Introduction
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to provide students with a solid foundation for a career in community health or to pursue a professional graduate program. Students will gain broad skills in research, healthcare delivery, health promotion, disease prevention and management, and ethical, legal, and cultural issues related to the health field. A Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences prepares students with an interest in pursuing advanced clinical and non-clinical healthcare degrees or career advancement. This general health sciences degree is designed to provide students with a foundation in basic sciences, health-related sciences, as well as developing knowledge and skills in healthcare delivery systems, health promotion and education, research, and research, legal, and cultural issues related to healthcare. Graduates can pursue advanced degree programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, public health, and more. Graduates have employment opportunities in hospitals, medical or pharmaceutical sales, community organizations, medical research, wellness centers, insurance companies, health advocacy and navigation, mid-level management and public health agencies.
Career Opportunities
Child Development Specialist
Community Health Consultant
Community Health Education Coordinator
Health Benefit Navigator
Health Coach
Health Educator
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Services Coordinator
Medical Marketing Representative
Onsite Health Specialist
Patient Advocate
Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Aid
Public Health Advisor
Rehabilitation Aide
Researcher
Demand for Health Services Professionals
Employment for health educators, community health workers and other health services professionals is expected to experience significant growth over the next decade. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the health sciences sector is one of the largest major industry sectors, employing nearly 16 million in 2012 and will account for almost a third of projected job growth from 2012 to 2022. In addition, 14 of the 30 fastest growing occupations are health related. The growth is driven by an aging population and recent legislative changes to healthcare. Community health workers of all types will be in demand as healthcare costs rise. Insurance companies, employers and governments will look to community health professionals to teach people how to live healthy lives and avoid costly healthcare treatments (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Health Educators and Community Health Workers). Health workers help people understand what types of lifestyle changes to make to avoid certain illnesses or how to manage existing conditions. Demand will also rise as federal health reform expands access to medical care, such as preventative screenings. Health workers can assist in directing patients to healthcare services.
Program Prerequisites
AREA F – Lower Division Program Requirements (18 hours)
Credits
F1
BIOL
1151-1151L
Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
4
F2
BIOL
1152-1152L
Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
4
F3
HSCI
2111
Introduction to Health Care Environment
3
F4
Approved Lower Division Elective(s)
7
Recommendations for Dental Hygiene
Credits
F3
BIOL
2250-2250L
Microbiology with Lab
4
F4
HSCI
2111
Introduction to Health Care Environment
3
F5
Lower Division Elective
3
Recommendation for Nursing
Credits
F3
BIOL
2250-2250L
Microbiology with Lab
4
F4
PSYC
2103
Introduction to Human Development
3
F4
Lower Division Elective
3
HLTH
3201
Pathophysiology (*Transition course required prior to program application and enrollment*)
3
Upon successful completion of all area A-F lower division requirements, a separate application to the competitive admission dental hygiene/nursing program is required. The transition course HLTH 3201 is also required prior to nursing application. Selected applicants will then follow dental hygiene/nursing upper division program requirements as outlined in those sections of this Catalog.
Legislative Requirements
Clayton State students will satisfy the United States and Georgia constitution and history requirements through completion of appropriate coursework in the core curriculum. Alternate coursework and/or testing may be appropriate for transfer students.
Internship
Health Sciences (HSCI) students must complete the HSCI 4900 Health Sciences Seminar & HSCI 4970 Health Sciences Internship part of the program requirements. These courses require the student to develop individual learning objectives collaborated with their faculty facilitator and chosen preceptor(s) at the onset of the course. The internship will enable students to obtain practical skills, broaden exposure to speciality areas, explore areas with which they are unfamiliar, and apply theory learned throughout the curriculum.
