According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow thirteen percent by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This increase will also result in about two million jobs in that time out of the need to replace workers who leave the profession or retire permanently.
Health Sciences degrees and programs allow students to pursue a pre-professional education that will prepare them for various careers in medicine, nursing, biomedical research, and healthcare management.
This article will discuss how Health Sciences programs nurture future healthcare professionals and prepare them for many healthcare roles, specifically focusing on our bachelor’s degree in Health Science at University of Bridgeport (UB).
What is a Health Science Degree?
Students earning a Health Science degree study health and disease in the human body. These pre-professional programs combine many health disciplines into one degree to prepare students for graduate work and various health-related careers, including nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, physician assistants (PAs), physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
Students can also focus on business and management, allowing them to go into the healthcare management and administration field. In the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Science degree at University of Bridgeport, you can choose from four concentrations, including:
- Community Health Education: Students are prepared for careers promoting and protecting the health of the most underserved communities.
- Exercise and Fitness: Students gain the skills and knowledge to create appropriate fitness programs for people of all ages.
- Nutrition: This track focuses on developing a deep understanding of the science behind food to analyze people’s health choices and educate populations on the relationship between nutrition and health.
- Pre-Professional: Designed for students wanting to continue their education by obtaining their graduate degrees.
What Coursework is Involved in a Health Sciences Program?
The multidisciplinary approach in Health Science programs is built upon a strong foundation in the biological sciences combined with humanities and social sciences coursework. Every college and university will have different degree and coursework requirements, so students should research to see what classes they will take.
At University of Bridgeport, our coursework in our Health Science program is built on the foundation of fifty-seven general education and liberal arts credits to provide graduates with a developed and well-rounded worldview.
Students grow collaboration, communication, creativity, time management, and problem-solving skills by taking general education classes in the humanities, mathematics, and natural and social sciences.
These include:
- Academic Writing
- Healthcare Ethics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fine Arts Core
- Statistics or Biostatistics
Additionally, students take the rest of their credits in their chosen area of concentration, involving biology, chemistry, genetics, and global health courses.
Interested in majoring in Health Sciences? Discover if University of Bridgeport’s program is a good fit for you!
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science?
All of our coursework lays a strong foundation for health science majors to be prepared and enabled to be healthcare professionals involved in bettering the community.
Graduates of the Health Sciences program at University of Bridgeport work in entry-level healthcare positions or go on to obtain graduate degrees in the healthcare industry.
Here are some of the in-demand careers and their median annual salaries, according to the BLS, that students can pursue after graduation:
- Health education specialists and community health workers – $48,860
- Social and community service managers – $74,000
- Fitness trainers and instructors – $40,700
- Exercise physiologist – $47,940
- Athletic trainer – $48,420
- Medical and health services manager – $101,340
Why Should You Enroll in a Health Sciences Program?
Wherever your interest lies within the healthcare industry, a Health Sciences program will provide you with maximum flexibility, versatility, and upward mobility.
Students can pursue an advanced graduate degree for a career as a nutritionist or a public health professional or enter the workforce immediately as a health education specialist or personal trainer.
If these careers sound appealing, and you are interested in understanding underlying causes of disease, analyzing human behavior, and fostering change by promoting wellness to improve the world’s health outcomes, look no further than our bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences program at University of Bridgeport.
Our program, led by expert faculty and staff, will nurture you as a future healthcare professional, prepare you for many exciting and vital roles in healthcare, and enable you to make positive contributions to our communities and the world.
University of Bridgeport is test-optional, and there is no fee to apply. Plus, with our comprehensive support services, we ensure every student gets through college and into a great career.
Contact us for more information about our bachelor’s in Health Science degree and the financial aid available. Start your future as a Purple Knight today!