3 Credits

This course is meant to examine the historical background of the U.S. health care system and analyze the current health care system. To accomplish this, students will learn about health care quality, access, and cost, as well as innovation. Health care systems will be appraised using the Iron Triangle of health economics. Health policy and advocacy will be highlighted through a social justice framework. Students will learn how quality and safety are improved through interprofessional collaboration. At the end of the course, students will have gained the requisite knowledge and skills to better advocate for their patients, community, and health care system. Students will strengthen their professional identity as future nurse practitioners and understand the role of the nurse practitioner in the U.S. health care system. The lectures, discussions, and assignments on these subjects will afford students a broader perspective on health care, which will enable students to be better-informed, more successful health care providers.