Program Descriptions

Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition (CDN)

It is widely accepted that good nutrition plays a major role in the maintenance of health and the quality of life, the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, as well as recovery and rehabilitation following physiological trauma. Although a number of professions include nutrition as one area of research and/or practice interests, it is the profession of dietetics that dedicates its efforts entirely to the improvement of the nutritional status of people and the advancement of the science of nutrition. Registered dietitians whose specialized education is based in the biological, sociological, nutritional, and food sciences provide nutritional care to people, both well and ill, by using their expertise in nutrition science, food science, psychological and social significance of eating behavior management, food economics, budgeting, counseling, and educational methodology. Registered dietitians practice in a variety of settings. These include hospitals and other healthcare institutions (as either clinicians or food administrators), industry, government, and private practice.

Preparation for a career as a registered dietitian requires the completion of a bachelor’s degree in an approved program and an accredited supervised clinical education experience program (didactic internship), followed by the passing of a national registration examination. The clinical dietetics and nutrition program offers several options for meeting the eligibility requirements to take the registration examination:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in an accredited undergraduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD). This is a concentrated program in which supervised clinical education experiences are incorporated into the baccalaureate curriculum, eliminating the need for an additional postbaccalaureate internship. The CPD program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 216 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60605-6995; 312-899-5400.
• Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in a Didactic Program in Dietetics requiring subsequent completion of an accredited postbaccalaureate dietetic internship program. The University assumes no responsibility for the placement or supervision of graduates in dietetic internships. The Didactic Program in Dietetics is approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association.

Both preceding options are currently available at SHRS.* The emphasis in both programs is clinical dietetics practice. Admission prerequisites for both options are the same. For more information on these programs, see www.shrs.pitt.edu/cdn/degrees/undergrad.html.

*The Coordinated Undergraduate Program in Dietetics is being phased out of the undergraduate curriculum in clinical dietetics and nutrition. The junior class of 2004 will be the last class admitted into the BS Coordinated Program in Dietetics. The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), the undergraduate program that provides student with the approved Commission of Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) curriculum, will remain the undergraduate major in CDN. Students who graduated from the DPD and wish to become registered dieticians will need to apply for and complete a supervised practical experience in a CADE-accredited Coordinated Master's Degree Program (CMD) or a Dietetic Internship Program. SHRS will be accepting applications into the CMD graduate program beginning in spring term 2005.

Admission Prerequisites for CDN:

*Provisions will be made for transfer students to take these courses during the fall term of the junior year, after admission to the program.

Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) Curriculum

Didactic Program in Dietetics Curriculum

Communication Science

Department of Communication Science and Disorders (CSD)

The Department of Communication Science and Disorders offers a major in communication science that focuses on the physical and psychological foundations of communication as well as on the basic structure of language and the process of speech and language development. This major, leading to a BA degree, is particularly appropriate for students considering graduate study in communication science and disorders (speech-language pathology [SLP] and audiology).

The field of communication science and disorders and the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology are currently among the most attractive and diverse healthcare and educational professions available. The scientific basis appeals to the scientist who has an interest in basic or applied research, and the human clinical element appeals to the practitioner who is motivated to make a difference in people’s lives.

One in 10 Americans has a communication disorder because of a developmental speech or language disorder, stroke, head injury, hearing loss, stuttering or voice problem, or some other disorder or problem that interferes with speech, language, or hearing development or use. Each one can be helped in some way by a speech-language pathologist; audiologist; or speech, language, or hearing scientist.

Recent projections from the U.S. Department of Labor indicate a shortage of speech-language pathologists and audiologists for many years to come. The future of the job market is healthy due to an increasing public awareness of the need for early diagnosis of speech, language, and hearing disorders; an awareness of the educational, social, and employment benefits of remediation programs for communication disorders; an aging population; and a concern about occupationally induced hearing disorders, among other factors. The need for speech, language, and hearing scientists is also great—there are many research and academic opportunities for those interested in research in these fields. For more information on the Department of Communication Science and Disorders and the degrees it offers, visit www.shrs.pitt.edu/csd. Other Web sites of interest are www.asha.org and www.audiology.org.

The undergraduate degree in communication science is also an excellent preparation program for graduate work in education of the deaf and hard of hearing, elementary or special education, the neurosciences, speech and hearing sciences, and other health-related professions such as rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The necessary additional prerequisites for these programs can be taken while completing the major.

Admission Requirements

Students can enter the communication science program, either from CAS or from another institution, once they have completed approximately 60 credits. Students entering the University of Pittsburgh as freshmen will be admitted initially to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. After the first two years of study in CAS, students will transfer to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. During these first two years, students will complete general education requirements (see below). One or more of the introductory major courses may be taken during these first two years (e.g., CSD 1230 Introduction to Speech and Language Pathology, CSD 1232 Introduction to Audiology, CSD 1101 Introduction to Clinical Processes in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology). Students transferring from outside the University of Pittsburgh should obtain an application form from the SHRS admissions office (412-383-6557). Students should submit transfer or application forms once they have completed approximately 45 credits. (The academic program code for this major is 390115.) Students should make direct contact with the CSD academic advisor, 412-383-6562, for help with the transfer process. Early contact with the academic advisor is also recommended to take advantage of the specialized advising available during freshman and sophomore years.

Course requirements for the undergraduate major in communication science:

(Total credits required—120)

*Pending a decision by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, one introductory biology and one introductory physics course may be required for this major and thus would be good choices for these natural science requirements. Contact the CSD academic advisor for more information at 412-383-6562.

Note: It is not necessary to complete all of the general education courses listed above prior to transfer to the major, but it is advisable to include as many of these courses as possible in the 60 required credits. Any outstanding general education courses can be completed in the junior and senior years while enrolled in the communication science program.

Major (Core) Courses (41 credits)

Courses in the communication science major are offered in fall and spring terms. Several courses have prerequisites, and care needs to be taken when planning the curriculum. Students should consult with the CSD academic advisor before scheduling their courses. The suggested sequence of courses is outlined below. Courses marked with * may be taken earlier in freshman or sophomore years. The full schedule for each semester is completed with any remaining general education or mandatory elective requirements, minor or certificate courses, or other elective courses. Interested students should be aware that the core course requirements may change before this University bulletin is revised again. Please consult with the CSD academic advisor (412-383-6562) for current information.

Junior Year

Senior Year

**Periodically, a 1-credit writing practicum is offered with this course. Contact the CSD academic advisor for more information.

Mandatory Electives (cluster courses)

Five courses must be completed, one from each of the areas listed below. These courses are designed to ensure that the student is well educated in related disciplines, in keeping with the place of communication science and disorders at the confluence of several realms of study.

1. Statistics and Measurement
   Basic Applied Statistics, Applied Statistical Methods
2. Biological, Neurological, Cognitive Foundations of Language
   Foundations of Biology (1 and 2), Sensation and Perception, Introduction to Biopsychology, Learning and Motivation, Cognitive Psychology, Brain and Behavior, Introduction to Neuroscience
3. Philosophy of Science
   Principles of Scientific Reasoning; Introduction to Philosophy of Science; Mind and Medicine; Morality and Medicine; Philosophy and Rise of Modern Science; Magic, Medicine, and Science
4. Sociocultural Studies
   Introduction to Cultural Anthropology; History of Medicine and Health Care; Social Problems; Science in Society; Global Society; Introduction to Social Psychology; Language, Gender, and Society; Cross-Cultural Communication.
5. Lifespan Development
   *Developmental Psychology, *Child Development, Nature of the Young Child, Lifespan Development, Adolescent Psychology, Psychology of Aging

*A course in either developmental psychology or child development is required for professional certification in SLP or audiology.

Note:
1) Some of these courses may simultaneously satisfy general education requirements (e.g., social science, public policy, philosophy, natural science [life], or quantitative reasoning). Consult with the CSD academic advisor for guidance (412-383-6562).
2) Students can consult with the CSD academic advisor to discuss other possible courses to meet these mandatory elective requirements.

Related Area/Minor

No additional related area or minor is required for this undergraduate degree. However, many students are able to complete certificate programs or minors in addition to the requirement for the BA in communication science. In recent years, students have attained certificates in conceptual foundations of medicine, Latin American studies, American Sign Language, and children’s literature and minors in neuroscience, linguistics, and sociology. These are only a few of the many certificate and minor programs available at the University of Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania Education Certification in Speech-Language Impaired

Students wishing to practice as speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania public schools after graduate school must complete, in addition to other master’s and certification requirements, at least one 3-credit course in each of the following content areas: 1) child development, 2) foundations of education, 3) instructional methods (regular methods), and 4) instructional methods (special learning needs). These courses can be taken as electives in the undergraduate degree program.

Emergency Medicine

A Bachelor of Science degree in emergency medicine can benefit the emergency medical services (EMS) professional in many ways. This dynamic and multidisciplinary approach to emergency medicine education will provide the student with a strong foundation in clinical experiences, educational expertise, and administrative leadership. This program is designed to meet the growing need for the advanced skill levels required in the EMS profession and to prepare the student for the technical, clinical, and administrative challenges of a career in EMS and health care.

This unique program recognizes that EMS professionals will be entering this program with varying levels of education and is designed accordingly to be flexible to handle this diversity. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis and permits entry at various levels based on the student’s career and academic experience.

The Emergency Medicine Program is a joint effort of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Medicine (Department of Emergency Medicine), and the Center for Emergency Medicine. For more information on the program, see www.shrs.pitt.edu/emergency.

Prerequisite Courses

Students are required to take the following prerequisite courses during their freshman and sophomore years:

*Must include all body systems

Recommended courses:

Emergency Medicine Curriculum

Health Information Management (HIM)

In medical facilities, the health information management department is the key health information center for the medical staff, administrators, other health professionals, and the community. A registered health information manager directs the work of this department and is part of the management team in the healthcare facility, helping with decisions affecting patients and the institution. Health information managers design, develop, evaluate, and manage health information systems and disease registries in all types of healthcare facilities, organizations, and agencies.

Health information management graduates are prepared to function in settings such as acute-care hospitals, psychiatric facilities, ambulatory-care facilities, physician office practices, long-term care facilities, mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, consulting firms, cancer registries, and education research institutions.

In order to meet the data requirements of all facets of the healthcare delivery system, a broad-based curriculum has been designed for health information management students. The health information manager combines knowledge of health care, health records, information management, and administration to provide quality services that meet the medical, epidemiological, administrative, legal, ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements of the healthcare delivery system being served. The graduate must also have an understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiological research, statistical methods, and legal aspects of health care, as well as knowledge of both state and federal regulations.

Clinical education, beginning in the spring term of the junior year, is scheduled at various healthcare institutions to provide the student with real experiences in the profession. The final clinical education is a six-week full-time management affiliation at a healthcare institution within or, at times, outside the state. Students are responsible for expenses during clinical education.

The health information management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Following satisfactory completion of all course requirements, the graduate will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science and will be eligible to take the registration examination of the American Health Information Management Association. For more information on the program, see www.him.pitt.edu.

Part-Time Study

Students may pursue this program on a part-time basis. A meeting with the appropriate advisor is recommended.

Progression for the Accredited Record Technician (ART)

Provision for transfer of credits may be made for those students who have satisfactorily completed a junior college health information technology program accredited by the Commission on Allied Health Education and accreditation of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the AHIMA. In addition, the HIM department has an articulation agreement with the Health Information Technology Program at the Community College of Allegheny County. Credit by examination is offered for some of the professional courses. Students may receive a waiver for these courses if they successfully pass the examination.

The Pitt Freshman Guarantee

All incoming Pitt freshmen choosing the Pre-Health Information Management major (code 170110) will be granted guaranteed admission (at regional Pitt campuses, choose corresponding codes).

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted into the health information management program after successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits, including the following prerequisite courses:

*A combination of 6 credits of math and statistics is required.

Other admission criteria include minimum cumulative QPA of 2.50 (based on 4.00), and minimum of a C- grade in all courses designated as prerequisite; volunteer or paid work experience in the field of health information management is recommended.

Health Information Management Program Curriculum

Note: For part-time and registered health information technician students, HIM Clinical Education 1440, 1460, 1480, 1495 and HIM 1496 (Senior Project) may be taken in any term with permission of advisor and the instructor after the appropriate prerequisite courses have been completed.