Online Bachelor's Degree in Health Science (BHSc) - Best of 2024

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Overview of a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

The healthcare industry and health science field are growing by leaps and bounds. This is due to a number of factors including an expanding population, a large elderly population, and increased access to healthcare insurance. This expansion calls for more clinicians to deliver care to patients and health service managers with the knowledge and skills to keep things running. And, a move towards tele-health and online health assessments hasn't hurt either.

One avenue to entering this very important industry is to complete an in-person or online bachelor's in health science degree program. You might opt for an administrative or clinical focus but, either way, your future employers will know that you are dedicated to patient care and the health field in general. And, either way, you may be able to earn your degree online or through a hybrid program, which contains online and in-person courses. This page is dedicated to those who seek a brilliant career as a healthcare professional and will provide a blueprint for your future health education, whether you are looking to complete an online health sciences degree while continuing to work or if you want a more traditional program to prepare you to work in community health or other medical and health services.

A traditional or online bachelor in health science is your first step toward success in the healthcare industry. This degree is not a monolithic degree, however. That is, there are many types of health degree and there are numerous concentrations you can pursue.

For instance, your bachelor’s could have a clinical focus. Thus, you might be trained in medical imaging, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, chronic diseases, or speech therapy, to name just a few. On the other hand, you could choose an administrative track, which is more likely to be accessible to online learners.

Future administrators might focus on healthcare finance, marketing, or management, among many other concentrations. They may also choose an industry sector in which to focus their healthcare administration career in the real world such as allied health services, public health and community health, medical and health services, etc. While many of these administrative areas have equivalents that are non-healthcare related, you should give your in-person or online health science degree program the proper focus so that you are prepared to thrive.

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PROS

An online bachelor's in health science is a great first step toward a brilliant career. There are so many pros to this degree that it's hard to name them all. However, if you graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, you will see that your job search is made much easier. That's because employers like to see a dedication to their field, and completing a traditional or online health sciences degree proves that.

Once you have your four-year degree under your belt, you will have a foundation on which to build further credentials. Relative to those with an associate health science degree, you can achieve more professional certificates and apply for graduate school, as well. There are a huge number of graduate degree programs available for online learners or those looking for hybrid programs. All of these programs offer equal access to financial aid, though other students services could be difficult to access for online students.

If you choose an administrative route, you'll be glad that you focused your education on the health science field. Those with general management or marketing degrees will need more training to understand the particularities of the healthcare industry. An online health science degree focused on administration arms you with a vocabulary and worldview that is specifically focused to serve in a hospital or doctor's office.

CONS

While there are many positive aspects to a health education, there are also a few drawbacks. The chief drawback is that you'll still need a graduate degree for many fields. For instance, if you have a BS in either physical or occupational therapy, you will only be able to practice as an assistant rather than becoming a full occupational therapist yourself. While a community health or health services manager may hold their position with a bachelor's, they will require much professional development and experience to do so.

If you concentrate on healthcare management or marketing, you will likely need to return to school to complete an online graduate degree by way of one of the appropriate health science programs. If you only have a four-year degree, you are unlikely to make it to upper management or the C-suites.

Finally, you might determine that you don't wish to work in the health science field or find that there are few healthcare jobs or job growth available in your area. Since your degree is specifically focused on a single industry, employers might be wary about giving you a shot in their industry based on your existing knowledge and skills.

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Certificate vs. Bachelor's in Health Science

What Health Science Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?

Bachelor of Arts in Health Science
A BA in Health Science can mean many different things. However, it will most likely indicate that the coursework is geared primarily towards those seeking an administrative function in healthcare, such as those working in public health or as health service managers with allied health services. These are some of the easiest online degrees to find in this field.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Typically, BS degrees indicate a course of study that focuses on analytical or STEM subjects. If you are focused on a clinical medical and health career track, such as respiratory therapy or treatment of chronic diseases, you will likely seek a BS degree. Because these degrees have some hands-on learning components, they are harder to find through online programs, though there may be some hybrid programs available, with online and in-person courses.
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Health Science
A BAA degree is generally focused on administrative subjects such as management or marketing. Applied degrees are also typically more difficult to use when you apply to graduate school, as the coursework in this type of health science program has an occupational rather than academic focus.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Science
This degree type is geared towards grooming students for a job. Applied science degrees might concentrate on the clinical side from an occupational standpoint. That means that you may need to take or re-take courses if you decide to pursue a graduate degree later.

Admission Requirements

Depending on your school, and the individual department you wish to join, you will need to submit a high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and an entrance essay that details something about your future goals. Some schools ask that you apply to enter their health science program for your junior and senior years. In that case, you may need to have passed certain prerequisite courses and achieved a minimum GPA. There may even be more requirements, so consult with a program adviser so ensure that you meet their standards.

How long does it take to earn a Health Sciences Bachelor's?

Most bachelor's degree programs are designed to take four years to complete. This standard structure usually involves summers off between school years, and a certain number of courses per term to stay on track. However, you can shorten this time frame by taking courses through the summer term or taking a heavier load each semester.

However, more often students take six years or longer to complete their baccalaureate degrees in health sciences. You should try to avoid this. Make a plan with a reasonable target date for graduation. Allow yourself enough time to breathe, but also stay focused on completing your degree. When you prioritize school and your career you will find more success, sooner.

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Potential Careers in Health Sciences with a Bachelor’s

Surgical Technician
This highly important clinical position reports to a registered nurse in the surgical theater. In this occupation you will be on hand to anticipate the needs of the doctors and nurses. You might be on hand to provide surgical instruments, special linens and cloths, wipe sweaty brows, and also prepare for an operation. This vital profession earns an average salary of $44,900.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical therapists need doctoral degrees, but you can work as an assistant with your Bachelor's in Health Sciences. You will help patients re-learn to walk, fit them for prosthetics, or assist people as they learn to perform certain therapeutic exercises. You might later wish to pursue your doctoral degree and become a licensed physical therapist, but in the meantime, assistants are earning a healthy average salary of $50,600.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapists help people learn to cope with their various abilities and disabilities. OTs need a master's degree to achieve full licensure, but you can work as an OT assistant with your bachelor's degree. This rewarding career is practiced in a wide range of inpatient and outpatient environments. OT assistants are currently earning an average salary of $46,000.
Claims Reviewer
You'll need special training in health science to work with insurance claims from doctors. Your knowledge of medical codes will be particularly helpful in this occupation. You might even need to conduct investigations from time to time, or audit claims from specific providers to ensure that the claims are all valid. Your specialty degree and hard work can earn an average of $37,000 in today's job market.
Health Educator
Health educators are a vital part of patient outcomes. Your work will help inform patients of all sorts as to the risks associated with certain diseases, behaviors, or injuries. You can also educate people as to the best practices for treating a disease, injury, or other condition. Health educators work in a variety of hospitals and clinics. They earn an average salary of $46,200.

Options to Advance

To get the most out of a career in healthcare, you will certainly need a degree. A degree in health science will help you advance far beyond what might be possible with a certificate or associate degree. Your baccalaureate degree will put you in a position where you can take more command of your career, as the degree will open more opportunities. These advanced opportunities will come with higher pay, as well as greater responsibility.

Your baccalaureate degree will also make more certificates and licenses available to you. You'll be invited to join more professional associations, too. Perhaps most importantly, a bachelor’s of health science degree paves the way to a health science graduate degree and the vast opportunities that become available at that point.

Best Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHSc) Programs

Ohio State University

Tuition
- In-State: $11,936
- Out-of-State: $35,019
Net Price: $19,474
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 88%

Total Enrollment: 61,677
Undergrad Students: 47,106
Graduate Students: 14,571
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Thomas Jefferson University

Tuition
- In-State: $43,116
- Out-of-State: $43,116
Net Price: $24,227
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 71%

Total Enrollment: 8,270
Undergrad Students: 3,754
Graduate Students: 4,516
Diplomas Awarded: 138
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Kettering College

Tuition
- In-State: $14,232
- Out-of-State: $14,232
Net Price: $20,366
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 49%

Total Enrollment: 811
Undergrad Students: 617
Graduate Students: 194
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $88,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

MCPHS University

Tuition
- In-State: $35,800
- Out-of-State: $35,800
Net Price: $38,390
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 67%

Total Enrollment: 7,304
Undergrad Students: 3,668
Graduate Students: 3,636
Diplomas Awarded: 30
Grads Salary: $98,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

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Arizona State University

Tuition
- In-State: $11,348
- Out-of-State: $29,438
Net Price: $14,934
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 66%

Total Enrollment: 77,881
Undergrad Students: 64,716
Graduate Students: 13,165
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Missouri-Columbia

Tuition
- In-State: $11,475
- Out-of-State: $30,450
Net Price: $18,249
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 73%

Total Enrollment: 31,401
Undergrad Students: 23,696
Graduate Students: 7,705
Diplomas Awarded: 439
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Cincinnati

Tuition
- In-State: $12,598
- Out-of-State: $27,932
Net Price: $20,827
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 73%

Total Enrollment: 40,329
Undergrad Students: 28,968
Graduate Students: 11,361
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Pacific University

Tuition
- In-State: $50,070
- Out-of-State: $50,070
Net Price: $33,523
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 66%

Total Enrollment: 3,751
Undergrad Students: 1,741
Graduate Students: 2,010
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Louisiana State University

Tuition
- In-State: $11,958
- Out-of-State: $28,635
Net Price: $21,010
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 69%

Total Enrollment: 35,912
Undergrad Students: 29,273
Graduate Students: 6,639
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Indiana University-Southeast

Tuition
- In-State: $7,827
- Out-of-State: $20,934
Net Price: $6,344
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 39%

Total Enrollment: 4,051
Undergrad Students: 3,514
Graduate Students: 537
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

The University of West Florida

Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State: $19,241
Net Price: $10,344
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 52%

Total Enrollment: 13,288
Undergrad Students: 9,319
Graduate Students: 3,969
Diplomas Awarded: 122
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Northern Kentucky University

Tuition
- In-State: $10,392
- Out-of-State: $20,448
Net Price: $7,443
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 48%

Total Enrollment: 15,979
Undergrad Students: 10,814
Graduate Students: 5,165
Diplomas Awarded: 62
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Touro University Worldwide

Tuition
- In-State: $14,600
- Out-of-State: $14,600
Net Price: $18,121
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 57%

Total Enrollment: 2,251
Undergrad Students: 447
Graduate Students: 1,804
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Nova Southeastern University

Tuition
- In-State: $34,570
- Out-of-State: $34,570
Net Price: $26,530
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 61%

Total Enrollment: 20,898
Undergrad Students: 6,637
Graduate Students: 14,261
Diplomas Awarded: 21
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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University of South Dakota

Tuition
- In-State: $9,432
- Out-of-State: $12,942
Net Price: $18,974
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 60%

Total Enrollment: 9,464
Undergrad Students: 6,987
Graduate Students: 2,477
Diplomas Awarded: 78
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Texas Woman's University

Tuition
- In-State: $8,394
- Out-of-State: $18,186
Net Price: $11,627
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 48%

Total Enrollment: 16,338
Undergrad Students: 10,290
Graduate Students: 6,048
Diplomas Awarded: 18
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

University of North Alabama

Tuition
- In-State: $10,620
- Out-of-State: $20,220
Net Price: $12,379
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 51%

Total Enrollment: 8,526
Undergrad Students: 6,084
Graduate Students: 2,442
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Florida Gulf Coast University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,118
- Out-of-State: $25,162
Net Price: $9,840
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 56%

Total Enrollment: 15,909
Undergrad Students: 14,228
Graduate Students: 1,681
Diplomas Awarded: 198
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Radford University

Tuition
- In-State: $11,542
- Out-of-State: $23,624
Net Price: $16,835
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 54%

Total Enrollment: 8,998
Undergrad Students: 6,513
Graduate Students: 2,485
Diplomas Awarded: 31
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Purdue Global

Tuition
- In-State: $10,125
- Out-of-State: $14,436
Net Price: $3,802
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 29%

Total Enrollment: 43,458
Undergrad Students: 32,477
Graduate Students: 10,981
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 27:1

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Tuition
- In-State: $9,610
- Out-of-State: $21,475
Net Price: $17,083
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 47%

Total Enrollment: 23,829
Undergrad Students: 19,411
Graduate Students: 4,418
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Nicholls State University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,946
- Out-of-State: $9,039
Net Price: $12,907
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 50%

Total Enrollment: 6,225
Undergrad Students: 5,567
Graduate Students: 658
Diplomas Awarded: 97
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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West Texas A&M University

Tuition
- In-State: $9,202
- Out-of-State: $11,208
Net Price: $13,802
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 46%

Total Enrollment: 9,602
Undergrad Students: 7,083
Graduate Students: 2,519
Diplomas Awarded: 109
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Eastern Washington University

Tuition
- In-State: $7,922
- Out-of-State: $25,748
Net Price: $13,650
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 50%

Total Enrollment: 10,892
Undergrad Students: 8,217
Graduate Students: 2,675
Diplomas Awarded: 20
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Herzing University-Minneapolis

Tuition
- In-State: $14,200
- Out-of-State: $14,200
Net Price: $22,055
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 50%

Total Enrollment: 759
Undergrad Students: 750
Graduate Students: 9
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Would it be worth it to complete a dual degree program in health science?

The short answer is that it is not necessary to complete a dual degree if your main degree goal is health science. This degree alone is enough to help you gain access to available positions and further education. However, if you are halfway into your degree and you decide that you’d like to have a more specialized focus, there’s also no need to throw away the credit hours you’ve already earned. Some of the best options at that point may be to earn a dual degree in health science and public health, health administration, or another related degree. This can give you more in-depth knowledge in the field and provide you with more job opportunities after graduation, even in competitive markets.

Can I shift into a new field if I choose to earn a master’s degree later?

The short answer to this question is yes. There are many master’s degrees programs, even in the health field, that only require you to have a related undergraduate in order to gain admission. However, it’s important to know going in that you are probably going to need to complete some prerequisites that you may not have taken in your undergraduate program. This will depend on your choice of master’s degree, what program you want to enter, and other specifics, but you can gain access to these programs by completing prerequisites or through life experience in many cases, so there’s no reason to give up.

Best Online Bachelors in Health Science Degrees for 2024

Get Matched With Health Science Colleges

Overview of a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Compare Popular Online Health Science Programs

PROS

CONS

Search Programs

Certificate vs. Bachelor's in Health Science

What Health Science Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?

Admission Requirements

How long does it take to earn a Health Sciences Bachelor's?

Find Your Online Health Science Program

Potential Careers in Health Sciences with a Bachelor’s

Options to Advance

Best Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHSc) Programs

Ohio State University

Thomas Jefferson University

Kettering College

MCPHS University

Find Your Online Health Science Program

Arizona State University

University of Missouri-Columbia

University of Cincinnati

Pacific University

Louisiana State University

Indiana University-Southeast

The University of West Florida

Northern Kentucky University

Touro University Worldwide

Nova Southeastern University

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University of South Dakota

Texas Woman's University

University of North Alabama

Florida Gulf Coast University

Radford University

Purdue Global

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Nicholls State University

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West Texas A&M University

Eastern Washington University

Herzing University-Minneapolis

Frequently Asked Questions

Would it be worth it to complete a dual degree program in health science?

Can I shift into a new field if I choose to earn a master’s degree later?

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