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Students who want to pursue a career involving the sciences, such as chemistry, physics, or biology, can earn an online bachelor’s in health science degree. The program will prepare students for numerous entry-level healthcare jobs, such as:

  • Clinical Laboratory Technologists (median annual salary: $57,800)
  • Dieticians and Nutritionists (median annual salary: $61,650)
  • Biostatistician (median annual salary: $96,280)

An online bachelor’s in health sciences degree is an excellent foundation for students pursuing careers that require a master’s or medical degree. Bachelor’s degrees typically require 120 credit hours, allowing full-time students to complete a program in four years. The cost of an online bachelor’s in health sciences will depend on a few factors, including whether a school is a public or private university.

How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Program

Choose your area of study

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences degree program gives students a broad educational base that they can customize according to the concentration area that interests them. A Bachelor of Arts degree teaches students philosophies on health and how they connect with other arts.

There are a number of different health science areas students can choose to focus on while earning their bachelor’s degree, including:

  • Administration
  • Education
  • Technology
  • Emergency medicine
  • Counseling

To help students determine which type of program is best for them, they should take time at the beginning of the process to reflect on their interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. This will help them find a program that aligns with their priorities.

Research schools and programs

Students can start their research online to review the schools’ and programs’ websites and social media pages. They can read reviews and feedback, participate in virtual tours and information sessions, and communicate with representatives.

One of the most important factors to research is the school and program’s accreditation status, as this can affect financial aid eligibility, employment opportunities, and options for further postsecondary study. You can confirm a school’s accreditation status through the Department of Education. To verify programmatic accreditation, check with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

While online, pay attention to factors that make the university or program stand out. Take notes on what you find, like the following:

  • Names and credentials of faculty and leaders
  • Awards and special recognitions
  • Culture of the Health Sciences department and overall university
  • Program and community networking opportunities
  • Student support services
  • Graduation requirements

Prepare for tests and applications

Students should include application requirements in their research. Each online bachelor’s in health sciences program may have a unique application process. Students applying to multiple programs will benefit from creating a spreadsheet to organize details such as deadlines and materials.

If you’re applying to schools that require ACT or SAT scores, be sure to take these exams early enough so the scores don’t delay any of your applications.  For some students, this can mean taking standardized tests while still in high school.

Other typical application requirements include official high school transcripts, official transcripts from any colleges a student has attended, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a resume.

Select your program

Students may choose to only apply to one program or submit applications to multiple schools. If you’re submitting multiple applications, remember that most schools charge nonrefundable application fees, which can add up quickly. Narrowing your list of potential schools as much as possible can help you manage your budget for application fees.

Students should contact the admissions departments of schools to inquire about application fee waivers. They can also request a waiver through the Common App if they meet specific financial criteria.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Besides paying for tuition and fees out of pocket, there are also many other ways students can finance their education.

Students and their families should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to evaluate eligibility for gift aid like scholarships and grants, as well as student loans. Whenever possible, use gift aid, which doesn’t have to be repaid, before borrowing federal or private student loans. Students may also qualify for federal work-study funding in exchange for having an on-campus job.

Students who are working while enrolled in their online hotel and restaurant bachelor’s degree program can find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Other resources for finding financial aid include:

The Top 45 Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Health Science Degree Programs
01

Florida International University
01

Ohio State University
01

Rutgers School of Health Professions
01

University of Missouri
01

Florida Atlantic University
01

University of West Florida
01

University of North Alabama
01

West Texas A&M University
01

West Virginia State University
01

Penn State World Campus
01

Nicholls State University
01

Southern New Hampshire University
01

University of Kansas
01

Missouri Southern State University
01

Colorado Christian University
01

Keiser University
01

Bay Path University
01

George Washington University
01

Northern Kentucky University
01

Arizona State University
01

Mary Baldwin University
01

Western Kentucky University
01

Indiana University
01

Seminole State College of Florida
01

University of Cincinnati
01

National University
01

Missouri State University
01

Nova Southeastern University
01

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
01

Northern Arizona University
01

Eastern Washington University
01

St. Luke's College
01

Touro University
01

Wilmington University
01

UIW School of Professional Studies
01

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
01

University of South Dakota
01

Florida Gulf Coast University
01

Washburn University

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How We Rank Schools

This list includes both Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science degrees. Both degrees are similar and will prepare you for non-clinical healthcare jobs or graduate study in a healthcare-related field.

Most programs are geared towards working individuals who already have college credits or an associate’s degree in a healthcare-related field; exact eligibility requirements vary per program.

All of the programs on our list are offered by regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation guarantees that programs meet high quality standards.

Once we narrowed our list, we reviewed each program’s courses, cost, reputation, and flexibility. Using this information, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Program?

The best online bachelor’s in health sciences degree programs require up to 120 credit hours of core curriculum, electives, labs, internships, and field experience. Full-time students often complete programs in four years, while part-time students require between five and six years. If available, students who enroll in an accelerated program can finish in two years.

In addition to foundational science skills, students learn how to interact with patients, their families, and colleagues. Leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills are areas of focus, as well as ethics and legal and liability issues.

As students progress in the online bachelor’s in health sciences program, coursework also advances. For example, first-year students may take an introductory biology course, but third-year students will take molecular biology. Students will spend time completing lab work and gathering real-world experiences through internships or practicums.

Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in health sciences program

  • Anatomy. Students learn about the human body, including bones, joints, muscles, organs, and all the other parts that contribute to living. Students study how each part plays a role in functioning and what happens when one or more parts experience disease or injury. Some anatomy classes involve dissecting organisms in laboratories.
  • Healthcare Policies. Students learn the areas of healthcare that impact policies, such as patient care, pharmaceutical management, safety, human resources, and managing patient information. Students will learn the process of creating a policy in healthcare and the difference between policies, guidelines, regulations, and procedures.
  • Health Technology. Students learn about the technologies used in the healthcare industry, including patient databases and the new platform models allowing patients better access to their files and providers. Students also learn potential risks associated with new technologies and ways to ensure the privacy and security of files and data.
  • Patient Care. Students learn the fundamentals of caring for patients, such as taking vital signs and administering life-saving measures. Other topics include communicating with patients and assessing their needs. Students are introduced to common patient illnesses and treatments, mental health’s connection to physical health, and patient safety.

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an online bachelor's in health sciences degree program?

Undergraduate programs generally require incoming students to have education credentials, such as a high school diploma or GED. Students who previously attended another college or university are considered transfer students and must submit official transcripts showing their earned college credits.

Other application materials include letters of recommendation from people who can attest to their abilities as a student. Guidance counselors, principals, coaches, teachers, or employers are good resources.

Personal statements allow students to express why they want to enter the health sciences program and discuss their interests, unique talents, and long-term goals. Some universities require students to take a standardized test — either the SAT or ACT — and meet a minimum score threshold.

The best way to ensure proper application submission is to contact the admissions departments of the university to confirm requirements and deadlines.

How much does an online bachelor's in health sciences degree cost?

The cost of an online bachelor’s in health sciences depends on multiple factors, including whether the program is offered at a public or private university. Private schools tend to charge higher tuition rates than public institutions. However, private universities offer flat-rate tuition, while public schools may charge different rates based on where students live. Check with your school’s financial aid office to confirm your tuition rate.

As an online student, you may be able to save money on costs like transportation, childcare, and living expenses. However, also be aware that many schools charge additional fees for things like technical support, library and academic support services, and student activities, which can add to the cost of tuition.

Using a financial planning worksheet can help students understand the actual costs of their education.

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor's in health sciences degree?

Most full-time students aim to complete an online bachelor’s in health sciences degree in about four years. Timelines vary for many reasons, however, allowing some students to finish earlier and some to need one or two more years.

Common factors that change a graduation timeline include the following:

  • Enrolling in an accelerated program
  • Going from full-time to part-time status
  • Experiencing obstacles that slow the timeline
  • Switching majors
  • Earning college credits while in high school or a community college
  • Attending summer school
  • Withdrawing from classes

Finally, online courses offer students a more flexible timeline than on-campus course structures.


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