Assumption students in a classroom.
Undergraduate

Patient Advocacy (Concentration)

The Concentration in Patient Advocacy is designed to advance students’ knowledge to prepare for a career in the health care environment.

What is the Patient Advocacy Program at Assumption?

The concentration in Patient Advocacy is designed to advance students’ knowledge and understanding of health and human services, healthcare management, health psychology, and sociology, in the context of the healthcare environment working with, and for, patients. This concentration is designed to prepare students with the foundational knowledge for entry-level roles in the field of health advocacy and patient navigation. This concentration prepares students for non-clinical graduate study in health care such as health care administration, health care policy, patient advocacy, and public health. Additionally, this concentration will complement students’ preparation for graduate study in one of the many clinical health professions such as dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, and physician’s assistant. This interdisciplinary concentration provides the student with education in aspects of human services, ethics, law, policy, and the social sciences necessary for advancing patient- and family-centered health care. It can be undertaken while studying a number of possible majors.

Program Contact

Christian (Scannell) Williams, Ph.D., LMHC

Assistant Professor of Human Services
508-767-7219 Switzer Building - Room 101

Program Curriculum

  • Required Courses:

    HUS 210 Medical Aspects of Human Functionality (Fall/Spring)
    HUS/HSC 222 Advocacy for Patient-Centered Care (Fall)
    HUS 340 Principles of Case Management (Spring)
    HSC 100 Systems Approach to Delivering Healthcare in America (Fall/Sring)
    HSC 310 Evidence-Based Health Care (Spring)
    HSC 360 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care (Fall)
    HSC 370 Principles of Health Education and Promotion (Spring)

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Christian (Scannell) Williams, Ph.D., LMHC
Assistant Professor of Human Services
Mark Leary
Adjunct Professor, Human Services
Alison J. Myette, MS, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor of Practice, Human Services
Cinzia Pica, Ed.D.
Director of the Women’s Studies Program Professor, Human Services
Gary R Senecal, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Human Services
Temperence Staples
Adjunct Faculty, Human Services

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Dual Degree Programs

Apply as a high school senior to an undergraduate and graduate program with one application. If admitted, you will be enrolled in both programs - allowing you to seamlessly transition from your undergraduate studies into one of our graduate programs. We offer the following dual degree programs:

Programs Related to Patient Advocacy (Concentration)