This is an ideal time to pursue health science degrees in New York State: the number of jobs has grown, along with salaries, and is projected to steadily increase beyond the current decade. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to retire, caring and well trained health professionals will be increasingly sought after, particularly since Baby Boomers want active senior lifestyles. The wide array of health science degree programs in New York State offer many choices at both bachelor’s and master’s levels, whether you love urban excitement or prefer a suburban or rural setting.
Canisius College
The premier private institution in western NY, Canisius offers programs that can be completed in as little as one year, in a beautiful rural area. Health sciences are housed under the School of Education and Human Services, and several programs are available online. MS degrees are offered in Applied Nutrition, Community and School Health, Health and Human Performance, Health Information Technology, and Respiratory Care. Four of the five programs will grant college credit for knowledge students have already gained through life experience or the workplace (Prior Learning Assessment).
Master’s in Community and School Health
The MS in Community and School Health prepares students for careers as nurses, physical or occupational therapists, social workers, school counselors, or school psychologists. The program fosters understanding of community-based health services, and is useful for clinicians, educators, and policy application specialists.
Master’s in Health and Human Performance
Programs in human performance and sports medicine are proliferating, as increased understanding of the human body spurs innovative diets, fitness regimes, and exercise programs. The Master’s in Health and Human Performance concentrates on rehabilitative and preventive health, preparing students for work as stress-testing technologists, fitness consultants, and health promotion program directors.
Master’s in Health Information Technology
Specialized knowledge of health informatics is increasingly in demand in today’s technological world. Completing the Master’s in Health Information Technology enables students to sit certification exams and assume leadership roles. Designed for students already working within healthcare, the program provides advanced understanding of complex health operations, data processing, and how cutting-edge health IT enhances decisions.
Contact:
2001 Main Street
Buffalo NY 14208-1517
(716) 883-7000
info@canisius.edu
Link
CUNY York College
Located in Queens, York College is part of the City University of NY system, and students can draw upon the wider resources of the vast CUNY network, as well as the rich cultural landscape of New York City. Health sciences are housed in the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, which contains six academic departments: Behavioral Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Health Professions, Occupational Therapy, Social Sciences, and Teacher Education. Health-related degrees are offered by one or more of these departments, and include programs in:
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Community Health Education
- Gerontological Studies and Services
- Health Promotion Management
- Movement Science: Athletic Training or Coaching and Personal Training
- Nursing
- Physician Assistant
- Social Work
The School also offers a dual BS/MS program in Occupational Therapy.
Physician Assistant Program (BS)
The Physician Assistant Program benefits from the diverse environment of NYC, and aims to educate compassionate and competent professionals prepared to work in underserved urban regions. The program prioritizes providing outstanding medical education to first-generation college students, ethnic and racial minorities, and financially disadvantaged students.
Baccalaureate Nursing Program
The Baccalaureate Nursing Program enables Registered Nurses (RN) to complete their degree and sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Community Health Education (BS)
The program in Community Health Education trains professionals to design and implement programs in hospitals, community health centers, and health agencies such as the Red Cross. The curriculum includes psychology courses, lab and fieldwork, and broad coverage of health issues through the lifespan, such as disease, sexuality, nutrition, and end-of-life wellness.
Health Promotion Management (BS)
The Health Promotion Management program focuses upon personal, pragmatic health issues, including weight control, nutrition, stress management, smoking, and drug abuse. Coursework includes training in counseling and exercise measurement, and provides students both lab and fieldwork.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Contact:
94 – 20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11451
718-262-2000
Link
Ithaca College
Located in scenic central NY in the same town as Cornell University and an easy drive from the big-city resources of Syracuse, Ithaca College offers nineteen bachelor’s programs in health-related fields, as well as master’s programs. Health science programs are housed in the School of Health Science and Human Performance.
Health Sciences (BS)
The Health Sciences program is broad and flexible, geared for a range of careers in fields such as therapy (Western and Eastern), homeopathics, chiropractic, medicine, nutrition, and research. The curriculum develops professional skills with broad-based liberal arts studies in psychology and science.
Health Care Management (BS)
The bachelor’s in Health Care Management blends business knowledge with an understanding of health care policy and delivery, preparing for careers in health care facilities and agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance firms. Coursework includes an option for emphasis in long-term care. The business foundation enables students to pursue an MBA. All programs include practica in the form of fieldwork, internship, or supervised research.
Contact:
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-3237
Link
Mercy College
Having just hired a new president, Mercy is poised for a new era, and health science programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels are a large part of the college’s vision. Its main campus is located in suburban Westchester directly north of NYC, with easy access to the city. Health programs are housed in the School of Health and Natural Sciences, and include five master’s programs (Communication Disorders, Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies), one doctoral program (Physical Therapy), and six bachelor’s programs (Biology, Health Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication Disorders, Nursing, Exercise Science). The college also offers a dual degree: BS and MS in Health Science.
Health Science Bachelor’s Degree
This broad foundational program provides coursework in biological, behavioral, and social sciences, fostering interpersonal skills and values. The degree is broad enough to provide an entrée into more specialized graduate programs, as well as employment at community health agencies, hospitals, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical firms. Many faculty teaching in the bachelor’s program also teach in the professional graduate programs, and offer students insights from their own clinical experience.
Health Services Management (MS, MPA)
Mercy offers two master’s degrees in Health Services Management: a master’s of science (MS) and master’s of public administration (MPA). The MPA is multidisciplinary and can prepare students for careers in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors. Coursework provides business and leadership training in areas such as Managerial Information Systems, Strategic Planning, Finance, and Law.
The MS is designed for experienced health care managers, and includes similar coursework to the MPA, but has a slightly broader focus. The curriculum includes study of ethical issues and of the health system nationwide.
Nursing Education Master’s Degree
The Nursing Education program is for students already holding a BS in nursing. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can enter the program through the Bridge track. Coursework covers health policy, diversity, nursing theory and informatics, and advanced research and assessment.
Nursing Administration Master’s Degree
The Nursing Administration program admits students with a bachelor’s of science in nursing, with provisions for those whose BS is in other fields. This program places greater emphasis upon management and leadership training, with study of financial and human resource management.
Accreditations
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc (ARC-PA)
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact:
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry NY 10522
1-877-MERCY-GO
Link
Utica College
Located in central New York, Utica is a comprehensive, independent, private college that offers small-college intimacy in a small town. Health science programs are housed in the School of Health Professions and Education, and include Education, Health Care Administration, Health Studies, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology Child Life, and Therapeutic Recreation.
Bachelor of Science in Health Studies
The Health Studies major offers a strong foundation that can lead to graduate study, and an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes anatomy, anthropology, and statistics. Students gain a whole-person understanding of health that is applicable to their own lives as well as their professional careers.
Online Master of Science in Health Care Administration
The course of study in Health Care Administration emphasizes case studies and projects anchored in real-world relevance. The program is highly interactive, and its online format familiarizes students with how contemporary technology impacts gerontology, long-term care, and policymaking.
Contact:
Utica College
1600 Burrstone Road
Utica, NY 13502
(315) 792-3111
admiss@utica.edu
Link
Health Science degrees in New York are varied in focus and constantly updating to meet the exciting and dynamic challenges of today’s workforce. Prospective students can be optimistic about their educational and career possibilities.