01/02/2025
Who Should Study Health Sciences?
Health science is designed for current or aspiring health care industry professionals who wish to prepare for the evolving needs and practices in the transformative world of health sciences, health care management, and health care services.
A health science major is fitting for those who desire to understand why diseases happen and wish to make positive contributions to health promotion. It’s also ideal for self-motivated individuals with strong analytical and leadership skills, providing a foundation for careers in human health and human development.
Health Science Program at A Glance
Health science offers career paths for students passionate about wellness, health promotion, medical sciences, physician assistant roles, liberal arts, and patient care. It combines a love of science and problem-solving with a desire to help others, making it ideal for those eager to impact health care environments.
Health science degrees begin with general education courses along with science courses. They then take core coursework in public health, wellness, health promotion, healthcare management, anatomy, patient care, and health problems. This interdisciplinary approach may provide students with foundational knowledge to explore opportunities in the field or pursue a graduate program.
At APU, students will "analyze health policy issues," "create efficient healthcare plans," "develop solutions for healthcare problems," and "apply ethical standards in healthcare".
Health Science Degrees at APU
Through the School of Health Sciences at APU, students can pursue the two-year associate college degree program providing foundational knowledge, ideal for entering the workforce or further education.
For those seeking more in-depth education, APU offers a bachelor's of health sciences program, preparing students for diverse career options, graduate programs, and leadership roles.
Additionally, APU provides postgraduate certificates to help professionals advance their expertise and stay current with evidence-based practices, including health promotion. This program ensures that students at every stage of their academic journeys find a path aligning with their career goals.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences Duration
The two-year degree option includes the Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences. The health sciences degree provides the core foundation for students who are looking for entry-level employment or further education.
The associate degree program consists of 60 credit hours (approximately 20 courses) and takes about two years to complete; however, students have up to seven years to complete the program. APU accepts up to 45 transfer credits towards their Associate of Applied Science degree.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Duration
While APU does not offer a master's degree in health science, the bachelor's in health science degree is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for health science majors pursuing a career in health care or planning further education. The program consists of 120 credit hours (approximately 40 courses) and typically takes four years to complete.
However, students have the flexibility to take longer if needed, as APU offers up to ten years to finish the health science bachelor's program. Additionally, APU accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the health sciences bachelor degree, allowing students to accelerate their path to graduation.
Bachelor's Degree Program Coursework
The bachelor’s degree in health science offers foundational coursework in human biology. This prepares future health professionals for clinical support, management, community health, and fitness roles.
Specialized core courses include Medical Terminology, Health Information Management, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Nutrition, Kinesiology, and Abnormal Psychology, alongside general education requirements.
These courses provide a foundation in wellness and health promotion, preparing students for diverse health care careers. Part-time programs are ideal for working professionals seeking to expand their knowledge while full-time students can more hours to coursework. Having both options gives students plenty of options to attend school part-time or as a full-time student.
Associate's Degree Program vs. Bachelor's Degree Program
Choosing between an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences depends on your career goals and aspirations. If you’re looking to enter the workforce in an entry-level health care role, the associate degree program is a shorter, two-year option providing foundational knowledge.
The bachelor's program offers a comprehensive education that may support advanced health care roles or further studies. Consider your long-term goals, time commitment, and interest in higher-level positions or graduate education when choosing a health studies program.
Degrees Related to Health Science
Whether managing health care facilities, promoting wellness, improving performance, becoming health education specialists, or pursuing physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or social sciences, APU offers degree options for diverse professional goals.
Other degrees related to the Bachelor of Health Science include:
- B.S. in Sports and Health Sciences: Covers the study of exercise science, fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. The degree program aims to prepare students for the NASM certification (National Academy of Sports Medicine).
- B.S. in Health Care Administration: Prepares students for management positions in health care. The emphasis is on management concepts and health care systems.
- B.S. in Public Health: Focuses on community health, the prevention of diseases, and the facilitation of health strategies.
- B.S. in Health Information Management: Combines health care, information technology, and management to prepare learners for careers in the management of health data.
Health Science and Clinical Experience
The health science programs at APU are delivered entirely online and do not include clinical experience components. These programs provide theoretical knowledge but are not for direct clinical practice.
For clinical experience, APU offers nursing programs with practical components. Students interested in clinical practice should consider programs with hands-on training.
Many core health science classes include lab components, completed through virtual labs and at-home kits that enable students to perform hands-on experiments from home.
Admission and Application Requirements for the Health Science Program
American Public University maintains an open enrollment policy, meaning applicants are not required to submit test scores or meet a minimum GPA for admission. To apply, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. New students affiliated with healthcare organizations may need to self-certify and provide a copy for verification.
If your high school credential is from outside the United States, you must submit an international evaluation. Applicants with 60 or more college credits applicable to their degree plan may qualify for a waiver.
Accreditation and Certification
APU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions nationwide, ensuring rigorous academic standards. Accreditation affects eligibility for credit transfers and graduate admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A health science degree opens doors to a variety of careers in health care, public health, and research. Students learn valuable skills through this versatile program that helps to prepare health science graduates to succeed in both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Let's take a quick look at a few common questions about the program.
Is a health science degree a useful health care degree?
If you're asking yourself "Is a Bachelor's in Health Science Worth It?", a health science degree is highly versatile, providing the foundation for numerous careers in health care, public health, health promotion, research, health policy, administration, assistant professor, and professor roles.
With the growing demand for skilled professionals, this degree can equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to individual and community health, making it a valuable educational investment.
Is health science harder than nursing?
Health science and nursing are challenging in different ways, depending on career goals and personal strengths. Nursing programs emphasize hands-on patient care, clinical rotations, and licensure requirements while health science focuses on broader topics like public health and health care management.
Both fields require dedication, but the difficulty varies based on individual interests and the specific demands of each program.
Can you become a nurse with a BS in Health Science?
While a BS in Health Science is not a direct path to becoming a nurse, it can serve as a strong foundation for pursuing nursing, allied health professionals, or health promotion.
Graduates often need to enroll in an accelerated nursing program or obtain an Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) to gain the clinical training and licensure required to become a registered nurse (RN).
Take the Next Step
The health sciences programs at APU provide a solid foundation for careers in health care, research, education, health professions, or allied health professions. Reports suggest a growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, which may lead to expanding career opportunities in these fields.
The health science major may help students prepare for advanced degrees or certifications in health science, health promotion, or related fields, including roles as assistant professors, with insights informed by world report data, paving the way for continued growth and specialization.
Explore the diverse health science programs at American Public University and find a path that fits your professional goals.
