Online Health Science Degree Program

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WHAT IS AN ONLINE HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM?

An online health science degree program studies all the ways to promote health. Some programs explore the body and its systems, with a focus on disease prevention. While others explore non clinical ways to work with people in health care settings. There are online health science degree programs available at all levels. From associate and bachelor to master’s and PhD. Each has a different goal and focus. Yet offers a convenient alternative to a campus program.

BASICS OF HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE

There are an incredible array of things to consider when ensuring good health. The nutritional benefits of what you eat play a tremendous factor in cardio health and can play a direct role in long term health outcomes and what diseases people may face later in life. Similarly, regular exercise increases well being and can help prevent negative health outcomes brought on by a sedentary lifestyle. Even genetics and afflictions carried down through a person’s blood line can have a huge effect on wellness.

While there are surgeons, doctors and professionals that specialize in very particular health subjects, there is also a place for well rounded experts that have a basic knowledge of all the moving parts. That’s where those taught in health sciences come into play.

An online degree in health sciences may lead into a wide array of different career paths that enjoy various tasks and responsibilities. It could function as a stepping stone to more specified learning in a the medical field – for instance students may choose to begin studying to become a certified nurse or even go to medical school. On the other hand, the general knowledge you attain taking health sciences courses may help you pursue a career as a health educator or counselor or as a hospital admin.

TYPES OF ONLINE HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Associate of Applied Science in Health Science (AAS)

This program covers basic gen ed and science courses. It is for those who want to add onto existing medical knowledge and healthcare training. Military students may be able to use their training in place of electives if eligible.

Course Examples:

  • Genetics/Lab
  • Biology/Lab
  • Anatomy/Lab

Regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

B.S. Health Science

This program provides non clinical management skills in many allied health fields. Along with general education courses, students may learn about the US health care delivery systems, insurance, finance and governance.

Course Examples:

  • Health reimbursement
  • Healthcare finance
  • Quality management in health care

Regional accreditation through HLC

Master of Science in Health Sciences in Health Care Quality (MS)

This program looks at the managerial side of healthcare. Students study ways to promote patient safety through initiatives. In other classes they learn how to conduct research. Then apply findings to make operational decisions.

Course Examples:

  • Patient safety systems
  • Health care leadership
  • Bio statistics

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

ONLINE HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS

An online health sciences degree program often features a flexible course plan. Students study from different disciplines depending on the program goals. This is usually one of two paths.

The first kind centers around wellness and population health. These programs often feature science courses. Like chemistry, anatomy, and nutrition.

Students often study normal aging and disease and may learn to research. To help with this, a program will often cover medical terms and applied statistics.

Many schools refer to this kind of program as ‘pre professional’. The goal is usually to prep students for entry into a variety of health care grad programs of all types. Like chiropractic medicine, optometry, public health, etc.

A second kind of program is more administrative. It focuses on the skills and knowledge needed for non clinical roles in health care. Students in these programs often learn about public health and health care delivery. This means studying the U.S. health care system. Plus, payment plans and patient care.

These courses often help to frame decision making. Especially in areas like operations and patient safety. To reflect these themes, other classes study informatics, public health policy and communication.

Another thing that impacts a health science curriculum is the degree level. Take a peek inside three common programs – Associate, Bachelor and Master.

Associate in Health Science

An associate degree in health science may help you launch a career in allied health. Or prepare for further study at the bachelor’s level. It often consists of 60 credits which may take a full time student about 2 years to complete.Most programs cover basic general education and health science courses. For instance, biology, chemistry, the human body and lab work.

Students may also gain a deeper understanding of medical terms and the US health care system. Other core topics may cover the medical billing and electronic medical records.

Bachelor’s in Health Science

A bachelor’s in health science may help students pursue entry level jobs in allied health. Or, provide a platform for a master’s or professional degree.Many programs entail 120 credits and about 4 years of full time study. Course work often melds global public health concepts with core work. These draw from many areas including biology, the humanities, and general health sciences.

In some schools, a health science program comes with a choice of focal point. Popular areas are health informatics, health promotion, leadership and health psychology. Though interested students can also look into a research focused program too.

Master of Health Science

A master’s in health science may help students expand expertise. Many programs are for current healthcare workers who want to step into a leadership role.

Earning a master’s degree in health science often means completing about 36 credits. A full time student may do this in about 2 years.

Depending on the program, it may cover the structure, process and outcomes of health care. Knowing about these areas often helps managers make decisions. Both to improve patient care and to drive operational decision making.

Health Science Courses

The topics below provide a snapshot of a health science programs. Use the examples to explore your interests and guide your choice.

Some common courses include:

Health Care Delivery: These classes often looks at the history of health care delivery to see how it has evolved. Students often study current trends in health care and ethical issues. Side topics often cover laws, quality assurance and payment processes.

Communication: This type of class looks at the concepts, methods and channels used to promote public health. Students may learn how to speak to peers, clients and through the media. Side topics might explore social and cultural issues when disseminating health information.

Quality Management in Health Care: This type of class often looks at how to manage operations. Students may learn how to improve healthcare processes, delivery, and patient outcomes. They may also understand how to gage performance, analyze cycle times and cut costs.

Health Care Law and Ethics: Study how to make health care decisions that best serve patients. In this course, you may delve into legal and ethical concerns in this field.

Anatomy: Discover how the human body works. In this course, you may get an overview of the body’s parts, systems, and functions.

Health Care Leadership: This course may look at what it takes to lead in the demanding health care field. You could study key skills, workplace culture, and putting patients first.

Chemistry: Learn how chemicals work in the body and the world around us. You may cover inorganic, organic, and biochemistry.

Genetics: This course may offer an intro into the study of how we inherit traits. You could explore all things genes – how they function, mutate, and get passed down.

How Long Does It Take to earn a Degree in Health science degree?

A full time student might need 4 years to earn a bachelor

’s degree in health science online. But many online schools offer fast track health science programs. These may take about 2 years as they factor in transfer credits from an associate degree.

If you plan to pursue a master’s degree in health science, it may take about 2 years if you study full time.

 

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Health science Degree Program Examples

                     
School
Degree Level# of Credits RequiredStart DatesMinimum Months to Complete
American Public University 
Associate 60Monthly24
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor120648
Arizona State University 
Bachelor120648

The Cost of a Health Science Degree Program

The cost of earning a health science degree may depend on residency. On average, tuition at an in state public school is $6,535. At an out of state private school, the average tuition is $32,092.

                    
School
Degree Level# of Credits RequiredCost Per CreditTotal Tuition Cost
Southern New Hampshire University 
Bachelor120$320$38,400
Purdue University Global 
Bachelor180$371$66,780
Grand Canyon University 
Bachelor120$470$56,400

Top Schools that offer Health Science Degree programs

According to the 

NCES, there were over 600 schools that offer general allied health & health sciences degrees or programs.  From those schools there were 35,945 general allied health & health sciences degrees awarded to students. The majority of these programs were bachelor’s degrees.

    
School
2021 Grads total/degrees awarded2022/23 Tuition (Out of State unless *)
University of Central Florida1,002$22,467
University of South Florida1,058$17,324
University of Missouri Columbia478$31,970
Stony Brook University442$28,480
California State University Fullerton164$18,887
Texas A & M University College Station326$40,139
California State University East Bay391$18,875
Stockton University350$22,922
Purdue University Global1,257$14,445

Choosing an Accredited Health science degree Program

When choosing an online degree program in health science you might weigh accreditation. In general, this is a process where an outside agency takes a look at a school and/or program.

At the school level, accredited programs gain this status from an agency in their region. There are 6 of these, each approved by the 

U.S. Department of Education.

Regional accreditation means the school meets quality standards when reviewed. The review itself looks at programs, services, policies and processes.

Studying at a regionally accredited school means two things for students. One, if eligible, you can apply for federal financial aid. Two, these schools often have agreements that allow students to transfer credits.

Another type of accreditation is of individual program units within these accredited schools. At the graduate level, the main accreditor is CAHME. The 

Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.

CAHME focuses on 

curricula and on maintaining excellence. The scope of their review includes allied health sciences as well as administration. Once accredited the status is good for up to 7 years. 

What can you do with a Health science degree?

About 4.46 million people work in allied health and health services.

This number is rising by 4.53% each year. The average age of workers in these fields is 42.8 years and most are women.

TOP SALARIES BY STATE FOR HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE HOLDERS

The following information is for Health Managers. Salary and employment numbers will differ for other career paths.

   
State
EmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
District of Columbia1,790$156,870
New York25,430$171,620
Massachusetts20,300$152,450
Delaware1,270$150,840
New Jersey16,490$153,300

HEALTH SCIENCE CAREER PATHS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES 

Your salary as a health sciences professional depends on a few things. Like your job title, level of education, experience and skill. There are many career paths that may be available to you. Consider these options with statistics compiled by the BLS in 2018.

 

Health Educator 

Health educators are also known as Health Promotion Specialists and Public Health Educators. In these roles, they manage programs that teach people about making healthy choices. Their campaigns often target a health 

issue. Like smoking, diabetes or getting a flu shot. Common work settings are hospitals, non profits, gov’t, doctor’s offices and family services. 

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $59,990 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 7% (Faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s degree

 

Dietitians and Nutritionists 

Dietitians and nutritionists share a common goal. To help people make wise decisions about what they eat. Many offer their services on a one to one basis and help to develop meal plans for clients. For instance, they might show a person at risk for diabetes how to balance their sugar intake. Common work settings

are hospitals, gov’t, nursing facilities and out patient centers. 

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $66,450 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 7% (Faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Bachelor’s degree

Medical Assistants 

Medical assistants, under the eyes of a physician, perform a wide range of duties. Some of these are administrative. For example, they keep medical records, bill clients and schedule appointments. Other tasks are clinical. Like recording vital signs and preparing a patient for examination. Common work settings are physician offices, hospitals, outpatient care and offices of chiropractors. 

 

According to 2022 BLS Data:

Median Salary: $38,270 per year

Job Growth Through 2032: 14% (Much faster than average)

Typical Entry level Education: Post secondary non degree award

 

IS A HEALTH SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM FOR YOU?

Are you passionate about science? Do you want to support sustainability and vital health? Than an online degree in health sciences may be right for you! An Online Health Science Degree covers the intersection between life sciences, health care and medical diagnostics to give students a broader understanding of health. However, courses branch beyond even these subjects. Students are also challenged to learn about social, economic and behavioral factors that affect health. They may be given the tools and learning necessary to collect and organize data effectively and implement health plans that follow newer research.

© Education Connection 2024. All Rights Reserved.

*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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