Distance Learning
The Health Services Management Program embarked on its distance learning efforts in 1998 in an effort to make its
Programs available and accessible to working professionals and persons who are place-bound and do not have HSM degrees
at the undergraduate or graduate levels in their area. The Program chose a web-based asynchronous learning mode which
allows students to work on their classes with a great deal of flexibility and within the confines of their personal
circumstances. All that is required is a computer, an internet connection and the desire to pursue a health services
degree. It should be noted that these courses are no different than their on-campus counterparts, and in some cases
may by more difficult without classroom interaction. Students must be both disciplined to "attend class" and motivated
to work through problems that might be easier to understand when presented on a blackboard. Some basic computer skills
are necessary.
The Health Services Management Program uses the
SUNY Learning Network for its course management and technical support.
Selected coursework may be required at a local community or other college; and the program of study includes an
internship, which can be done in the student's area. Students who can not do an internship should discuss alternatives
with the HSM Program.
Undergraduate Distance Learning Guidelines
- For students planning to complete a substantial number
of credit hours on-line, or the Capstone Course on-line, a campus residency
of 1-3 days, for testing and seminars, will be required. The number
and duration of residencies will be determined based upon the number
of on-line credit hours completed. The residencies will be available
each May.
- The purpose of the campus residency is to ensure program
integrity and identify areas of student weakness. Students may be advised
of the need to repeat selected coursework or engage in other such academic
activities that will satisfy the reviewing panel's concerns.
- The first campus residency will be scheduled after
the completion of 12 credit hours of HSM specific coursework completed
on-line. Additional credit hours, but no more than 6, will be permitted
prior to the campus residency with permission of the student's advisor.
The HSM capstone course HSM 425 may only be taken with permission
and at the conclusion of HSM 300, HSM 301, HSM 411, HSM 435 and HSM
436.
- Any student who is completing degree requirements both
on-campus and on-line will be required to schedule a campus residency
after the completion of 9 credit hours of HSM coursework on-line and
a total of 15 credit hours. Additional credit hours will be permitted
prior to the campus residency with permission of the student's advisor,
but no more than 6 additional hours will be permitted on-line. A second
residency will be required if the student completes 9 additional credits
hours on-line.
- The second residency will be scheduled at the conclusion
of the student's coursework and/or prior to engaging in an internship. During
the second residency a student presentation will be required that will
include the major project completed for the Capstone Course: HSM 425.
- The scheduling of campus residencies will be done in
consultation with the student's advisor.
- At the conclusion of the student's fourth on-line course,
a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. A lower GPA will result in academic
counseling and may require the student to withdraw from the distance
learning program.
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