01/02/2025
Who Should Study Health Sciences?
The American Public University System (APUS) says, "[Health Science] is designed for current or aspiring health care industry professionals who wish to prepare for the evolving needs and practices in the transformative world of health sciences, health care management, and health care services."
Given this philosophy, a health science major is fitting for those who desire to understand why diseases happen and wish to make positive contributions to health promotion. It’s also ideal for self-motivated individuals with strong analytical and leadership skills, providing a foundation for careers in human health and human development (American Public University System).
Health Science Program at Glance
Health science offers rewarding career paths for students passionate about wellness, health promotion, medical sciences, physician assistant roles, liberal arts, and patient care. It combines a love of science and problem-solving with a desire to help others, making it ideal for those eager to impact health care environments.
Health science degrees begin with general education courses along with science courses. They then take core coursework in public health, wellness, health promotion, healthcare management, anatomy, patient care, and health problems. This interdisciplinary approach may provide students with foundational knowledge to explore opportunities in the field or pursue a graduate program.
According to APUS, students will "analyze health policy issues," "create efficient healthcare plans," "develop solutions for healthcare problems," and "apply ethical standards in healthcare" (American Public University System).
The Health Science Major at APUS
Through the School of Health Sciences at APUS, students can pursue the two-year associate college degree program providing foundational knowledge, ideal for entering the workforce or further education.
For those seeking more in-depth education, APUS offers a bachelor's of health sciences program, preparing students for diverse career options, graduate programs, and leadership roles.
Additionally, APUS provides postgraduate certificates to help professionals advance their expertise and stay current with evidence-based practices, including health promotion. This program ensures that students at every stage of their academic journeys find a path aligning with their career goals (American Public University System).
Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences at APUS
The two-year degree option at APUS includes the Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences. The health sciences degree provides the core foundation for students who are looking for entry-level employment or further education.
The associate degree program consists of 60 credit hours (approximately 20 courses) and takes about two years to complete; however, students have up to seven years to complete the program. APUS accepts up to 45 transfer credits towards their Associate of Applied Science degree (American Public University System).
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at APUS
While APUS does not offer a master's degree in health science, the bachelor's in health science degree is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for health science majors pursuing a career in health care or planning further education. The program consists of 120 credit hours (approximately 40 courses) and typically takes four years to complete.
However, students have the flexibility to take longer if needed, as APUS offers up to ten years to finish the health science bachelor's program. Additionally, APUS accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the health sciences bachelor degree, allowing students to accelerate their path to graduation (American Public University System).
Bachelor's Degree Program Coursework
The APUS bachelor's health science degree program offers foundational coursework in human biology, preparing future health professionals for roles in clinical support, management, community health, fitness, and preventative care. It also prepares students for medical, dental, or physician assistant programs and other graduate studies.
Specialized core courses include Medical Terminology, Health Information Management, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Nutrition, Kinesiology, and Abnormal Psychology, alongside general education requirements.
These courses provide a foundation in wellness and health promotion, preparing students for diverse health care careers. Part-time programs are ideal for working professionals seeking to expand their knowledge while full-time students can more hours to coursework. Having both options gives students at APUS plenty of options to attend school part-time or as a full-time student (American Public University System).
Associate's Degree Program vs. Bachelor's Degree Program
Choosing between an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at APUS depends on your career goals and aspirations. If you’re looking to enter the workforce in an entry-level health care role, the associate degree program is a shorter, two-year option providing foundational knowledge.
The bachelor's program offers a comprehensive education that may support advanced health care roles or further studies. Consider your long-term goals, time commitment, and interest in higher-level positions or graduate education when choosing a health studies program (American Public University System).
Degrees Related to Health Science
The bachelor's degree program at APUS offers students paths within health care and wellness fields, equipping them with specialized knowledge and practical skills for careers in health administration, sports, and public health. While APUS does not offer a master's in healthcare sciences, the bachelor's program provides a solid foundation for advanced degrees.
Whether managing health care facilities, promoting wellness, improving performance, becoming health education specialists, or pursuing physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or social sciences, APUS offers degree options for diverse professional goals (American Public University System).
Other degrees related to the Bachelor of Health Science at APUS include:
- B.S. in Sports and Health Sciences: Covers the study of exercise science, fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. The degree program aims to prepare students for the NASM certification (National Academy of Sports Medicine).
- B.S. in Health Care Administration: Prepares students for management positions in health care. The emphasis is on management concepts and health care systems.
- B.S. in Public Health: Focuses on community health, the prevention of diseases, and the facilitation of health strategies.
- B.S. in Health Information Management: Combines health care, information technology, and management to prepare learners for careers in the management of health data.
Health Science and Clinical Experience
The health science programs at American Public University System (APUS) are delivered entirely online and do not include clinical experience components. These programs provide theoretical knowledge but are not for direct clinical practice.
For clinical experience, APUS offers nursing programs with practical components. Students interested in clinical practice should consider programs with hands-on training.
Many core health science classes include lab components, completed through virtual labs and at-home kits that enable students to perform hands-on experiments from home (American Public University System).
Admission and Application Requirements for the Health Science Program
American Public University System (APUS) maintains an open enrollment policy, meaning applicants are not required to submit test scores or meet a minimum GPA for admission. To apply, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. New students affiliated with healthcare organizations may need to self-certify and provide a copy for verification.
If your high school credential is from outside the United States, you must submit an international evaluation. Applicants with 60 or more college credits applicable to their degree plan may qualify for a waiver (American Public University System).
To apply for a health science program at American Public University System, follow these steps:
- Complete the Online Application: Access the APUS application portal to create an account and fill out the application form.
- Submit Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended educational institutions. If you have non-U.S. credentials, an international evaluation may be necessary.
- Apply for Financial Aid (as needed): If you plan to seek financial assistance, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any other required financial aid forms.
- Await Admission Decision: After submitting all required materials and ensuring they are successfully completed, monitor your email and the application portal for updates on your admission status.
Accreditation and Certification
The American Public University System (APUS) includes the American Military University (AMU) and the American Public University (APU). It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions nationwide, ensuring rigorous academic standards. Accreditation affects eligibility for financial aid, credit transfers, and graduate admissions.
Common Questions About a Health Science Degree
A health science degree opens doors to a variety of careers in health care, public health, and research. Students learn valuable skills through this versatile program that helps to prepare health science graduates to succeed in both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Let's take a quick look at a few common questions about the program (American Public University System).
Is a health science degree a useful health care degree?
If you're asking yourself " Is a Bachelor's in Health Science Worth It?", a health science degree is highly versatile, providing the foundation for numerous careers in health care, public health, health promotion, research, health policy, administration, assistant professor, and professor roles.
With the growing demand for skilled professionals, this degree can equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to individual and community health, making it a valuable educational investment (American Public University System).
Is health science harder than nursing?
Health science and nursing are challenging in different ways, depending on career goals and personal strengths. Nursing programs emphasize hands-on patient care, clinical rotations, and licensure requirements while health science focuses on broader topics like public health and health care management.
Both fields require dedication, but the difficulty varies based on individual interests and the specific demands of each program (Nurse Money Talk).
Can you become a nurse with a BS in Health Science?
While a BS in Health Science is not a direct path to becoming a nurse, it can serve as a strong foundation for pursuing nursing, allied health professionals, or health promotion.
Graduates often need to enroll in an accelerated nursing program or obtain an Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) to gain the clinical training and licensure required to become a registered nurse (RN) (Nurse Money Talk).
Outlook
In conclusion, the health care studies at APUS provide a solid foundation for careers in health care, research, education, health professions, or allied health professions. Reports suggest a growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, which may lead to expanding career opportunities in these fields.
The health science major may help students prepare for advanced degrees or certifications in health science, health promotion, or related fields, including roles as assistant professors, with insights informed by world report data, paving the way for continued growth and specialization.
Overall, this degree offers a variety of potential career and educational pathways.
Sources
- American Public University System. "School of Health Sciences."
- Nurse Money Talk. (2024, November 22). "Can I become a nurse with a health science degree?"
