Instructor: Eursula Davis, BSN, RN

Email: davise1@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6364

Office Hours: Mondays, 8 am - Noon, Fridays, 8 am - Noon, Advising by Appointment, Health and Science Building (HASB), Office 113

Additional Contact Information: Donna Wolfe, Allied Health Administrative Assistant, (409) 984-6366 or email wolfeds@lamarpa.edu

An overview of roles of various members of the healthcare system, educational requirements, and issues affecting the delivery of healthcare.

ISBN: 9780323733557 Health Careers Today - With Access Code (7th Edition, 2023) by Gerdin, Judith (Elsevier)

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

National Certifying Body for Patient Care Technician: Patient Care Technician Certification | CPCT/A (nhanow.com)

No Corequisite courses

•  Identifies the roles of various healthcare professionals
•  Define the rights and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals
•  Provide examples of professionalism
•  Outline state and national credentialing and licensing requirements for various healthcare professionals
•  Describe legal and ethical issues affecting the practice of healthcare professionals
•  Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork and confidence when working with peers

• Exhibits an understanding of the scope of practice for a Patient Care Technician
• Demonstrates the knowledge, skills and attitude to work collaboratively with members of the healthcare team to provide safe and competent care within their scope of practice
• Demonstrates the knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional principles for the role of the Patient Care Technician
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate with patients, families and members of the healthcare team in a therapeutic and professional manner

Healthcare in US, Healthcare Facilities/Orgs

Healthcare Delivery 

Academic Foundation 

Healthcare Workforce, Healthcare Law 

Legal/Ethical issues 

Health Insurance/Revenue 

Healthcare Tech/Electronic Health Records 

Basic Accounting/Finance 

Wellness, Growth & Development 

Infection Prevention and Control 

Professionalism, Effective Communication 

Cultural Competence/Diversified Workplace

Employment, Career Development 

Overview of Body Systems 

Exploring the Rights, Responsibilities, and Roles of a Variety of Healthcare Professionals 

Week 1: Introduction to course, overview of syllabus, navigating Blackboard, Discussion Introductions

Week 2: Healthcare in US, Healthcare Facilities/Orgs, Academic Foundation, Discussion Post

Week 3: Labor Day Monday, Healthcare Delivery, Workforce, Healthcare Law, Health Insurance and Revenue, Electronic Health Records, Discussion Reply

Week 4: Wellness, Growth and Development, Basic Accounting and Finance, Discussion Post

Week 5: Professionalism, Effective Communication, Cultural Competence and Diversified care, Career Development, Discussion Reply

Week 6: Quiz, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Physicians, Clinical Support and Nursing professionals

Week 7: Quiz, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Pharmacists, Support Staff and Respiratory Care Professionals

Week 8: Mid-Term Exam, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Surgical Technologies, Physical and Occupational Therapists

Week 9: Quiz, Discussion regarding Special Project, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Diagnostic Imaging personnel

Week 10: Work on Special Project, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Phlebotomists and Dialysis Technicians

Week 11: Quiz, Work on Special Project, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Dieticians and Nutritionists, Discussion Post

Week 12: Complete Special Project, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Surgical Technologies, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Discussion Reply

Week 13: Quiz, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of Health Information Professionals, Health Insurance and Dental Professionals, Complementary, Alternative Medicine Careers

Week 14: Thanksgiving Holiday, Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of those in Forensic, Mortuary Science

Week 15: Rights, Responsibilities and Roles of those in Social, Mental Health Careers

Week 16: FINAL EXAM

December 8, 2026 8:00 am - 10:59 pm

90-100 = A    80-89 = B    75-79 = C    60-74 = D    Below 60 = F

Discussions - 12.5%

Quizzes - 12.5%

Mid-Term - 20%

Special Project - 20%

Online Class Participation/Attendance - 10%

Final Exam - 25%

Total Possible - 100%

No make-up quizzes or exams are given; except at the discretion of the Program Coordinator and Instructor for extenuating circumstances. Therefore, if a student misses a quiz, and has followed absentee protocol, the student will not receive a zero (0) for that quiz. However, only one (1) quiz will be exempt. If the student misses multiple quizzes, additional assignments will be required to replace the quiz grade. If the student misses the mid-term exam and has followed absentee protocol, the Final exam will count in place of that one (1) missed exam.

Note: Online Participation and Attendance is very important, considering this class is online. Checking course daily for updates and information will better equip student for success. 

Online Etiquette (Netiquette) Guidelines (Consider as you post and reply to Discussions)

Use professional language in all interactions with fellow students as well as Instructor of the course. Responses should never be critical, judgmental or demeaning.

Do not use all caps. It may be misunderstood as 'shouting' language. If you wish to emphasize a word, please use 'bold' font instead.

No cursing allowed. No inappropriate references.

If there is something you do not understand, please do not hesitate to ask.

• Lamar State College – Port Arthur (LSCPA) is a no smoking, drug-free, campus. Use of tobacco products, including vapes, e-cigs, is prohibited on all LSCPA properties at any time. This includes all clinical facilities and off-campus sites.
• No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.
• Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.
• No caps, hoodies, cell phones, smart watches, calculators, other electronic devices, other than pencils and keys, shall be brought into the exam room, unless specifically allowed by the instructor.
• Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.
• Students should turn their phones to vibrate before they enter the classroom. Phones should be off and out of reach
• No cell phones and/or smart watches should be visible during class or exams. 

Bullying Policy

Lamar State College Port Arthur is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Bullying of any kind is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated in any academic or clinical setting.

Definition of Bullying:

Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can be verbal, social, or physical in nature and may include, but is not limited to:

• Verbal abuse or threats
• Intimidation or humiliation
• Spreading rumors or false information
• Excluding others intentionally
• Cyberbullying or inappropriate use of digital platforms

Scope:

This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff in classrooms, clinical sites, labs, simulations, and any school-sponsored activities.

Reporting process:

Any student who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report the incident to a faculty member, program coordinator, or the department chair. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly.

Consequences:

Verified incidents of bullying may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to verbal warnings, written documentation, dismissal from the program, or referral to college administration in accordance with institutional policy.

Additional Virtual classroom policies include:

Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that faculty have the opportunity to teach and students have the opportunity to benefit from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting classroom behavior:

• I understand that daily logins are expected. I will make every effort to log in daily to check messages and any updates to the course
• I understand that I am expected to present myself as a sincere, adult learner. 
• I will keep be sure to carefully read course information to ensure that I have all that I need to be successful
• If I have questions, I will not hesitate to reach out to the Instructor through Blackboard messaging or email
• I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential.
• I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone.
• I agree to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
• I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences.
• I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone.
• I agree to maintain a positive attitude.
• I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone.
• I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions.
• I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience.
• I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors.
• I agree to get better acquainted with my fellow students so we can all identify ways to support one another, work together as a team and develop professionally.
• I agree to follow the guidelines and policies listed and/or discussed by the Instructor

The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action, lose five (5) points on the next exam, and/or be dismissed from the online course:

• Repeatedly not logging in on a regular basis into the Blackboard course (at least once daily)
• Continually not responding to emails received from the Instructor in a timely manner (within 48 hours)
• Displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor or other students; disruptive behaviors in the online classroom and various communications

If any of these behaviors reoccur on a continual basis, the student will be counseled and a plan of correction set in place. 

Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.

Introduction to Health Professions, HPRS 1201-71 consists of online Instruction and student participation. Schedules may be changed at the discretion of the Faculty. Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. All attendance policies are in effect regardless of whether conducted online, in the classroom, lab, or clinical setting. Policies for this course are described below: 

Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, regular attendance is expected

1. A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days without notification to the faculty may be dropped from the program by the Program Director. Students will be counted absent for failure to maintain regular login and participation routines.

2. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Instructor of any absence from a major assignment. If the student is unable to contact the instructor(s), the

student should call 409-984-6366 or 1-800-477-5872 ext. 6366. The student should also email the faculty or call the faculty office and leave a voicemail.

3. In addition to notifying instructors, students must submit a Student Excuse Form, upon the first day of return, each time the student is absent. Failure to

       complete the Student Excuse Form will result in a declaration of a ‘No Call, No Show' for the number of days absent and may result in the student being

       dismissed from the program.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Syllabus Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, DALL·E, Quizlet AI, etc.) can support learning, but they must be used responsibly and within course guidelines. In this course, AI tools may be used conditionally under the circumstances outlined below.

Permitted Uses

• Brainstorming & Idea Development: AI may be used for outlining projects, presentations, study strategies, or draft ideas for assignments.
• Study Support: AI may be used to generate concept maps, study guides for review, flashcards, or self-quizzes.
• Writing Support: Limited use for grammar, structure, or formatting support is acceptable, provided the final submission is your own original work.

Prohibited Uses

• Exams, Quizzes, or Graded Assessments: AI tools are not permitted during any testing, simulations, checkoff’s, or any closed-book or proctored assignments.
•  Clinical Assignments: Care plans, charting, clinical paperwork, or patient documentation must be student-created.
• Copy-and-Paste Submission: Direct submission of AI-generated content as your own work is considered plagiarism.

Student Accountability

• Students must disclose any AI use in written assignments. (e.g., “AI was used for grammar suggestions only”.
• Students are fully responsible for the accuracy, validity, and professionalism of all work submitted.
• Improper use of AI may result in academic penalties under the LSCPA Academic Integrity Policy.

Resources and Information:

1.     Gates Memorial Library (lamarpa.edu)

2.     Testing Center (lamarpa.edu)

3.     Patient Care Technician Certification | CPCT/A (nhanow.com)

4.     Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - SmartCatalog www.academiccatalog.com

5.     Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - Student Handbook

6.     Find Course Materials | Lamar State College - Port Arthur Bookstore

7.     The Nest: Food Pantry, Supplies, Clothing (lamarpa.edu)

8.  Academic Calendars

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.