Health Science, B.S.

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 three program tracks to meet the needs of students with various backgrounds and goals. The first two tracks are degree-completion options that are available online for those who meet the admission requirements for each track.  The timeline for program completion is flexible in consideration of students who are often working full-time jobs.

Clinical Track
For health care professionals who already have an associate degree and appropriate professional credentials to complete their bachelor’s degree and enhance their knowledge and skills, improving the opportunities for career mobility. This track does not require additional clinical coursework,

Eligibility Requirements*

• Associate degree in a clinically-based health-care discipline such as radiography, respiratory care or other profession
• Minimum GPA 2.30 (4.0 scale)
• Registry in appropriate health care profession*

* Documentation that certifies you are registered by the appropriate professional organization in your discipline must be submitted when applying for this option.

Non-Clinical Track
This track is for those with an associate of applied science (AAS) degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.  Students enrolled in this track will typically work in an area of health care that manages patient information, related software or training/sales of information systems.  This track was designed for those who do not have clinical credentials but wish to work in a non-clinical area of healthcare. Graduates may use this degree as a stepping stone to a master’s degree in health science or health informatics. To be eligible for admission to the non-clinical track, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology as well as other related coursework by completing specific courses.

Eligibility Requirements

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or equivalent with coursework (grade of C or higher) that includes:
• Anatomy/physiology
• Medical terminology
• Computer literacy
• Introduction to psychology
• Ethics
• No academic deficiencies
• Minimum college GPA of 2.30

The third 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 clinical or non-clinical 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. 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 can tailor this degree by choosing a minor in an area of interest that will further enhance their desired skill set. Students will complete a minor relative to their career goals.

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.

Special admission requirements: The program accepts students throughout the year to begin the program in fall, spring, or summer, depending on when the NKU and program admission processes are completed. The first step in the process is admission to NKU. Upon admission, students who meet the pre-requisites for the clinical or non-clinical track need to email healthscience@nku.edu to request a program application.  Students who do not meet the requirements for admission to either of these tracks will be assigned to the Transdisciplinary track.

Application requirements for all students:

• Admission to NKU; official transcripts from all regionally-accredited postsecondary institutions must be sent to NKU from these institutions.
• Possess an associate of applied science (AAS) degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution; this degree serves as the imbedded minor for the program.
• Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
• Submit a program application specific to the track - clinical or non-clinical 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.
• The clinical track requires verification of registry/certification with appropriate professional organization; students without this verification may not graduate.

You should also know: The Bachelor of Science in health science is delivered completely in the online format for students in the clinical and non-clinical tracks.  Students enrolled in the transdisciplinary track may be able to complete the program online after completing at least 30 semester hours of coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and obtaining permission from the program.  The 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, depending on the track.

The NKU application for admission and the registration process are completed online. The program application can be obtained by emailing (healthscience@nku.edu). The new student orientation for online program majors is also completed online; incoming freshmen will complete the campus orientation program offered by the university.  See the online program curriculum schedule (http://nkuonline.nku.edu/undergraduate/programs/bshealthscience.html).

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 the elective requirements for the major. 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.

Except for RAD and RSP courses, no more than two non-HSC courses can be taken to fulfill major requirements.

♦  Indicates prerequisite.