The second oldest public university in Illinois, Chicago State
University (CSU) moves confidently into the 21st
century. CSU is an outstanding, nationally acclaimed university
that provides a value-added education for all who enter. Proud of
its multiracial student body and of consistently producing the
largest number of minority health professionals in Illinois, CSU
welcomes both part-time and full-time students. Many are older
than traditional college-age students and commute to classes.
The University is located in a residential community on the south
side of Chicago. The lovely 161-acre campus is easily reached by
public transportation. The Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 94)
exits--at 95th Street and 99th Street--are convenient. On-campus
parking is available. There is one dormitory.
Chicago State University is accredited by the North Central
Association. The faculty members in allied health and nursing are
committed to preparing competent graduates who possess a sense of
personal, social and professional responsibility. Each
professional program in the College of Health Sciences is
nationally accredited.
Health Information Administration (HIA) professionals secure,
integrate and manage the data that guide health care systems. The
4-year HIA curriculum leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
A post-baccalaureate certificate program is offered also for
individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree. Students
completing each program are eligible to take the national
examination to become Registered Health Information
Administrators (RHIAs). RHIAs are employed in hospitals, clinics,
health agencies, health information systems, medical research
programs or in other health-related organizations.
Community Health - Bachelor of Science
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Graduates of the community health program enter the job market as
health educators, fitness consultants, consumer information
specialists and community outreach personnel who are trained to
promote healthy lifestyles through behavior modification,
physical activity and proper nutrition to prevent diseases such
as obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, domestic violence,
substance abuse or heart disease.
To curtail the high cost of health care, policy makers are
increasingly employing the preventive approaches and services of
community educators in county, state and federal health
departments, wellness programs, hospitals, disease management and
consulting firms, consumer advocacy and international
organizations, and voluntary health care organizations.
The community health program admits freshmen and transfer
students. All students admitted to the community health program
must successfully complete 121-122 credits of course work which
consists of 55-56 credits of general education courses, 12
credits of health sciences core courses, 43 credits of community
health core courses and 9 credits of community health supportive
electives. A minimum grade point average of 2.25 is required to
remain in the program. Students must earn a grade of C or better
in all courses. Any course with a grade of D must be repeated.
Pre-Physical Therapy - Bachelor of Science (Pre-PT)
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Physical Therapy (PT) uses knowledge and skills in planning,
organizing and directing programs to select therapeutic
procedures that can maintain, improve or restore function of
individuals coping with impairments by disease or injury.
Students may complete the Bachelor of Science (Pre-PT) at CSU and
then apply to an entry-level Master's or Doctor of Physical
Therapy program at another institution. Physical therapists work
in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation
centers and private practices.
Occupational Therapy - Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
(Pre-OT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
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Occupational Therapy (OT) offers service to individuals across
the life span whose abilities to function physically, mentally
and/or cognitively have been impaired by injury, illness,
developmental problems or the process of aging. The Department of
Occupational Therapy offers the combined BSHS (Pre-OT) and Master
of Occupational Therapy (MOT). The applicant enters the 4-year
Pre-OT and in the third year can apply to the master's program.
Successful candidates enter the MOT program and earn the BSHS
degree as they progress.
The OT program is nationally accredited. Graduates with
appropriate baccalaureate preparation can apply directly for the
MOT program. Graduates of the MOT program sit for the national
certification examination for occupational therapists. After
successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an
Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR), and will be eligible to
apply for licensure to practice in Illinois and any other state.
