This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Laurie Cathers, Ph.D., LMSW
Program director

bshs.chp.vcu.edu

The Bachelor of Science in Health Services will prepare future health care leaders with the knowledge, skills and competencies to meet the challenges of managing responsibilities across the range of health care organizations. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, the program will prepare students to work as medical and health services providers charged with planning, directing and coordinating medical and health services. Graduates will be able to work in diverse health care settings, such as hospitals, specific clinical areas or departments within those facilities, health management organizations or in medical practice groups.  

The program is designed for students who wish to create a pathway into a health care field. It provides a core set of courses to build a foundation of health care knowledge. It also provides the flexibility for students to focus their studies on a particular area of interest through the selection of open and restricted elective courses. The flexibility gives students an opportunity to identify how their strengths, values and skills can best serve the health of their communities.

Students in the health services program have the option to complete the entire program face-to-face or complete their last two years asynchronously online. 

Student learning outcomes

Upon completion of the B.S. in Health Services degree program, graduates will be able to:

  • Describe health, illness and human development in the context of the U.S. health care system
  • Analyze contemporary issues and trends in health promotion and delivery in the context of the U.S. health care system
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of professional and ethical behaviors within the health care context
  • Identify and analyze cultural and economic factors impacting health disparities in the U.S. health care system
  • Apply effective written and oral communications skills within the health care services context
  • Analyze and apply basic theories of leadership and change management to the health care services workplace
  • Evaluate and interpret evidence-based practices in the health care services context