Comparative Health Systems: Priorities and Perspectives • J-Term • Carthage College

The United States spends more on healthcare per capita than all other high-income nations, yet it falls far behind its peers on affordability, efficiency, equity, and quality measures. This course will examine the history, politics, economics, social values, and social welfare systems that shape and intersect with the healthcare delivery model of Norway as we seek to answer the following question: How do other nations spend less money while simultaneously achieving better care outcomes, indicators of health, and overall well-being?

This course fulfills the IDP requirement.

A group photo of students in Norway.

A group photo of students in Norway.

A group photo in front of the Nobel Peace Center.

A group photo in front of the Nobel Peace Center.

Nordic Pixel Forest in Ekebergparken Sculpture Park.

Nordic Pixel Forest in Ekebergparken Sculpture Park.

Akershus Fortress in Oslo, Norway.

Akershus Fortress in Oslo, Norway.

Gol Stave Church.

Gol Stave Church.

Students walking through a snow-covered forest.

Students walking through a snow-covered forest.

Oslo National Medical Museum.

Oslo National Medical Museum.

Oslo Central Station.

Oslo Central Station.

Students enjoying a boat ride.

Students enjoying a boat ride.

A street lined with Norwegian flags.

A street lined with Norwegian flags.

Course code and title

NSG 2000/SWK 2000 Comparative Health Systems: Priorities and Perspectives

Destination

Oslo and Bergen, Norway

Instructors

Preferred contact — Prof. Rebecca Hornung (social work)
Prof. Alex Thompson (nursing)

Estimated travel dates

Jan. 7-18, 2026

Estimated costs

$4,000 + optional campus expenses

Information sessions

Wednesday, March 26 — 4:15 p.m., Lentz Hall 411