Students in HHS programs required to complete clinical practicum or internship hours
at health or social care agencies should be aware of the following:

If you are claiming an exemption for medical or personal/religious reasons as evidence of immunity to,
or immunization against, vaccine-preventable diseases the clinical agency may require
you to take  additional protective measures. 

These measures may include wearing a mask or protective face covering at all times,
undergoing periodic screenings for infection, or other measures required by the agency.

You must fully understand that if an agency requires employees and students to provide evidence
of immunity to or immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases, and additional protective
measures are not allowed, you may not be allowed to complete clinical practicum experiences
at the agency. 

If an alternative clinical experience is not available, you must understand this may
prevent you from progressing or graduating in the program. 

M.S. in Child Life

The 100 % online graduate program in Child Life will prepare students to become advanced
practitioners in Child Life. Child Life Specialists help children and families understand
and cope with illness, treatment, and hospitalization. They support coping and adjustment
through therapeutic play, diagnostic education, and age-appropriate procedural and
surgical preparation. Child Life Specialists also help children plan and rehearse
coping skills, teach non-pharmacological pain-management techniques, and utilize other
expressive avenues such as art, music, and bibliotherapy to support children and their
families during times of stress. Child Life Specialists typically work in pediatric
hospitals, but other employment settings may include clinics, rehabilitation centers,
palliative care, dental offices, and camps for children with chronic health issues.
The program offers an accelerated option for professionals who are currently certified
and students who have completed their practicum and internship requirements. 

 

M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program offers the academic course work and
clinical practica experiences to meet both state licensure and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology (ASHA CCC-SLP). Students pursuing State of Louisiana
Ancillary Certification as a Speech Therapist should consult with a faculty advisor
for specific requirements.

 

 

M.S. in Counseling

There are three concentrations in the counseling program:

• School Counseling

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling

• Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy 

All of these are nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Program faculty members are nationally/internationally recognized as leaders
in the counseling field. All graduates, regardless of concentration, receive the same
degree, a Master of Science in Counseling. The academic coursework in all concentrations
meets the academic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor
(LPC) in Louisiana as well as most other states.

 

 

M.S. in Population Health Management

The Masters of Science in Population Health Management prepares students to be advanced
practitioners in the emerging field of Population Health Management.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Analyze community and individual factors that influence health,
2. Develop innovative approaches and interventions to improve health outcomes, and
3. Develop effective practice that reduces healthcare costs.