Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Pre-Clinical Allied Health Track
Degree Overview
The program is a preparatory program for students who wish to seek admission to graduate-level clinical programs, such as those in physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology or physician assistant. Students with this preparation could also pursue graduate programs in areas of health sciences or health and human services. This degree can also provide an opportunity for credentialed health-care professionals who have sufficient health science background to expand the scope of their education through completion of courses both within and outside of their disciplines.
There are no program-specific admission requirements.
Program Curriculum
The curriculum requires comprehensive preparation in the natural and social sciences. Core requirements include coursework in basic and health sciences as well as health services areas such as health-care systems, administration, research, law, ethics and economics. Courses include required prerequisites for graduate allied health programs. Additional elective courses in health services administration will improve student understanding of the complex health-care system in which health professionals currently practice.
The curriculum was designed to accommodate or include courses required for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant as well as many other rigorous health professions degree programs. Students will also be prepared for advanced study in areas not involving clinical practice such as exercise physiology, public health, environmental health and health services administration. Students should determine their interests in graduate education as soon as possible upon entering the program to ensure their inclusion of prerequisites for graduate programs in their course of study.
It is recommended that students with adequate preparation enroll in the highest level possible in math, biology, chemistry and physics. Students should have access to a personal computer, modem and software in order to interact with the instructional faculty. Many upper-level courses are Web-based as well as face-to-face, and the latter are available at times compatible with the needs of part-time students.
