Online Health Science Degree

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In contrast to basic sciences like biology, physics, and chemistry, which frequently study subjects unrelated to health, health science focuses on specific health-related issues. Despite focusing on health issues and outcomes explicitly, this form of study is a vast multidisciplinary subject that includes both natural and behavioral sciences. Courses crucial for understanding population health, the causes of people making poor decisions, and outside forces that impact a person’s health are combined with laboratory science subjects in bachelors of health sciences degrees. According to health science academics, programs in this area typically include training in social science subjects like psychology, sociology, and epidemiology closely tied to health. A health sciences degree generally includes many public health subjects, as well as coursework in nutrition and exercise science. This guide explains the various aspects of an online health science degree and answers questions like “what is health sciences”.

Online Health Science Degree

Best Online Health
Sciences Degrees

One of the most challenging decisions students will ever have to make is which college or university they will attend to earn the best online health science degree. The cost, placements, beginning pay, employment rates, acceptance rates, and other aspects must all be considered. FBD teams sifted through each of these matrices to create a rating of the best bachelors of health sciences programs. Here is the list of the best online health science degrees: *

Keiser University is a private university based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with its main campus in Fort Lauderdale and its flagship residential campus in West Palm Beach, Florida. Keiser University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in both traditional and online formats. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) has institutionally accredited the school.
Univ Address Tuition Grad Rate
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale 1500 NW 49th St., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 $22,000 67%

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

What to Expect from the Online Health
Science Degree Program

A degree in health sciences examines human health and illness. Students in this major are prepared to pursue graduate-level study as well as employment in a range of health-related fields and workplaces. Many health science majors focus their careers on enhancing the lives of their patients and the community because they value high-quality healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention.

Completion of an online bachelors degree in health science would typically require about 120 credit hours and 48 months of study. Both online and on-campus courses are available for this type of degree. Students majoring in online health science degrees frequently take courses in ethics, management, global health, or epidemiology. Graduates from these programs will be prepared for leadership and management roles in a healthcare environment and will be able to examine and execute changes to the healthcare system.

A practicum in health science is required by several graduate programs for health science majors. This might be participating in internship programs or obtaining experience at places like hospitals, community health clinics, and research institutes.

What is health science class? Some of the classes students will take include:

Healthcare Delivery Systems

This course provides an overview of the nature, organization, and operation of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. The interdependence of cultural, economic, political, and social dimensions of health care delivery is emphasized at the federal, state, and local levels. Topics covered include healthcare costs, government influence on healthcare delivery, service accessibility, the role of the private sector in healthcare, ethical issues surrounding transplants, services for the medically indigent and elderly, end-of-life decisions, reproductive technology, and funding.

Healthcare Finance

This course covers the two major areas of Healthcare Finance: accounting and financial management. The healthcare financial environment, managerial accounting principles, financial accounting concepts, long-term finance, financial management, and capital investments are among the topics covered.

Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare

This course examines the role of healthcare policy, as well as legal, regulatory, and quality control issues, in ethical decision-making in healthcare. Students investigate the concepts and principles of health care policy, ethical behavior, legal control, and regulatory environments and their application to the health care environment.

Healthcare Quality Management

This course exposes students to operations management and investigates how healthcare companies might employ advanced methodologies to improve healthcare processes, delivery, and outcomes. The analysis of cycle times, streamlining process flows, measurement of productivity, tracking outcomes and performance metrics, and overall improvement of health management processes and health outcomes will be emphasized.

Some examples of other courses students can expect in health science degrees include but are not limited to:

  • Teaching and Learning in Healthcare Education
  • Human Nutrition
  • Healthcare Principles
  • Leadership Development
  • Culturally Responsive Healthcare
  • Chemistry for Health Science Professionals
  • Managing Financial Resources in Healthcare Organizations
  • Health Informatics
  • Introduction to Statistical Methods
  • Data Management and Analytics in Healthcare
  • Introduction to the Health Professions
  • Healthcare Quality Management
  • Research Methods in Health Sciences
  • Communication in Health Science Professions
  • Issues in Chronic Disease Management
  • Current Trends and Cultural Issues in Healthcare
  • Aging in Today’s Society
  • Global Perspectives of Healthcare

To know more about undergraduate programs, read the Guide to Bachelor Programs.

Degree Types for Online Health
Science Degree Programs

As the name bachelors of health sciences suggests, health science is a science stream of study. And this stream is generally studied from a scientific perspective or outlook. Hence, the degree types for this vocation are generally Bachelor of Science degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Health Science

A Bachelor of Science in Health Science or BS in health science online helps students obtain expertise in biology, psychology, anatomy, and physiology so they may contribute to the fast-expanding and dynamic field of health research. With the help of the BS in health science degree, students can start a career in the health sciences or get ready for graduate school. After graduating, students might opt to specialize in their degree in a particular area of health care.

Bachelor of Arts in Health Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences or BA in health science is a relatively rare degree type in the health sciences domain. This degree takes a multidisciplinary approach to the subject through courses in the humanities, arts, and social sciences and is more academic than a BS.

Students can also choose from certain variants of the health science degree, such as:

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Leadership

A BS in Health Care Administration Leadership helps students obtain the knowledge necessary to significantly influence patient and organizational outcomes and the skills to assist in resolving today’s complex healthcare concerns. The delivery of patient care, healthcare economics and research, planning and marketing, and population health and wellness promotion are just a few of the main areas of healthcare operations where students may further their expertise. With this degree, students may take advantage of their passion for leadership, advance their careers in the medical field, and effect constructive change.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Healthcare Concentration

A healthcare management bachelor’s degree is intended to equip students with the knowledge, abilities, and self-assurance to assume significant leadership positions in a variety of settings, including medical practices, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and government agencies that support the healthcare sector. With an online healthcare management degree, students can stand out from the crowd, improve their job prospects, and position themselves for raises, promotions, or a move into a different industry.

Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

A health information management degree includes challenging coursework and a simulation experience that will give students an understanding of the operations and duties of health information management in the real world. The commercial and technological aspects of healthcare will be covered, as well as the effects of health information management on patients, providers, and payers. This equips students with the skills they need to succeed in the expanding field of health information management, contributing significantly to the healthcare industry and its future.

Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration

A bachelor of arts in health care administration examines health administration, regulation and funding, healthcare planning, and health policy through an interdisciplinary and integrated learning method. Students will also study the social, political, ethical, legal, and economic aspects of the U.S. healthcare system that contribute to its complexity.

Areas of Specialization for Online
Health Science Programs

Multiple unique subjects and areas may be explored and investigated within a particular field of study, referred to as specializations. A specialization typically requires an in-depth investigation of the crucial subject selected for the study. To support the specialization, additional or minor courses must be taken. Some of the specializations available in the online health science degree include:

Area of SpecializationDescriptionCareer Options
Bachelor of Science in Health Care (Medical Science)Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to fulfill their potential as capable, considerate, sensitive, and competent pre-professionals. Students pursuing this specialization get an education that instills in them the values of integrity, effective communication, self-discipline, resourcefulness, and sound judgment.Careers in laboratory and research settings and emerging professional health care opportunities.
Biological Health ScienceThis multidisciplinary specialization offers a valuable fusion of the humanities, social sciences, and pure sciences.Careers in clinical lab management, technology specialties, health and wellness, and pharmaceutical sales.
Public Health ScienceThis concentration has a solid basis in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, and arithmetic that underlie the fundamental knowledge areas of public health.Careers in public health and healthcare.
Clinical AnalyticsThis concentration focuses on the acquisition, storage, and use of health care information and includes studying everything from system design and use to clinical documentation.Careers in the pharmaceutical sector, medical and wellness facilities, diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, etc.
Sports and Health Science Degree OnlineThis specialization engages students in the scientific study of human movement and behavior, giving them an insight into maximizing health and wellness in an age when life expectancy is rising. Anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and sports psychology are among the topics covered.Athletic trainers, coaches, physical therapists, nutrition and health consultants, fitness center managers, researchers, etc.
Applied Health Science Bachelor’sThis concentration program prepares students to apply scientific ideas and practical clinical experience to improve patient quality of life in the healthcare and fitness industries.Various roles in the healthcare and fitness industries.
Bachelor of Health Science Nutrition and Exercise OnlineThis specialization focuses on optimal health diets and lifestyles and the links between nutritional intake, energy output, and obesity. Students develop the skills required to design, execute, and evaluate exercise and physical activity to improve the population’s health and mental well-being.Nutritionists, coaches, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals.

Other options for specialization include:

  • Health Education
  • Human Genetics and Genomics
  • Eastern Medicine
  • Chiropractic Sciences
  • Strategic Management
  • Community Health Sciences

Why should I do an Online
Health Science Degree?

What is bachelor of health science degree? The online bachelor of health science degree provides a doorway into the thriving healthcare sector. It is a good degree for people seeking employment in the healthcare industry. Health sciences graduate programs offer a more comprehensive education to assist healthcare professionals in developing their careers, increasing their earning potential, and growing their network.

There is a good reason why earning a bachelor’s degree in health science is currently a common educational route. Since people are living longer, there are more elderly individuals than before. Furthermore, since healthcare technology advances swiftly, people and communities in need now have access to cutting-edge medical operations. As a result, there are more and more jobs in the health sciences that require an advanced degree, and the future looks bright. With an online health science degree, students may be able to find fulfilling work opportunities that allow them to make a big difference in the healthcare sector. The online health sciences degree can be an excellent approach to advance one’s career by using an associate degree in one of the following fields:

  • Dental Hygiene
  • Radiation Therapy Technology
  • Sonography
  • Medical Assisting & Office Management
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Clinical Laboratories
  • Surgical Technology
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Neurodiagnostic Technology
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Cardiovascular Technology
  • Radiography
  • Diagnostic Medical Technology

Those with a wide range of academic interests are particularly well-suited for degrees in the health sciences, according to experts. People who sincerely want to use their knowledge to better the lives of the communities in which they will practice, whether those communities are local, national, international, or global, are the best candidates for an online health science degree program. 

Finally, a bachelor’s in health sciences would equip students with critical industry requirements like organized healthcare operations management, understanding key performance indications related to the industry, critical thinking, and so on. Some of the skills they would have acquired include the ability to:

  • grasp the connection between disease prevention and health promotion;
  • evaluate scientific literature, comprehend, and synthesize relevant information from it, and communicate that information both orally and in writing;
  • work with any population and demonstrate cultural competency and compassion;
  • understand how culture, behavior, biology, and the environment interact to create and address health inequities;
  • describe health systems and organizational structures in the United States and be able to compare them to health systems around the world;
  • communicate and tailor public health messages to varied audiences effectively and efficiently using technical and professional writing, mass media, and both written and spoken presentations;
  • fundamentally understand the biological influences on health throughout one’s life;
  • show proficiency in applied statistical analysis;
  • prove competence in the scientific and mathematical underpinnings required for entrance to graduate health care programs of professional study; and
  • comprehend research techniques and scientific processes.

Free Courses for Online Health
Science Degree Students

For students who quickly need to study a topic or go over certain concepts they may not have encountered or used before, free courses in health science can come into use. Several free online courses are readily available to bachelors degree in health science students who want to learn more or brush up on their knowledge in certain areas of the subject. Here are examples of such free courses:

CourseDescriptionProvided by
The Health Effects of Climate ChangeThis course, which was developed with assistance from the Harvard Global Health Institute, explains how climate change affects people all around the world and how it directly influences people and their lives.Harvard Univ
Molecular and Cellular PathophysiologyThis course discusses the principles of tissue and organ response to damage from a molecular and cellular viewpoint. Disease states that connect infection, inflammation, immunity, and cancer are given particular attention.MIT
Modeling Issues in Speech and HearingWithin the framework of auditory and speech biology, this course examines the theory and use of scientific modeling. The class uses examples from hearing and speech, and it discusses broader, meta-theoretical questions that go beyond the specific subject matter.MIT
Health Across the Gender SpectrumAn intimate, narrative-based introduction to the lives of six transgender kids and their families is provided in this course. Learners will have a better knowledge of gender identity and the gender spectrum after watching short instructional films and illustrated tales.Stanford Online

How to get into the Online Health
Science Degree Program?

Although the prerequisite for health science education admission requirements remains the same across institutions, prospective students should carefully review the bachelor’s admission information from the programs of their choice because entrance requirements for online BS degrees in health science programs differ between institutions. Here is a list of health science education requirements for admission into an online health science degree program:

  • Application for Admission
  • Application Fee
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Official Academic Transcripts
  • A Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in science subjects
  • An Essay
  • Letter of Recommendation (usually optional)

How Long does it take to complete the Online
Health Science Degree Program

A four-year, 120-credit program is the norm for an online bachelor’s degree in health science. Several part-time programs are available for students who desire to study at their speed while maintaining a full-time job. The requirements for part-time degrees can usually be finished in six years for students completing three to nine courses per semester. The required number of credits remains unchanged at 120 credits.

Accelerated Online Health Sciences
Degree Programs

For full-time students majoring in the health sciences who are highly motivated and have a penchant for the subject’s principles and concepts, enrolling in an accelerated bachelor’s degree in health science program may be beneficial. As one might expect, the accelerated science program is quite challenging and moves quickly. Before applying, students should conduct their research because not everyone is qualified for the usually rigorous and intense accelerated health science degree online, such as the one offered by Thomas Jefferson University.

Accreditations for Online Health
Sciences Degree Programs

Academic programs’ performance and quality are communicated through accreditation. By volunteering through the process of accreditation, institutions may demonstrate the quality of their educational programs. Enrolling in accredited online healthcare programs may be essential since doing so is necessary to qualify for federal financial aid and to transfer credits across educational programs. Also, employing people with accredited online healthcare degrees might be favored by many firms. There is a list of accredited regional and national accrediting bodies on the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). No specific professional body has the power to certify health sciences degree programs. Students should verify the accreditation status of claimed accredited online healthcare schools they intend to attend.

One group that assesses institutions rather than college programs is the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Along with other services, the MSCHE offers education to its member universities. It is a non-profit membership group that uses a range of student demographics and resources to define, defend, and promote educational excellence.

For more information on accreditation, read the Guide to College Accreditation.

How to Pay for an Online Health
Science Degree Program?

Students must carefully analyze their payment options for their online health science bachelor’s degree programs given the current state of student debt, the expense of education, and the average amount of debt each student accumulates. The most rational method to pay for college is via scholarships. If a candidate does not meet the criteria for a scholarship and is employed as a professional, they may ask their employers for tuition reimbursement. Applying for a student loan is an additional option for paying for an online health science degree. Additionally, students can check if they qualify for federal student aid.

Read more on financial aid, how to pay for college, donors for student loans, grants for student loans, and FAFSA student aid.

Scholarships for Online Health
Sciences Degree Students

Scholarships are monetary prizes given to students for their education that may consider their financial circumstances in addition to other variables like their academic standing. The two most common types of scholarships are those awarded based on merit and need. Students who want to enroll in health science degree online programs should carefully consider their scholarship opportunities. Below are a few examples:

ScholarshipDescriptionAward/AmountApplication Deadline
The Edison International STEM ScholarshipThe Edison Scholars Program honors students who want to be tomorrow’s creators – the innovators, guardians, pioneers, and visionaries – who dare to be outstanding. Edison International provides 30 seniors in high school with college scholarships each year to support their pursuit of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees and provide them the instruments for making a change in the world.$40,000December 13, 2024
The Adam Ferrari Health Science ScholarshipIntending to improve treatment for individuals with physical limitations, the Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship encourages students who want to study health science in college.$1,000January 15, 2024
Elms College STEM ScholarshipsStudents who major in STEM subjects such as biology, computer science or engineering, chemistry, or mathematics and enroll full-time at Elms College are eligible for scholarships via the Elms College STEM scholarship program.$10,000February 1, 2024

FAQs Related to the Online Health
Sciences Degree Program

What is a BS in health science?

A Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHS) often integrates the study of biological, physical, and social sciences with topics relating to health care and practical training, all of which help students become more familiar with the concepts and methods used in the delivery of healthcare.

Can you teach with a health science degree?

How long does it take to get a health science degree?

What can you do with online health science degrees?

Is a bachelor’s in health science worth it?

Is a bachelor of applied science in health sciences a good degree?

What does a bachelor of applied science online degree include?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after
an Online Health Science Degree

Most bachelors of health sciences graduates go on to work in entry-level positions at hospitals, community organizations, public health organizations, pharmacies, or even research labs. Their job may be related to public health, healthcare administration, health services, or health information management. Graduates of this degree also pursue a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical employment opportunities. The major equips students with the critical thinking, information analysis, and leadership abilities necessary for nonclinical employment. A medical manager of a hospital division or a claims reviewer at a clinic are examples of possible positions. Graduates can also work for a research facility, community organization, or pharmaceutical or insurance firm.

Students choosing this major are also prepared for graduate-level studies in a range of health programs, including medicine, dentistry, physical or occupational therapy, and veterinary medicine. After completing their graduate studies, health science majors find employment in charitable organizations, government offices, research facilities, hospitals, clinics, and clinics.

Listed below are some bachelor of health sciences career options:

OccupationJob DescriptionSkills RequiredMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2030)
Medical Sonographers, Cardiovascular Technologists and TechniciansDiagnostic imaging personnel, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists, including vascular technologists, operate specialized imaging equipment to produce pictures or carry out tests.Interpersonal skills, technical skills, detail-oriented, physical stamina, hand-eye coordination$75,38014% (faster than average)
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansTo evaluate bodily fluids, tissue, and other substances, clinical laboratory technologists and clinical laboratory technicians gather samples and carry out tests. Compared to technicians, technologists conduct more intricate testing and laboratory processes.Detail-oriented, physical stamina, ability to use technology, dexterity$57,80011% (faster than average)
Radiation TherapistsPatients with cancer or other serious illnesses receive radiation treatments from radiation therapists. To give focused radiation therapy to a patient’s tumor location, radiation therapists use equipment like linear accelerators.Interpersonal skills, technical skills, compassion, detail-oriented$82,7909% (as fast as average)
Registered NursesRegistered Nurses (RNs) provide and oversee patient care, inform the public about various health issues, counsel patients and their families, and give emotional support. They usually collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals as a team.Organizational skills, communication skills, critical-thinking skills, physical stamina, detail-oriented, compassion, emotional stability$77,6009% (as fast as average)
Dental HygienistsDental hygienists offer preventative treatment, such as oral hygiene, and check patients for indications of oral disorders like gingivitis. Patients are also given oral health education by them.Problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, detail-oriented, dexterity$77,810 (faster than average)11%

Certifications and Licensing for Online
Health Science Degree Students

Healthcare certifications attest to one’s suitability for carrying out specific tasks necessary for certain employers. Additionally, if one is still in school or wants to switch careers, certification may be helpful as a route to get into the healthcare field.

After completing their bachelors of health sciences, most health care workers must be certified; however, in fields like health care administration and information systems, one can still get qualified for positions without prior experience in the health business. Here are a few examples of certifications that would help in the field of health science:

Pharmacy Technical Certification Board– Certified Pharmacy Technician

The technician certification that pharmacists trust is the PTCB CPhT Certification. The CPhT certification enables technicians to show their expertise and dedication to drug safety and efficient patient care in a variety of pharmacy environments. Employers want and even demand that their pharmacy technicians hold PTCB CPhT certifications.

National Healthcare Association — Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)

Certified patient care technicians provide doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with the vital daily care some patients need. They actively help patients with their fundamental requirements, making a significant difference in their lives and their families’ lives.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assists patients with daily activities and other healthcare requirements (LPN). Other names for CNAs are nursing assistant, patient care assistant (PCA), and nurse’s aide.

Additional Resources for Online Health
Science Degree Students

Following completion of an online bachelors of health sciences degree, it is crucial to join a professional organization, obtain accreditation, and devote oneself to one’s chosen focus in the health sciences. Doing so instantly connects individuals to their professional peers and keeps them informed of the most recent trends. To that end, here are a few resources for graduates to consider:

Title/ResourceDescription
National HealthCare Association (NHA)The National Healthcare Association (NHA) is the country’s leading organization certifying healthcare professionals. It is an organizational member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance and awards credentials in more than 8 allied health disciplines.
The Autism Partnership Foundation (APF)The Autism Partnership Foundation (APF) was established to improve our understanding of successful autism therapy via research, education, and training and make it available to all children with ASD and their families. Through research and training, the APF is dedicated to improving the standards of practice and the care provided to those diagnosed with ASD.
Pharmacy Technician BoardPTCB is the organization that pharmacists cite as their trusted source. It is by far the top organization that issues credentials to pharmacy technicians. PTCN aims never to stop learning, evolving, and getting better to deliver on the most crucial pharmacy metric: patient safety.
The National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE)The National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE) is a membership organization comprised of academics, industry experts, and organizations committed to improving health science education in the United States.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a professional association with individual membership in the United States, has over 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy as members.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.