Are you interested in a career in the healthcare industry but not exactly sure what role you’re best suited to? Do you often advocate for healthcare quality, health promotion, and disease prevention?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, you should strongly consider a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science.

Students majoring in Health Science are prepared to work in various health-related careers and settings as they dedicate themselves to improving the lives of their patients and their communities.

Let’s explore the six things students should look for in a bachelor’s in Health Science program and see how our program at University of Bridgeport (UB) stacks up.

What is a Health Science Major?

First and foremost, a Health Science major studies health and disease in the human body by incorporating laboratory science classes and courses concerning population health. All of which prepare students for a career focused on helping individuals and communities live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Health Science students develop a deep understanding of biostatistics, research, and epidemiology through natural, behavioral, and social science courses.

Additionally, students learn leadership techniques, problem-solving skills, and ways to communicate effectively. These are useful when interacting with patients, patients’ families, and fellow healthcare professionals.

 

Discover how UB’s Health Science program can help you gain the skills you need for success in the healthcare field!

 

What Should Students Lookout For in a Health Science Program?

Deciding to major in Health Science or determining which program and university is best is an extremely important and personal decision. Students should research thoroughly and be sure they understand how a program can help them reach their personal and career goals.

1. Admission Standards

Though every college and university will have different prerequisites, this undergraduate program generally requires students to have a high school diploma, though some students might also have their associate degree.

At University of Bridgeport, our admissions committee emphasizes each applicant’s preparatory work. In addition to the application for admission, undergraduate students will need to submit:

• An official copy of all high school transcripts with sixteen acceptable units of academic work, consisting of:
  • Four units in English
  • Three units in mathematics
  • Two units in a lab science
  • Two units in social sciences
  • Five elective units
• Optional standardized tests such as the American College Testing (ACT) and/or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Students applying as test-optional are required to submit a personal essay.

2. Graduation Rate

A bachelor’s in Health Science typically takes four years to complete, depending on if the student is taking a full- or part-time course load.

Additionally, it could take less time depending on if the student has an associate degree or is transferring credits from a previous institution, AP, IB, and CLEP exams.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of eleven to one and an average class size of ten students, UB is committed to ensuring every student graduates on time and launches successfully into a career they love. It’s also why we offer tutoring and study-skills workshops through our student academic success center and connect students to career opportunities through our career development center.

3. Job Placement Rate

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow thirteen percent by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Additionally, this growth is expected to create two million new jobs by 2031, with an average of about 1.9 million openings coming from growth and replacement needs as workers leave their occupations permanently.

Plus, graduates of Health Science programs are qualified to work in healthcare centers, hospitals, health departments, and private companies for a variety of healthcare positions such as:

• Community Health Educator
• Healthcare Project Manager
• Community Services Director
• Grant Writer
• Health Education Specialist
• Health Advocate

Students deciding to major in Health Science can rest easy knowing that they are entering a growing and in-demand industry.

4. Facilities and Learning Environment

Healthcare is a rewarding and exciting field of study and practice, and that excitement should be fostered and grow in a supportive and enriching learning environment.

Prospective students should schedule campus visits and meet with the faculty and staff to learn more about the program and the available resources. UB’s College of Health Sciences molds health leaders by providing students with the knowledge and practice skills required in our constantly evolving and demanding healthcare field.

And in addition to our excellent faculty and diverse programs, students also have access to various resources to ensure they get the most out of their college experience, in and outside of the classroom. These include:

• Student academic services
• Student health services
• Student involvement services
• Clubs and organizations
• Counseling services
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

5. Curriculum

Bachelor’s in Health Science typically take an interdisciplinary approach by instructing students in numerous health disciplines through coursework, labs, and experiential learning.

Students often spend their first two years fulfilling general education requirements with courses in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Psychology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Sociology

Then, depending on their interests and goals, students will often select a concentration to focus on. Concentrations will vary depending on the institution but generally include concentrations in community health education, exercise and fitness, nutrition, and pre-professional.

6. Does the Program Align With Your Career Goals?

Finally, students should ensure that this degree and their chosen concentration align with their goals long after graduation.

Health Science majors are ideal for students interested in understanding the underlying cause of disease, analyzing human behavior, promoting wellness to individuals, and sparking change in their communities. All, of course, with the purpose of improving health outcomes in the lives of others.

Furthermore, students at UB can enter a variety of careers by choosing one of the following concentrations:

• Community Health Education: Graduates enter and focus on careers providing patient care and influencing health policy.
• Exercise and Fitness: Graduates have rewarding careers as personal trainers, health educators, physical therapy assistants, and more.
• Nutrition: Candidates are qualified to work in inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings in careers as nutritionists and other nutrition-related positions.
• Pre-Professional: This track prepares students for their graduate degree in the field of Health Science.

Healthcare professionals strive to make the world a better and healthier place. And that journey often begins with a Bachelor’s in Health Science.

Find out how we can help you start your future in today’s exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling healthcare industry!