South Georgia State College (SGSC) President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers is pleased to announce the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents approved a new Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Healthcare Management for SGSC during its Feb. 13 meeting in Atlanta. The new bachelor’s degree expands academic offerings at SGSC, which includes the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences (BSBS), Management (BSM), and Nursing (BSN), as well as a number of Associate of Arts and Associate of Science pathways designed for transfer to other bachelor’s degree programs. Thompson-Sellers adds, “I am very grateful to our Board of Regents, the Chancellor and the team at the University System of Georgia for the confidence that they’ve displayed in us by allowing us to add an additional degree offering for our students at South Georgia State College. This opens another door for our students to take advantage of an additional career opportunity in the health care field.”
The Long-Term Healthcare Management degree will develop skills and knowledge for managers of long-term healthcare services in order to meet the needs of patients and families in homes, community agencies and long-term care facilities. It will focus on serving the aging, as well as individuals of any age who live with acute and chronic physical and mental disorders. The program curriculum will provide graduates with the skill set to address a variety of healthcare concepts and practices, such as developmental disabilities across the lifespan, adult health, aging, acute care, subacute care, chronic disease management, mental health issues, disease management, health promotion and health restoration.
To be housed in and administered by the SGSC School of Nursing, the program will integrate long-term healthcare management and practice. Dr. Scott Thigpen, dean and professor of nursing, comments, “SGSC is excited to prepare graduates with the leadership and management skills needed to meet the needs of this unique population. We are proud to utilize technology to offer this program on the Douglas campus and Waycross campus to meet the needs of our students and our region.”
Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Long-Term Healthcare Management will be highly knowledgeable of all aspects of holistic long-term healthcare and management of fiscal and human resources. The program offers both traditional face-to-face, and fifty percent or more online (partial) instruction available both through SGSC online courses and eCore.
In addition, SGSC offers a variety of support services such as free tutoring, advising and counseling. Students can also take advantage of on-campus housing in modern residence halls and participate in various student organizations. Plus, tuition for the program is offered at the same tuition rate as associate’s degrees; thus, making the degree more affordable than other similar bachelor’s degree programs. Financial Aid and scholarship funds are also available.
For more information about the new bachelor’s degree in Long-Term Healthcare Management, please contact Dr. Scott Thigpen, dean and professor of nursing at 912-260-4367 or at scott.thigpen@sgsc.edu.