Are you interested in applying to be a Health Science major? If you are researching Health Science degree programs, one of the first things that you should do is learn about the common prerequisites that are required to complete any reputable program. With a Health Science degree, you can pursue a variety of different health-related careers at an entry-level with a Bachelor’s degree or a professional level with a graduate degree.
The very first step of the process is earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from an accredited school that is recognized by a high-ranking accreditation body. While the actual prerequisite coursework and the core courses can vary from program to program, most programs with credentials have similar requirements. Here is your guide to understanding the Health Science degree prerequisites you must fulfill to prepare for a career in healthcare.
Common General Education Requirements for B.S. in Health Science
No matter what type of undergraduate degree program you enroll in, you must complete general education requirements before you can even enroll in the core courses required for your major. Once you have taken an admission test for placement, it is best to meet with a college counselor to discuss the GE requirements. Most general education requirements include courses in subjects like Math, English, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts. The average full-time student will take about 2 years to complete GE courses.
The Degree Requirements for Degree-seeking Students in a Health Science Program
After you have completed the General Education prerequisites, you can enroll in major-related courses that focus on health science. The credit hours that are required will vary from school to school. Some schools require students to complete a minimum of 42 credit hours in core courses, and other schools will have lower credit requirements. Some of the core courses you can expect to complete to attain a B.S. will include:
* Intro to Health Professions
* Medical Terminology
* Psychology Quantitative Methods
* Culture and Health Care
* Health Care Ethics
* Math Statistical Concepts
* Advanced Research and Writing in Health Science
What Tracks Can You Take to Earn a Health Sciences Degree?
If you have some college work completed or goals for an advanced degree, you may be able to take a special degree track. If you possess an Associate’s Degree in a health-related field, you can take an Associate Degree Completion Track and pursue a B.S. or graduate degree in HS. If you are uncertain of the career path you will take following college, the General Interest Track is the most common option. This track allows students to choose the classes they are interested in from a list of pre-approved electives. There are also Pre-Physician, Pre-Podiatry, and Pre-Therapy tracks for students who know what they want to do.
Now that you understand what courses you must complete to earn a Health Science degree, it is time to compare the most reputable programs for the cost of attendance and completion rates. By reviewing a list of accredited HS programs that have achieved credentials from bodies like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, you can ensure that the top schools on your list meet the standards and prepare you well for life after school.