Earn Your
Health Care Pathways
Certificate Online
•
•
•
•
•
Geriatric Care Management
Case Management
Life Care Planning
Forensic Nursing
Legal Nurse Consulting
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
Kaplan University is a part of Kaplan, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company.
Kaplan University
This Is The First Step
Kaplan University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers
innovative online programs leading to exciting career paths designed
especially for health and human services professionals. Our Health Care
Pathways programs are the perfect supplement to your existing clinical
experience and skills. Achieve the benefits of flexible hours, financial
security, and entrepreneurial options with these dynamic professional
opportunities. Choose from a certificate program in geriatric care
management, case management, life care planning, forensic nursing, or
legal nurse consulting. All are offered online, so you can study at your
Barbara Sonderling,
own pace—anytime, anywhere. The Geriatric Care Management
J.D. and RN
Certificate prepares you to work with elderly clients and their families
Executive Director,
Health Care Pathways
in assuring the delivery of quality care and an optimal lifestyle by
assessing, coordinating, and monitoring their health and social services needs. With the Case
Management Certificate, you can become instrumental in the promotion of quality, cost-effective
health care by utilizing strategies to assess, plan, and manage health care and human services. With
the Life Care Planning Certificate, you can learn the skills necessary to develop and organize a
concise life care plan for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic
health care needs. Our Forensic Nursing Certificate program explores the scientific investigation
and treatment of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity, sexual assault,
and traumatic events. Or, add valuable legal skills to your repertoire with our Legal Nurse
Consulting Certificate and pursue opportunities at law firms specializing in personal injury or
medical malpractice, with health care facilities in risk management, or in your own practice.
Take Your Career In A greater financial security, and the
Rewarding Direction option to work independently.
You have a passion for your
profession. As a health care professional, you are dedicated to
helping people, despite the hectic
pace and demanding schedule.
Now take that passion to new
and exciting fields with Kaplan
University’s Health Care Pathways
online certificate programs.
Our Health Care Pathways
online programs allow health
care professionals to use their
expertise and talents to become
geriatric care managers, case
managers, life care planners,
forensic nurses, or legal nurse
consultants. These careers offer
the benefits of flexible schedules,
2
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
Our varied programs have
different admissions requirements. To help you choose the
Health Care Pathways online
certificate program that best fits
your interests, career aspirations,
and educational goals, please see
our program comparison guide
on page 4.
Embrace The
Opportunity!
Enrolling in one of our Health
Care Pathways online programs is
your first step to a more rewarding
career. In ever-increasing numbers,
health care professionals are seeking positions and environments
outside traditional hospital settings.
Geriatric care management, case
management, life care planning,
forensic nursing, and legal nurse
consulting are experiencing
exponential growth, providing
a wealth of opportunities in the
evolving health care field. These
dynamic occupations are leading
choices for individuals seeking
professional growth and diversity.
According to the Occupational
Outlook Handbook (2003–2004
edition), employment for health
and human services professionals
is expected to grow faster than
the average occupation—by an
estimated 21 to 35 percent—
through the year 2010.
Our Health Care Pathways
programs can help you gain
benefits that you may have previously thought were out of reach.
Depending on their academic
credentials and qualifications,
geriatric care managers, case
managers, life care planners,
forensic nurses, and legal nurse
consultants can earn substantial
salaries or even choose to establish
their own consulting businesses.
These are just some of the financial and lifestyle advantages you
may come to enjoy.
Choose Your Path
Kaplan University’s Health Care
Pathways certificate programs are
offered online through our School
of Continuing and Professional
Studies. They have been designed
by experts in their respective
fields to focus on the needs of
a professional career. You will
gain the knowledge and skills
you need to attract employers
who will appreciate and reward
your specialized talents.
Read on to explore the Health
Care Pathways programs in detail,
to give you an idea of the education you will receive and the
professional opportunities you may
qualify for upon completion. Call
us toll-free at 866-527-5268 to
speak with one of our Admissions Advisors when you are
ready to apply, or if you have
any questions.
Study At Your Own
Pace—Anytime,
Anywhere
Pursuing a certificate while
maintaining your professional
and personal obligations can be
difficult. But Kaplan University
programs are designed by experts
in health care and online education to meet the needs of busy
students who demand both
flexibility and academic rigor.
As a student in a Health Care
Pathways program, the pace is
up to you. Whenever you are
ready for the next lesson, you can
access it at your convenience.
Your classroom, message boards,
and internal messaging system
are all available online, 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in the world.
Our Credentials
A History Of Success
Kaplan University has a long and distinguished history as both an academic pioneer and
a career-maker. We have built on this history to become one of the world’s finest
providers of online education. Our credentials speak for themselves—a testament to
our commitment to you, the Kaplan University student.
Deep Roots In
Higher Education
Kaplan Higher
Education
A Division Of
Kaplan, Inc.
Founded in 1937 as the American
Institute of Commerce, Kaplan
University has a more than 65year history of preparing adults
for rewarding careers. Based on
the successful model of our origins, Kaplan University’s online
education programs emphasize
real-world knowledge and skill
development. Now, as always, we
are committed to helping students
develop the skills and techniques
they need to take control of their
professional destinies.
Kaplan Higher Education includes
a group of more than 65 campus-based schools in 16 states
offering graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and
certificates, online education, and
an online law school. Online
programs include the following:
Kaplan University offers an
array of online graduate and
undergraduate degrees and
certificates in business, criminal justice, education, nursing,
paralegal studies, and technology
and design, as well as continuing
and professional studies in
financial planning, geriatric care
management, case management,
life care planning, forensic nursing, and legal nurse consulting.
Concord Law School offers
a Juris Doctor degree and an
Executive J.D.SM degree. As the
nation’s premier online law school,
Concord currently serves over
1,700 students and is accredited
by the Distance Education and
Training Council (DETC).
Kaplan University is owned by
Kaplan Higher Education Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Kaplan, Inc. For over 65 years,
Kaplan, Inc., has been one of
the nation’s premier providers of
educational and career services
for individuals, schools, and
businesses.
NCA Accredited
Kaplan University is accredited by
The Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
The NCA is part of a national
system of quality assurance for
American higher education. As
a member of the NCA, Kaplan
University meets agreed-upon
standards of quality for colleges
and universities nationwide. For
more information on the NCA,
write to them at:
30 North LaSalle Street
Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Tel: 800-621-7440 (Toll Free)
A Proud Member
Of The Washington
Post Family
Kaplan, Inc., is a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Washington
Post Company, a diversified media
and education organization whose
principal operations include newspaper and magazine publishing,
including The Washington Post
and Newsweek; broadcasting at
six network-affiliated VHF television stations; and Cable One
television systems.
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
3
Which Program Should I Take?
PROGRAM
DURATION
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS PROGRAM?
Geriatric Care
Management
Certificate
12 months or less
Health and human services professionals including registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists,
physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, case managers, psychologists, and medical doctors.
If you are interested in establishing a geriatric care management practice dedicated to assuring the
delivery of quality care and an optimal lifestyle to seniors, consider this program. Learn to assess,
coordinate, and monitor the health and human services needs of your elderly clients and their families.
Graduates may work as geriatric care managers in a variety of practice settings:
• Social service agencies
• Independent practice
• Long-term care facilities
• Government agencies
• Insurance companies
• Assisted-care facilities
• Home health agencies
Case
Management
Certificate
12 months or less
Health and human services professionals including registered nurses, social workers, occupational
therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, and medical doctors.
If you are interested in promoting quality, cost-effective health care and human services for patients and
their families, consider this program. Learn to perform assessments, conduct research, analyze data, and
plan and manage services and care.
Graduates may work as case managers in a variety of practice areas:
• Insurance companies
• Occupational health services
• Government agencies
• Managed care organizations
• Home health agencies
• Human services organizations
• Workers’ compensation
• Acute and long-term
• Independent practice
carriers
care facilities
Life Care
Planning
Certificate
12 months or less
Registered nurses and qualified rehabilitation professionals, including occupational therapists, physical
therapists, rehabilitation counselors, case managers, social workers, psychologists, medical doctors,
chiropractors, nurse practitioners, special education professionals, licensed speech pathologists, and
professional counselors.
If you are interested in facilitating the care, treatment, and/or rehabilitation of individuals with significant
disabilities, catastrophic injuries, or chronic health problems, consider this program. Learn to develop life
care plans.
Graduates may work as life care planners with:
• Patients and their families
• Trust managers
• Attorneys
• Insurance companies
Forensic
Nursing
Certificate
12 months or less
Registered nurses.
If you are interested in investigative sciences and victim advocacy, consider this program. Learn to apply
your nursing expertise to crime scene investigations and legal proceedings. Identify injuries and causes
of death, collect evidence, and refer victims to follow-up care.
Graduates may find opportunities with:
• Specialized hospital units
• Medical examiners’ offices
• Social services
• Law enforcement agencies
Legal Nurse
Consulting
Certificate
12 months or less
Registered nurses.
If you are interested in the law, legal procedures, and working with legal and health care environments,
consider this program.You will learn how to review and analyze medical records, perform medical and
legal research, locate and interview expert witnesses, and assist attorneys with pretrial litigation.
Graduates may find positions with:
• Government agencies
• Law firms
4
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
• Insurance companies
• Health management
organizations
• Independent practice
Career Overview
Enhance Your Health Care Career
Flexibility, independence, and financial security. Whether you choose to pursue geriatric care management, case management, life care planning, forensic nursing, or legal
nurse consulting, you will have an opportunity to significantly enhance your employment
and career options. By adding to your professional skills, you will be able to explore new
job opportunities with insurance companies, law firms, health care management organizations, law enforcement and government agencies, or even set up your own business.
Investigate the exciting role you can play as a geriatric care manager, case manager,
life care planner, forensic nurse, or legal nurse consultant.
Geriatric Care
Managers
Description:
Assess, coordinate, and monitor
the health and human services
needs of elderly clients. A comprehensive approach incorporates
the identification and analysis
of several factors that influence
the well-being and quality of life
of the elderly client including
health, psychosocial, family, and
economic issues.
Typical Workplaces:
Independent practice, insurance
companies, government agencies,
home health agencies, health and
human services organizations,
assisted-care facilities, long-term
care facilities, and social service
agencies.
Potential Earnings:
Geriatric care managers
report earnings that average
$74 per hour.*
*Based on a survey published in AARP
Data Digest, No. 82, November 2002.
Case Managers
Description:
Perform assessments, plan
and manage services and care,
conduct research, and analyze
data utilizing the methodologies
of the case management process.
Case managers incorporate case
management standards of practice,
and utilize case management
and quality measurement tools
in a multi-disciplinary approach
that incorporates all members of
the health care team in the promotion of quality, cost-effective
health care.
Typical Workplaces:
Insurance companies, managed
care organizations, workers’
compensation carriers, home
health agencies, acute care facilities, long-term care facilities,
governmental agencies, human
service organizations, and independent practice.
Potential Earnings:
Case manager salaries have increased on average 14 percent
since 2000, with several reports
of income in excess of $75,000
per year. Workers’ compensation
and managed care case managers
reported salaries averaging
$55,000 annually.*
*Based on a 2003 survey performed by the
Case Management Society of America and
ADVANCE for Providers of Post-Acute Care.
Life Care Planners
Description:
Develop plans to improve the
quality of life and make care
recommendations for individuals
with chronic illnesses, disabilities,
and catastrophic injuries. Life care
planners analyze, research, evaluate,
and work with other professionals
to develop life care plans that
assess patients’ future medical,
psychosocial, and economic needs.
Typical Workplaces:
Government agencies, law firms,
insurance companies, HMOs,
and independent practice.
Potential Earnings:
Ranging from $80 to $150
per hour.*
and refer victims for appropriate
follow-up care.
Typical Workplaces:
Medical examiners’ offices, law
enforcement agencies, social
service agencies, crisis centers,
and specialized hospital units.
Potential Earnings:
As much as $55 to $300 per hour.*
*Based on a survey of International
Association of Forensic Nurses members.
Legal Nurse
Consultants
Description:
Combine nursing expertise with
legal knowledge to assist attorneys
and their clients in understanding
the health care issues related to
medical malpractice and personal
injury lawsuits. Legal nurse consultants perform legal and medical
research, identify standards of care,
review medical records, interview
witnesses, and assist attorneys in
all aspects of litigation.
Typical Workplaces:
Law firms, insurance companies,
HMOs, government agencies,
and independent practice.
Potential Earnings:
Ranging from $70 to $200 per
hour for professional legal nurse
consulting services.*
*American Association of Legal Nurse
Consultants, Legal Nurse Consulting
Compensation Survey, 1999.
*Based on a survey of CLCP members.
Forensic Nurses
Description:
Work with law enforcement to
collect evidence at crime and
accident scenes. Care for survivors
of assaults or violent accidents,
and victims of negligence, abuse,
or violent crimes. Forensic nurses
may identify injuries and/or death
and their causes, preserve and
document the chain of custody,
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
5
Geriatric
Care Management
Certificate Program
Experienced heath and human
services professionals interested in
working as geriatric care managers
with elderly clients and their families will find Kaplan University’s
Geriatric Care Management
Certificate program uniquely
suited to the fulfillment of their
professional goals. Our program
provides a comprehensive approach to the practice of geriatric
care management. In addition to
the study of the normal processes
of aging, we explore a variety
of current and relevant topics,
including, but not limited to,
the influence of technology and
culture on aging, the impact of
economics on aging and health,
and the evolution of public policy
related to aging and the needs of
the elderly. Our program also
addresses business strategies,
including legal, ethical, and
marketing concepts that are
important for the organization
and growth of a successful geriatric care management practice.
Designed by geriatric care
management and case management experts to be completed
in 12 months or less, Kaplan
University’s online Geriatric
Care Management Certificate
program provides health and
human services professionals
with a comprehensive foundational framework upon which
to establish a rewarding geriatric
care management practice.
Geriatric Care
Management
Certificate—
Program Description
Geriatric care management is
emerging as a critical need in the
modern health care continuum
due to an increase in the elderly
population, escalation of health
care costs, the necessity for integration of community, social, and
health services for the elderly, and
inadequate long-term care support
systems. This program provides
the health care professional with
foundational knowledge and skills
in geriatric care management principles, including the impact of the
aging process on the individual,
the family, the community, and
the health care delivery system.
Aspects of the legal, ethical,
and business components of a
successful geriatric care management practice are emphasized.
Geriatric care managers assure
the delivery of optimal quality
of life and care for their elderly
clients. Graduates may work
with clients and their families,
insurance companies, government
agencies, attorneys, health and
human services providers, and
public and private health care
organizations.
Courses:
Introduction to Geriatric
Care Management
This course offers an overview
of geriatric care management,
including issues, trends, and
6
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
career options. Business strategies
for the organization and growth
of a geriatric care management
practice, such as marketing and
networking concepts, are presented. The role and function
of geriatric care managers is
addressed. Principles of case
management as applied to eldercare are discussed in correlation
with professional geriatric care
standards of practice. Public
and private resources to meet
the individual needs of elderly
clients are reviewed. Revenue
sources and reimbursement
methods for the provision of
geriatric care are emphasized.
The impact of the modern
health care delivery system on
the elderly population is critically analyzed.
Aging as a Reality
This course reviews the anatomy
and physiology of aging. Expected
physiological changes are distinguished from those changes
associated with specific illnesses
of the elderly, such as cardiac,
endocrine, and neurological
diseases and cancer. Consideration
is given to how technological and
cultural changes have affected
the perceptions of aging and its
impact on intergenerational
relationships. Economic influences on public policy related
to aging are presented.
Psychosocial Issues in Aging
This course addresses the unique
psychological issues associated
with aging, including loss and
grieving, social isolation, sexuality
and aging, driving and aging,
dealing with change, and hope.
Students explore research related
to the psychosocial factors of
aging. Practical methods for
geriatric care managers to utilize
when dealing with the various
psychosocial stressors of the elderly
are discussed.
Balancing Aging
and Independence
Legal and Ethical Issues in
Geriatric Care Management
This course focuses on the
geriatric care manager’s role in
educating their elderly clients
regarding care issues. By promoting autonomy, geriatric care
managers assist their clients in
directing their own health care.
Discussion includes polypharmacy,
patient education and right to
information, and independent
and assisted-living arrangements.
This course addresses ethical
and legal issues encountered
in the practice of geriatric care
management, including endof-life decisions and elder abuse
and neglect. Current law and
mandatory reporting processes
are described.
Financial Considerations
of the Elderly
This course provides the geriatric
care manager with a general
understanding of the financial
concerns and lifestyle issues
faced by the elderly client. Topics
covered include housing concerns
of the elderly, long-term care,
long-term care insurance, Medicare, sources of retirement income,
retirement plan distributions,
special investment needs of the
elderly, and estate planning
principles. Case studies provide
students with opportunity for
practical application.
Successful Aging
This course examines issues
related to a healthy and aging
population. Topics include health
and wellness, empowerment, and
adjustment to change. Trends
observed in the growing elderly
population, their impact on
society, and the increasingly
important role of the geriatric
care manager are discussed.
Successful Aging
Geriatric care managers
ensure the delivery of
optimal care and quality of
life for their elderly clients.
Miriam is a 93-year-old woman who lives in a house
in rural Massachusetts with her daughter. Miriam is
able to ambulate only with the use of a wheelchair, and
she requires total assistance with all of her activities
of daily living. It has become increasingly difficult
for Miriam’s daughter to provide for her mother’s
daily needs. Miriam’s son, who lives in Indiana, has
become concerned for the well-being of his sister and
his mother.
The family has decided to retain the services of a
geriatric care manager. The geriatric care manager
will conduct a detailed assessment of Miriam’s health
status, home environment, social and financial needs,
and overall quality of life. Identifying and prioritizing
Miriam’s care needs, the geriatric care manager develops
a management plan with time-specific goals. Interventions begin as the geriatric care manager coordinates
ongoing utilization of care and services. A part-time
home health aide will assist with Miriam’s daily care.
A local volunteer agency will provide transportation
for doctors’ visits. Miriam will also be participating
in a social activities program at a local community
center, and her daughter will be receiving respite care.
The geriatric care manager facilitates Miriam’s care,
evaluates the effectiveness of the care management plan,
and modifies the plan as necessary.
Aspects of a Career in Geriatric Care Management
• Assessment
Evaluate the health, social, and economic
circumstances of your elderly client. Identify
public and private resources.
Medication noncompliance, transportation
difficulties, social isolation.
• Implementation
• Monitoring
Execute specific interventions. Facilitate
Serve as liaison and facilitate communicaprogress toward mutually planned goals.
tion with members of the support team.
Health care teaching resources for prevention
Communicate with client, family, health
and maintenance; transportation availability;
and human services providers; monitor
social activities at a local senior citizen center.
plan feasibility.
• Planning
Determine short- and long-term goals of
elderly clients and their families. Develop
action-oriented and time-specific objectives.
Increased utilization of available resources,
including social and health care services.
• Coordination
• Evaluating
Identify, obtain, integrate, and modify reAnalyze the effectiveness of the geriatric
sources for long- and short-term care needs.
care management plan and modify the
Medical services; home health assistance;
plan according to client’s changing needs.
volunteer and state-sponsored senior citizen
Home care, assisted living, and residential care.
assistance services.
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
7
Case Management
Certificate Program
If you are an experienced health
and human services professional,
case management offers you a dynamic and rewarding career path.
With the health care industry
facing significant challenges due to
higher costs, a myriad of care options, and an increasingly complex
health care delivery system, skilled
case managers are needed to assure
the delivery of high-quality and
cost-effective health care to patients
and their families. The demand
for case managers continues to
grow as health care organizations,
private and public insurers, and
health care providers recognize
the considerable benefits offered
by professional case managers.
Registered nurses, social workers,
and other qualified health and
human services professionals
possess the unique clinical experience and specialized knowledge
required to pursue a career in the
challenging field of case management. As a case manager, you will
be involved in the assessment,
coordination, implementation,
monitoring, and evaluation of
the comprehensive health care
needs of your clients. Your services
will provide valuable benefits to
patients and their families, health
care providers and organizations,
insurers, and other members of
the health care industry.
Designed by case management
experts to be completed in 12
months or less, Kaplan University’s
online Case Management Certificate program offers the knowledge
and skills needed to pursue a
successful case management
career in hospitals, long-term care
facilities, private and government
insurance companies, managed
care organizations, and independent practice.
8
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
Case Management
Certificate—Program
Description
This program is designed to provide health and human services
professionals interested in the
field of case management with
essential knowledge, skills, and
expertise to apply the principles of
case management across practice
settings. Case managers perform
assessments, plan and manage
services/care, conduct research,
and analyze data utilizing the
methodologies of the case management process to promote quality,
cost-effective outcomes. Students
incorporate case management
standards of practice, developing
an increased understanding of
case management tools, quality
measurement, and the role and
function of case managers. Graduates work with clients and their
families in hospitals, insurance
companies, health care organizations, government agencies,
and human service organizations.
Courses:
Introduction to Case
Management
An introduction to the practice
of case management is presented.
Students review the history of
case management, discuss the
health care and human services
industries, and explore the benefits
of this specialty practice. A focus
on case management models, the
roles and functions of case managers, and the impact of case
management in varied venues is
illustrated. Financial concepts in
case management are identified,
including reimbursement systems
and economic issues impacting
health care.
Case Management Process
This course presents the case
management process and the
inter-relationships between case
managers and other health care
professionals. Consideration
is given to case management
as a transdisciplinary practice.
Application of principles of case
management in various settings,
including hospitals, insurance
companies, social services,
and workers’ compensation,
is discussed.
Case Management Tools
This course presents a process
for developing case management
plans across the continuum of care.
Clinical pathways and problembased procedures of care that
promote outcome measurement
are presented as options for case
management documentation.
Emphasis is placed upon the
communication, collaboration,
and cooperation of all parties
involved in the health care and
human services delivery processes,
including the patient/client,
the family, providers of care,
and payors.
Quality Measures
The principles of quality, quality
improvement, and quality management are presented. Methods
for evaluating case management
models and practice are explored,
including outcome management
and measurement. The concepts
of utilization and resource management are identified and integrated into the overall quality
measurement process. The impact
of accreditation, certification, and
regulating bodies is addressed.
Disease and Disability
Management
This course focuses upon case
management strategies for developing disease and disability
management systems specific to
individuals with chronic health
care needs. Emphasis is placed
on the patient/client’s long-term
needs, including complication
prevention and treatment and
general health care promotion.
Specific disease and disability
management strategies will be
addressed. Approaches for identifying consumers at risk and
the need for systematic processes
to manage services for these
individuals are presented.
Case Management for
Pediatric and Geriatric
Populations
The unique needs for access to
health care and human services of
pediatric and geriatric populations
are addressed. Methods for applying case management within the
context of health and wellness
within these populations are
reviewed. Exercises are designed
for students to gain knowledge of
their own community resources
for health promotion and maintenance of the pediatric and
geriatric populations.
Legal and Ethical Issues
in Case Management
As legal and ethical dilemmas can
represent significant issues for
case managers, the Standards of
Practice developed by the Case
Management Society of America
(CMSA) and the Code of Professional Conduct, formulated
by the Commission on Case
Manager Certification (CCMC),
are discussed. Managed care and
consumer advocacy is reviewed
in relationship to standards of
practice and ethical competency.
This course includes case studies
dramatizing the ethical balance
required in case management and
presents strategies to maintain
ethical integrity in the face of
ethical conflicts.
Designing Case
Management Models
Case management models may
be adapted to a variety of health
care service delivery sites and
systems. This course discusses
various case management models and defines characteristics
required for individual settings,
such as hospital-, insurance-,
or community-based programs.
The populations served by these
models may include children
with special needs, the elderly, and
individuals with chronic health
care problems or disabilities. A
series of exercises will lead the
student through the process of
identifying model components
and developing a model to meet
needs within a particular program.
Back on His
Feet Again
Case managers guide
patients through the
healing process
Bill, a painter, is working on the exterior of a new building when
he topples from a 16-foot ladder. He breaks his wrist and injures
his back and has to be taken to the emergency room. After a
thorough examination and several diagnostic tests, Bill’s physician
informs him that it will likely be several months before he will
be able to return to work.
Soon after his workers’ compensation claim is filed, Bill will be
contacted by a case manager, who will assist Bill in attaining the
care, therapy, and related services he needs to fully recuperate from
his injuries and return to work. Over the next several months, the
case manager will work closely with Bill to assess his needs,
formulate a service plan, coordinate services, and monitor the
effectiveness of the plan in reaching his long-term goals. The case
manager will offer supportive counseling and help Bill and his
family understand the nature of his injuries and how to safely compensate for his physical limitations. By consistently communicating
with his physicians, therapists, and employer, the case manager
may be able to facilitate a light duty assignment with worksite
accommodations for Bill until he is able to return to his job.
Fortunately, Bill’s case is not as complex as some, where patients require prolonged medical care, therapy, vocational guidance, and
other services. Case managers work in a variety of practice settings
with diverse populations who require the specialized skills and knowledge of professionals trained to manage the rehabilitation process.
Aspects of a Career in Case Management
• Assessment
Identify the needs of organ transplant patients; Evaluate resources
available to geriatric clients.
• Planning
Determine short- and long-term goals of asthmatic pediatric patients and
families; Develop action-oriented and time-specific objectives for AIDS clients.
• Implementation
Execute specific interventions for cardiac rehabilitation; Facilitate
progress toward planned goals for injured workers.
• Coordination
Obtain, integrate, and modify resources for quadriplegics with longterm care needs.
• Monitoring
Communicate with members of the interdisciplinary team for care of
pregnant teenagers; Document attainment of planned objectives for
diabetic in-patients.
• Evaluation
Analyze the effectiveness of the case management plan for clients with
ongoing history of substance abuse; Modify plans as necessary for
patients with life-limiting illnesses.
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
9
Life Care Planning
Certificate Program
If you are a rehabilitation professional or registered nurse
interested in facilitating the care,
treatment, and/or rehabilitation
of individuals with significant
disabilities, catastrophic injuries,
or chronic health problems, consider the professionally rewarding
field of life care planning.
Life care planners analyze,
research, evaluate, and work with
other professionals to develop life
care plans. Due to innovative
therapeutic treatments and the
increasing cost of health care, the
field of life care planning is experiencing exponential growth. As a
health care professional entering
this specialized field, you can
anticipate a satisfying and lucrative
career. Designed by life care planning experts to be completed in
12 months or less, the online
Life Care Planning Certificate
program provides you with the
requisite knowledge and skills
to successfully pursue gratifying
career opportunities with attorneys, insurance companies,
managed care organizations, and
independent practice.
Life Care Planning
Certificate—Program
Description
This program is designed to provide health care professionals
interested in the field of life care
planning with the essential skills
and expertise to develop life care
plans documenting the current
and future medical, psychosocial,
and economic needs of individuals
with catastrophic disability or
long-term health care needs. Life
care planners analyze, research,
and perform assessments utilizing
the tenets, methodologies, and
10
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
foundations of the life care planning process. Life care planners
facilitate the care, treatment, and/or
rehabilitation of individuals with
significant disabilities. Students
incorporate standards of practice
and ethics, gain an enhanced
understanding of the medical
aspects of disability and chronic
health care conditions, and develop
a disciplined approach to utilizing research literature, practice
guidelines, and published data in
support of plan recommendations.
Graduates may work with insurance companies, attorneys, trust
managers, caregivers, health care
organizations, government agencies,
and patients and their families.
of conduct. Emphasis is placed
upon behaviors that may place
a professional at risk.
Courses:
Introduction to
Life Care Planning
This course provides an overview
of the life care planning process
from initial patient referral to
completion of plan development.
The student is taken through the
steps of data development, medical
and health-related professional
records review, literature review,
and an evaluation of patients’
interests and desires, family needs,
and geographic considerations.
All of these variables are covered
in this step-by-step review of the
life care planning process.
Standards and Ethics
for Life Care Planning
This course explores the role and
impact of standards of practice,
including quality indicators, upon
the function and evaluation of
the life care plan. Ethical practice
is discussed in relation to professional guidelines and codes
Medical and Psychological
Aspects of Disability I: Spinal
Cord Injuries, Amputations,
and Burns
This course identifies broadbased
resources for remaining current
on the medical and psychological
consequences of spinal cord injuries, amputations, and burns.
Primary focus is on the long-term
consequences of these disabilities
and the implications of age and
disability combining over time to
require phase changes in the life
care planning process. Additionally,
information presented in relation
to the ventilator-dependent spinal
cord patient extrapolates to patients
with severe burns, patients in a
persistent vegetative state, or
other patients requiring ventilator support.
Medical and Psychological
Aspects of Disability II: Brain
Injury and CVA/Stroke
This course will focus on the
medical and psychological con-
sequences, including family,
community, and vocational
variables, of brain injuries and
cerebral vascular accidents
(CVA/stroke). Brain injuries with
a variety of etiologies including
hypoxia, coup contra-coup
injuries, and focal trauma are
discussed. Likewise, the etiology
of CVA/stroke is covered. Since
the nature of the etiology significantly impacts the nature of the
outcome with respect to cognitive,
psychological, social, behavioral,
and motor deficits, the life care
planning needs and recommendations are adjusted accordingly.
Medical and Psychological
Aspects of Disability III:
Selected Conditions
This course presents selected
disabilities relating to disease,
psychological/psychiatric factors, and chronic conditions to
which the life care planning
process can be applied. Students
are introduced to long-term
health care disabilities associated
with the following conditions:
chronic pain, immune disorders
with emphasis on HIV, sensory
impairments (vision and hearing),
general pulmonary impairments,
sickle cell disease, and psychological/psychiatric disorders
such as bipolar, schizophrenia,
and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) where no other
injury occurred.
Research Literature,
Practice Guidelines,
and Internet Resources
The students will learn basic research methodology related to the
development of a life care plan.
Students develop practical skills
to effectively identify, analyze, and
utilize applicable research literature
and practice guidelines. This
course provides a step-by-step
process that ultimately increases
students’ confidence and competence in the performance of
research activities.
Life Care Planning
in Pediatric and Elder
Care Management
This course discusses the special
life care planning considerations
of pediatric and geriatric populations. Disabilities and health
conditions unique to the pediatric
population, including hypoxic
ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral
palsy, developmental disabilities,
and brachial plexus palsy/Erb’s
palsy are presented. Resources
specifically available to school-age
children under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
are examined. Prevocational and
vocational issues for the adolescent
or young adult with a disability
are also addressed.
Patient transition plans or
habilitation/rehabilitation plans
are reviewed. For the increasing
geriatric population, the life care
planning process has become an
important component of elder
care management. Resources
specifically available to the geriatric population are covered. For
patients and their families, life
care planning is a significant
educational tool providing guidance and management in the
supportive care of the elderly.
Special Needs Trusts and
Medicare Set-Asides
This course defines how life care
plans are used in development of
Medicare Set-Asides in Workers’
Compensation and in management of Special Needs Trusts.
Emphasis is placed upon the
need for detailed and accurate
life care planning research and
development to promote meeting individual needs.
Certificate
Requirements
A certificate is awarded when the
student satisfactorily completes and
passes each of the eight courses
in the program. Students must be
free of any financial obligation to
the school prior to the awarding
of the certificate.
LP 340 Development of the
Life Care Plan – Optional
Course (for graduate
certificate holders only)
Graduate certificate holders
desiring to satisfy the
Commission on Health Care
Certification's (CHCC) requirements to sit for the Certified
Life Care Planner (CLCP)
examination create a life care
plan for review and approval by
CHCC. Faculty guidance and
feedback is provided during the
development of a comprehensive life care plan.
Note: LP 340 Development of the
Life Care Plan is NOT a component
of the Life Care Planning Certificate.
LP 340 is intended to provide a
means for those Kaplan University
life care planning graduate certificate
holders desiring to meet CHCC’s
requirements. For further details, refer
to the Standards and Examination
Guidelines available on the CHCC
website at www.cdec1.com.There is
no additional tuition for LP 340
for Kaplan University life care
planning graduate certificate holders.
After the Accident
Life care planners
ensure quality of care
and quality of life
A truck careens into the back of the Smiths’ minivan
while they are on a family vacation. John, the youngest
of the Smith children, sustains a spinal cord injury that
leaves him paralyzed below the neck. John experiences
numerous complications after his initial hospitalization
and requires support care for the rest of his life. The
expertise of a life care planner is necessary to project
John’s lifelong rehabilitation needs and related costs.
The life care planner must develop a plan that will
encompass all aspects of John’s life, including his
vocational, economic, medical, educational, social,
psychological, recreational, and care needs. All necessary
evaluations, therapies, equipment, medical follow-ups,
medications, aids for independence, transportation, and
other items will be specified. John’s family, therapists,
caregivers, physicians, educators, and others will refer to
this plan when designing programs, so that services are
coordinated, integrated, and focused on providing John
with quality care and quality of life.
Aspects of a Career
in Life Care Planning
• Catastrophic Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries; Amputations; Burns
• Chronic Health Care Issues
Chronic Pain; Immune Disorders;
Vision/Hearing Impairment
• Psychological/Psychiatric Disorders
Bipolar; Schizophrenia; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Neurological Conditions
Brain Injuries; Cerebral Vascular Accidents
• Pediatric and Elder Care Management
Cerebral Palsy; Developmental Disability;
Supportive Geriatric Care
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
11
Forensic Nursing
Certificate Program
If you are a registered nurse interested in investigative sciences and
victim advocacy, consider the
challenging and emerging field of
forensic nursing. With the Forensic
Nursing Certificate, you can confidently pursue a wide array of
exciting career opportunities,
including positions in medical
examiners’ offices, law enforcement
agencies, social service agencies,
and specialized hospital units.
Forensic nurses may be called
to a crime scene or accident to
work with detectives, collect evidence, and take tissue and blood
samples. Forensic nurses treat
survivors of assaults or violent
accidents, and victims of negligence, abuse, or violent crimes.
The job is fast-paced and challenging, with real issues at stake.
As specialists, in addition to
being respected members of the
forensic community, forensic
nurses receive compensation
commensurate with their high
level of expertise.
With our online self-study
Forensic Nursing Certificate
program, coursework can be
successfully completed within 12
months and your instructors are
only a mouse-click away to answer
your questions and provide you
with guidance and feedback.
Those who complete the program
earn a certificate from Kaplan
University—a valuable credential
in the burgeoning field of forensics.
Forensic Nursing
Certificate—Program
Description
Kaplan University’s Forensic
Nursing Certificate program
provides RNs interested in the
12
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
field of forensic nursing with
the foundation-level knowledge
to apply nursing science and
expertise to crime scene investigations or legal proceedings.
Students explore the scientific
investigation and treatment of
victims and perpetrators of abuse,
violence, criminal activity, sexual
assault, and traumatic events.
By combining the biological,
psychological, and social education of the nurse with the
forensic aspects of health care,
students gain the requisite
knowledge to identify injuries
and/or death and their causes,
collect evidence and document
findings, and refer victims to
appropriate follow-up care.
Courses:
Forensic Physical Assessment
and Evidence Collection
This course provides an overview
of the variety of career pathways
available to the forensic nurse.
The types of crimes with forensic
nursing implications are presented,
along with how to document
injuries in a forensic report in
written format, through forensic
photography, and with body diagrams and worksheets. Students
learn how to conduct a physical
examination of a sexual assault
victim and how to collect and
handle various kinds of physical
and biological evidence. Upon
completion of this course, students
will have a detailed understanding
of how to assess and document
physical injuries, how to collect
and handle evidence, and how
to preserve and document the
chain of custody.
Forensic Psychological
Assessment, Interview,
and Report Writing
This course provides students with
detailed knowledge of interview,
assessment, and forensic report
writing skills. Topics include
verbal interview skills, nonverbal
communication, and special techniques for interviewing children.
Psychological status assessment
is covered, including the mental
status examination and the neurological assessment. Critical
incident stress assessment skills
and interventions and various
types of group and individual
counseling skills are discussed,
including group skills to help in
the workplace. Students learn the
specific details to include in the
forensic report. Upon completion
of this course, students will have
an understanding of the skills
necessary for interviewing victims
and witnesses of crimes and will
build upon these skills by being
able to perform an assessment of
psychological status and provide
basic psychological intervention.
Death Investigation
This course explores the intricacies
of death investigation, including
death certifying agencies, death
notifications, and death scenes.
Clues to estimate the time of
death, including physical changes
following death and factors that
affect the rate of such changes, are
covered. Specific scene and history
details needed in an infant or child
death are discussed. All manners
and common causes of death are
presented: natural, accident, suicide, and homicide. Students learn
the intricacies associated with
conducting the scene investigation,
differentiating manners of death,
and handling cases of pending
and undetermined manners of
deaths, with a focus on the special
problems such cases may present
for surviving loved ones.
Upon completion of this course,
students should have a full understanding of how to give a death
notification to loved ones, how to
conduct a death investigation,
and how to conduct oneself at
a homicide.
The Courtroom Experience
This course delivers an overview
of the civil and criminal court
systems. It provides an understanding of the criminal court
system with detailed discussions
on the role of the prosecution,
the defense, the judge, and the
jury. The role of the expert witness
is covered, including how to dress
for court and tips on testifying.
Topics include pretrial discovery
interviews, depositions, sentencing
hearings, and post-conviction
release hearings. The importance
of a complete and current curriculum vitae (CV) is emphasized.
Upon completion of this course,
students will have an understanding of the civil and criminal court
systems and will approach being
an expert forensic witness with
confidence. Students will understand expectations in the legal
arena and will have prepared a
complete CV to provide to attorneys for use in court.
resources, including shelters for
women and children, crisis nurseries, sexual assault crisis workers,
mental health crisis centers, and
various types of specialized medical
and psychiatric clinics. Students
research local support and self-help
groups for consultation with or
referral to such groups. Upon completion of this course, students
will have knowledge of the local
resources available to provide
comprehensive crisis intervention
and complete follow-up care for
any victim or person in crisis.
Students are taught to foresee any
lack of available resources and
are provided with knowledge to
initiate the development of needed
local resources, such as a support
group or women’s shelter.
Crimefighting RN
Forensic nurse digs deep
to investigate the criminal
element behind the
medical case
By Phil McPeck*
• Care Facilities
Accidents; Injuries; Neglect
Karen Chabert, RN, takes the mystery out of nursing
and turns it over to law enforcement, social services,
and the courts.
Officially, she’s the continued care coordinator at
Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans. But behind
the title and administrative duties as head of the hospital’s organ donation program, she’s a forensic nurse.
“I love the element of surprise,” Chabert said,
explaining 25 years in and around the emergency room.
“I have a natural curiosity. I’ve always been interested
in finding out how things work.”
While emergency physicians, nurses, and technicians
see patients’ injuries, Chabert’s eyes, ears, and thoughts
are attuned to the possibility that they are the result of
a crime.
Gunshot and stab wounds are no-brainers.
In one memorable case, though, Chabert sparked
a homicide investigation into the death of a young
man with a head laceration. “The police just thought
it was an intoxicated person who was found down,”
she said. “It turns out that it probably was a homicide
because of the way the wound pattern looked.” That
never would have been noticed if there wasn’t a forensic
nurse who knew what injury patterns look like. . . .
Still, despite the breadth of the field, few nursing
positions are dedicated solely to death scene investigation, interviewing crime victims, documenting injuries,
collecting, preserving, and ensuring the integrity of
evidence, and notifying families of death, Chabert said.
She created her own position. Five years ago, she
wrote a job description for a staff forensic nurse and
sold it to the hospital medical director. She included
overseeing organ donations because most donors are
young, healthy people who die as the result of trauma.
“I’m the liaison for the coroner’s office and law
enforcement liaison,” she said.
• Police and Corrections
Evidence Collection; Scientific Investigation
*From NurseWeek.com, September 4, 2002.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher.
Crisis Intervention
and the Planning
and Implementation
of Follow-Up Care
Start Your Career
As A Forensic Nurse
Call 866-527-5268
(Toll Free) to speak with
an Admissions Advisor, or
visit our website at
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
This course provides a comprehensive knowledge of crisis
intervention, planning, and
implementation of follow-up
care for victims and their families.
It provides an overview of common social service agencies and
Aspects of a Career in Forensic Nursing
• Interpersonal Violence
Sexual Assault; Domestic Violence; Child/Elder Abuse
• Emergency/Trauma Nursing
Victim Advocacy; Crisis Intervention
• Death Investigation
Natural; Accident; Suicide; Homicide
• Public Health and Safety/Mass Disaster Response
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
13
Legal Nurse Consulting
Certificate Program
If you are a registered nurse
interested in the law, legal procedure, and working with legal
professionals in a variety of legal
and health care environments,
consider the challenging and
diverse field of legal nurse consulting. Your valuable nursing
education and clinical experience
combined with Kaplan University’s
Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate
will provide unlimited career
opportunities.
Legal nurse consultants work
with attorneys and other legal and
health care professionals, contributing invaluable expertise to a
myriad of issues. In your diverse
role, you will review, organize, and
analyze medical records, perform
medical and legal research, locate
and interview expert witnesses,
assist attorneys with pretrial and
trial activities, and provide health
care risk management support
and education.
Legal nurse consultants are in
high demand at law firms, insurance companies, government
agencies, and health care risk
management departments. By
obtaining a Kaplan University
certificate, you can earn a competitive salary in any of these
fields or open your own legal
nurse consulting practice.
Designed to be completed in
12 months or less, this online
program provides registered nurses
with foundation-level legal nurse
consulting knowledge. Upon
completion of the online, attorneyinstructed Legal Nurse Consulting
Certificate program, you can
confidently pursue a rewarding
career in this challenging field.
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
Civil Litigation for the Legal
Nurse Consultant
Introduction to
This course introduces the legal
nurse consultant to elements of
civil litigation, including case
management and strategy, informal
fact gathering and investigation,
identification of jurisdictions,
and drafting of pleadings and
motions practice. Students will
learn about the civil litigation
process with emphasis on preparing for trial, trial procedures,
and post-trial procedures. The
discovery process will be reviewed
in detail, including the purpose
of discovery, discovery of expert
materials, independent medical
examinations, and the legal nurse
consultant’s critical role in the
discovery process.Trial preparation, including the assembling of
trial exhibits, gathering witness
testimony, and selecting jurors,
will be examined.
Legal Nurse Consulting Legal Nurse Consulting
Certificate—
The first section of this course
Program Description offers a comprehensive introNurses interested in the field of
legal nurse consulting gain a
foundation in legal principles,
procedures, and theories through
the Legal Nurse Consulting
Certificate program. The study
of civil litigation, torts and medical
liability, medical records summary
and review, and health care risk
management provides students
with the knowledge and critical
skills required to work in a legal
environment. By supplementing
a nursing background with an
education in legal nurse consulting,
students are well equipped to excel
in a variety of career opportunities.
14
Courses:
duction to the profession of legal
nurse consulting. An overview
of the issues, trends, and career
options in legal nurse consulting
will be addressed. Information
is presented concerning the wide
variety of work environments in
which legal nurse consultants
employ their unique abilities
and training. Networking and
marketing strategies are also
introduced in this course. The
second section of this course
presents a general overview of
the American legal system, which
assists students in understanding
the organizational structure of
state and federal government
and its historical development.
Principles of Tort Law
and Medical Liability
Health Care Risk
Management
In the area of tort law and medical
liability, the attorney and legal
nurse consultant work as an inseparable team. This course will
review the principles of tort law as
applied to personal injury practice,
discuss the current standards of
tort law, and outline some issues
of reform facing tort litigation.
Special emphasis will be placed
on methods for evaluating professional negligence cases, informed
consent, and treatment decisions.
Additionally, defenses available
in negligence suits will be fully
reviewed along with issues related
to product liability actions. Upon
completion of the course, students
should be able to effectively and
efficiently apply their health care
knowledge into the appropriate
legal framework.
This course provides an overview
of health care risk management.
Various areas of risk management
will be introduced, including risk
management theories and strategies, identification and review of
specific high-risk areas in the practice environment, risk management
in the managed care setting, and
ethical issues associated with risk
management.
Medical Records Summary
and Review
This course provides an overview
of the area of medical records.
Theories and strategies of medical
record procurement and analysis
are discussed and various methods
of medical record summary preparation are presented. Topics
include reading a medical record
for legal purposes, areas of the law
where medical records are used,
sources of medical records, issues
related to the acquisition of
medical records, medical record
analysis, problems encountered
with medical records, and the use
of expert testimony.
Start Your Career
As A Legal Nurse
Consultant
Call 866-527-5268
(Toll Free) to speak with
an Admissions Advisor, or
visit our website at
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
RNs Uncovering
Malpractice
On the case with a legal
nurse consultant
Was it surgery gone wrong or simply complications?
A woman dies on the operating table during a routine
appendectomy. Her surgeon warned her beforehand
that there was a risk of complications due to her heart
condition and diabetes. Her family decides to sue the
hospital and surgeon.
The family’s attorney hires a legal nurse consultant
to review the deceased woman’s medical records and
evaluate the case. The legal nurse consultant’s knowledge
of hospital procedure and each health care professional’s
responsibility in the operating room is a valuable asset
in determining the validity of this lawsuit. The legal
nurse consultant will play a crucial role in uncovering
the facts and preparing exhibits and witnesses for a
possible trial.
Aspects of a Career in
Legal Nurse Consulting
• Law Firms
Medical Malpractice; Personal Injury;
Product Liability
• Insurance Companies
Records Review; Insurance Defense
• Health Care Organizations
Risk Management
• Government Agencies
Regulatory and Compliance
• Independent Consulting
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
15
Who Is Our
Typical Student?
Why Enroll
At Kaplan University?
A Look at Our Strategy for Your Success
Kaplan University’s Health Care Pathways certificate programs are for health care
professionals seeking career advancement and professional challenge in satisfying and
lucrative specialty fields. Our Geriatric Care Management, Case Management, Life
Care Planning, Forensic Nursing, and Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate programs
provide the expertise that prospective employers value. Acquiring advanced knowledge is the best way to maximize your professional opportunities. With our online,
self-paced programs, it is easy for you to continue to meet your significant work and
personal obligations while pursuing an education for a more rewarding career.
Jill Johnston
Health Care Pathways Academic Advisor
Kaplan University
Each Health Care Pathways program incorporates an
engaging online classroom environment. Pose questions
to expert faculty, interact with fellow students, and gain
encouragement from your Academic Advisor on our
message boards or through our internal messaging system. Student support is readily available throughout
your studies.
Why Should You
Choose Online
Education?
In a word: flexibility.
Online education is convenient,
always accessible, and can be tailored to fit your busy schedule.You
can study in the middle of the
night or first thing in the morning, at a pace that suits your work
and home life. Kaplan University’s
pioneering online education model
uses superior technology and
advanced online delivery methods
to provide students with prompt
support and feedback. Our Health
Care Pathways programs are designed to fit demanding schedules.
16
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
You will never have to worry about
missing a class or lesson because
you can study at your own pace.
Your online classroom and class
message boards are accessible 24
hours a day, 7 days a week—
and when you have questions
or comments, our faculty and
staff provide prompt feedback.
Why Is Kaplan
University Your
Best Option?
Kaplan University is about
building futures, one success
story at a time. That is our philosophy, and it speaks volumes.
Kaplan University has a long,
esteemed tradition of providing
quality education. We keep
abreast of employer needs in
order to provide programs with
real-world value and top-quality
educational services.
At Kaplan University, we are
determined to help you obtain
the education necessary for your
professional success in a way that
is accessible, affordable, and appropriate to your lifestyle, learning
style, and personal commitments.
To that end, we have designed
these programs to ensure that
no qualified, committed student
will be denied the opportunity
to learn.
Students of Kaplan University’s
Health Care Pathways programs
come from various health and
human services disciplines and
work environments. Our students
realize unprecedented opportunities within the continually
evolving health care industry, and
many are also in pursuit of entrepreneurship. No matter which
certificate you choose, if you have
the ambition to pursue alternative
practice pathways, Kaplan
University is perfect for you.
Are The Classes
Interactive?
Yes. In fact, many Kaplan University students find online class
communication to be both livelier
and more balanced than that in
a traditional classroom. One or
two aggressive students never dominate online discussions. On our
class message boards, everyone has
a chance to be heard.
Does Online
Education Work As
Well As Classroom
Education?
In our experience, it can work
even better. Beyond the unique
flexibility and dynamic interaction
that online education offers, we
monitor our students’ progress at
every step and provide unique,
Web-based learning opportunities
via message boards, online readings, academic exercises, and Web
field trips. Students can interact
with faculty members, Academic
Advisors, Student Services Representatives, and classmates in
our online environment.
How Much Study
Time Is Needed?
The amount of time you will
need to commit will depend on
your educational needs, previous
work experience, motivation, study
habits, and your professional and
personal schedule. On average,
students commit between 8 and
12 hours weekly to the programs.
Who Are Kaplan
University’s Instructors?
As a Kaplan University student,
you will have access to an experienced, dedicated, and respected
faculty.
Our faculty and Board of
Advisors have a combination
of impressive credentials and
experience in both the health
care and legal fields:
Kristina Belanger,
J.D.,
Chair of the School of Continuing
and Professional Studies
Barbara Sonderling,
J.D. and RN,
Executive Director, Health Care
Pathways
Paul M. Deutsch,
Ph.D., CRC, CCM, CLCP,
LMHC, FIALCP,
Lead developer for the life care
planning program, Senior Faculty
Julie Jervis,
M.D., M.B.A., and RN,
Developer for the forensic nursing
program, Senior Faculty
Patricia Lynne McCollom,
RN, MS, CRRN, CDMS,
CCM, CLCP,
Developer for the case management program, Senior Faculty
Carole M. Stolte-Upman
RN, MA, CRC, CCM,
CDMS, CPC
Faculty for case management
Rebecca Lee Pierce
EJD, MHSA, BSN, RN
Faculty for Health Care Pathways
What About
Student Support?
Enrolled students can contact a
Student Services Representative
by phone, email, or online live
chat. Our Student Services team
is committed to making sure your
academic experience runs as
smoothly as possible. Each of
our Student Services Representatives is trained to answer any
questions you may have pertaining
to Kaplan University programs
and procedures.
We encourage students to take
full advantage of these support
options. At Kaplan University,
we are here to help you every
step of the way.
Is Kaplan University
Accredited?
Are You An
International Student?
Yes, Kaplan University is regionally accredited by The Higher
Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Kaplan University meets agreedupon standards of quality for
colleges and universities nationwide. For more information on
the NCA, contact them at:
30 North LaSalle Street
Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Tel: 800-621-7440 (Toll Free)
Prospective international students
who meet program eligibility
requirements are encouraged to
apply to Kaplan University. No
relocation is necessary. If you have
a computer and access to the
Internet, then you can enroll.
You will be able to take part in
online discussions and submit
exams for grading, all from your
computer. No aspect of the Kaplan
University program will be denied
to you simply because you live
outside of the United States. All
courses are taught in English.
For more information on how
Kaplan University meets the needs
of international students, please
call the Office of Admissions at
561-981-7300 or email:
internationalhcp@kaplan.edu.
What Are The
Technology
Requirements?
Students will need a personal
computer (PC) with a modem
and access to the Internet. This
program incorporates the use of
email, message board postings,
and navigation of the Internet
for Web field trips. The use of
Microsoft Word documents for
a Practical Applications Journal
is recommended.
For the most up-to-date
technology requirements,
visit www.kaplan.edu/hcp.
Patricia Wilsman,
J.D. and RN,
Faculty for Health Care Pathways
Lori A. Allison,
M.A. and CLCP,
Faculty for life care planning
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
17
Apply Now!
Your Future Starts Here
Applying is as easy as 1, 2, 3. The procedures
for admission include the following:
1. Complete the Kaplan University online Student Information
Form on our website at www.kaplan.edu/hcp.
2. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to conduct an
interview and to determine your suitability for online learning.
Linda Lee
Director of Admissions,
School of Continuing
and Professional Studies
3. If you are recommended for enrollment, your Admissions
Advisor will assist you through the enrollment process.
Kaplan University’s Admissions Advisors are available to help
you with the application process and to answer your questions
every step of the way. To speak with an Admissions Advisor,
call 866-527-5268 (Toll Free).
Kaplan University Online Admissions:
6409 Congress Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Email:
Geriatric Care Management: infogc@kaplan.edu
Case Management: infocm@kaplan.edu
Life Care Planning: infolcp@kaplan.edu
Forensic Nursing: infofn@kaplan.edu
Legal Nurse Consulting: infolnc@kaplan.edu
Website: www.kaplan.edu/hcp
18
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
Earn Your BSN Degree Online
Kaplan University now offers an RN to BSN degree completion program. If you are a registered nurse interested
in advancing your career, consider Kaplan University’s RN
to BSN program. Earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing provides many professional opportunities, including
advanced nursing leadership positions and entry into
graduate-level education.
Interwoven throughout the program are learning activities that build on written communication skills, decision
making, and utilization of research and information technology. Themes recurring throughout the courses emphasize
building leadership skills, developing self-directed professional goals, collaborating within health care environments,
and applying nursing roles. Kaplan University’s Bachelor
of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates to
expand their professional opportunities in the dynamic and
evolving health care field.
Learn More About Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Call us at: 866-527-5268 (Toll Free) • Or email us at: infoku@kaplan.edu
You can also visit our website at: www.kaplan.edu
*Kaplan University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Bachelor of
Science in Nursing program has interim approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing. This program is currently seeking national accreditation and will be reviewed
by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Earn Your Law Degree Online
Combine your health and human services education and clinical experience with a law degree from Concord Law
School, part of Kaplan Higher Education. You will gain superior credentials without having to put your career on hold.
Become A Practicing Attorney…
Earn a Juris Doctor degree in four years, completely online. You can study anytime, anywhere—
all you need is a computer with Internet access. Online education gives you the opportunity
to pursue a law degree without interrupting your current job.
As a Concord Law School graduate, you are eligible to apply to sit for the California Bar Exam.
Graduates desiring to practice in another state may be eligible to apply for its bar exam under
reciprocity rules.
…Or Gain An Executive J.D.
SM
The Concord Executive J.D.SM program is designed for individuals who desire a law degree but
do not want to practice law as an attorney. Health care professionals may choose Concord’s specially designed Health Law Track within the Executive J.D.SM program to further their careers.
A Premier Educational Program
Concord Law School combines a legal education with the convenience of online learning. Concord’s Board of Advisors includes renowned
law professors from many of the nation’s preeminent institutions. The classes are interactive and make use of seminars and weekly legal
debates. Students have access to an online law library that links to all research materials needed to fulfill course requirements.
Learn More About Concord
Call us at: 800-439-4794 (Toll Free) • Or email us at: infoconcord@concordlawschool.edu.
You can also visit our website at: www.concordlawschool.edu
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
19
ONLINE PROGRAMS ADMISSIONS:
6409 Congress Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Tel: 866-527-5268 (Toll Free)
Tel: 561-981-7300 (International)
Fax: 888-564-6745 (Toll Free)
Website: www.kaplan.edu/hcp
Email: Geriatric Care Management: infogc@kaplan.edu
Case Management: infocm@kaplan.edu
Life Care Planning: infolcp@kaplan.edu
Forensic Nursing: infofn@kaplan.edu
Legal Nurse Consulting: infolnc@kaplan.edu
ONLINE SUPPORT CENTER:
550 West Van Buren, 7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60607
Tel: 312-777-6100
Fax: 312-777-6700
MAIN CAMPUS:
ONLINE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE:
STUDENT SERVICES:
1801 East Kimberly Road, Suite 1
Davenport, IA 52807
Tel: 800-747-1035 (Toll Free)
Tel: 563-355-3500
Fax: 563-355-1320
1910 East Kimberly Road, Suite 100
Davenport, IA 52807
Tel: 800-817-8272 (Toll Free)
Tel: 563-359-2900
Fax: 563-344-9442
6409 Congress Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Tel: 866-522-7747 (Toll Free)
Email: help@kaplan.edu
www.kaplan.edu/hcp
© Copyright 2004 Kaplan University
HCPB-120104