The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (B.S.H.S.) degree program prepares students for the healthcare industry, currently one of the strongest employment sectors nationally. The program helps students to identify talents and interests in the field that can be developed within the program, leading to careers in fields such as medical assistance, healthcare informatics, marketing and public relations, public health, health education, and environmental health. The degree program can also lead to graduate level study in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, nursing, and exercise physiology.
Selected Educational Outcomes:
Students who graduate with a B.S.H.S. degree will be able to demonstrate, in professional healthcare settings, knowledge of:
- documentation, terminology, and coding, evidence-based practice, and professionalism, communication, and cultural competence.
- kinesiology, nutrition, musculoskeletal evaluation, exercise programming, health assessment, medical disease and illness, and therapeutic intervention.
- current issues and trends, law and ethical issues, and psychosocial issues in healthcare.
Examples of Outcome Assessments:
Students who graduate with a B.S.H.S. degree will, through written, oral, and practical examination, and surveys, demonstrate and develop knowledge of:
- course objectives stated in each didactic course syllabus.
- course objectives stated in each laboratory course syllabus.
- practical application of program educational outcomes
Requirements for Progression into the Professional Program of Study (3000- and 4000-level courses)
Minimum requirements for progression into the professional program of study are:
1. a declared Health Sciences major.
2. a 2.00 cumulative, overall grade point average.
3. a satisfactory grade, based on institutional policy, for all Core IMPACTS courses (60 hours).
4. All Field of Study courses completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Retention Requirements:
- A student must not be placed on academic suspension (Academic Suspension--at the end of any term, while on probation, the cumulative GPA falls below the minimum specified in the VSU Stages of Progress with minimum GPA Averages Required, and the term GPA fall below 2.00; a first suspension will be for one semester; a second semester will be for two academic semesters; a third or subsequent suspension shall result in the student's being academically dismissed from the institution for a minimum period of three years) (Readmission Procedures - students must make application for readmission in writing with the Director of Admissions prior to registration for the semester in which they plan to return; additional VSU readmission procedures may also need to be followed).
- A student must maintain academic integrity (students must know and abide by the Academic Integrity Policy as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct).
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Degree1
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core IMPACTS (See VSU Core Curriculum) | 42 | |
| Core Field of Study 2 | 18 | |
| BIOL 2251K & BIOL 2252K | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 8 |
| Electives--Select 10 hours from the following: | 10 | |
| Computer Technology for the Workplace | ||
or CS 1000 | Introduction to Microcomputers and Applications | |
| Pathophysiology | ||
Course(s) at the 1000-2000 level in BIOL, CHEM, MATH, PHYS, or PSYC 3 | ||
| Professional Program Requirements | 60 | |
| HSHS 3000 | Introduction to Healthcare Professional Practice | 3 |
| HSHS 3100 | Structural Kinesiology | 3 |
| or HSEP 3430 | Structural Kinesiology | |
| HSHS 3300 | Health Assessment and Promotion | 3 |
| HSHS 3350 | Medical Disease and Illness | 3 |
| HSHS 3600 | Medical and Healthcare Terminology | 3 |
| HSHS 3700 | Principles of Pharmacology and Diagnostic Testing | 3 |
| HSHS 3800 | Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSHS 3900 | Current Trends and Issues in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSHS 4050 | Principles of Musculoskeletal Examination | 3 |
| HSHS 4100 | Fitness and Strength and Conditioning Techniques | 3 |
| HSHS 4300 | Professionalism and Healthcare | 3 |
| HSHS 4500 | Communication and Cultural Competence in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSHS 4650 | Exercise Programming | 3 |
| HSHS 4800 | Principles of Therapeutic Intervention | 3 |
| HCAD 4000 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Administration | 3 |
| HSEP 3360 | Chronic Disease Epidemiology | 3 |
| Concentrated Electives | 9 | |
| NUTR 3100 | Applied Nutritional Science | 3 |
| or NUTR 3300 | Nutrition, Fitness, and Health | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
Students must complete all professional program of study courses (3000- and 4000-level) and all concentrated electives with a grade of "C" or better.
- 2
All courses in the Core Field of Study area must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- 3
Students should consult with the Academic Advisor in selecting courses.
