School of Health Sciences
These programs are designed to give the students the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary for success in the fields of health sciences and healthcare administration. Students study the structure and function of the major body systems in conjunction with medical terminology, professional procedures, medical law and ethics, computer skills, and administrative processes.
Program Information
Externship
Before enrolling in externships, students may be required, at the discretion of the externship site, to:
- Complete a physical examination including current tuberculosis screen results
- Provide evidence of previous hepatitis immunization or lab results indicating an acceptable titer unless a statement is provided indicating immunization is contraindicated for the student
- HIPAA awareness
- CPR certifications
- Provide transportation to and from the externship site
- Consent to a criminal background check
Failure to provide these requirements prior to the externship may result in a delay of completion of the program. Students must plan to be available for externship hours during their final term. Students who are employed may be required to adjust their work schedule to accommodate their externship schedule. Academic credit is awarded for the structured, supervised learning experiences in the externship, but no pay is provided. Placement in the externship, selection of the site, and scheduling are at the discretion of the School of Health Science’s faculty, whose decisions are final.
CPR Requirements for Health Sciences Students
Current CPR certification is required by most participating hospitals and healthcare providers. The University ensures all students comply with this direction before being placed in an externship position. CPR certification can be obtained through the American Red Cross, American Heart Association (AHA), or other recognized organization. These organizations provide CPR training for a fee, with the AHA course being the more comprehensive of the two. However, both courses are designed for healthcare providers who require successful completion of a CPR course and proof of completion.
Criminal Background Check
Criminal background check requirements for admission vary by program; see the program description for more information. Externship sites may require a health sciences student to undergo a criminal background check and sex-offender status verification prior to admission to any externship course. Students are responsible for all fees related to these items. Please speak to the designated department representative for more information. Health sciences employers may require criminal background checks, sex-offender status verification, and/or drug testing prior to employment.
Clothing
Students are expected to come to laboratory courses dressed in their Stratford uniforms. The Stratford uniform consists of blue scrub top and pants and a white lab coat. Students receive the uniform as part of their health sciences kit in the first few weeks of class. The patches must be attached to the left upper arm of each lab coat and scrub top. All students are expected to be in full uniform by the sixth week of class.
National Healthcareer Credentialing Certification Exams
While not a requirement for University students, the University participates with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) in a program that helps students complete the National Certification Exam and be recognized through the National Allied Health Test Registry for the following career areas:
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Being a member of NHA, Stratford University is authorized to proctor the exams for the above certificate areas. Although NHA exams are not part of the current Stratford University programs, successful completion of these exams can help enhance a student’s professional development.
Interested students must complete the application form and submit exam fees to NHA. Students may review a copy of the study guide from Stratford University or purchase the guide on their own. The exam is in a proctored setting at the University, is computerized, and the results are posted immediately after the exam. All certification exam fees and additional study materials are the responsibility of the student. The University does not offer its own version of these exams, nor collect any funds from the organization offering the certification exam.