Health Sciences

The Whitworth Health Sciences Department offers majors in health science (both a B.S. and a B.A.), athletic training, and nursing.

The mission of the Health Sciences Department at Whitworth University is to equip its graduates to serve humanity through study of the form and function of the human body and the body’s connection to health and wellness. Through a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, graduates will be able to critically and creatively appreciate this relationship and apply it to various health-related fields.

The learning outcomes of this major prepare graduates to:

• Identify their gifts and interests and learn how these can be used to serve humanity and the greater good of the communities in which we live.
• Begin to understand and appreciate the human body’s relationship to health and wellness through science, theory and application.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills necessary to teach others effectively and accurately about human health and wellness in a variety of organizational and institutional settings.
• Demonstrate critical-thinking skills and the ability to access and evaluate relevant health information and resources.
• Demonstrate the interpersonal skills required to work cooperatively with individuals and groups on issues related to the human condition.
• Begin to understand cultural, ethical and professional considerations related to health and wellness.
• Develop a worldview that integrates students’ spiritual and ethical values with their vocational calling.
• Experience a health-related internship that clarifies career goals and provides practical preparation for students’ careers.

Major Electives

• Students must take a minimum of nine credits from the following options
• Classes identified in the catalog as recommended for “Preparation for Health Professions” may also qualify as major electives
• Courses should be selected in consultation with advisor, and based on post-graduate goals

Major Electives

• Students must take a minimum of nine credits from the options listed below, of which only three credits may be-100-level
• Classes identified in the catalog as recommended for “Preparation for Health Professions” may also qualify as major electives
• Courses should be selected in consultation with advisor and be based on post-graduate goals

For a description of biology and chemistry courses, please see the respective department sections in the catalog.

Athletic Training Education

The Whitworth Athletic Training Education Program is designed to prepare students for certification by the Board of Certification (BOC). The program merges a rigorous academic discipline with a variety of practical clinical experiences and is closely aligned with the School of Education in order to prepare teacher/athletic trainers to address the unique healthcare needs of today’s secondary school athletes. The program utilizes a holistic approach in developing multi-dimensional healthcare professionals and stresses servanthood within the context of a Christian liberal arts environment.

The learning outcomes of this major prepare students to do the following:

1. Be eligible for the BOC exam which, upon successful completion, will allow them to practice as athletic trainers.
2. Demonstrate mastery of the clinical proficiencies identified for entry-level practice for athletic trainers.
3. Enter traditional, as well as nontraditional, work environments associated with the profession of athletic training.
4. Practice with professionalism and integrity, reflecting the National Athletics Trainers Association (NATA) Code of Professional Ethics and the Board of Certification’s Standards of Practice.
5. Model servanthood as they deliver patient care.
6. Be prepared for admission into graduate programs in athletic training as well as in related healthcare professions.
7. Understand and appreciate the cultural differences associated with patient care.
8. Exhibit compassion and empathy in their patient care.
9. Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills.
10. Use evidence-based practice for the delivery of patient care.

Requirements for Athletic Training Major, B.S. (56)

This is a limited-enrollment major. Applicants for admission to the athletic training major are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
2. Completion of AT-270 and AT-271 with a "B" or better in each 
3. Formal application
4. Submission of two letters of recommendation
5. Ability to work effectively with others
6. Primary focus in athletic training
7. Interview (if necessary)

Technical standards for admission into the Whitworth Athletic Training Education Program can be obtained on our website at www.whitworth.edu/athletictraining and in our Athletic Training Student Handbook.