Program Overview

Introduction to the Health Sciences - Allied Health Program

The online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences-Allied Health program at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is designed for students who have completed an associate's degree and obtained their state license or certification in a health-related field. This innovative curriculum is ideal for working professionals, providing a comprehensive approach to health sciences and preparing students for exceptional patient-centered care.

Program Overview

The program empowers students to elevate their careers in health-related fields, delving into foundational health promotion and disease prevention concepts, sharpening critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and enhancing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and interprofessional education, essential skills for navigating the complexities of today's healthcare landscape.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to this program, students must:

• Have or be currently pursuing an allied health associate's degree through a regionally accredited college
• Secure state certification or licensure upon completion of their associate's degree
• Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

Program Structure

The program requires the completion of an associate degree at a regionally accredited community college or university in a health science discipline and requires 30 units from NAU, distributed as follows:

• Associate degree at a regionally accredited community college or university in a health science discipline: 90 units
• Health Sciences Common Courses: 30 units
• Selection of an Emphasis associated with the state or national license attained from the associate degree received from the community college

Health Sciences Core

The Health Sciences Core consists of 30 units, including:

• HS 300, HS 320, HS 404, HS 410 (12 units)
• FW 321 (3 units)
• HS 390W, which meets the junior-level writing requirement (3 units)
• HS 460C, which meets the senior capstone requirement (3 units)
• Any other Health Sciences (HS) or Fitness Wellness (FW) courses at the 300-level or higher (9 units)

Emphasis Requirements

NAU will accept up to 90 units of transfer credit toward the completion of this degree, including all coursework related to the following emphases:

• Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy Emphasis
• Medical Assisting Emphasis
• Occupational Therapy Associate Emphasis
• Paramedic Care Emphasis
• Physical Therapist Assisting Emphasis
• Respiratory Care Emphasis
• Surgical Technology Emphasis
• General Allied Health Emphasis

General Electives

Additional coursework is required if, after meeting the previously described requirements, a student has not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit. These courses can be taken from any academic area, using them to pursue specific interests and goals.

Career Opportunities

With this degree, students will have access to meaningful careers in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:

• Direct Patient Care
• Wellness Consultant
• Program Coordinator
• Community Health Worker
• Allied Health Instructor
• Patient Advocate
• Nursing Care Institution Administrator
• Assisted Living Manager
• Hospice Care Coordinator
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Palliative Care Specialist
• Healthcare Leadership Coach
• Occupational Therapist

Program Outcomes

The program is designed to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Graduates will demonstrate foundational knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention concepts.
2. Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the interconnectedness of personal, family, organizational, community, and societal health.
3. Graduates will demonstrate writing and communication skills required for effective health professionals.
4. Graduates will demonstrate awareness of the importance of leadership and interprofessional teamwork among health professionals.
5. Graduates will demonstrate awareness and skills to sustain personal health and well-being.

Additional Information

• The program is offered entirely online, providing students with a consistent pace for learning and engagement.
• Students may transfer up to 90 units of community college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
• Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
• The program emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles throughout the curriculum.