Nursing & Health Sciences: Health Care Ethics

A study of ethical principles and applications used to help resolve dilemmas in health care delivery. Introduction to ethical decision-making models used in the practice of modern health care.

AT, CSD, EMS, HSCI, MLS, MRS, NMT, PRNU, RADT, PHS and EXSC majors only; Open to Degree and PACE students

A broad understanding of healthcare ethics is essential for future healthcare professionals. This foundational healthcare ethics course examines ethical principles and frameworks used to help resolve dilemmas common in healthcare. Using an ethical lens, students explore common issues and dilemmas that arise in healthcare and apply various ethical concepts in the analysis of these phenomena. A variety of ethical issues are covered, including but not limited to: informed consent, research ethics, reproductive ethics, public health ethics, and end-of-life care. References back to concrete cases (from clinical practice, the media, and seminal legal cases) will ground the philosophical theories and ideas throughout the course.

Attendance and group discussion is a vital component of this course. This is an in-person course, with 2 online weeks scheduled. Students can expect an average of 4-6 hours per week of additional course related work outside of class time.

Grades are based on attendance and participation, weekly assignments, class reflections, a midterm project, and final paper/small group presentation.