Page 88 - 2019-2020 Academic Catalog - Providence Christian College

Health and Life Sciences (HLS)
Providence Christian’s Health and Life Science Concentration exists to prepare students interested in the fields of Physical or Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Pre-Med programs, Athletic Training or Exercise Science, and Nutrition. The Health and Life Science Concentration challenges students to think biblically and ethically as they strive to improve the health of society by practicing biblical stewardship and compassion in their studies and workplace. Our Reformed perspective enlightens the areas of challenge related to medicine, health care, human performance, and sport. HLS serves to answer the Creator’s call to care and advocate for the diversity, organization, and functioning of the living world and provide a Christian model for its study, care, and keeping. It is our mission to prepare the next generation of professionals for careers in patient care, wellness, fitness, and more. As we reflect on imago dei, we commit wholeheartedly to the care and advocacy for each life and their well- being.
Students will be exposed to many pre-requisite courses that will help them determine the distinct path within Health and Life Sciences they wish to pursue. The eight core courses form a strong foundation and will prepare HLS students for whichever post-graduate program they enter. The electives offered delve into more specific areas of emphasis while still aiming to prepare all HLS students for their desired graduate programs. Gaining experience in a variety of areas of the discipline, including anatomy and physiology of the human body, chemistry, biology, physics, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and nutrition, enables students to pursue a vocation with a broad spectrum of knowledge. HLS also delves into the behavioral sciences, including human development, social psychology, sociology, cognition, learning, and personality, to ensure students are trained in a holistic approach to health and life. HLS advisors work closely with HLS students to ensure they are taking the courses needed for their respective post-grad programs and help pursue additional courses elsewhere when needed.
Students are highly recommended to take the Apprenticeship course offered to allow involvement in the clinical nature of the health field and to further strengthen the theoretical concepts of holistic care covered in the classroom. In Health and Life Sciences today, experience and exposure to the field is key in order to make an educated affirmed decision of one’s career choice. Additionally, most graduate programs expect students to have participated in an internship or shadowing opportunity prior to entering said program.
Having experienced a Christian Reformed Liberal Arts education will not only benefit these HLS students, it will benefit the Health and Life Science field as a whole. As our HLS students graduate, there will be more critical thinkers that are thoroughly educated in the arts, firmly grounded in their faith, and adept in their Health and Life Science foundation, ready to continue their studies and prepared to be a witness for Christ and a competent and caring advocate in the Health and Life Science Field.
Mission Statement:
The Health Science concentration exists to empower students to provide ethical and compassionate service to the local and global community by providing rigorous HLS coursework with a foundation of liberal studies to prepare students for the various Health Science related post-graduate programs they pursue.
Concentration Learning Outcomes:
After active participation and completion of this program, students will be able to: 86