Social Work in Healthcare: Healthcare Business and Leadership

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving role of social work within healthcare systems, from its historical foundations to emerging trends and ethical complexities. Students will examine key government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI, with an emphasis on eligibility and social justice implications. The course also addresses private insurance models, workplace benefits, and future policy considerations like family leave and abortion rights. Ethical principles, decision-making frameworks, and real-world case studies will help students navigate challenging clinical dynamics and interdisciplinary tensions. Practical skills in documentation, medical terminology, budgeting, and technology use are integrated to prepare students for hospital-based practice. Finally, students will explore social work's expanding role in medical research, advocacy, and non-traditional positions within healthcare, culminating in presentations that reflect their growing leadership capacity.