Accelerate Faculty

Get ready for a health care career

If you’re ready to start a graduate program in nursing or other health care profession but you need to fill a few educational gaps, our fully online suite of post-baccalaureate prerequisites will move you quickly to your goal. In just eight weeks, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge and skills in natural and social sciences, earn the credits you need, and get ready to succeed in your next chapter.

Courses offered

Statistics for Health Professionals (3 credits) BSC 257H

This course introduces you to statistical thinking for the health sciences. Practice choosing and interpreting common inferential statistical tests, deciphering scholarly journal presentations of study results, conveying the results of analyses clearly to others and recognizing common fallacies in the use of statistics.

Developmental Lifespan (3 credits) PSY 210H

Gain a solid foundational understanding of the nature of human psychological development. The course is not about the details of “what happens at what age?” Instead you will focus on the place of development in the larger field of psychology and on big-picture issues such as: adaptation, learning, evolution, socialization and identity development at the various stages of life. The course will cover the entire lifespan.

Abnormal Psychology (3 credits) PSY 250H

Develop an understanding of observed human behavior. "Normal" and "abnormal" behaviors are reviewed through historical and cross-cultural perspectives, culminating in the classification system outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the categorization adopted by most mental health professionals. Psycho-diagnostic methods and treatment approaches are examined within the course. These perspectives become the basis for addressing current social issues in mental health, such as involuntary commitment, group home alternatives for care, client therapist confidentiality and other pertinent topics.

Intro to Biochemistry (3 credits) CH 228H

Gain a working understanding of human metabolism from the standpoint of the chemical reactions involved. You will investigate the chemistry of life using three major frameworks: structure/function, energetics and dynamic equilibrium. Develop and apply these frameworks to the analysis of the chemistry of organic and biological molecules and metabolic reactions and processes. At the same time, you will articulate your understanding in writing, demonstrating correct and precise use of biochemical terminology and appropriate chemical rationale.

Anatomy & Physiology 1 (3 credits) BI 231H

Learn the anatomy of organ systems and the mechanics of how they work. You will solve problems on how these organ systems work together to maintain the body's internal conditions and what happens when one system is out of balance. We will study the body and its functions starting at the cellular level and proceeding to the different systems used to provide for the cells' needs.

Anatomy & Physiology 1 Lab (1 credit) BI 231LH

Learn the anatomical concepts and terminology necessary to identify, name, and describe normal anatomy and deviations from it.

Microbiology (3 credits) BI 251H

Explore the “micro-world:” microscopic organisms generally not visible to the naked eye. You’ll learn about the significant role of the micro-world and how it interacts with organisms that are visible, the role of microbes in advancing fundamental biological knowledge and the impact microbiology has on our daily life. Studies in microbiology contribute to the advances in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, immunology, ecology, bioremediation and agriculture, therefore contributing to our planet’s stability as a whole.

Microbiology Lab (1 credit) BI 251LH

Learn techniques and procedures most commonly used in the introductory microbiology laboratory, such as viewing, staining, growing and identifying unknown microorganisms. You will also learn the importance of laboratory safety and its application to biosafety levels. Demonstrate the knowledge of aseptic, sterilization and disinfection techniques, which are the basis for safe handling of human biological specimens and applying proper aseptic technique in the health care setting.

How does an online lab course work?

Our lab classes will explore concepts through interactive online simulations, videos, and the course textbook, as well as activities using some inexpensive materials found at home or easily purchased at a local store. Students will not be required to purchase “at-home lab kits” which are not only expensive, but can lead to unsafe results.

Access

Your courses are fully online, available to you 24/7 for the eight-week session.

Tuition

Each course is $350 per credit ($1050 for a three-credit course).

Please note: There may be additional fees for textbooks, lab materials or online services.

Registration

The only thing that’s required is your desire to earn your next degree and a completed undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Sign up for whichever courses you need. Remember to add the separate lab courses for Microbiology or Anatomy & Physiology unless you have fulfilled the labs already.

Once you’ve completed the online registration application, you’ll receive an Alverno network account. We’ll guide you to register for the classes of your choosing and pay your tuition bill for just the courses you want. A quick online orientation will get you on your way to the next step in your educational journey!

START HERE

Course cancellation policy: Student may withdraw, in writing, up to and including Day 7 of the course session for a 100% refund. Withdrawal in writing Day 8 - Day 14 of the course session results in a 50% refund. No refund after Day 15.

The Annual Crime and Fire Safety Report for Alverno College, which includes crime statistics and annual fire safety statistics, can be found online. A hard copy of the report is available upon request. Please send your request to Jason Pilarski, director of Campus Safety.