • Advanced Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
  • Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Therapeutics
  • Pulmonary Therapeutics
  • Endocrine Therapeutics (including Diabetes)
  • Neurological and Psychiatric Therapeutics
  • Antimicrobial Therapeutics
  • Pain Management and Controlled Substances
  • Prescriptive Authority and Regulations
  • Medication Safety and Error Prevention

Required Textbooks

  • Arcangelo: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice (5th ed.)
  • Prescribers Digital Reference (PDR) or UpToDate

Evaluation Methods

Examinations (50%), Pharmacotherapy Cases (30%), Drug Presentations (20%)

FNP720 FNP Clinical Practicum II

Course Description

Second clinical practicum building on FNP 710 skills. Students manage increasingly complex patients with multiple comorbidities. Focus on differential diagnosis, medication management, and care coordination in primary care settings.

Credit Hours

4 credits (4 clinical) | 180 clinical hours

Prerequisites

FNP 710, FNP 702, FNP 703, FNP Track

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF Clinical Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct Care: Manage complex primary care patients independently
  • Develop comprehensive differential diagnoses
  • Prescribe medications with appropriate monitoring
  • Order and interpret diagnostic tests
  • Coordinate care with specialists
  • Demonstrate improving clinical efficiency

Clinical Requirements

  • Minimum 180 clinical hours
  • Primary care and specialty settings
  • Complex patients with comorbidities
  • Increased patient volume
  • Decreased preceptor oversight

Clinical Experiences

  • Complex chronic disease management
  • Acute and episodic care
  • Womens health encounters
  • Pediatric encounters
  • Geriatric encounters

Evaluation Methods

Clinical Performance (50%), Case Logs (20%), Clinical Seminars (20%), OSCE (10%)

Cumulative Clinical Hours

Total program hours to date: 360 hours minimum

FNP710 FNP Clinical Practicum I

Course Description

First clinical practicum for Family Nurse Practitioner students. Students apply didactic knowledge in supervised primary care settings, developing skills in health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Focus on building foundational clinical skills across the lifespan.

Credit Hours

4 credits (4 clinical) | 180 clinical hours

Prerequisites

NP 603, FNP 701 or concurrent enrollment, FNP Track

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF Clinical Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct Care: Provide supervised primary care to patients across the lifespan
  • Perform comprehensive health assessments
  • Develop differential diagnoses for common presentations
  • Initiate treatment plans under preceptor guidance
  • Document patient encounters appropriately
  • Demonstrate developing clinical reasoning

Clinical Requirements

  • Minimum 180 clinical hours
  • Primary care settings
  • Pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients
  • Increasing complexity throughout semester
  • Preceptor supervision and evaluation

Clinical Experiences

  • Well-child and well-adult visits
  • Acute illness management
  • Chronic disease follow-up
  • Health promotion and counseling
  • Procedures: Pap smears, suturing, injections

Evaluation Methods

Clinical Performance (50%), Case Logs (20%), Clinical Seminars (20%), Portfolio (10%)

Clinical Hour Tracking

Students must document all clinical hours in approved tracking system with preceptor verification.

FNP704 Primary Care of Older Adults

Course Description

Primary care management of older adults (65+). This course covers geriatric assessment, age-related changes, polypharmacy, chronic disease management, and end-of-life care. Students develop competency in gerontological care and interprofessional collaboration.

Credit Hours

3 credits (3 lecture)

Prerequisites

FNP 703, FNP Track

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF FNP Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct Care Competency: Provide evidence-based primary care to older adults
  • Conduct comprehensive geriatric assessments
  • Manage polypharmacy and Beers Criteria medications
  • Diagnose and manage geriatric syndromes
  • Apply Medicare wellness visit guidelines
  • Coordinate care across settings
  • Provide end-of-life and palliative care

Course Topics

  • Geriatric Assessment Techniques
  • Physiological Changes of Aging
  • Polypharmacy and Medication Management
  • Geriatric Syndromes: Falls, Incontinence, Delirium
  • Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
  • Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions: Osteoporosis, Arthritis
  • Sensory Impairments
  • Medicare Annual Wellness Visits
  • Palliative Care and End-of-Life

Required Textbooks

  • Kennedy-Malone: Advanced Practice Nursing in Care of Older Adults (3rd ed.)
  • AGS Geriatrics At Your Fingertips

Evaluation Methods

Examinations (50%), Geriatric Case Presentations (30%), Clinical Simulations (20%)

FNP703 Primary Care of Adults

Course Description

Primary care management of adults from young adulthood through middle age. This course covers health promotion, disease prevention, acute illness management, and chronic disease management. Students develop competency in adult primary care diagnosis and treatment.

Credit Hours

4 credits (4 lecture)

Prerequisites

NP 601, NP 602, NP 603, FNP Track

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF FNP Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct Care Competency: Provide evidence-based primary care to adult patients
  • Conduct comprehensive adult health assessments
  • Apply preventive care guidelines (USPSTF)
  • Diagnose and manage acute illnesses
  • Manage chronic conditions common in adults
  • Prescribe appropriate pharmacotherapy
  • Coordinate care with specialists

Course Topics

  • Adult Health Promotion and Screening
  • Cardiovascular Conditions: Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, CHF
  • Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, COPD, Pneumonia
  • Endocrine Conditions: Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders
  • Gastrointestinal Conditions: GERD, IBS, Liver Disease
  • Renal Conditions
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions
  • Neurological Conditions: Headache, Stroke Prevention
  • Infectious Diseases in Adults
  • Dermatological Conditions

Required Textbooks

  • Dunphy: Primary Care (6th ed.)
  • USPSTF Guidelines (current)

Evaluation Methods

Examinations (50%), Case Presentations (30%), Clinical Simulations (20%)

FNP702 Primary Care of Women

Course Description

Primary care management of women across the reproductive lifespan. This course covers gynecologic care, family planning, preconception counseling, prenatal care, and menopause management. Students develop competency in women health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

Credit Hours

3 credits (3 lecture)

Prerequisites

NP 601, NP 602, NP 603, FNP Track

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF FNP Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct Care Competency: Provide evidence-based primary care to women
  • Perform comprehensive gynecologic examinations
  • Manage contraception and family planning
  • Provide preconception and prenatal care
  • Diagnose and treat common gynecologic conditions
  • Manage menopause and hormone therapy
  • Screen for and counsel regarding cancers

Course Topics

  • Gynecologic Health Assessment
  • Contraception and Family Planning
  • Preconception Health and Counseling
  • Prenatal Care Management
  • Common Gynecologic Infections: Vaginitis, STIs
  • Menstrual Disorders
  • Breast Health and Screening
  • Cervical Cancer Screening
  • Menopause Management
  • Intimate Partner Violence Screening

Required Textbooks

  • Schuiling & Likis: Womens Gynecologic Health (4th ed.)
  • ACOG Guidelines (current)

Evaluation Methods

Examinations (50%), Case Presentations (30%), Clinical Simulations (20%)

FNP701 Primary Care of Children

Course Description

Primary care management of children from birth through adolescence. This course covers well-child care, developmental assessment, common pediatric illnesses, chronic condition management, and health promotion. Students develop competency in pediatric diagnosis and treatment in primary care settings.

Credit Hours

3 credits (3 lecture)

Prerequisites

NP 601, NP 602, NP 603, FNP Track

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF FNP Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct Care Competency: Provide evidence-based primary care to pediatric patients
  • Perform age-appropriate developmental assessments
  • Conduct well-child examinations per AAP guidelines
  • Manage common acute pediatric conditions
  • Manage chronic conditions in children
  • Apply immunization schedules and counseling
  • Provide anticipatory guidance to families

Course Topics

  • Growth and Development Assessment
  • Well-Child Care and Preventive Services
  • Immunizations and AAP Schedule
  • Common Infectious Diseases in Children
  • Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, URI, Otitis Media
  • GI Conditions in Pediatrics
  • Dermatological Conditions in Children
  • Chronic Conditions: ADHD, Diabetes, Epilepsy
  • Behavioral and Mental Health Issues
  • Child Abuse Recognition

Required Textbooks

  • Burns et al.: Pediatric Primary Care (7th ed.)
  • AAP Bright Futures Guidelines

Evaluation Methods

Examinations (50%), Case Presentations (30%), Clinical Simulations (20%)

NP610 Role of the Nurse Practitioner

Course Description

Exploration of the nurse practitioner role in healthcare systems. This course examines the history, scope of practice, legal and regulatory issues, professional standards, and business aspects of NP practice. Students develop understanding of APRN practice environments and prepare for transition to practice.

Credit Hours

2 credits (2 lecture)

Prerequisites

Admission to NP program

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF NP Core Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Practice Inquiry: Understand the NP role and its evolution
  • Articulate the history and development of the NP role
  • Analyze state and federal regulations affecting NP practice
  • Apply professional standards and ethical codes
  • Describe collaborative practice models
  • Develop business plans for NP practice
  • Navigate credentialing and privileging processes

Course Topics

  • History of the NP Role
  • Scope of Practice and State Regulations
  • Federal Regulations: DEA, Medicare, Medicaid
  • Professional Standards and Certification
  • Collaborative Practice Agreements
  • Malpractice and Risk Management
  • Practice Settings and Employment Models
  • Business Planning for NP Practice
  • Credentialing and Privileging
  • Professional Organizations

Required Textbooks

  • Buppert: Nurse Practitioners Business Practice and Legal Guide (7th ed.)
  • State Nurse Practice Act (current)

Evaluation Methods

Business Plan Project (35%), Regulatory Analysis (30%), Exams (25%), Participation (10%)

NP603 Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning

Course Description

Comprehensive health assessment and diagnostic reasoning for advanced practice. This course develops advanced assessment skills, clinical reasoning, and differential diagnosis abilities. Students master complete physical examinations, diagnostic test interpretation, and clinical decision-making. Laboratory includes simulation and standardized patient encounters.

Credit Hours

4 credits (2 lecture, 2 lab)

Prerequisites

NP 601, NP 602 (may be concurrent)

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF NP Core Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Independent Practice: Perform comprehensive health assessments independently
  • Conduct advanced health histories for complex patients
  • Perform complete physical examinations of all body systems
  • Apply diagnostic reasoning to develop differential diagnoses
  • Order and interpret diagnostic studies appropriately
  • Document assessment findings professionally
  • Adapt assessment for special populations

Course Topics

  • Advanced History Taking and Clinical Reasoning
  • Differential Diagnosis Development
  • Complete Physical Examination Techniques
  • Cardiovascular Assessment and ECG Interpretation
  • Pulmonary Assessment and Spirometry
  • Abdominal Assessment
  • Neurological Assessment
  • Musculoskeletal Assessment
  • Dermatological Assessment
  • Diagnostic Test Selection and Interpretation

Required Textbooks

  • Bickley: Bates Guide to Physical Examination (13th ed.)
  • Dains: Advanced Health Assessment (4th ed.)

Evaluation Methods

OSCEs (40%), Written Exams (30%), Clinical Documentation (20%), Case Presentations (10%)

NP601 Advanced Pathophysiology for APRNs

Course Description

Advanced pathophysiology for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This doctoral-level course provides comprehensive, in-depth study of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying disease. Emphasis on complex, multi-system pathology, genetic and molecular mechanisms, and application to advanced clinical practice and differential diagnosis.

Credit Hours

3 credits (3 lecture)

Prerequisites

Admission to DNP/NP program, undergraduate pathophysiology

Student Learning Outcomes (AACN DNP Essentials)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Essential VIII - Advanced Nursing Practice: Apply advanced pathophysiology to complex clinical situations
  • Analyze cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease at advanced level
  • Integrate genetics and genomics into pathophysiological understanding
  • Apply pathophysiology to differential diagnosis and treatment
  • Evaluate multi-system pathophysiological interactions
  • Synthesize pathophysiology knowledge for evidence-based practice

Course Topics

  • Advanced Cellular Pathology and Genetics
  • Immunopathology and Immunotherapeutics
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pulmonary Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Renal and GI Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Neurological Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Endocrine Pathophysiology
  • Oncologic Pathophysiology
  • Multi-System Disease Processes

Required Textbooks

  • McCance & Huether: Pathophysiology (9th ed.)
  • Porth: Essentials of Pathophysiology (5th ed.)

Evaluation Methods

Examinations (50%), Case Presentations (30%), Pathophysiology Paper (20%)

FNP740 FNP Clinical Residency

Course Description

Final clinical residency for FNP students. Intensive capstone experience with full scope of FNP practice. Students complete remaining clinical hours and demonstrate readiness for independent practice and certification.

Credit Hours

6 credits (6 clinical) | 280 clinical hours

Prerequisites

FNP 730, all FNP courses, FNP Track, final semester

Student Learning Outcomes (NONPF Clinical Competencies)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Independent Practice: Demonstrate competency for independent FNP practice
  • Manage full patient panel independently
  • Demonstrate all FNP competencies
  • Function at certification-ready level
  • Transition to independent practice
  • Complete all clinical hour requirements

Clinical Requirements

  • Minimum 280 clinical hours
  • Full FNP scope of practice
  • Independent patient management
  • Quality metrics participation
  • Program completion requirements

Residency Experiences

  • Full-scope primary care
  • Population health management
  • Quality improvement
  • Transition to practice planning
  • Certification preparation

Evaluation Methods

Clinical Performance (50%), Summative OSCE (25%), Portfolio (15%), Preceptor Final Evaluation (10%)

Total Clinical Hours

Minimum 820 clinical hours required for FNP certification eligibility (AANP/ANCC)

Certification Preparation

Students complete certification review and exit exam with benchmark requirements.

All courses