Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Health Science Program

The Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) program is dedicated to shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. In an era where healthcare stands as a paramount industry for national employment, our Health Science program emerges as a pivotal choice for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking to contribute to the well-being of society. The BHSc degree equips students with a comprehensive foundation of health sciences through an immersive interdisciplinary curriculum spanning both scientific and allied health domains.

Program Overview

The BHSc program favorably positions students for diverse career pathways, ranging from occupational therapy to physical therapy, physician assistant/associate studies, pharmacy, medical school, chiropractic care, athletic training, and beyond, ensuring graduates are primed for impactful contributions to the healthcare landscape. Graduates from the program have also pursued further education in administration, nursing, pathology, sonography, radiation therapy, and cardiac perfusion. Additionally, the BHSc degree provides a bachelor's degree completion opportunity for associate degree credentialed health professionals and provides a rigorous health science degree option for students interested in pursuing an accelerated second bachelor's degree program in nursing.

Admission Requirements

Admission to competitive graduate health programs necessitates exemplary academic standing. With this in mind, our Health Science program holds students to a high standard, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.2 after completing program prerequisites. These standards not only prepare students for advanced studies but also instill a sense of diligence and commitment that is essential in the healthcare landscape.

Curriculum

Our interdisciplinary curriculum commences with an intensive study of:

• Human Biology
• Chemistry
• Health Care Professions
• Medical Terminology
• Psychology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology These foundational courses serve as the bedrock upon which students construct their individualized academic trajectory, aligned with their career aspirations, through upper-level coursework on interprofessional healthcare practice, 1:1 advising meetings that include identifying specific courses required as prerequisites for students' healthcare careers of interest, and program oversight by licensed healthcare professionals.

Program Highlights

• The BHSc program is designed to be flexible to meet the needs and future goals of individual students with an individualized approach to academic and career advisement.
• Program leadership includes an occupational therapist, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, nurse, psychologist, biologist, and other health-related professionals to provide the best possible guidance to program operation.
• The BHSc program provides students with an interprofessional approach to curriculum design with health science content from departments, including Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Health and Movement Sciences, and Health Care Studies that have broad application to many health profession disciplines.
• Most of the pre-requisite courses for graduate health profession programs are built directly into the major degree course requirements. Any graduate program prerequisite courses not fulfilled in the major degree course requirements are addressed through required, intentional electives discussed with individualized advising.

Topics Covered

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Psychology
• Chemistry
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Healthcare Professions & Career Exploration
• Medical Terminology and Documentation
• Interprofessional Healthcare Practice
• Professional Career Preparation & Mentorship

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a strong foundation in natural sciences appropriate for admission to graduate degree programs and careers in health-related professions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral sciences appropriate for admission to graduate degree programs and careers in health-related professions.
3. Demonstrate the ability to critically examine and produce sound written analyses of health science-related literature.
4. Demonstrate the practical application of health and fitness assessment techniques.
5. Demonstrate general knowledge of medical perspectives, health professions, interprofessional practice, and health care systems.

Progressing into the Major / Admission Review Process

Students begin in the Health Science program as a pre-health science major. Students must pass a review process to continue as a health science major after completing 45 credits, taking prerequisite courses, and having a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Careers

The healthcare industry is projected to experience substantial growth, significantly outpacing the average growth for other professions. Our Bachelor's Degree in Health Science (BHSc) equips students with comprehensive knowledge, a competitive edge, and real-world skills necessary for success in various healthcare roles. A degree in Health Science serves as a gateway to a multitude of prestigious careers in the healthcare sector, including but not limited to:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant/Associate Studies
• Medical School
• Pharmacy
• Chiropractic Care
• Athletic Training
• Exercise Science/Kinesiology
• Accelerated Second Bachelor's Degree Programs in Nursing

Conclusion

The Health Science program is dedicated to cultivating a holistic skill set essential for healthcare practice, including analytical thinking, complex problem-solving, adept leadership, information literacy, and possessing a social justice mindset in healthcare contexts. With a BHSc degree, students are well-prepared to make significant impacts in various healthcare settings and pursue long-term professional success.