Why This Matters
-
DEMAND FOR REGISTERED NURSES IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 7%
It’s projected that more healthcare professionals are needed over the next decade to assist the aging population, with a particularly high demand for skilled workers in outpatient care centers.
-
JOB OUTLOOK FOR RECREATIONAL THERAPISTS GROWING FASTER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
Recreational therapists are expected to experience 8% job growth over the next decade, creating 1,700 new jobs.
-
139,200 MEDICAL ASSISTANTS ARE NEEDED OVER THE NEXT DECADE
With projected job growth of 19%, there will be 864,400 medical assistants nationwide helping healthcare facilities with administrative and clinical duties by 2029.
Our Research
This list covers bachelor’s programs that prepare administrative and clinical roles in healthcare and future academic studies. Degrees offered include Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science, and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Students can choose from on-campus, online, and blended learning formats.
Health science programs that meet specific academic criteria and effectively prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry receive national and regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is given by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 61 hours to write this article
- 152 universities and colleges we assessed
- 202 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Bachelor’s in Health Science Degree Programs
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
When pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, you should also consider obtaining a nursing degree. Depending on your career objectives, specializing in nursing can help you gain important skills needed to deal directly with patients. On the other hand, health science programs lay the foundation for many different clinical and non-clinical occupations. Most professionals in healthcare are required to hold a doctoral degree, which requires additional study. While a bachelor’s degree in health science can teach you about how the industry works and give you a broad overview of disciplines such as health administration, occupational therapy, and epidemiology, you will need to obtain at least a master’s degree to hold senior-level positions in the industry.
Healthcare includes many different specializations, and certifications can help graduates increase their job opportunities and gain new skills. You will need to complete all the academic requirements necessary for the occupations you wish to pursue after graduation. This will also help to identify which professional certifications are right for you. Post-graduation, consider obtaining certifications such as Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
The job outlook is very positive for graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree in health science. However, to be eligible for specific jobs in the industry, you may need to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students from all educational backgrounds with a high school diploma or equivalent can pursue an undergraduate degree in health science. Some programs may require a minimum GPA or standardized test score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most bachelor’s programs in health science require four years of full-time study to complete. The programs on this list require a minimum of 120 credits to graduate.
Every program has specific academic prerequisites and application deadlines. Research information about the program to which you are applying by visiting the school’s website, or contact the admissions department.
Determine how you will cover the costs of your undergraduate studies. You may be eligible for funding opportunities such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Federal student aid is also available to cover academic-related costs. Make sure to turn in all financial aid applications on time.