Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has added a new degree program. Students now have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.
According to Professor of Health Education and Assistant Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Ralph J. Wood, the degree prepares students to pursue a variety of career opportunities in public health, health care, population health and other health science related industries or graduate programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and physician assistant.
“We started admitting students in January,” Wood said. “This is the perfect degree for students who want to pursue careers in public health and health care related fields, such as health coaching and patient navigation.”
Course work in the program focuses on evidence based public health strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote community population health. The core curriculum provides students course work in epidemiology, human disease and treatment, research, population health management, and health communication. It also includes 21 hours in health science electives that can be chosen from biology, physics, chemistry, kinesiology, health systems management, psychology, nursing, microbiology, and family and consumer sciences.
“Graduates will be prepared with a solid undergraduate foundation to pursue further graduate study and/or professional degrees in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, dental hygiene, public health, and athletic training,” Wood explained. “Additionally, it provides students with the skills and competencies of the Certified Health Education Specialist.”
For more information about the program, email Wood at [email protected].