Spalding University Catalog Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Bachelor of Science in Health Science | Spalding University Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Health Science

The Health Science program at Spalding is built on the premise of promoting optimum health. Whether you attend the program in preparation for an advanced degree (such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Athletic Training) or you finish with a bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness, our mission is to prepare graduates for the ever-changing healthcare environment. Through foundational, transferable competencies, graduates are equipped with the knowledge and behaviors necessary to promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Courses are built to ensure that graduates are armed with the education that prepares them for successful careers and leadership roles in the field of health science.

The baccalaureate degree in health science provides a comprehensive and innovative curriculum based on the Institute of Medicine’s plan for health professions education, the curriculum revolves around the principles of client-centered care, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, utilization of technology, and working in interdisciplinary teams. Students are broadly trained in the application of basic science to health, coupled with the development of the values, interpersonal and inter-professional skills required for success in professional practice and graduate study. The major builds on the university general education requirement and includes additional credits in the Basic Sciences, the Social Sciences, and the Health Sciences. Students select a focused concentration of study that will prepare them for careers in health care and targeted graduate study. Graduates will become change agents moving into the community for the advancement of health/life.

The health and wellness track provides students with the foundational knowledge to approach care from a holistic perspective focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. The program introduces a holistic approach including emphasis on evidence-based practices, and the legal, ethical, historical, and cultural foundations of integrative health care.

Degree tracks include:

Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Health & Wellness equips students with a comprehensive understanding of holistic health modalities, wellness principles, and their integration with modern science, enabling them to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spirit. Graduates are prepared for diverse career opportunities in healthcare, wellness, and community health settings.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Professional Studies is an accelerated program for students who have an associate’s degree and a current professional license or certification in a healthcare field. Fields include, but are not limited to, physical therapist assistant, surgical technician, respiratory therapy assistant, X-ray technician, and ultrasound technician. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours by utilizing the academic policy related to transfer credit equivalency. The courses required are designed to build upon current knowledge building on the concept of health and wellness.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Healthcare Innovation is for students interested in pursuing leadership positions within the healthcare field. Upon graduation, students are well-positioned to pursue a master’s degree in the School of Business.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Entry Level Athletic Training is a 3 + 2 program which prepares students to complete degree requirements after the Junior Year and begin Athletic Training graduate degree courses in their senior year. Upon receiving the bachelor’s degree, students continue for the final year in the Athletic Training graduate program.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Preparation for Occupational Therapy is designed for students wishing to apply for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy upon graduation.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science – OTA to BSHS is a program desired to fast- track occupational therapy assistants into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Students are able to transfer up to 90 credit hours by utilizing the academic policy related to transfer credits equivalency.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Early Entry Physical Therapy is a 3 + 3 option for students to enter the DPT Program after their junior year. Students are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree after completing the first year DPT Program coursework.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science – Second Bachelor's Degree Track is an option for DPT Program applicants to complete a second bachelor’s degree in preparation for the graduate DPT Program. Students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree after completing the first year of DPT Program coursework and are eligible to apply for admission to the graduate DPT Program if academic progression criteria are met.

The degree requirements differ depending upon the selected track. It is suggested that students use the links below to view the specific requirements for their desired BSHS degree track. The program sheet will outline the specific courses required for that track.

Minors

Exercise Science Minor (21 total credit hours)
HS 370; HS 371; HS 372; HS 401; HS 470; HS 471; MSAT 515