The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Science program provides students with the opportunity to gain well-rounded, holistic knowledge of the health care system. Students who are enrolled in the program represent a variety of backgrounds. In addition to promoting the “team concept” in healthcare, the curriculum prepares graduates for a variety of positions in health-related organizations, including administration, management, education/training, and advanced clinical practice. The upper-level courses blend technical and humanistic theories to give graduates a foundation for advanced positions in their respective disciplines, as well preparing them for graduate studies.
This program currently has two program tracks to meet the needs of students with various backgrounds and goals. The first track is a degree completion option that is available online for those who meet the admission requirements for the track. The timeline for program completion is flexible in consideration of students who are often adult learners working full-time.
Degree Completion Track
This track is designed for students who have an earned associate’s degree in a health discipline looking to complete a bachelors degree. Students must additionally meet all university graduation requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- Associate’s degree in a health discipline
- Minimum college GPA of 2.30
The second track in the program is open to freshman, transfer and current NKU students who do not have academic deficiencies and do not meet the requirements of the degree completion track.
Transdisciplinary Track
This track is designed for students who want to work in some aspect of health care but do not wish to work in the clinical arena or this track can serve as a pre-professional program for those planning to complete a clinical graduate level program following graduation. Students completing this track curriculum will understand the complex health care industry, the diverse population it serves, and how to effectively communicate with the two. The multidisciplinary coursework will also provide students with the knowledge to understand the various components that contribute to wellness and the challenges that present when working to achieve positive health outcomes. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of areas including community health, patient advocacy, health literacy and education, as well as health promotion and wellness. Students will complete a minor relative to their career goals or in an area that will further enhance their desired skill set.
Eligibility Requirements
- No academic deficiencies
- Minimum GPA of 2.50 (high school or 1-29 hours of college coursework) (4.0 scale)
- Minimum GPA of 2.30 (> 30 hours college coursework) (4.0 scale)
- Evaluation of transfer credit hours and program planning is individualized; each student is assisted by a program advisor.
The program accepts students for both tracks throughout the year to begin the program in fall, spring, or summer, depending on when the NKU and program admission processes are completed. Students who apply for but do not meet the requirements for admission to the degree completion track will automatically be assigned to the transdisciplinary track.
Admission to NKU; official transcripts from all regionally-accredited postsecondary institutions must be sent to NKU from these institutions. Submit a program application specific to the track. In addition to the above requirements, applicants must meet requirements specific to the track of interest.
Special graduation requirements:
- A minimum grade of C or better for successful completion of major requirements, including major electives.
You should also know: The Bachelor of Science in health science is delivered completely in the online format for students in the degree completion track. Students enrolled in the transdisciplinary track may be able to complete the program online proper course selection. An associate of applied science (AAS) degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution serves as an imbedded minor for the program; all other students must complete a focus or minor.
Health Care Industry Certification Examinations: Students who hold advanced credentials in radiologic technology or nuclear medicine (for example, CT, MRI, cardiovascular imaging, PET, etc.) or respiratory care (for example, polysomnography) may be awarded up to six hours of coursework at the 300 level or above that may be used toward their credit hour total. Advanced credentials must have been awarded by a recognized national organization, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists, the National Board for Respiratory Care, or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The process for receiving credit is found at (http://testing.nku.edu/CPL.html).
Prior learning credit is also available for radiographers who have graduated from an accredited radiography program, but who may not have coursework that transfers to NKU. Students must have passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists national examination, have maintained their certification and can provide documentation of current certification. These students may be awarded up to 50 hours of radiography professional coursework, dependent upon year of initial certification; award of credit will be posted to the student’s transcript upon completion of the process found at (http://testing.nku.edu/CPL.html). This advanced standing policy is limited to students completing the health science program. Credit hours earned under this policy may not be used to satisfy the residency requirements for graduation. Students who earn these credit hours must meet all prevailing university and program requirements for graduation.
♦ Indicates prerequisite.
