HCAD Course Descriptions
Table of Contents
HCAD 260 Introduction to Healthcare Services
3 credit hours
This introductory course exposes students to the US healthcare system, focusing on the delivery, organization, and regulation of services in modern healthcare settings with special emphasis on senior living, senior healthcare, and aging services settings and opportunities. This overview course will review topics related to the structure of healthcare organizations, healthcare financing, policy, and ethical issues, as well as emerging trends. The course will provide students with the knowledge to understand the complexities of healthcare services and their role in addressing patient needs. Some of these topics will be more deeply explored in subsequent coursework.
HCAD 300 Healthcare Ethics
3 credit hours
This course provides a comprehensive overview of ethical and legal considerations in post-acute care and other healthcare settings. Further, this course will evaluate quality management and improvement in healthcare settings. Students will explore fundamental ethical principles, patient rights, regulatory and legal compliance, quality assurance, risk management, and other critical aspects of healthcare administration. Through case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex ethical and legal landscape of post-acute and other healthcare settings. Prerequisite: HCAD 260
HCAD 360 Leadership for Healthcare Professionals
3 credit hours
This course provides students with essential leadership skills tailored for the healthcare environment. Students will explore leadership theories, strategies for effective personal and team management, and the unique challenges of leading in healthcare settings. Emphasis will be placed on developing interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration, ethical decision-making, and navigating complex healthcare systems. Prerequisite: HCAD 260
HCAD 400 Healthcare Finance and Accounting
3 credit hours
This course provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare finance, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills to manage the financial operations of healthcare organizations. The course covers key areas such as healthcare financial concepts, reimbursement systems, revenue cycle management, cost analysis, budgeting, and financial statements. In addition, this course explores operational performance metrics, including care cost analysis, risk management, the impact of quality factors, technology, and strategic financial planning. Prerequisites: HCAD 260 and MATH 180.
HCAD 460 Emerging Trends and Population Health Management
3 credit hours
This course explores the demographic, technological, and policy forces reshaping care for an aging population in the healthcare environment. Students examine global aging trends, innovative care models (PACE, ACOs), chronic-disease management, telehealth, assistive technologies, population health, mental-health interventions, long-term-care reform, and workforce challenges. Through guest lectures, case studies, and a capstone project, participants design forward-looking solutions that enhance quality, equity, and dignity for older adults across the continuum of care. Prerequisites: HCAD 260 and HCAD 400.