Ethics

Certificate in Heath Care Ethics FAQ

People who wish to enroll for the Certificate in Health Care Ethics should complete the attached combined Admission and Provisional Registration form and send it with your payment for the courses for which you are registering. If you are not admitted to the program this tuition charge will be refunded to you. This Information Sheet should answer most of the questions you might have about the program. If you have questions that remain please feel free to call one of the advisors at the number listed below:

Donna Routh 503-413-7181

Peggy Wros 503-413-7180

John Thomas 503-413-7924

or contact them at the email address: ethics@linfield.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

1. For whom is the certificate intended?

The certificate program is targeted primarily to people active in one of the health care professions. Those who are members of an institutional ethics committee or who would like to serve on such a committee will be especially interested in pursuing this course of study. Other interested people are encouraged to apply.

2. What are the requirements for admission?

The primary qualification for admission is the ability successfully to do upper division college level work. The admissions committee looks for evidence of previous success in college. Of course, having attained a college degree or 2 year diploma is prima facie evidence of success. If there are any questions about your suitability to the certificate program you may be asked for other documents, such as a letter of recommendation. Remember that you will be taking classes with undergraduate students of Linfield. Admission to the certificate program does not in any way imply admission to Linfield College degree programs.

3. What is the cost of the certificate?

The present tuition rate is $186 per credit hour or $558 per 3-hour course. The total cost at present tuition rates will be $2604. Payment is made as each course is taken. This is a special tuition rate for this certificate and does not apply to obtaining a degree from Linfield College.

4. When do classes begin?

Classes begin on Wednesday, August 30 for the Fall 2000 semester and on Monday February 5 for the Spring 2001 semester.

5. When do I have to apply?

Applications and registration are taken until the first day of class but remember that admission is based on a space available basis so early application is encouraged.

6. What are the requirements for the certificate?

The course of study involves 14 credit hours of work including the following courses (all courses are 3 credit hours except where noted):

All of the following courses are required:

Phl 450 Applied Theories of Ethics

Phl/Nur 451 Problems of Health Care Ethics

Phl/Nur 460 Clinical Ethics

Phl/Nur 461 Internship or Clinical (1 credit hour course),

Phl/Nur 490 Case Analysis (1 credit hour course)

In addition, choose one of the following three courses:

Phl 236 History of Ethical Theory

Phl 300 Modern Theories of Ethics

Philsophy or Nursing elective appropriate to ethics (must clear through an advisor for appropriateness)

For more complete descriptions of the courses please see our brochure or visit our courses page.

7. How long will it take to complete the certificate program?

The program is designed as a two-year course of study. It may be possible to complete the requirements in less time. Previous college work in ethics may be accepted for credit toward the certificate (see advisor).

8. For which course should I register?

If you have little formal background in the study of ethics it is recommended that you take Phl 236 or Phl 300 first, although Phl 450 or Phl/Nur 451 could be taken initially. You should speak to an advisor if you intend not to take Phl 236 or Phl 300 first.

9. May I take any elective to satisfy the first part of the requirement?

Talk to an advisor to see if it is a suitable alternative to Phl 236 or Phl 300.

10. Will I be able to take courses for the certificate while working?

The Certificate program is being offered with working people in mind. In order to accommodate work schedules as well as possible all of the courses for the certificate will be offered in the late afternoon, in 3-hour blocks, once per week during fall and spring semesters.

11. How does this certificate program relate to the mission of Linfield College?

Linfield is a liberal arts college and the program reflects this orientation. The program of study is structured to merge theoretical, philosophical study with clinical practice. Beginning with the courses in philosophical ethics the study moves to progressively applied domains, finishing with a course in clinical ethics and clinical or internship experience. Finally, a capstone experience called the case study is meant to bring it all together.

12. How do the faculty reflect this orientation?

Faculty in the certificate program come from the disciplines of philosophy and nursing, thus representing both the theoretical, philosophical tradition and the clinical tradition. The bridge course Problems of Health Care Ethics is team taught with the philosophy faculty and a nursing faculty as a means of bringing together the different approaches to the study and the application of ethics.

13. Who are the faculty?

All of the instructors are regular professorial faculty of Linfield College Portland Campus. Professors Wros and Routh are in the Nursing department and Professor Thomas is in the Philosophy Department.

14. What are the courses like?

Courses are generally limited to 16 students, though some classes may be smaller. With the exception of the two one-hour classes pedagogy will involve combinations of lecture and discussion with higher level classes operating more like a seminar. Classes should be heavy on discussion, small group and individual projects. Courses will be graded according to the normal undergraduate standards.

15. Will I fit in?

You will taking courses with regular undergraduate students, who themselves represent a mixture of traditional students and returning students, who often have a good deal of experience to bring to the classroom. We have found this mixture of traditional student and professional practitioner to be very effective and exciting. We are sure that you will find this to be a rewarding experience.