Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs of 2023
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., with job opportunities extending beyond doctors and nurses. Fill essential non-clinical and support roles or prepare for an advanced degree with an online Bachelor of Health Science.
Why This Matters
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2.4 MILLION MORE HEALTH WORKERS ARE NEEDED
Thanks to an aging population and more emphasis on preventative care, the demand for workers in the healthcare industry is up 18%, much faster than the average for other occupations.
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CHOOSE FROM OVER 20 DIFFERENT CAREER PATHS
A Bachelor of Health Science opens doors to many careers, including medical and health services manager, medical sales, and nursing home administrator, as well as graduate degree programs.
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JOBS FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANTS WILL RISE 29%
Assistants who can help physicians with routine administrative and clinical duties are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 183,900 new jobs will be added in this area by 2026.
Our Research
This list includes both Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science degrees. Both degrees are similar, and they 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.
- 66 hours to write this article
- 122 universities and colleges we assessed
- 327 education programs we compared
The Top 45 Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
Bachelor of Health Science programs are designed for students who wish to enter the healthcare field in non-clinical roles, meaning they do not provide direct care, diagnosis, or treatment to patients. Non-clinical jobs include medical or pharmaceutical sales, medical and health services management, corporate wellness, and more.
If your interest in healthcare involves direct patient contact, you should consider another degree or plan on continuing on to a master’s degree in a clinical discipline.
Many graduates of health sciences programs do pursue master’s degrees in areas like occupational therapy, physical therapy, or dentistry. A Bachelor of Health Science is a good stepping stone for these careers, but note the additional time and financial commitment of graduate school, and make sure it fits into your lifestyle and budget.
Because Bachelor of Health Science programs do not include clinical components, they are not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Depending on the area of healthcare you are looking to enter, a degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program may be preferred or required. Research your intended career path, and make sure you are selecting the type of degree program that best suits your needs.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Bachelor of Health Science programs:
- Am I eligible for this degree? Most programs on our list are intended for transfer students, particularly those who already have an associate’s degree in a healthcare related area. If you are entering the program directly from high school, there may be science prerequisites. Carefully review the program’s eligibility requirements to make sure you have the necessary coursework to enroll.
- Does this program have the specialization that I want? Since health science is such a diverse field, many programs offer concentrations to help you get specialized knowledge for certain jobs. Specializations can include leadership and policy, health and wellness, and rehabilitation science.
You should also find out what the application processes and deadlines are for any programs that interest you. This information is typically available on the program’s website, or you can contact the school’s admissions office directly.
Financing your education is another important consideration. Talk to the school’s financial aid counselors to find out what type of financial aid, scholarship, and assistantship options are available to you. If you are currently employed, check with your employer to find out if they offer any kind of tuition assistance benefits.