Serious Illness and Supportive Care Minor

Earn a minor in serious illness and supportive care

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. 

What students learn

  • Skills to help improve the quality of life for someone who has a serious illness.
  • Strategies for offering emotional and practical support for patients and families during medical decision making.

 

What you need to know

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 Certificate in Rehabilitation & Disability Studies curriculum consists of five 3-credit hour courses, all of which are required.

  • 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.

 

 

Ready to get started?

Not yet enrolled at IU Fort Wayne?

Apply to IU Fort Wayne

Currently enrolled at IU Fort Wayne?

Contact your academic advisor to declare your intent to pursue a minor in serious illness and supportive care.