Health Sciences - Radford University Carilion Campus

Health Sciences, DHSc

Mission
Goals/Outcomes
Background

Admissions Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Advising

Program Director

F. Jeannine Everhart, PhD, MPH, MBA, CHES®
Assistant Professor
540-985-4046 (Office)
540-224-4785 (Fax)
jeverhart1@radford.edu

Mission

The Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) online program is an interprofessional degree program uniquely designed to provide for the academic and professional development of a wide range of health professionals. The curriculum delivers the diverse body of knowledge that is necessary to excel in today’s constantly changing health system. It prepares graduates to evaluate, manage, and implement improvements in the current health system and to be prepared for a professional career in an academic, administrative, community health, or clinical, or setting.

Goals/Outcomes

Interpret the impact of health delivery methods on diverse populations.
2. Appraise the use of technology to improve the delivery of health care and health education.
3. Analyze and employ strategies to influence policy related to health.
4. Develop awareness of and skills in interpersonal communication.
5. Engage in the critical review and production of scholarly activities related to improving health.

Background

The DHSc degree provides a path for those who are interested in advancing their career in health care management/administration, clinical practice, research, public or community health, and education. The DHSc program includes 42 credit hours of intensive study, with a selected concentration in administration, community/public health, or education. The culmination of the program is a scholarly applied research project known as the capstone. By combining coursework with the capstone, the graduate is well positioned to take on leadership responsibilities in industry as well as higher education. Typical DHSc graduates hold positions such as medical service managers, health service managers, university faculty, public health officers, or healthcare delivery administrators.

Admissions Requirements

College Graduate Admission Process
A master’s degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution in the field of healthcare, public health, education, management, or other health-related discipline.
Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better (on a 4-point scale) for all graduate degrees.
Personal essay of approximately 400-600 words describing how this program will enhance the applicant’s academic and/or professional career goals.
Current resume/CV documenting professional experience and educational achievements.
Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Online interview required for all eligible applicants being considered for acceptance.
A master’s level statistics course, plus a master or doctoral level research methods or equivalent course.
Preferred three years experience working and/or teaching as a(an):
professional clinician
public health practitioner
educator in a health-related field or healthcare administration
healthcare manager/administrator

Graduation Requirements

DHSc students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA at all times and will be placed on academic probation if their GPA falls below 3.0. Students who are unable to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 at the end of the probation semester or who fall below a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for a second time will be dismissed from the program.

The capstone project is performed independently under the mentorship of a capstone committee. Students must successfully complete each of the capstone project milestones, in the order shown, to successfully pass the capstone and complete the overall DHSc program:

Project Premise/Research Concept in written form
Project Proposal, presented as a written document and oral presentation
Final Defense of the Project, presented as a written document and oral presentation

Through dedicated effort, it is possible to complete the capstone in two semesters (6 credit hours). Students requiring more time to complete the capstone project will be allowed, with permission, up to two additional semesters to achieve a satisfactory completion. If the capstone has not been completed in 4 academic semesters, the student will receive a failing grade in the capstone and will be dismissed from the program.

Advising

Each DHSc student is assigned an advisor upon admission into the program. The advisor reviews the Plan of Study as well as the student’s desired concentration and guides the student through to degree completion. The advisor communicates with the student prior to each semester during the registration process. The advisor also reviews Starfish referrals or other student concerns as needed per the student. The advising session is either by telecommunications or in person.