Health Care Administration & Planning, B.S.

Faculty: R. Briggs, E. Brown, W. Burrell, C. Brown, W. Inman, O. Johnson, M. Kanu, K. Patel. R. Theriot, and E. Williams

General Statement: The Health Care Administration and Planning (HCAP) program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the health care field. The curriculum includes instruction in health management, business, decision making, and health planning. An emphasis is placed on management and decision-making techniques which lead to effectiveness and efficiency in a supervisory position.

The BS degree in Health Care Administration and Planning is awarded after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours including one summer field placement at the end of the junior year and the completion of 30 semester hours of coursework in the major. Graduates are prepared to assume entry-level management positions in various health care settings or to continue their education in a variety of disciplines in masters’ degree programs.

Admission Requirements

Students who wish to pursue the HCAP major must first be accepted for admission to Tennessee State University.

Applications for admission to the Program are accepted from students who have completed the first two years of prerequisites (including transfers). The HCAP Admissions Committee will consider applications from candidates who present the following qualifications:

Acceptance to Tennessee State University:

1. Completion of first year HCAP curriculum with a grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Consideration will be given to relevant work experience when considering applicants who fall below this requirement.
2. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have known the applicant for at least two years (time lengths will be waived for recommendations from employers).
3. An interview with the Admissions Committee or an out-of-town agency designated by the Committee.
4. Statement of Purpose
5. Manuscript

Retention Policy

The Health Care Administration and Planning retention policy is as follows:

1. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
2. Failure to maintain a C in any of these courses will result in repeating the course the next semester the course is offered with approval of the Advisor.
3. Students who earn a grade less than a “C” in HCAP courses for more than one semester will be dismissed from the program.
4. Students who have been dismissed from the HCAP program may apply for readmission. Students who request readmission should present evidence to the Admissions Committee of substantial change in circumstances warranting reconsideration.
5. If a student transfers from another institution or academic program, each course that was taken will be assessed individually.

Criminal Background Check:

A criminal background check may be a requirement at some affiliated clinical sites for training. Based on the results of the check, an affiliated clinical site may determine that it will not accept a student within the facility. This could result in a student’s inability to successfully complete the requirements of the HCAP program. In addition, a criminal background may preclude licensure or employment.