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University of North Texas Health Science Center

Three individuals dressed in business attire excited to launch their careers Health Sciences Career Readiness Microcredential is a Course

Health Sciences Career Readiness Microcredential

Self-paced

$150 Enroll

Full course description

HSC identifies six Career Readiness Skills that are commonly developed as student learning outcomes throughout health sciences curriculum. In addition to academic accomplishments and acquired technical acumen, it is agreed that competency in these skills also means that learners have developed long-standing attributes that broadly prepare them to transition to being a professional in a variety of settings. Ultimately, this means that learners are able to demonstrate proficiency in and articulate these skills to potential employers as well as next-level graduate and professional education programs. The six Career Readiness Skills that the institution has adopted are: Communication, Leadership, Resiliency, Intercultural Fluency, Problem Solving, and Interprofessional Teamwork.

Estimated Hours to Complete: 20

Our learning objectives are that upon completion of this microcredential course, learners will be able to:

  • Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and verbal communications.
  • Exhibit confidence in public speaking skills, able to express ideas to others, and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex reports clearly and effectively.
  • Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions.
  • Demonstrate an openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.
  • Develop strategies for adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress
  • Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the concepts and benefits of the resilient mindset.
  • Use tools and resources to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress
  • Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits
  • Exhibit strong commitment to integrity and ethical behavior
  • Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals
  • Use empathetic skills to guide and motivate as well as organize, prioritize, and delegate work

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for participation in this course. It is designed to meet the needs of those interested in pursuing careers in the health sciences and as health professionals.

Course Faculty:

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James (Jimmy) Renfro, M.Ed., NCC, ACC, CMCS

Jimmy Renfro, M.Ed., NCC, ACC, CMCS, serves as the Director of the Career Readiness Center. He has over 20 years of experience in various facets of higher education administration and student support services and has been at UNTHSC since December 2009. In his current role, he oversees the general operations of the Center, including the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) processes for medical students applying to residency, and contributes to student career development initiatives and advising for all UNTHSC academic disciplines. Jimmy’s philosophy of the individual career journey is that the experience should more resemble “playing on the playground, not climbing a ladder!” After a stint in the corporate world as an oil & gas accountant, Jimmy has held previous positions as both Director of Student Leadership & Organizations and as Director of Disability Accommodations for the University of North Texas (UNT), as well as the Assistant Director for Leadership in the Center for Student Development at Texas Woman’s University. Jimmy holds a Master of Education degree in Counseling from UNT and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Sam Houston State University. Jimmy is a National Certified Counselor and holds the distinction of Certified Master of Career Services through the National Career Development Association. In 2019, he completed his Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas and is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Jimmy is highly involved in his community, and has served on numerous professional and civic boards including the Metroplex Area Consortium of Career Centers, North Central Texas InterLink, the Denton Wesley Foundation, and the Denton Hi-Noon Lions Club.
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Andrew Arvay, MS

Andrew Arvay serves as the Director of the Office of Care and Civility. He has over 10 years of experience in higher education and working with college students to support their development and wellness. Currently, he provides leadership for the various functions of the Office of Care and Civility, including the Care Team, student conduct, Fitness Center, and wellness programming. Andrew believes that actualizing your potential frequently requires a helping relationship, particularly during challenging times. Andrew graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in College Student Personnel. During his free time, Andrew enjoys food (both cooking and eating), learning about the world, exercising, and live music.
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Kimberly Meyer, PhD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Dr. Meyer is the Executive Director for Academic Innovation and Associate Professor of PA Studies at UNTHSC. Here she leads a talented and diverse group of educational innovators in the support of academic excellence at UNTHSC. Prior to joining HSC, she began her teaching career as a PA faculty member at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport from 2002 – 2005 and served as PA Program Director there from 2005 - 2015. At LSUHSC, she maintained a part-time clinical practice in neurosurgery and earned a PhD in Education from Capella University with specialization in Higher Education Leadership. Dr. Meyer maintains academic appointments in PA Studies, School of Biomedical Sciences, and in TCOM’s Department of Medical Education.
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John McKenzie, M.A., M.S.

John McKenzie is Director of Educational Development in the Division of Academic Innovation and Adjunct Faculty in Health Behavior & Health Systems at HSC. John has taught undergraduate and graduate Communication courses since 2006 at three universities including HSC. John is also a certified Digital Accessibility Specialist and Quality Matters peer reviewer for higher education courses. His research interests are in communication, instructional design, education, and technology.
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Susan Franks, PhD

Dr. Franks is Associate Professor in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Franks' research interests are biological and psychological mediators of appetite regulation, obesity, and their interface. Working across various age, cultural, and gender groups, she has successfully developed and implemented brain-based interventions for the treatment of obesity. Of particular interest are Dr. Franks’ studies examining the role of the appetite-regulating hormone ghrelin and the stress hormone cortisol on the regulation of eating behavior. She also investigated neurobehavioral aspects of appetite regulation as it overlaps with environmental stressors and the addictive process.
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Damian Torres

Damian Torres is the Executive Director of Student Engagement & Experience at HSC.