Are you ready to amplify your abilities in working with patients and their support systems for those navigating critical health challenges? 

While pursuing a minor in serious illness and supportive care, you'll hone your clinical skills and expand your expertise in working with individuals facing critical health challenges. Designed to furnish you with a robust foundation in the medical, psychological, and ethical dimensions of caring for individuals confronting life-threatening conditions, this minor will elevate your grasp of health care, patient outcomes, and the world of patient-centered care. 

Topics range from the origins of serious illness to pain management, palliative care, medical decision-making, and the intricate psychological and social dimensions of patient support. Upon completion of your minor, you'll be equipped with knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate, holistic care during individuals' most vulnerable moments.

In three years or fewer, depending on your schedule and courses offered, you can earn this credential. 

Eligibility

• The minor in serious illness and supportive care is open to current students, regardless of major, and can be pursued as a stand-alone degree or combined with an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• To enroll in our minor program, you must already be admitted. If you are not currently admitted, you will need to meet the admission requirements. Learn how to apply to IU Fort Wayne. 

Certificate requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits within the specified curriculum.
• Earn a minimum grade of C in each course.

Curriculum

The Minor in Serious Illness & Supportive Care curriculum consists of three 3-credit hour courses, all of which are required, and one elective from an approved list.

• HLSC-H363 Ethical Considerations in Medical Decision Making (Fall, Spring, Summer)
• HLSC-P340 Introduction to Palliative Care (Fall)
• HLSC-P350 Medical Decision Making in Popular Film (Spring)
• Elective: One 3-credit course from an approved list of courses from Religion, Health Communications, Philosophy, Sociology, English, or Medical Humanities.