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Florida is the Sunshine State, but some know the state for the number of retired people who move there or visit the state during the winter months. With so many snow birds passing through its top cities every year, it’s no wonder that the state boasts some of the top health sciences programs in the country. If you like the idea of working with people and helping them with their medical needs, you’ll find a number of great programs located across the state. Whether you move to Florida for school or already live in the state, take a look at some of the top health science programs.
Nova Southeastern University
Health Professions Division
Nova Southeastern University is a large public university with more than 30,000 students enrolled in its programs that can trace its roots back to the 1960s. Originally known as Nova University of Advanced Technology, the college opened in 1964 with graduate degree programs. As the needs of incoming students changed, the university added new undergraduate degree programs to its course offerings. The school now has three campuses in the state and several colleges, including the Health Divisions Complex, which offers courses in health sciences. Students can also take electives relating to the medical profession, including optometry, pharmacology and nursing.
Bachelor of Health Science
Designed for students seeking entry-level positions after graduation, the Bachelor of Health Science is just one of the options open to students interested in the topic. In addition to the traditional B.H.Sc. Program, the school also offers students the chance to specialize in Cardiovascular Sonography or Vascular Sonography. All new students will take the same block of classes during their first few semesters before taking more unique courses that will better prepare them for the future. All students take a healthcare ethics class, which teaches them the importance of keeping patient information secure, but they also take courses on healthcare policy, leadership and disease identification. Many students will also take elective courses during their undergraduate years, and those courses can include topics like the fundamentals of alternative medicine, bioterrorism, the role of healthcare and working with special needs patients. Internships, seminars and independent study programs are also available for undergraduate students.
Doctor of Health Science
The Doctor of Health Science degree available through the school is a program designed for students with some experience in the field. While some students complete the program after working at a local hospital or with a doctor for several years, others enter the program immediately after finishing an undergraduate degree. Many of those beginning courses focus on public health and how medical workers can improve the health of those living in their communities. Students also have the chance to take global medical courses that look at the growing epidemic of certain diseases around the world. Many students add to their learning with an internship at a local hospital, doctor’s office or community health center. Nova Southeastern University gives students course credit for those internships. Students can also earn course credit for research they do into the medical field and for special programs they undertake with a professor on campus.
Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH)
Contact
Terry Administration Building
3200 S. University Drive
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328
(800) 541-6682
flippman@nova.edu
Website
South University
College of Health Professions
Established in 1899, South University is a for profit school that is part of the school system regulated by the Education Management Corporation. The school has five colleges that focus on specific types of topics and studies, including the College of Health Professions. Designed for students looking towards the future, the program offers a basic understanding of the medical field. Students can use the skills they learn when applying for future positions, or they can use those skills when they attend graduate school. Though located in Florida, the parent company also owns and operates campus across the southern United States.
Bachelor of Science Degree Program
The Bachelor of Science degree offered by the school helps students gain the skills they need to work in the medical field. The college provides its graduates with a firm understanding of psychological and social behaviors, which teaches them why people act in the way they do and how those students can work with others. After attending the program, the university hopes that its students with understand more about health policy, how proper planning can assist in the healthcare field and how to properly evaluate different situations. Both the West Palm Beach and Tampa campuses offer healthcare courses, and students can transfer to another campus in the system if needed. The online system offers students yet another way to complete a B.S. degree. They can take all the required classes online, or they can take a combination of courses online and on campus to complete a degree in Science or a medical field.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
4401 North Himes Avenue
Suite 175
Tampa, FL 33614-7095
(813) 393-3800
sutaadm@southuniversity.edu
Website
University of Central Florida
College of Health and Public Affairs
Founded in 1963, the University of Central Florida grew out of the need for trained scientists and researchers in the area. Though many of its early graduates worked for NASA and other science organizations, the school quickly saw the need for other programs. While it still has strong programs in science in technology, it also offers students the chance to take medical and health courses. The College of Health & Public Affairs offers a health science pre-clinical major, which has an annual enrollment of more than 2,000 students. Graduates often work for research institutions and for private medical research companies.
Health Science – Pre Clinical Track (B.S.)
The school added a pre-clinical health science major in 2006, and the program quickly became popular with incoming students. Though some health science programs require that students take a number of unrelated courses before taking classes in their major, this unique program lets students take introductory courses relating to their major. They take courses on nutrition, diseases and public health, and professors teach students how to use the skills they learn to answer larger problems impacting the public health field. Many students enjoy the smaller class sizes and the opportunities that they have both on and off campus. Some of the top professors in the program hire students to work as research assistants and to help them with their upcoming projects, but students can also arrange internships through the program. Though some students work right after leaving the program, a large number of graduates attend attend graduate school or medical school.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
12805 Pegasus Drive
Orlando, FL 32816-2200
(407) 823-0171
Michael.Frumkin@ucf.edu
Website
University of Florida
College of Public Health and Health Professions
Though the University of Florida lists 1863 as its establishment date, the school actually started in the early 1900s. An Act passed by the Florida Legislature called for a new public school in the state. The University of Florida consists of four separate institutions of higher learning that closed prior to the opening of the school. Ranked as one of the top 14 colleges in the country, the University of Florida also has one of the best graduate schools in the United States. The College of Public Health and Health Professions on campus prepares students who want to work in the healthcare profession.
Bachelor of Heath Science Program
The Bachelor of Health Science lets students choose from two different concentrations when starting their education. The communications and disorders program provides a strong foundation for students interested in working in public health, while the health science degree is a research intensive program. This unique program also gives students the option to work with professors from other departments and take courses relating to medicine and healthcare and courses unreleased to healthcare. Professors working in the program pride themselves on instilling in students the importance of strong research and writing skills. Though many of the courses highlight different types of diseases and the importance of properly identifying those diseases, other courses focus on public health and technology that can impact the healthcare field. These courses prepare students to work in the healthcare field and show them how they can research various topics, identify problems affecting their future professions and communicate with others.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
101 S. Newell Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611
HPNP Complex room G205
(352) 273-6400
smckune@ufl.edu
Website
University of Miami
School of Nursing and Health Studies
Established as a small school by a group of private citizens, Miami University can trace its roots back to 1925. After a local man donated land for the school, construction quickly began. Though the school opened with less than 400 students, it now has more than 15,000 undergraduate students and more than 10,000 graduate students on its main campus. It also expanded into other areas and added more campuses to help students living in other parts of the state. The university received a ranking as one of the 45 best colleges in recent years, and its School of Nursing and Health Studies department is one of the best in the state.
Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science (BSHS)
Designed for those interested in the medical field, the Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science (BSHS) through Miami University is a pre-professional track. Specifically designed for students interested in attending medical school or going onto graduate school, the program provides them with a firm foundation for their future studies. Students can choose a specific track early in the program and take courses relating to physical therapy, pharmacology, forensics, health science management or general health science. Once enrolled in the program, students must agree to maintain a grade point average of 2.8 or higher and receive no less than a C- in any of their classes. As this is a highly competitive field of study, the school wants to ensure that students devote themselves to the program. Violating the grade rules once will result in academic probation, and those who violate the rules a second time can find themselves dropped from the program.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
P.O. Box 248153
Coral Gables, FL 33124
(305) 284-3666
nursingbsn@miami.edu
Website
University of North Florida
Brooks College of Health
The city of Jacksonville donated 1,000 acres of land for a new college in the early 1960s. After establishing the college in 1969, the school started construction and opened its door for classes in 1972. Though the university originally only admitted upperclassmen and graduate students, it expanded its courses to include programs and classes designed for freshmen and sophomores in the 1980s. In 1988, the school opened the Brooks College of Health. Designed to prepare future doctors and healthcare professionals, the program is home to more than 1,900 students. Experts named the University of North Florida one of the most affordable schools in the country for several years.
BHA Health Science – Community Health
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Community Health is a degree program offered through the Department of Public Health. Also known as a BSH degree, students can complete a BHA degree, which teaches them more about healthcare administration and management. Students can take courses that will prepare them for taking the professional examinations required for future employment in specific fields. Students take courses on statistics, mathematics, chemistry, microbiology and human anatomy and physiology. Students also take a three credit hour course on personal and community health and 15 credit hours of courses on human diseases, environmental health, research and similar topics. After completing those courses, students take several elective courses and a few mandatory courses. Those interested in community health must take courses relating to the topic, which includes a prerequisite internship and an internship with a community health organization. Students can earn up to nine credit hours in their internships.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Exercise science is a specialized topic that is part of the Career Services and Division of Student Affairs at the University of North Florida. Designed for students interested in working with clients and patients and helping them improve their overall health, graduates can seek employment immediately after graduating from the program. Some students attend graduate school or take professional certification examinations after finishing the program. As part of the Department of Athletic Training and Physical Therapy/Exercise Science, the program teaches students how the human body works and what causes certain injuries. Many of the classes focus on physiology, anatomy, human performance and fitness and recreation. Students can work as technologists, instructors, trainers and other fields after graduation, and after gaining a few years of experience, graduate qualify for positions as directors, personal trainers and therapists. Many recent graduates work for private high schools, public colleges, hospitals and in other medical settings.
Master of Science in Health, Aging Services Management
Students with an undergraduate degree in a healthcare field qualify for the Master of Science in Health, Aging Services Management program. Designed for students working with the elderly, the program qualifies students to work at retirement homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals and in other medical settings. After leaving the program, students will know what problems can arise as the result of aging, how to work in administration fields, the politics of aging and the programs and services that the aged need. Specifically designed for retirement home administrators, the program focuses on the specific skills that students need, including how to budget and manage finances, how to provide elderly patients with new services and the psychological diseases associated with aging. After taking classes during their first year, students must choose a topic and create a thesis. Prior to graduating, students present and defend their thesis projects in front of professors from the program.
Master of Science in Health Science with Concentration in Exercise Sc. and Chronic Disease
The Brooks College of Health also offers a Master of Science in Health Science with Concentration in Exercise Sc. and Chronic Disease program. Prior to taking any healthcare or chronic disease courses, students must take two human anatomy and physiology courses with lab work, a chemistry lab course and a class on statistics. Some students take those classes as an undergrad, while others take the courses when they enroll in the program. All students must take 23 credit hours of advanced courses on epidemiology, metabolism, public health research and research methods. The college also ask that students complete an intensive research project or a healthcare internship for an additional six credit hours before graduating. While the school also requires that students take a few electives, students choose those courses from specific fields. They can concentrate on health and fitness or on research and writing. The college encourages students to choose electives relating to their future careers.
Master of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Designed for students working in the physical therapy field, the Master of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy is a program that offers professionals more experience. Prior to enrolling in the program, students must have a license to work as a physical therapist and provide proof of their license. As this is one of the most competitive fields of study, the school prohibits anyone with a grade point average of below 3.0 from applying. Students must take nine credit hours worth of courses every semester, and required classes include statistics, health science research and clinical classes. The clinical practice classes let students work on real patients and learn more about how the human body works. A master thesis project is also mandatory for graduation from the program. Students can earn up to three credit hours for that thesis, and they’ll need to defend their research in front of a panel of experts.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 620-1000
ebarr@unf.edu
Website
University of St. Augustine
The University of St. Augustine, also known as the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is a unique college. Unlike other schools, which offer different departments and colleges, this university does not have any separate colleges or departments. Established in 1979, the university originally only offered courses for physical therapists that would better prepare them for working with patients. Though the school expanded into other areas, it continues offering graduate level courses in different medical fields. As a graduate school, the university only offers Master’s and doctoral degrees, and many of its students gain real life experience while working on their degrees.
Doctor of Health Science
The Doctor of Health Science degree program focuses on clinical learning with classroom experience. The school hopes that its graduates will learn research skills that they will use in their future careers, write and edit their own studies and research for scholarly journals and understand the philosophy behind different types of teaching methods and learning. Students take 60 credit hours in courses, which include 49 credit hours in the core classes. Those classes ensure that students understand the fundamentals and are ready to move on with their studies. All doctoral students must also complete 15 credit hours worth of research and work in the field. While taking some of the more advanced courses, students can also take elective courses on topics that pertain to the medical field. Many students also complete an independent study project, which lets them focus on a topic that cannot learn more about in the program.
Accreditation
Commission for Independent Education
Contact
1 University Blvd
St Augustine, FL 32086
(800) 241-1027
admissions@usa.edu
Website
University of South Florida
College of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida didn’t actually open until 1960. The school later became one of the largest private institutions in the state and a member of the University of South Florida school system. Though it operates independently of the other schools in the system, each of the campuses retains the same mission and devotion to its students. The College of Arts and Science is home to the Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, and that department offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science or a Health Science degree that students can complete in four years or less.
Health Science Degree
Designed for future careers in public health and the healthcare industry, the Health Science degree program offers a combination of introductory and more advanced courses. Students take seven courses for a total of 21 credit hours in core classes, including technical writing, scientific and medical terminology, introduction to health professions and ethics. All students enrolled in the program must take college algebra and statistics and a minimum of seven credit hours in courses relating to biological sciences, including the principles of biology and the biology of humans. Students can also take electives that will prepare them for working in different areas inside the healthcare field. Accounting courses help those planning to work in management, while psychology courses assist those interested in the social and behavioral sciences. Students can gain additional healthcare experience in a field that interests them when they do an independent study or complete an off campus internship.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
4202 East Fowler Ave
ISA2015
Tampa, FL 33620
(813) 974-8434
garey@usf.edu
Website
University of West Florida
School of Allied Health and Life Sciences
Established in 1963, the University of West Florida sits in the beautiful city of Pensacola. Though it took several years before the school opened, it now has a positive reputation and a campus filled with more than 12,000 students. Many of those students take classes in the School of Allied Health and Life Sciences, which gives students the chance to learn more about the medical profession and how they skills they learn now can assist them later. The School of Allied Health and Life Sciences has a rolling admissions policy, which lets students apply for open positions and begin courses a few weeks later.
B.S. Health Sciences – Allied Health
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Applied Health track is a specialized track designed for students who have a degree when entering the program. Those students take the prerequisite courses when completing an Associate’s degree, and they can skip some of the introductory courses. Students without a degree will need to take prerequisite courses before taking any advanced classes. Some of those prerequisite courses include psychology, biology, algebra and statistics. All students must choose to specialize in a specific topic from one of seven available, and they’ll take a minimum of 42 credit hours in courses relating to that topic. Students will also take courses on advances in technology used in the healthcare field, medical technology and medical terminology. The last semesters in the program, students take seminar courses. These intensive courses typically culminate with a major research project or paper that students complete relating to the semester’s topic.
Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health program is an advanced program that students take and complete when they want to work in specific fields. Though many students take classes on campus, the college introduced an online program in 2006, which gives students the chance to finish the program while living in other areas. Students learn the answers to questions found on the Certified Public Health examination. All students must take and pass that test after graduation before working in the public health field. Full-time students take seven courses each year and complete the program in approximately two years, while part-time students take a minimum of four classes each year and graduate within four years. Ranked as one of the most affordable graduate schools in the state, the university strives to keep costs low as it provides services for its students, including job assistance before and after graduation and help locating internships.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Education Training (CAATE)
Contact
Bldg 63
11000 University Pkwy.
Pensacola, FL 32514
(850) 474-3191
sahls@uwf.edu |
Website
There is no time like the present to look forward to your future career. As one of the hottest growing fields in the country, today is the perfect time to find a health science program for you. Pick a program that will teach you everything you need to know today and in the future.
