News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu summer 05 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Murray Date: 10/31/05   SOUTHEASTERN APPROVED TO OFFER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH STUDIES        HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University has received final approval from the Louisiana Board of Regents to offer a bachelor of science degree in health studies.         When fully implemented, the program will prepare graduates of certificate and associate degree programs in health care specialties for entry-level positions in fields such as management, supervision and health education, or for graduate studies in health care education and management. Initial implementation will focus on the education concentration, and plans call for the management component to be added at a future date.        The new program complements currently offered community college allied health programs and directly addresses the health care work force needs of southeast Louisiana.        “In the past, there have been limited opportunities for individuals in the allied health professions to complete their education beyond the certificate or associate degree,” said Donnie Booth, dean of Southeastern’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Southeastern’s program was designed to allow graduates of two-year programs and/or those who have completed accredited certificate programs to expand their education in a focused manner to obtain the bachelor’s degree without unnecessary duplication of course work.”         Admission to the program is limited to those who have completed certificate and associate degree programs in certain health care specialties and are licensed, registered or certified in that clinical health specialty. Examples of practice areas include diagnostic medical sonography, cardiovascular technology, radiologic technology and emergency medical service paramedic.        Participants in the bachelor’s degree program, which offers junior and senior-level coursework, will be required to complete 123 course hours for graduation. Up to 30 hours of credit may be awarded for prior clinical courses completed.        Partnering with Southeastern will be Cardiovascular Technology Training Inc., a private school on the north shore that prepares cardiovascular technologists at the certificate level, and North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology, which prepares students at the certificate level. Southeastern will also be working with area community and technical colleges to articulate their graduates into this program.        Students interested in enrolling in the new degree program can contact the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies (985-549-2129) or Keri Diez, interim program director at 985-549-5255.