Department of Health Care Programs

Course Descriptions

HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

HCA 3100. Health Care Management.
The administration of health services is the most complicated management task in our society. This course examines general management and organization theory and applies this knowledge to the administration of health care organizations. Throughout the course, conceptual learning is combined with behavioral practice for the development of effective health management skills. Not open to those who have taken HEA 2100. 4 credits. F

HCA 3200. Accounting for Nonprofit and Public Organizations.
This course is designed to introduce students to the accounting principles and practices used in the nonprofit and public sectors. Topics include financial statement analysis, budget preparation and fund accounting. 4 credits. N

HCA 3303. Health Care Finance.
This course will providea conceptual and practical knowledge of health care finance including sources of funding operations, the interrelationship between department and total facility budget, the accounting and reporting process and the influence of third parties on revenue and cost of health care. Not open to those who have taken HCA 3300. Prerequisite: MTH 143. 4 credits. F

HCA 3400. Health Data Analysis.
Health professionals are constantly receiving data and making decisions based on such information. Accurately evaluating information is integral for effective decision making. This course is designed to assist in the development of a basic understanding of how to evaluate information through the use of statistical methods. The focus will be on the principles of statistics and how they relate to real life problems. Prerequisite: MTH 133. 4 credits. N

HCA 3600. Personnel Administration.
A review of the principles and practices essential for the development and management of an effective personnel program in nonprofit agencies and institutions. Covers employee recruitment, selection, training, promotion and separation, as well as compensation, labor regulations, legal framework of bargaining, contract administration and grievance procedures. Techniques of supervision and issues such as professionalism, career paths, safety and environmental health problems, and the impact of unionization on healh care institutions also receive attention. 4 credits. F

HCA 3800. Health Economics.
Health care is currently being transformed into a competitive industry. This course examines health care as an economic commodity and the role of market mechanism in the supply and demand of health services. In particular, the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of the new economics of health care are assessed. Same course as ECO 3800. 4 credits. N

HCA 3910. Health Planning and Marketing.
This course examines the process and provides techniques for the planning and marketing of health services, programs and organizations. The relationship between planning and marketing will be explored and the history and methods of area-wide and institutional planning will be reviewed. Not open to those who have taken HCA 3700, HCA 3750 or HCA 3900. 4 credits. N

HCA 4110. Quality Management.
This course concentrates on providing the basic concepts for defining quality. It also explores the traditional mechanisms and current developments in the measurement, assessment and continuous improvement of quality in the health care setting. 4 credits. F

HCA 4130. Utilization Review.
Utilization review is an important and necessary mechanism for cost containment, quality assurance, and fraud and abuse control in health care. This course reviews the background, government regulations, methodologies and applications of utilization review for hospitals, ambulatory care settings, nursing homes and home health visits. 4 credits. N

HCA 4150. Long-Term Care Management.
An overview of long-term care services, including the nursing home, respite care, lifecare communities, adult day care, home care, social health maintenance organizations (S/HMOs) and community services dedicated to improving care for the frail and chronically ill ederly. The distinctive functional, procedural and evironmental issues which relate to effetive management of long-term care services. The management component of the course will be taught at a nursing home in New Rochelle. Same course as GRT 4150. 4 credits. N

HCA 4250. Ambulatory Care Management.
The development of new ambulatory care services and the alternative delivery systems has increased in today's competitive and cost-conscious health care evironment. This course will review factors affecting current demand and the services that have been provided, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), convenience and specialized health centers (surgicenters, urgicenters, rehabilitation centers), and physician group practice. The distinctive skills, knowledge and managerial style required in the administration of these services will be examined. 4 credits. F

HCA 4350. Hospital Management.
The focus of the course is on the reorganization and management of hospitals under prospective payment by DRGs. General organization and management theory will provide the framework for examining the hospital organization and the roles, functions and activities of a hospital administrator. Case studies will be used and management issues in specific hospital departments will eb researched and presented by students as the course project. 4 credits. N

HCA 4450. Employee Health Benefits Administration.
As health care costs and health insurance premiums continue to rise, employers have become actively involved in the health care system and more aggressive about the administration of employee health benefits. This course examines forces affecting employer action and specific cost containment strategies, including health education and promotion activies, employee assistance programs, health benefits design and administration and price and utilization controls. 4 credits. N

HCA 4500. Health Information Systems.
This course examines basic concepts and terminology of computer-based information systems. Systems design, evaluation, selection, implementation and operation are also reviewed for application at the department and service level of health care organizations. Course methods include computer-based instruction and exercise using the personal computer. 4 credits. F

HCA 4600. Public Relations in Health Care Organizations.
Community relations as a philosophy and practice of health care institutions, including the identification and analysis of the various groups/publics in the community and the practice of press, radio and TV, community relations techniques, fund-raising methods and grantsmanship useful in furthering organizational goals. 4 credits. N

HCA 4900. Supervised Practicum in Health Care Administration.
A field experience in which students integrate management theory with practice in health care administration under faculty supervision. Students must notify the department chair one semester before registering for this course. 4 credits. N

HCA 4901-4. Independent Study in Health Care Administration.
A tutorial in which a student pursues a special topic under faculty direction and guidance with the approval of the department chair. From 1 to 4 credits. N

HCA 4903. Independent Study in Health Care Administration: "Health Systems of the EC"
This course begins with a discussion of the political and historical context of the EC and then proceeds to undertake a discussion of international health issues and organizations, particularly of the EC. Special attention will be paid to the countries of Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and France. In addition, the WHO will be examined, as well as Ireland (Republic) and Sweden. Prerequisite: HEA 1101 and HEA 2202. 3 credits. N

HEALTH CARE STUDIES

HEA 1101. The Health Care Industry.
The health care system delivers vital services to the U.S. population and is the largest industry and the second largest employer in the country. This course is an overview of the history, development, structure and current forces transforming the system. Topics include: criticisms of the system; health status of the US population; physician practice and payment; private health insurance; medical technology; the prescription drug industry; the doctor-patient relationship; hospital services and DRG reimbursement; ambulatory care and alternative delivery services; mental health and long-term care services; and the future of the US health care system. Not open to those who have taken HCA 1101. 4 credits. F

HEA 2202. Health Policy, Politics and the Law.
An examination of the policymaking process and the major decisions that have shaped and are currently transforming the US health care system. The importance of political factors in the development of health policy. The role of government and the law in health care. Not open to those who have taken HCA 2202. 4 credits. F

HEA 3020. Introduction to Gerontology.
Same course as GRT 3020. Not open to those who have taken HCA 3020 or GRT 302. 4 credits. F

HEA 3500. Technical Writing and Research Methods.
A course emphasizing aspects of technical writing and methods of research leading to effective written communications and analytical skills in the health care field. Prerequisite: ENG 1101 or equivalent. 4 credits. F

HEA 3601. Women's Health Care.
Women use more health services than men and have longer life expectancy. This course examines the characteristics of the US health care system distinctive to women. Topics include: assessment of women's health needs; self-care and the women's health movement; women in medicine today; and the current trend toward specialized centers for women's health services. 4 credits. N

HEA 3660. Health Care Ethics.
This course will focus on the nature of health care ethics and on the ethical implications of current problems in the organization, financing and delivery of health services. Prerequisite: HEA 1101 or permission of the instructor. Not open to those who have taken PHL 366. Same course as PHL 3660. 4 credits. N

HEA 4200. Mental Health Care Services.
An overview of the mental health delivery system in the preventino and treatment of emotional disorders. Exploration of various medical and social resources in the community which deal with behavior disorders, personality maladjustments, delinquency, martial discord, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc., and some current therapeutic modalities. The mental health team approach and the interrelationship of services are emphasized. Issues such as involuntary commitment, drug therapy, deinstitutionalization, rights of mental patients, and the nature and effects of lifestyles on mental health are discussed. Not open to those who have taken HCA 4200. 4 credits. N

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