Health Sciences Experiential Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What tracks of emphasis are available through the Health Sciences Program?
Tracks of emphasis available through the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences are Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Services Management, and Clinical and Applied Sciences. Tracks may also be referred to as Career Pathways. For more information on the Health Sciences Program and tracks of Emphasis, visit http://www.drake.edu/cphs/programs/new_students/bshs.php
When do I choose a track of emphasis?
Students will choose a career pathway and declare a track of emphasis after their 1st year. During the first year, students will be exposed to the healthcare system, healthcare professionals, and researchers allowing them to make an informed decision as to which track to choose that fits the needs for their future career.
When do I need my immunizations?
You will need immunizations including 2 MMR, tetanus, Hepatitis B vaccine, and a TB skin test prior to any experiential rotations. First rotations begin during the Issues in Health Sciences III course. You may be required to show proof of the varicella zoster virus (Chicken Pox).
Do I find my own experiential site?
No. Many early experiences are created in conjunction with your Issues in Health Sciences professor and the Associate Director of Health Sciences Experiential Capstone, and may coincide with a course assignment. Students should not attempt to set sites up independently. Students may make an initial contact to get names, etc. and to assess whether they are interested in working with Drake, but the next contact should come from the Associate Director of Health Sciences Experiential Capstone.
When will I prepare for my capstone experience?
You will begin researching your capstone experience the spring semester of your junior year. Preparations will be made through close communication with the Associate Director of Health Sciences Experiential Capstones to create a senior year capstone experience in conjunction with your courses that best fits your needs.
What is a preceptor?
A preceptor in the healthcare field is a skilled practitioner who supervises and educates students in a clinical setting.
When should students contact their preceptors?
Prior to early experiential shadowing experiences, the Associate Director of Health Sciences Experiential Capstone will contact your preceptors. However, the student must also contact the preceptor by email and/or phone 1 week prior to the start of their shadowing/observation experience. Contact for Senior Capstone experiences must be made the spring semester or summer before in preparation for the senior year, as well as one month prior to the start of the senior experience. Students are also required to contact their preceptors in advance when they are unable to attend a scheduled meeting.
Should preceptors adjust their working schedule to accommodate student schedules?
No, students should follow the preceptor’s schedule unless specifically arranged with the preceptor beforehand.
If I was recently certified for CPR, must I participate in the Drake sponsored program that is offered?
You may opt out of the Drake sponsored program, but keep in mind that you are required to recertify before your current certification expires.
Who should I talk to about a career in health sciences?
You should speak with your faculty advisor who will mentor and guide you in knowing what classes to take. Also, you may want to speak with the Associate Dean for Academic/Student Affairs, the Director of Student Program, and the Associate Director of Health Sciences Experiential Capstone. It is also a great idea to speak with area healthcare practitioners in the field that you wish to pursue.
I am an athlete; will I still be able to be a Health Sciences major with the many experiences that must be completed?
Yes, many of the experiences are in conjunction with health sciences’ courses and will be at the discretion of the instructor regarding your grade. However, you must communicate with the Associate Director of Health Sciences Experiential Capstone and your instructor in order to develop experiences that still fit class requirements and allows you to still participate in athletics and gain the experience in your chosen field of study.
Can I work while I am participating in my experiences?
You may hold employment while participating in your experiences; however, work schedules must be adjusted to accommodate experiential requirements and will not be considered a legitimate reason for excusing a student from the experiential site. You will not be permitted to use your current work site for an experiential site unless special arrangements have been made by the Associate Director of Health Sciences Experiential Capstones.