A bachelor’s degree in health science is for students planning to work in health care, whether as medical practitioners, researchers, or administrators.
However, many healthcare-related positions demand an advanced degree, including a professional or master’s degree, and acquiring a BHS can help students fulfill their academic and professional goals.
What Will I Learn in a BS in Health Science Program? What is the Curriculum?
Course Work
For the first years of their studies, students seeking a BS in Health Science will complete many of the general education requirements for their programs.
This is because they are the basic general education requirements that most bachelor’s degree programs will require as the foundation of your education.
However, to make the most of the educational experience, students must focus on science and math courses, including chemistry, psychology, biology, and statistics.
One question to consider is what type of classes you will be taking.
For the major, classes may include the following:
- Global Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Health Care Management
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
- Health Care Policy
- Health Equity
- Medical Ethics
The Health Sciences Program professional curriculum is typically two years in duration, with students entering in the autumn semester of the junior or third year.
First and second-year students active in university Honors or Scholars may be considered for direct admission to the program.
A minimum total of 120 semester hours, including prerequisites, program requirements, general education courses (GE’s), and transfer credits, are required for the degree.
Pre-Health Sciences Program
First and second year: Students will complete GE coursework and admission prerequisite requirements: psychology, sociology, math, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, statistics, biology, and chemistry.
Health Sciences Program
Third and fourth year: Students complete core health sciences courses, minor coursework, and additional graduate school prerequisite coursework.
Core Health Sciences content includes pathophysiology, epidemiology, research, health care statistics analysis, ethics and issues, and management principles.
How to Choose a Good Program in Health Sciences
Health science is an emerging and relatively new study area at the baccalaureate level, so not all colleges offer a health science program.
When looking for universities and colleges and universities that offer this course of study, consider the following factors to help decide if a program is a good fit for your goals.
Your career goals will help you determine which BHS best suits your needs.
For example, if students are seeking a vocation in healthcare leadership, consider seeking schools that provide a concentration of specialization within their health science program.
Consider making an appointment with an academic advisor to plan your career goals and the best programs to help you on your path.
Every college and university has associations with various local and national organizations, so planning with a program advisor before applying and finding your practicum options may be beneficial.
In addition, your time as an undergraduate student will help determine your future educational and vocational opportunities.
Online vs. Traditional Educational Experiences
Many educational possibilities are open to you as you pursue a BS in Health Sciences.
And one consideration is online options for a BHS degree.
While fewer programs are available than for some other mayors, intrepid scholars can earn a degree online and enjoy the perks of online coursework that include flexibility.
However, it should be observed that due to the lab-based character of the coursework, even a virtual or online degree program will still demand that students be onsite to fulfill specific components.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences?
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science takes four to five years of full-time attendance, which aligns with other bachelor’s degrees.
Besides the general coursework in the classroom, a B.S. in Health Science often requires that students complete an internship or practicum and utilize and demonstrate mastery of their studies in a clinical area.
Students can usually select from organizations from area hospitals, medical clinics, public health, and international healthcare sites.
The usual route is that students complete the practicum or internship in their final year.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences?
So, let’s talk money.
The tuition or cost has many variables, beginning with whether you are taking your education course at a four-year public institution vs. a private school.
Then there is the factor of in-state or out-of-state.
Let’s look at the 2019-2020 academic year as an example.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition and fees come with a price tag of $9,400 in public schools and $36,700 in private.
It would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to discuss the possibility of scholarships, stipends, and grants.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences?
You can pursue three primary tracks with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. Let’s go over each one:
Entry-level roles: Many BHS graduates work in entry-level positions at hospitals, community agencies, public health agencies, pharmacies, or research laboratories.
Their work may include health services, administration, information management, or public health.
Keep in mind that BHS programs offer a pre-med track for students planning careers as health care practitioners.
Master’s degree: For students interested in healthcare administration or healthcare policy, there is a range of options to go on to graduate programs, including a Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Science in Health Information Management, or a Master’s in Public Health (MPH).
Each degree is geared toward a specific study area, and you can qualify for more advanced positions through advanced education.
Professional degree: Students interested in aiding patients will explore professional degree programs leading to a career as a doctor, veterinarian, dentist, physical therapist, physician assistant, or other practitioner classification.
Should I Get a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences?
If you’re interested in following a healthcare career path, you understand that the demand for medical professionals is high.
Health Sciences is a field that is in high demand.
A Bachelor of Science in Health Science offers a career entry pathway into the healthcare profession, a field expected to grow by at least 16 percent in the next decade.
The field and academic study of health science is a growing specialization within healthcare, and it is one that an increasing number of college students are interested in working in after graduation.
An interdisciplinary field of health science is a field that revolves around the application of science-related skills to health-related topics, including medicine, environmental health, and nutrition.
It unites scientific research with clinical practice to improve healthcare modalities and outcomes for individuals and communities.
While traditional medical and nursing schools are time-tested and well-respected options, many other career paths are just as vital in healthcare.
So, why are students looking to health science as a path to healthcare?
It could be due to an enhanced awareness of vocational opportunities.
In addition, recent healthcare events have brought many vital medical and health science contributions.
Yes, the eruption of COVID-19 was a clarion call, and so are the many other ailments that need our attention—including the growing obesity problems, opioid addiction, heart disease, and diabetes—there is a clear and defined need for well-qualified healthcare professionals.
For those interested in helping others and are fascinated by science, a degree in health science may be the right program to begin your healthcare journey.
A degree in health science assists students in their career goals by preparing them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the medical, health, and wellness fields.
The skills required to advance in health science include critical analysis, information literacy/management, leadership skills, problem-solving proficiency, and interpersonal communication skills.
Many career options can be open to individuals with a health science degree.
Possible positions in the health science field run the gamut from clinical work with individuals to administrative functions at private practices.
Moreover, as health science is growing and expansive, successful graduates can move up the career ladder as experience grows and goals evolve.
The study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHS) usually combines the study of biological, physical, and social sciences, plus healthcare-focused areas of study, plus an internship or practicum, which is meant to introduce students to the principles, practice, and philosophy of healthcare.
Some will use their BHS degree to gain entry into healthcare administrative roles, for example, as a program coordinator or an assistant clinic administrator.
And some proceed to earn a professional degree—including a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
