Bachelor of Health Science (BHS)
Prepare for a Career in Healthcare Leadership, Public Health, and Clinical Support Services
The Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) Program at NWSC prepares students for careers in healthcare, public health, clinical research, patient services, and healthcare administration support. Designed to provide both scientific knowledge and professional workforce preparation, the program combines classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, research exposure, and applied healthcare training to help students develop competencies needed in today’s healthcare environments.
Students gain foundational knowledge in human biology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, epidemiology, disease prevention, healthcare systems, public health, mental health, and healthcare policy. The program also emphasizes professional communication, ethical decision-making, scientific inquiry, and patient-centered healthcare practices.
Through research experiences, externship opportunities, and hands-on instruction, students develop practical skills applicable to healthcare organizations, community health settings, clinical research environments, and public health agencies.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Health Science degree.
Program Snapshot
Detail | Information |
Credential Awarded | Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) |
Total Credit Hours | 120 Credit Hours |
Duration | Designed to Be Completed in 3 Years |
Format | On Campus with Day, Evening, and Weekend Classes |
Program Start | Enrollments every Fall, Winter, and Summer Terms |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Health Science Program prepares students with the scientific knowledge, healthcare awareness, and professional skills necessary to work in a variety of healthcare-related settings. Students study human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, public health, epidemiology, healthcare ethics and legal issues, healthcare systems and policy, mental health, genetics and microbiology, clinical research, and healthcare communication. The curriculum combines healthcare theory with practical application to help students develop competencies in healthcare operations, patient-centered practices, health promotion, and scientific research. Students also gain exposure to healthcare delivery systems, healthcare policy, disease prevention strategies, and healthcare advocacy for diverse populations.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Health Science curriculum combines general education coursework with specialized healthcare and biological science courses designed to prepare students for healthcare-related employment and continued professional development.
Curriculum Highlights
- General Education: English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- Core Courses: Introduction to Healthcare, Healthcare Ethics & Legal Issues, Healthcare Policy, Healthcare in the U.S., Epidemiology & Public Health, Medical Sociology, Mental Health, Healthcare Practice
- Electives: Options in Biology, Business, or Health-Related Fields
- Capstone Experience: Research Project or Applied Practicum
General Education Coursework
Students complete coursework in English composition, speech communication, mathematics and calculus, psychology and sociology, ethics and humanities, and physical and life sciences. These courses help students develop communication, analytical reasoning, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills important in healthcare environments.
Core Health Science Coursework
Core coursework includes:
Course Code | Course Name |
BIO 102 | Cellular & Molecular Biology |
BIO 104 | Medical Terminology |
BIO 201 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I |
BIO 202 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II |
BIO 210 | Genetics |
BIO 302 | Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology |
BIO 303 | Microbiology |
COMM 203 | Fundamentals of Public Relations |
HS 200 | Introduction to Healthcare |
HS 201 | Introduction to Clinical Research |
HS 222 | Introduction to Hospital Patient Care Practices |
HS 250 | Healthcare in the U.S. |
HS 251 | Fundamentals of Public Health |
HS 260 | Healthcare Practice |
HS 301 | Healthcare Ethics & Legal Issues |
HS 310 | Epidemiology and Public Health |
HS 312 | Mental Health |
HS 430 | Healthcare Policy |
MTH 301 | Biostatistics |
PSY 350 | Organizational Behavior |
RES 200 | College Seminar |
RES 307 | Undergraduate Research Seminar |
RES 399/408 | Externship/Undergraduate Research Project |
SOC 220 | Medical Sociology |
Students may also complete approved electives as part of degree requirements.
Research and Externship Experience
Students participate in research and/or externship experiences that provide exposure to professional healthcare and scientific environments.
These experiences help students develop:
- Professional workplace skills
- Scientific and healthcare research competencies
- Communication and collaboration abilities
- Applied healthcare knowledge
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
Hands-on experiences help strengthen career readiness and professional development.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science Program will be able to:
- Apply scientific inquiry and evidence-based reasoning in healthcare-related settings.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of healthcare systems, public health, and human health sciences.
- Utilize effective communication skills in professional healthcare environments.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in healthcare practice.
- Identify healthcare challenges and apply appropriate problem-solving strategies.
- Promote health education, disease prevention, and healthy behaviors within diverse populations.
- Interpret healthcare policies, legal considerations, and healthcare delivery systems.
- Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and cultural awareness in healthcare environments.
- Apply research methods and critical thinking skills to healthcare-related issues.
- Demonstrate preparedness for employment or continued education in health science and healthcare-related fields.
Occupational Objectives
Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science Program may pursue employment opportunities including:
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Medical and Health Services Specialist
- Community Health Specialist
- Public Health Education Specialist
- Health Insurance Processing Specialist
- Medical Equipment Representative
- Healthcare Support Specialist
- Clinical Services Coordinator
- Healthcare Program Assistant
The program also provides foundational preparation for students pursuing graduate or professional healthcare education.
Admission Requirements
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Minimum high school CGPA of 2.0 or minimum transfer CGPA of 2.5
- Provisional acceptance may be provided to students who do not meet the minimum CGPA requirements. Contact the Admissions Representative for more information.
- Proof of vaccination
- Background check
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the Bachelor of Health Science Program, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours
- Complete 42 general education credit hours
- Complete 78 core program credit hours
- Complete required research and/or externship coursework
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete at least 40 upper-level credit hours
- Complete the final 20 credit hours at NWSC if transferring from another accredited institution
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our Admissions Team is here to help you explore the BHS program, guide you through the enrollment process, and support you every step of the way as you start your career in healthcare.