Frequently Asked Questions Bachelor of Health Science Master of Health Science Doctor of Health Science Department of Health Sciences
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FAQs

General Questions

Will I need an internet provider (ISP) such as America Online or Earthlink?

Yes. You will need access to the Internet through one of several internet service providers in order to access the course materials and online student center. We also recommend, though not required, cable or DSL access instead of dial-up.

Are Chat Sessions and Discussion Boards required in each course?

The short answer is "YES." But, each professor has their own method of instruction. Typically, chat sessions are used less than discussion boards due to the geographical and time zone differences. But, one or the other will be required elements of each course.

I cannot open a hyperlink in WebCT. What do I do?

Try turning off popup blockers (see attached). Even after turning off ALL popup blockers (multiple ones are embedded in the toolbar) WebCT has a strange quirk, in that it will send the student back to the homepage. So, students must be reminded that after being sent back to homepage they can return directly to the link and it will open for them.

How do I open .docx files if I do not have MS office 2007?

You can download a free file converter pack which also works for Excel 2007 and PowerPoint 2007 formats from Microsoft's web site.

How do I apply for graduation and my degree?

Submit a graduation/degree application form before completing registration for the last semester. Application for graduation/degree can be completed online by following the directions contained within the following web site: http://www.nova.edu/cwis/registrar/instructions.html. After submitting the graduation/degree application be certain to inform the program office of your submission.

Information regarding graduation for the College of Allied Health and Nursing is posted on the following website: http://www.nova.edu/cwis/hpdasa/graduation. This page explains general information and contains online forms that must be filled out.

Please note the following link about August graduation. http://www.nova.edu/cwis/hpdasa/graduation/august_graduation.html.

How do I register?

Follow the directions found in the Health Science Student Orientation and in your program Student Center.

Are the Programs accredited?

All Programs in the Department of Health Science are established programs within the College of Allied Health and Nursing at NSU. NSU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone number 404-679-4501) to award bachelor's, master's, educational specialist and doctoral degrees. Please see the SACS website for more information.

In addition the Vascular Sonography and the Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs are accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).

Bachelor of Health Science

How many classes should I take in my first semester?

The recommended course load for a working professional is two courses per term. You must take BHS 4100 “Academic and Professional Writing” in your first semester in the BHSc program. If are unsure or afraid of taking classes online just take BHS 4100 and if you are ready in the next semester take two classes. If you are confident in you abilities and in academic good standing you can take a heavier course load.

What class or classes should I take in my first semester?

You must take BHS 4100 “Academic and Professional Writing” in your first semester in the BHSc program. You can take other classes along with BHS 4100 during this term too.

How do I know what transferred in?

Log into Webstar enter secure area using your student ID (N########) and your pin. Then select Student Financial Services & Registration option. Next select the Student Records option. Next select Academic Record and you will be able to review your information.

How do I know what requirements I am missing and to need complete?

Log into Webstar as explained above. Then print out and the follow the directions on the CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS STUDENT CHECKLIST found in the WebCT BHSc Student Center.

Can I take my missing General Education Requirements online at NSU?

Yes! General Education courses are offered through NSU's Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences (FCAS). Do not enroll in a class without checking with the BHSc program office to make sure the class meets the requirement. Registration dates for these classes are not the same as the BHSc dates. To register for them by using webstar simply search term and by using desired course prefixes. As an example say you want to take a history class start in Jan. select winter 2007 submit then in subject area select HIST and leave level at ALL then search with result check location if online it will say online. Then register as normal on webstar. Be advised courses offered by FCAS are on a different schedule than the BHS program. You will be charged tuition at the BHS rate of $225 per credit which is less than the normal FCAS rate.

Can I take my missing General Education Requirements elsewhere?

Yes, after gain approval from the BHSc program office you may take the classes at any regionally accredited college or university. You need to complete a Concurrent/Interim Enrollment Request Form found in the WebCT BHSc Student Center. Do not enroll in a class or school without checking with the BHSc program office to make sure the class meets the requirement.

You may also be able to earn credit by taking an exam. Do not register or take any exam without checking with the BHSc program office or the Office of Prior Learning to make sure the meets the requirement.

How do I get credit for any new course work not completed at NSU?

In order for any additional coursework taken outside of NSU to be considered for transfer you must send official transcripts containing the new information to:

Nova Southeastern University
Enrollment Processing Services
Attn: College of Allied Health, Bachelor of Health Science Program
P.O. Box 299000
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905

AND contact the BHSc program directly via the BHSc Student Center to request this work to be evaluated for transfer.

How do I know what books to buy?

See the BHSc Booklist found in the WebCT BHSc Student Center for a current listing.

Where should I buy books?

It is recommended that books be purchased through an online vendor of your choice. Books can also be purchased at the NSU Bookstore. The B.H.Sc. Program only request that the NSU Bookstore order and stock a limited number of books for BHSc core courses only, this is done to keep cost down, prevent excess inventory and because the majority of our students are not local and prefer to use other source. Typically the bookstore is not requested to stock books for BHSc elective courses.

Many of your classmates have found some great deals on the web, also some may be willing to sell their used copy of a book –so don’t be afraid to ask by posting a message on the discussion board. When buying used books online or from one another be certain that you are getting the correct edition.

Remember: Buy your books early do not wait until the classes begin or you will fall behind. Be forewarned instructors will not accept not having the book as an excuse for not keeping up or meeting deadlines.

What are the BHSc requirements for graduation?

In order to be eligible for a Bachelor of Health Science degree from the College of Allied Health and Nursing, all students shall:

  • Satisfactorily complete the program of 30 semester hours (minimum) of study in the B.H.Sc. major required for the degree. (not including CLEP, proficiency examinations, or experiential learning credits).

  • Completion of general education, major and elective requirements as specified by the program at time of admission resulting in a minimum total of 120 semester hours.

  • Attainment of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

  • Attainment of a 2.25 grade point average in the major area

  • Attainment of a grade of “C” or better (greater than or equal to 73%) in every required core course. (Effective for new matriculants on or after January 2006)

  • Submit of a graduation degree application form before completing registration for the last semester. Fulfillment of all obligations to the library, the student’s program, and the bursar’s office.

  • Receive recommendation by B.H.Sc. Program Director to the Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing.

  • Have satisfactorily discharged all financial and library obligations

Master of Health Science

Are the classes located on a specific campus?

All of the courses offered in the Master of Health Science Program are online, there are no classes held at any specific campus.

Do I have to do the Internship at a particular clinical site?

No, you select the medical entity that you will do your 80 hours of observation at with their permission, and submit your detailed SWOT analysis of that entity as your final paper for the course.

What does the Practicum involve?

The Practicum is a capstone course in which the student creates either a health promotion product or a health education product for implementation in the community. This process involves an in depth needs assessment as well as a thorough review of the literature. With the length of the course being twelve weeks it usually does not involve bench research or working with test subjects. The final paper for this course delineates in great detail the process of creating the health promotion or health education product as well as the product itself.

How many courses must I take each semester?

Fulltime in the Master of Health Science Program is defined as 6 credits which usually equal 2 courses, however some students elect to take one course per semester. It usually takes students 3 years to complete the program.

Doctorate of Health Science

Can I complete the program from home?

The program is designed to be completed in an online format. The only residency requirement is a 1-week summer seminar attended twice during your program of study.

Is this program for physician assistants only?

No. The program is designed for masters level health care professionals. We currently have several disciplines represented including, but not limited to, PA's, PT's, RT's, NP's, CNA's, and MSW's both private and military. We currently have 200+ students of diverse health care backgrounds.

How much time will I spend studying and working on assignments each week?

How much time you spend will be based on several factors to include your study style, time management, the professors methods, and your study area. It is generally felt by polling current students that approximately 10 to 15 hours per week per class will be the average.

Is a dissertation required?

No. The dissertation requirement has been replaced with an internship, practicum and the Doctoral Objective Analysis.

Can I take classes in any order?

No. The course schedule must be followed. Our classes are developed and taught by a "live" instructor with assignment due dates and discussions just as in a classroom setting. You have a choice as to 1 or 2 courses, plus an internship or practicum each semester. A maximum of 2 courses and an internship or practicum (13 semester hours) can be taken at any one time, but is not recommended. The internship and practicum are each considered a course.

What is considered "Full Time?"

We consider one class per semester to be full time. At 1 class per semester, with the exception of one summer institute that will require 2 courses, and completing the internship or practicum while taking another course, the program can be completed in 3.5 years. At 2 courses per semester, a student may complete the program in just over 2 years.

Are papers a major part of the program?

Yes. As with most doctoral programs of study, papers compose a large portion. Many courses also require a journal to be kept as well as discussion board postings. Keep in mind, this is an online program. The majority of communications will be in writing.

How do I pay for the program?

Courses are paid per semester hour. For the current cost, see the Tuition Page. All courses are paid for upon registration for any particular semester. If you take one course, you pay for 1 course and so on. Grades are withheld until tuition has been paid.

Can I just complete the work in each course as time permits?

No. All instructors have due dates for assignments not unlike an in-class program. The online courses work very much like a classroom and you will be required to interact with the professor and the other students in your virtual classroom.

Are textbooks required?

Yes. Each professor determines the need for a text book and internet readings. You will be responsible for purchasing the required text for each course.

Do students have a place to exchange information outside the virtual classroom?

Yes. We have developed an online student center for the DHSc program. In this virtual student lounge, you can post messages, questions, and have chats with classmates. You will also find the schedule, course plans, links, library resources and much more.

 

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