PHCC PHACT Program Review System

Program Review for Science

Program Review Framework & Criteria

I. Connection: From interest to application (Qualitative, program head and dean)

1) Please provide a description of any changes to the program since the last cycle and the appropriate updates to the catalog (general education changes, program requirement changes, ancillary program costs for students, hours/credits of credentials, etc.).

The Science program was last reviewed in 2019 and since this time, there have been a few changes since the last cycle. Beginning in the Fall 2023 semester, the BIO 205 General Microbiology course offering was changed to BIO 150 Microbiology for Health Science to better align with VCCS prerequisites. In addition, the Science degree, which was once offered as an Associates of Art degree is now being offered as an Associates of Science degree. Finally, Frances Moore, a long time Biology and Anatomy & Physiology professor retired prior to the Fall 2023 semester.

2) How do students find out about the program? Please provide examples of advising activities, marketing materials, or other outreach and engagement events designed to recruit students to the program.

Students find out about the Science program because it is not only a transfer program, but is also a general studies program, which is the most popular program on campus. In addition, brochures have been developed, printed, and are often distributed at community events and the faculty of the Science program have participated in a variety of STEM and Science-related events, including research opportunities, Senior Day field trips, and the Patrick County High School career fair. Finally, a majority of the students taking science courses within the program are students enrolled in Governors School. The courses they generally take while attending Governors School line up quite well with the course requirements within the degree program.

II. Entry: From application to pathway entry (Qualitative, program head and dean)

1) Please provide a description of your program credentials and how they stack into one another.

No stackable credentials in this program.

Questions for consideration:
1.a. What is the employability (or transferability) of each credential?

A majority of students who satisfy the requirements to receive a degree in Science, pursue a higher degree at a variety of institutions, including several Virginia schools such as Averett University, Ferrum College, Virginia Tech, Liberty University, University of Lynchburg, and the University of Virginia. There are some students who has transferred to other schools outside of Virginia, including Coastal Carolina. Students who obtain a Science degree with a specialization in Health Sciences and Pre-BSN generally attend Old Dominion University and Radford University, because both institutions provide a pathway for both specializations. In addition, students obtaining a specialization in Pre-BSN generally use this degree as a means for internal transfer into the Nursing program upon acceptance to the competitive entry program. Many have dual majors including nursing and Pre-BSN. Those students who complete both degrees may leverage themselves to complete a university BSN in one year through a RN to BSN track. Others, complete the associate degree in nursing at P&HCC which makes them eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, while others complete the Pre-BSN only and work and transfer into a BSN level nursing program as a junior.

1.b. Do all credits from a sub-credential transfer into the parent credential?

Not applicable to this program.

1.c. What is the timeframe of completion for all credentials within the program (i.e. is the program setup to award sub-credentials prior to the parent credential)?

We do not have sub-credentials but the Science degree can be completed within two years to transfer to a senior institution.

2) Program enrollment, if applicable, disaggregated by specialization (Quantitative, IE)

According to the data provided, enrollment within the Science program has decreased within the last three years similar to the overall college enrollment decline. The decline can be contributed to lower numbers of students entering the STEM fields and a decline in the overall student population. Finally, it is encouraging to note two years of growth in the Health Sciences program since its inception during the 2016/2017 academic year.

a. Annual program FTE and HC over the last review cycle (To include SCHEV program ratios and SCHEV class ratios)

Academic Plans	AY 22-23		AY 21-22		AY 20-21		AY 19-20
	AY 22-23		AY 21-22		AY 20-21		AY 19-20
	Headcount	FTE's	Headcount	FTEs	Headcount	FTEs	Headcount	FTEs
881--Associate in Arts & Sciences Degree in Science	49	27.93	51	30.23	56	29.47	86	47.20
881-01--Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science - Specialization in Medical Science	0	0	1	0.23	2	0.70	4	1.77
881-02--Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science-Specialization in Pre-BSN	95	50.93	130	67.10	127	66.53	113	59.67
881-03--Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science - Specialization in Health Science	50	26.33	37	22.67	39	19.23	34	12.93
Total	194	105.20	219	120.23	224	115.93	237	121.57

Enrollment Table

III. Progress: Pathway advancement (Quantitative, IE)

1) Student learning outcomes data

Program: Science AA&S
Year	Outcome	Assessment	Course	Criteria	Benchmark	Data	Action Plan for Next AY
2020-21	demonstrate scientific literacy by correctly using the terms, hypothesis, law, and theory in their scientific context	Capstone Prompt for Core Competency Testing	Capstone Courses (SDV 199 for Sci Prog)	70% or higher	40% of students will score	Post test 75% (3 of 4 students)	Conversion of modality due to COVID-19 and bolster Canvas shells and courses
	Health Sciences Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score	81% (22 of 24 students) met the criteria	Conversion of modality due to COVID-19
	Health Sciences Specialization: Identify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score	94% (91 of 97 students) met the criteria	Conversion of modality due to COVID-19
	Health Sciences Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Project	HLT 220	80% or higher	70% of students will score	100% ( 5 of 5 students) met the criteria	Conversion of modality due to COVID-19
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score	81% (22 of 24 students) met the criteria	Conversion of modality due to COVID-19
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Identify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score	81% (22 of 24 students) met the criteria	Conversion of modality due to COVID-19
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Final course exam	HLT 250	80% or higher	70% of students will score	88% (30 of 34 students) met the criteria	Conversion of modality due to COVID-19
2021-2022
2021-22	demonstrate scientific literacy by correctly using the terms, hypothesis, law, and theory in their scientific context	Capstone Prompt for Core Competency Testing	Capstone Courses (SDV 199 for Sci Prog)	70% or higher	40% of students will score	Post test 66% (2 of 3 students)	Implementation of new General Education Core Competency Plan which changes to Scientific Literacy
	Health Sciences Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score	52% (28 of 54 students) met the criteria	Additional resources in the Canvas course to aid in distance learning .
	Health Sciences Specialization: Indentify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score	87% (94 of 16 students) met the criteria	Adjustments to meet distance requirements
	Health Sciences Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Project	HLT 220	80% or higher	70% of students will score	100% (9 of 9 students) met the criteria	Adjustments to meet distance requirements
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score	52% (28 of 54 students) met the criteria	Additional resources in the Canvas course to aid in distance learning .
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Identify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score	87% (94 of 16 students) met the criteria	Adjustments to meet distance requirements
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Final course exam	HLT 250	80% or higher	70% of students will score	89% (31 of 35 students) met the criteria	Adjustments to meet distance requirements
2022-23
2022-23	demonstrate scientific literacy by correctly using the terms, hypothesis, law, and theory in their scientific context	Capstone Prompt for Core Competency Testing	Capstone Courses (SDV 199 for Sci Prog)	70% or higher	40% of students will score	Post Test 47% (23 of 49) students	Continue to monitor and evaluate new Gen Ed Competency
	Health Sciences Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score	48% (14 of 29 students) met the criteria	Continue previous year improvement strategies
	Health Sciences Specialization: Identify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score	92% (89 of 96 students ) met the criteria	Continue previous year improvement strategies
	Health Sciences Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Project	HLT 220	80% or higher	70% of students will score	course not offered	Course not offered
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score	48% (14 of 29 students) met the criteria	Continue previous year improvement strategies
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Identify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score	92% (89 of 96 students ) met the criteria	Continue previous year improvement strategies
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Final course exam	HLT 250	80% or higher	70% of students will score	60% (23 of 38 students) met the criteria	Continue previous year improvement strategies
2023-24
2023-24	demonstrate scientific literacy by correctly using the terms, hypothesis, law, and theory in their scientific context	Capstone Prompt for Core Competency Testing	Capstone Courses (SDV 199 for Sci Prog)	70% or higher	40% of students will score
	Health Sciences Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score
	Health Sciences Specialization: Identify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score
	Health Sciences Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Project	HLT 220	80% or higher	70% of students will score
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Demonstrate competency in identifying human organs and listing specific functions of organs that make up organ systems.	Skeletal System: Bone Practical	BIO 141	70% or higher	70% of students will score
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Identify the path taken by nutrients as they travel through the digestive system	Teacher exam	HLT 230	80% or higher	70% of students will score
	Pre-BSN Specialization: Distinguish between different drug classifications and commonly prescribed medications	Final course exam	HLT 250	80% or higher	70% of students will score

Outcomes Table

According to the outcomes table for the Science program, it suggests that the program has been trending well since the last program review in 2015. In addition, the science specializations are also trending well - the Pre-BSN specialization has been trending well since it�s F in 15/16 and since its implementation in 17/18 - the Health Sciences specialization is also trending well.

2) Program credit attainment (15/12 in one semester, 30/24 for those who enrolled in two consecutive semesters)

Academic Plan	N	2022-23
		One Term		Two Consecutive Terms
		12	15	24	30
881 - Science	49	5	3	7	7
881-02 - Pre-BSN	95	9	2	15	9
881-03 - Health Science	50	3	3	9	8


Academic Plan	N	2021-22
		One Term		Two Consecutive Terms
		12	15	24	30
881 - Science	51	9	1	8	10
881-01 - Medical Science	1	0	0	0	0
881-02 - Pre-BSN	130	17	1	24	7
881-03 - Health Science	37	5	1	8	6


Academic Plan	N	2020-21
		One Term		Two Consecutive Terms
		12	15	24	30
881 - Science	56	4	5	7	8
881-01 - Medical Science	2	0	0	0	0
881-02 - Pre-BSN	127	11	2	25	7
881-03 - Health Science	39	3	0	7	3


Academic Plan	N	2019-20
		One Term		Two Consecutive Terms
		12	15	24	30
881-01--Medical Science	4	0	0	1
881-02--Pre-BSN	113	12	0	29	2
881-03--Health Science	34	2	0	1	2
881--Science	86	12	2	16	12

Credit Attainment Table

According to the data provided within the table, it can be determined a majority of students within the program are completing between 24 to 30 credits, rather than 12 to 15. However, strategies should be implemented to increase the number of students taking 24 to 30 credits and as a department, our intentions are to work with IR to outline the particular strategies that would enable us to accomplish this goal.

3) Program retention and persistence relative to the start date of the program (subsequent term calculation)

Academic Plan	N	Fall 22
		F2S		F2F
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	22	17	77.27%	7	31.82%
881-02 - Pre-BSN	21	17	80.95%	13	61.90%
881-03 - Health Science	15	13	86.67%	11	73.33%

Academic Plan	N	Fall 21
		F2S		F2F
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	13	10	76.92%	6	46.15%
881-02 - Pre-BSN	9	6	66.67%	3	33.33%
881-03 - Health Science	12	9	75.00%	5	41.67%

Academic Plan	N	Fall 20
		F2S		F2F
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	10	6	60.00%	2	20.00%
881-02 - Pre-BSN	39	31	79.49%	16	41.03%
881-03 - Health Science	12	7	58.33%	4	33.33%

Academic Plan	N	Fall 19
		F2S		F2F
		n	%	n	%
881--Science	16	8	50.00%	5	31.25%
881-02--Pre-BSN	27	22	81.48%	18	66.67%
881-03--Health Science	10	6	60.00%	2	20.00%

Persistence and Retention Table

The data suggests that the persistence percentage has been consistent from semester to semester, except for an anomalous semester during the 2016/2017 AY. It should be noted that this occurrence was also evident across other programs on campus. However, since the 2016/2017 AY, retention rates have been trending upward once again.

IV. Completion: Credential attainment (Quantitative, IE)

1) Sub-credential attainment and timeframe (are students completing sub-credential prior to or at the same time as parent credential?)

We do not have sub-credentials in this program.

2) Parent credential attainment and timeframe, if applicable, disaggregated by specialization

Plan	N	AY 2022-23
		Grads		150
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	49	7	14.29%	5	71.43%
881-02 - Pre-BSN	95	7	7.37%	6	85.71%
881-03 - Health Science	50	6	12.00%	4	66.67%


Plan	N	AY 2021-22
		Grads		150
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	51	6	11.76%	4	66.67%
881-01 - Medical Science	1	0	--	0	--
881-02 - Pre-BSN	130	7	5.38%	4	57.14%
881-03 - Health Science	37	5	13.51%	5	100.00%


Plan	N	AY 2020-21
		AY 2020-21
		Grads		150%
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	56	9	16.07%	7	77.78%
881-01 - Medical Science	2	1	50.00%	1	100.00%
881-02 - Pre-BSN	127	5	3.94%	5	100.00%
881-03 - Health Science	39	6	15.38%	6	100.00%


Plan	N	AY 2019-20
		AY 2019-20
		Grads		150%
		n	%	n	%
881- Science	86	14	16.28%	10	71.43%
881-01- Medical Science	4	0	-	0	-
881-02- Pre-BSN	113	3	2.65%	2	66.67%
881-03-Health Science	34	0	-	0	-

Credential Table

Data collected during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 academic years correlate with the national and college averages associated with students graduating with a Science degree. The data for the 2016/2017 AY could be attributed to the decrease in retention rates as seen campus wide. The data for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 shows a decline; however, this is associated with students not having time to complete the program within the 2 year time frame. Within the 2 year time frame, we speculate that the data for the academic years of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, will align with both national and college averages.

a. Are students completing within 6 semesters (150% of graduation time)?

Yes - we see high percentages which are on level for those of the national and college averages.

V. Transition: Employment or transfer post-credential (Quantitative, IE)

1) Transfer outcomes (students who transfer with associate degree, students who transfer without)

Plan	N	AY 2022-23
		Grads		Transfer
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	49	7	14.29%	0	--
881-02 - Pre-BSN	95	7	7.37%	0	--
881-03 - Health Science	50	6	12.00%	1	2.00%


Plan	N	AY 2021-22
		Grads		Transfer
		n	%	n	%
881 - Science	51	6	11.76%	2	3.92%
881-01 - Medical Science	1	0	--	0	--
881-02 - Pre-BSN	130	7	5.38%	1	0.77%
881-03 - Health Science	37	5	13.51%	1	2.70%


Plan	N (Overall)	N (Graduates)	AY 2020-21
			Associate		Non-Associate
			n	%	n	%
881 - Science	56	9	2	22.22%
881-01 - Medical Science	2	1	1	100.00%
881-02 - Pre-BSN	127	5	1	20.00%
881-03 - Health Science	39	6	1	16.67%


Plan	N	AY2019-20
		Associate		Non-Associate	%
		n	%	n	%
881- Science	86	1	6.25%	15	93.75%
881-01- Medical Science	4		0.00%	2	100.00%
881-02-Pre-BSN	113		0.00%	9	100.00%
881-03-Health Science	34		0.00%	2	100.00%

Transfer Outcomes

According to the data, it appears as if more students, since the 2014/2015 AY, have been transferring to higher institutions without an Associates Degree. This is a trend that is prominent across campus; therefore, communication to students to complete an associates degree prior to transferring is paramount.

2) Student perspective/satisfaction

Data reported for all P&HCC programs.


IN1: The courses I took at PHCC prepared me for my educational goals.

Responses:	47	Average:	82.81

Rating	# of Responses	% of Total
<60	9	19.15%
60-69	2	4.26%
70-79	4	8.51%
80-89	4	8.51%
>90	28	59.57%


IN2:The faculty at PHCC are fair and supportive of students.


Responses:	47	Average:	82.17

Rating	# of Responses	% of Total
<60	9	19.15%
60-69	3	6.38%
70-79	1	2.13%
80-89	2	4.26%
>90	32	68.09%


IN3: The faculty at PHCC demonstrate thorough knowledge of the subject matter.

Responses:	48	Average:	80.4

Rating	# of Responses	% of Total
<60	11	22.92%
60-69	1	2.08%
70-79	3	6.25%
80-89	3	6.25%
>90	30	62.50%


IN4: In the courses I took at PHCC, classroom activities and outside assignments were appropriate and meaningful.

Responses:	47	Average:	79.87

Rating	# of Responses	% of Total
<60	9	19.15%
60-69	5	10.64%
70-79	3	6.38%
80-89	1	2.13%
>90	29	61.70%


IN5: I would recommend the faculty at PHCC.

Responses:	48	Average:	82.23

Rating	# of Responses	% of Total
<60	8	16.67%
60-69	2	4.17%
70-79	4	8.33%
80-89	5	10.42%
>90	29	60.42%

Survey Means

According to the data, the survey means are aligned with where they should be.

VI. Sustainability: Future Program Outlook (Mixed methods, IE, program head and dean)

1) Program forecast (major expenditures, changes, personnel needs, etc.); any future costs should be explained in this section)

A significant personnel need will occur within the next two years as a Biology/Anatomy & Physiology position will become available. No significant equipment costs are anticipated at this time.

a. Any other pertinent information relevant to the review process should be provided here (e.g. community need, state/federal requirements, external accreditation, SCHEV low enrollment warning, etc.)

The Science program offers many faculty-led field research programs, some of which have been funded by P&HCC Foundation grants. The field research programs have led to several student publications and our program envisions that science students will continue to participate in these programs, with a potential increase in student publications. In addition, our program hopes to create potential partnerships with other nearby colleges to involve students in research-based activities.

b. Employment forecast for program (Analyst data)

Ambulatory Health Care Services in Patrick & Henry Community College, 2023Q1¹
		Current			5-Year History		5-Year Forecast
NAICS	Industry	Empl	Avg Ann Wages	LQ	Empl Change	Ann %	Total Demand	Exits	Transfers	Empl Growth	Ann % Growth
621	Ambulatory Health Care Services	2,187	$49,375	0.83	188	1.8%	1,116	480	582	53	0.5%
	Total - All Industries	48,857	$41,329	1.00	-431	-0.2%	26,572	11,617	16,186	-1,232	-0.5%

Source: JobsEQ®

Data as of 2023Q1

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

1. All data based upon a four-quarter moving average

Exits and transfers are approximate estimates based upon occupation separation rates.

Industry Snapshot

Snapshot for science is not provided because it is a transfer degree program and the discipline is too broad to specify which field students will pursue to find employment. Snapshot provided correlates to employability associated with a specialization in either Pre-BSN and Health Sciences.