Course Descriptions

Health Science Overview» An introduction to the language and science of medicine with an emphasis on human anatomy and physiology. Using a systematic text, students will study normal and abnormal body function; learn how to communicate with other health providers and study medical texts. Two hours of lecture and one hour of lab per week.

Pharmacology » An introductory course on the principles of pharmacology including how each drug works, when to use them, when not to, and what side effects they have. The development of an "essential community dispensary" and it's operation will be emphasized.

Microbiology & Applied Medical Technology » An introduction to the microbiology of disease and health. The role of bacteria and viruses in world health and how to prevent the transmission of these diseases and the study and practice of laboratory skills that aid in diagnosis of disease in field labs will be explored. Two lecture hours and one lab hour per week.

Physical Exam and Assessment » Understanding the normal physical exam is the foundation of the abnormal exam from which disease is identified. Normal and abnormal finding will be covered as students practice taking a medical history and doing physical exams. Two hours of lecture and one hour of lab per week.

Community Health Assessment & Development » Learn to evaluate the international community in which you will serve in order to formulate a practical response - given your resources and role as defined by the local standard of care and regulations. Public Health issues and education techniques will be explored. Immunization programs, sanitation, safe water practices, nutrition, tribal systems and community dynamics will be reviewed. International Relief Agencies and networking will be discussed. Students will learn how to teach indigenous Community Health Workers who will affect their communities. Each student will participate in the development and presentation of a health education program.

Anatomy Lab » The lab represents 1 lab hour for Health Science Overview and involves hands-on learning experience.

Emergency Medical Technician » This course is designed for pre-hospital workers who respond to medical and trauma emergencies and transport the sick or injured to medical treatment centers. Material is divided into eight areas including: preparatory, airway, CPR, patient assessment, medical, trauma, pediatrics, and operations. Includes laboratory time and hospital observation time. The EMT class will help prepare students to stabilize the sick and injured while transporting them to a medical facility. Completion of this course, following the national curriculum, leads to a state certification. The national certifying exam is optional.

Community Health Care » Always with an emphasis on prevention, this course will cover the diagnoses and treatment of the most common diseases that one would encounter in international community health. You will learn when you need to give immediate care and when you need to refer your patients to a higher level of care. From head to toe, you will systematically study the different organ systems of the body and diseases that affect each system.

Children's Health » From birth to adolescence, preventative and curative health care of children in developing countries will be covered. This course will teach normal childhood growth and development, nutritional needs of children, and diseases common to children.

Health and Disease of Tropical and Developing Countries » An overview of the many diseases that are specific to tropical climates and developing countries. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses such as Malaria, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, and Parasite Infections will be covered.

Technical Skills Lab » This hands-on class will teach you the technical skills needed to be a caregiver in developing nations. Skills such as giving injections, starting IVs, sterile technique, surgical wound care, incision of abscesses, splints and casting of fractured bones, dental care and tooth extraction, Phlebotomy, and Electrocardiogram. Three lab contact hours equal one academic unit.

Women's Health » Focusing on the needs of women, this course will provide an overview of women's health. Preventative care, screening health care, and curative care will be covered. Students will also study health care in pregnancy and childbirth.

International Community Health Internship » This eight week internship will be done in a community health setting in a developing country under the supervision of an experienced health provider. You will actually see patients, make diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. You will perform a community health assessment and formulate a development plan. You will get firsthand experience at sharing your faith as part of your ministry of health care.

Missions and International Community Health Home

MICH Curriculum