Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

Also known as: Health Sciences, Allied Health Studies, Healthcare Studies, Public Health (General)

In this program, you will explore the multifaceted world of healthcare, gaining a broad understanding of health systems, public health, and the allied health professions. You will delve into essential topics like health policy, ethics, epidemiology, and health communication, preparing you to contribute to the efficient and equitable delivery of health services. The focus is on developing analytical and critical thinking skills to address contemporary health challenges and improve community well-being.

Healthcare & Life SciencesHealthcarePublic HealthEducationAllied HealthManagementPatient CareIT

A Week as a Student

Your week kicks off with an Introduction to Public Health lecture, discussing health disparities and global health initiatives. Later, you have a Medical Terminology quiz, reviewing prefixes and suffixes. A quick study session in the library helps solidify terms like 'cardiovascular' and 'epidemiology.' In the afternoon, you meet up with your study group for Anatomy and Physiology I, tackling a tricky section on skeletal muscles before heading to the campus dining hall for dinner with new friends.

High School Preparation

Required Subjects

BiologyChemistryAlgebra IIEnglish (4 years)Statistics or Pre-Calculus

Recommended GPA

3.0-3.5

Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Statistics
AP Psychology
Honors Anatomy & Physiology

Recommended Activities

Volunteer at a local hospital or clinic
Join HOSA-Future Health Professionals club
Participate in a science or health awareness club
Shadow a healthcare professional
Engage in community health initiatives

Application Essay Topics

Describe a healthcare experience that impacted your understanding of public health challenges.
Discuss an ethical dilemma you might encounter in the health services field and how you would approach it.
If you could implement one change to improve community health in your area, what would it be and why?
How do you see technology shaping the future of healthcare delivery and administration?

Alternative Path

While a direct four-year degree is common, you could also begin your journey with an Associate's degree in a related field, such as Health Information Technology or Medical Assisting, at a community college. Many of these credits can often be transferred towards a Bachelor's degree, providing a pathway to further your education and career in health services.

Core Subjects

Click on "i" to learn more about each subject

Career Prospects

Growing Study Prospects

After completing this program, you can pursue diverse roles such as a Health Educator, Community Health Worker, Medical Records Administrator, Healthcare Administrator Assistant, Patient Advocate, or Public Health Specialist. You'll find opportunities across various sectors, including hospitals, public health departments, non-profit health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance providers, and long-term care facilities.

Impact of AI on this Study

AI is increasingly impacting health services by enhancing diagnostics, personalizing treatment plans, automating administrative tasks, and improving public health surveillance. As a student, you will learn about data analysis tools, ethical considerations of AI in healthcare, and how to utilize AI-driven insights for predictive modeling, resource allocation, and optimizing patient care coordination.