Division of Health Sciences

The newly established Division of Health Science offers three bachelor of science degrees; serving the needs of all School of Allied Health Sciences (SOAHS) undergraduate students pursuing one of two preclinical tracks in: Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy (HS Pre-OT), Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy (HS Pre-PT), or the recently implemented non-clinical Health Science General (HSG) degree track.

The Division of Health Science offers a unique approach, encompassing the multidisciplinary nature of the vast health science and human service related arena; including career pathways which are Therapeutic, Diagnostic, and Support Service oriented. The Division’s primary mission is to provide students with the essential career and fundamental skills, along with requisite professional and academic knowledge for the health science and human service career pathways. Students graduating with either of the three Health Science program degrees will be well equipped to assume advantageous career opportunities and also competitively advantaged for graduate school selection.

HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE TRACKS

Health Science: General (Non-Clinical) The Health Science, General undergraduate degree major represents an inventive multidisciplinary education approach consisting of courses grounded in fundamentals of the health and human service professional arena. Health and Human Services represents professions which are involved directly or indirectly in prevention, as well as the remediation of problems, and the improvement of quality of life of populations served. This degree track seeks to expand the knowledge base and skill set of students who are: action oriented, creative thinkers, and/or natural problem solvers.

The curriculum provides foundational knowledge and skills reflecting both practical and new and developing professional approaches towards helping individuals, families and communities to address their unique wellness needs. Topical content areas include health literacy, health education and promotion, health and human services, population, public and global health, health disparities and rehabilitation services. Courses also introduce relevant theories and best practices offering an emphasis on student’s personal and professional growth while threading critical thinking and effective communication components throughout. Upon completion of the program, students will understand factors that positively and negatively impact the health care system, patients, and the roles of professionals. This degree track is ideal for both students who want to immediately enter the health care work force and those who desire to pursue graduate or professional training in a health or human service profession other than Occupational or Physical Therapy.

Students who complete the Health Science, General program will be uniquely advantaged; having gained not only academic and professional knowledge, but also interpersonal insights and competencies to enhance service delivery systems through improved accessibility, accountability, and coordination of services among professionals and agencies. This is a perfect track for those with a passion to positively impact the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities.

Health Science: Pre-Occupational Therapy (Pre-Clinical) The Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy undergraduate degree major is a pre-clinical track which includes all of the courses required for application for admission to graduate professional occupational therapy programs.

As described by the Division of Occupational Therapy, students pursuing graduate study would seek to become members of a health profession that promotes life-long health and well-being of individuals, groups and communities through engagement in occupation. The primary objective embodied within the concept of “occupation” is the practitioner’s use of activities meaningful to the client within their own particular environment. Hence, occupational therapy services are provided within the contexts of activities of daily living, education, work, play, leisure and social participation. Practitioners provide services to individuals to increase their daily function, enhance/support health and development and prevent disability through promotion of effective performance skills within environments and using tasks adapted to meet their individualized abilities and needs.

While recommended for students interested in majoring in Occupational Therapy at the graduate level; successful completion of the undergraduate Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy degree is only one criteria for entry into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program. The admissions process is highly competitive and spaces are limited. Please see MSOT program for additional criteria.
Additionally, the Health Science Pre-Occupational Therapy curriculum is designed to produce graduates capable of demonstrating those characteristics identified as desirable by employers of tomorrow’s health care professionals. Graduates may seek to work in a health care setting or to continue on to other (nonMSOT) graduate and/or professional programs.


Health Science: Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-Clinical) The Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy undergraduate degree major is a pre-clinical track which includes all of the courses required for application for admission to graduate professional physical therapy programs.

As described by the Division of Physical Therapy, students pursuing graduate study would seek to become members of a profession involving the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement disorders, disabilities, injuries caused by a variety of problems, such as musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders and aging. Physical therapists treat individuals of all ages (across the lifespan) restoring function and promoting independence.

While recommended for students interested in majoring in Physical Therapy at the graduate level; successful completion of the undergraduate Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy degree is only one criteria for entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The admissions process is highly competitive and spaces are limited. Please see DPT program for additional criteria.
Additionally, the Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to produce graduates capable of demonstrating those characteristics identified as desirable by employers of tomorrow’s health care professionals. Graduates may seek to work in a health care setting or to continue on to other (nonDPT) graduate and/or professional programs.