College of Health Professions

Dean 
M. Gary Sayed, Ph.D.

San Marcos Campus Dean's Office
Encino Hall Room 201
Telephone: 512-245-3300 Fax: 512-245-3791
www.health.txstate.edu

Round Rock Campus  Dean's Office
Avery 265 
Telephone: 512-716-4200 
 

Interim Associate Dean, San Marcos
Cristian Lieneck, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Round Rock
TBD
Associate Dean for Research
Arzu Ari, Ph.D.

Department Chairs/Program Chairs/School Directors
Medical Laboratory Science–Rodney E. Rohde, Ph.D.
Communication Disorders–Farzan Irani, Ph.D.
Health Administration–Cristian Lieneck, Ph.D.
Health Informatics and Information Management–David L. Gibbs, Ph.D.
Health Sciences-Marla Erbin-Roesemann, Ph.D.

Nursing–Theresa Garcia, Ph.D.
Physical Therapy–Karen Gibbs, Ph.D. (Interim Chair)
Radiation Therapy–Megan L. Trad, Ph.D.
Respiratory Care–S. Chris Russian, Ph.D. (Interim Chair)

The College of Health Professions prepares students for meaningful careers in healthcare through its professional, technical, clinical, and academic programs. The college is committed to driving innovation, fostering excellence, and advocating for positive transformation within the healthcare field, while also enhancing public awareness and perception of healthcare professions.

Undergraduate degrees are available in communication disorders, healthcare administration, health sciences, health informatics and information management, nursing, physical therapy, medical laboratory science, radiation therapy, and respiratory care. Graduate programs are offered in communication disorders, healthcare administration, health information management, nursing, physical therapy, and respiratory care. Students benefit from experiential learning through more than 1,200 affiliated hospitals and healthcare organizations that serve as teaching sites.

Admission Requirements

Except for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, programs in the College of Health Professions have additional admission requirements beyond those of Texas State University and may require professional liability insurance, immunizations, background checks, and drug screening.

Immunization Requirements

Students must submit a Health Report completed by a licensed provider and comply with required immunizations prior to placement in any clinical or internship experience. Detailed information and required forms are available through the appropriate program, department, or school office.

Background Check and Drug Screening

Placement at some professional practice sites requires completion of a background check and/or drug screening in accordance with site-specific requirements. Information regarding background check and drug screening procedures will be provided by the relevant program, department, or school. Prior misdemeanor or felony convictions under applicable sections of the Texas Penal Code may impact eligibility for professional licensure following graduation.

Academic Advising Center

Encino Hall, Room 302
T: 512.245.3506 
www.health.txst.edu/advising

The Health Professions Undergraduate Academic Advising Center provides academic advising to current and prospective undergraduate students considering a major in the College of Health Professions. Academic advisors provide guidance and information to current and prospective students regarding the selection of an undergraduate major or minor, program admission requirements, long term planning for degree completion and career goals, and campus resources to assist students in achieving their goals. 

Health Sciences (HS)

HS 1310. Introduction to Health Professions.

This course introduces students to various healthcare fields and their roles as health care providers. Students will examine the history of the respective fields, educational and credentialing requirements, job functions, prospective job outlooks and salaries.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3155. Spinal Orthosis for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant Clinical Practicum.

This course provides a structured clinical experience assigned on an individual basis for observation, study, interpretation, and practical application of techniques and methodology utilized in orthotics and prosthetics clinical practice under the direct supervision of an appropriately credentialed, and where applicable licensed, Orthotist and Prosthetist. The student will be required to participate in and document patient interactions for a minimum of 45 hours in the clinical setting with an emphasis on custom-fit orthotic interventions and pathologies affecting the axial skeleton (i.e. the skull, spinal column, and pelvis). Prerequisite: HS 3356 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: HS 3355 with a grade of “C” or better.

1 Credit Hour. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 3 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3157. Upper Extremity Orthotics & Prosthetics for the Orthotics & Prosthetics Assistant Clinical Practicum.

This course provides a structured clinical experience assigned on an individual basis for observation, study, interpretation, and practical application of techniques and methodology utilized in orthotics and prosthetics clinical practice under the direct supervision of an appropriately credentialed, and where applicable licensed, Orthotist and Prosthetist. The student will be required to participate and clinically document patient interactions for a minimum of 45 hours in the clinical setting with an emphasis on upper extremity orthoses and upper extremity prostheses, as well as building upon office workflow and spinal orthoses. Prerequisite: HS 3356 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: HS 3357 and HS 3355 and HS 3155 with a grade of “C” or better.

1 Credit Hour. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 3 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3331. Healthcare Systems In The U.S..

This course provides students with the knowledge and skill related to access and barriers to healthcare. Additionally, the healthcare providers’ role in past and current health policy and healthcare delivery will be emphasized. Evaluation of quantitative global and U.S. healthcare data in relation to healthcare systems and evidence-based practices will be analyzed. Ethical topics will be discussed. This course is for non-nursing majors.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3350. Foundations in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of interprofessional education and collaborative practice in healthcare. Students will examine the history, purpose, and best practices of team-based client and patient care, including the enabling, reinforcing, and interfering factors related to interprofessional education and practice. (WI) Prerequisite: [HA 3308 or HIM 3301 or HS 3331] and HS 1310 all with a grade of a "D" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3355. Spinal Orthosis for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant.

This course introduces Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant (OPA) students to custom-fit orthotic interventions and pathologies affecting the axial skeleton (i.e. the skull, spinal column, and pelvis). Pathologies will be discussed in view of their immediate impact, treatment, and progression of the pathology. A broad exposure to multiple materials used in the field and explanations of applications and handling will be provided. Prerequisite: HS 3356 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: HS 3155 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3356. Fundamentals for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant.

This course introduces the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant (OPA) students to the foundational content of Orthotics and Prosthetics as a health profession, inclusive of basic patient evaluation and clinical intake skills. Students will develop an understanding of the role of an OPA as a healthcare extender.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3357. Upper Extremity Orthotics and Prosthetics for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant.

This course introduces students to the role of an Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant (OPA) as it pertains to devices, pathologies, and conditions affecting the upper extremity or leading to upper extremity amputation. Pathologies will be discussed regarding their immediate impact, treatment, and progression. Treatment protocols will be covered, alongside measuring techniques, fitting skills, and adjustments or modifications of custom-fit or off-the-shelf (OTS) orthoses. Prerequisite: HS 3356 with a grade of a "C" or better. Corequisite: HS 3157 and HS 3355 and HS 3155 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 3374. Principles of Accounting for Healthcare Managers.

This course provides an introduction to accounting useful in healthcare facilities and agencies, and demonstrates the application of accounting principles and techniques in the healthcare field.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4155. Lower Extremity Orthotics for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant Clinical Practicum.

This course provides a structured clinical experience assigned on an individual basis for observation, study, interpretation, and practical application of techniques and methodology utilized in orthotics and prosthetics clinical practice under the direct supervision of an appropriately credentialed, and where applicable licensed, Orthotist and Prosthetist. The student will be required to participate and clinically document patient interactions for a minimum of 45 hours in the clinical setting with an emphasis on lower extremity orthoses, as well as building upon office workflow. Prerequisite: HS 3356 and HS 3355 and HS 3155 and HS 3357 and HS 3157 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: HS 4355 with a grade of "C" or better.

1 Credit Hour. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 3 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4256. Lower Extremity Prosthetics for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant Clinical Practicum.

This course provides a structured clinical experience assigned on an individual basis for observation, study, interpretation, and practical application of techniques and methodology utilized in prosthetics clinical practice under the direct supervision of an appropriately credentialed, and where applicable licensed, Orthotist and Prosthetist. The student will be required to participate and clinically document patient interactions for a minimum of 90 hours in the clinical setting with an emphasis on lower extremity prostheses, as well as building upon office workflow and previous clinical courses. Prerequisite: HS 3356 and HS 3355 and HS 3155 and HS 3357 and HS 3157 and HS 4355 and HS 4155 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: HS 4356 with a grade of "C" or better.

2 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 6 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4300. International Healthcare and Wellness.

This course provides an introduction to the culture of a foreign country, with an emphasis on wellness, the health care environment, and language in the healthcare setting. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4315. Capstone for Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their studies as a whole and explore how they will use the knowledge they have obtained in their future career. Students will investigate career opportunities available to them after graduation and develop professional skills to ensure success post-graduation. Prerequisite: HS 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4327. Legal Concepts of Healthcare.

This course provides an overview of legal, regulatory, and ethical issues in healthcare. Topics include patient consent, privacy, confidentiality, torts, contract law, corporate liability, employment, labor, malpractice, antitrust, fraud and abuse, and key federal regulations. (WI).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4355. Lower Extremity Orthotics for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant.

This course introduces students to the role of an Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant (OPA) in relation to devices, pathologies, and conditions affecting the lower extremities. Pathologies will be discussed with a focus on their immediate impact, treatment, and progression. Treatment protocols will be reviewed, and measuring techniques, fitting skills, and adjustments or modifications of custom-fit or off-the-shelf (OTS) orthoses will be explored. Prerequisite: HS 3356 and HS 3355 and HS 3155 and HS 3357 and HS 3157 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: HS 4155 with a grade of a "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4356. Lower Extremity Prosthetics for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant.

This course introduces students to the practice and role of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant (OPA) as it pertains to devices, pathologies, and conditions that result in lower extremity amputation. The student will learn how different types of disease, trauma, or congenital limb differences will alter outcomes and influence prosthetic use for the lower extremity. Prerequisite: HS 3356 and HS 3355 and HS 3155 and HS 3357 and HS 3157 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: HS 4156 with a grade of a "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

HS 4379. Introduction to Financial Management for Health Sciences.

This course is designed to prepare health professionals for managerial positions in healthcare organizations by providing sufficient knowledge of industry financial matters so they can provide input to the organization's chief executive officer.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Dif Tui- Health Professions
Grade Mode: Standard Letter