The program has two major goals: to teach foundational skills to students whose career goal is to work in health care, particularly for those who want to become health care providers and to teach foundational skills to students who want to work with individuals, groups, or communities who face social, economic, or health challenges. In addition, interested students have the opportunity to explore a combination-degree program in Public Health.

Specializations

The college offers four specializations. All specializations except Occupational Therapy Accelerated can be declared at the freshman or sophomore years.

Applied Brain Sciences

Offers a suggested prerequisite course sequence for students interested in pursuing training in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, applied human neuroscience, or brain-health focused medical specialties (e.g., psychiatry, neurology).

Occupational Therapy Accelerated

A combination-degree program that allows students to take first-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program courses during their junior and senior years in the health science program.

Pre-Rehabilitation

Accommodates students interested in rehabilitation health care fields (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy).

Preprofessional

For students pursuing careers in fields such as medicine, physician assistant, and dentistry, all of which require significant basic science prerequisites. This specialization is set up to integrate commonly required preprofessional courses with requirements for the health science major.

Course Sequence

While all specializations are designed for students interested in health care, students should select the specialization that most closely approximates their career plans and overall academic performance. Included in specific tracks are typical prerequisites for UF graduate and professional programs.

Each specialization incorporates General Education Mathematics and Writing Requirements and Health Science critical tracking courses. All specializations accept AP, IB, or AICE credit for any prerequisite course. However, many professional schools have their own policies regarding test credit, and it is the responsibility of the student to determine whether a course for which they have earned AP/IB/AICE credit must be retaken to meet professional school requirements. Students must earn a minimum of C in any BHS critical tracking course that is not satisfied by AP/IB/AICE credit unless otherwise specified.

The Bachelor of Health Science prepares students for a career in health care systems or organizations that provide health or general human services to individuals/communities with health concerns. Students will learn the foundational interprofessional skills necessary to succeed in the dynamic healthcare environment and/or enter postbaccalaureate academic programs such as medicine, physical therapy, and public health.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Receive a satisfactory grade (S) in the BHS capstone portfolio.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs

Content

1. Describe key elements of the US healthcare system.
2. Comprehensively describe major chronic illnesses and disabilities.
3. Describe the core functions of public health.

Critical Thinking

4. Develop and apply critical analysis skills to contemporary health issues.

Communication

5. Apply effective basic communication skills for health professionals.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Academic Learning Compact 5

Courses	SLO 1	SLO 2	SLO 3	SLO 4	SLO 5
HSA 3111	I, R
HSC 3057				I, R, A
HSC 3502		I, R	I
HSC 3661					I, R
OTH 3416		1, R
PHC 4101		I, R	I, R
Capstone Exam	A	A	A	A	A

Assessment Types

• Assignment
• The Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) capstone exam in the final semester

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