Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Prospective students have many factors to consider when choosing an online health science bachelor’s degree, including the program’s cost, the school’s transfer policies, and the program’s length. These factors can all shape student experiences. By researching the following areas, prospective students can find the right programs to meet their professional goals.

Health sciences explore human health and disease, encompassing the promotion of health, the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and research into human health. It also covers diverse areas like medicine, public health, pharmacy, rehabilitation, and health administration.

Within the broad field of health sciences, professionals can specialize in patient-facing clinical work, research, or the business side of healthcare. For example, health sciences professionals who specialize in a clinical area may work as nurses, physician assistants, or physical therapists. In the research subfield, health sciences professionals work as medical laboratory technicians or research health scientists. On the business side, administrative roles — like healthcare administrator or executive — often require a background in health sciences.

Health science professionals work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and laboratories. By addressing human health from every angle, health sciences can improve health outcomes for patients of all ages.

A bachelor’s in health sciences blends coursework and labs to prepare students for healthcare jobs or for graduate study. The degree emphasizes both clinical and administrative abilities, setting healthcare professionals up for advanced careers.

A bachelor’s in health science prepares graduates for clinical roles or business careers in healthcare, so there’s a lot you can do with one of these degrees. For example, a bachelor of health science meets the requirements for medical and health services management roles and can also lead to opportunities for health educators, community health workers, and medical laboratory technicians.

In addition to traditional career paths, a health sciences graduate can also become a health science writer, a biomedical illustrator, or a public health consultant. Some healthcare positions require additional study; for example, become a physician assistant requires a master’s degree.

Prospective students should always check a school’s accreditation status before applying. Accreditation benefits students in several ways. Credits earned at an accredited institution will transfer more easily to other schools and programs, and an accredited degree meets requirements for professional certifications and licenses. Graduate programs may also require an accredited bachelor of health science for admission.

Accreditation recognizes schools and programs for meeting the highest standards of academic excellence. Colleges and universities can earn either regional or national accreditation from independent accrediting agencies, but in the health sciences, regional accreditation is the gold standard.

Individual programs within a university can also pursue accreditation from programmatic accreditation agencies. In the health sciences, the Council on Education for Public Health and the National Environmental Health Science & Protection Accreditation Council grant programmatic accreditation. Learn more about the accreditation process and the benefits of accreditation.

Professional organizations help health sciences students transition from undergraduate studies into the workforce. Many offer national or local events where students can connect with professionals like healthcare administrators or public health educators. The following health sciences professional organizations all provide development resources and career support for students and early career professionals.