About the B.S. in Health Sciences
Pending approval by NLU’s institutional accreditor, Higher Learning Commission
The B.S. in Health Sciences at National Louis University prepares students for diverse careers and graduate education in the fast-evolving healthcare field. Designed as a flexible, interdisciplinary program, it offers a strong foundation in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences—equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values to address complex health challenges across clinical, community, and global settings.
Program Highlights
The B.S. in Health Sciences program provides students with both critical content knowledge and practical experience to approach careers in the healthcare field. Students explore core concepts in human biology, healthcare systems, ethics, and public health while developing competencies in critical thinking, communication, cultural responsiveness, and collaborative problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on health equity, social determinants of health, and patient-centered care.
The program offers:
- Flexible Degree with Future Pathways: Tailor your studies with a variety of focus areas, maximize your transfer
credit, and build toward your career goals—including the option to start graduate-level health courses while completing your bachelor’s. - Industry and Career Experience: Embedded, credit-bearing practicum courses for graduate pathways or career preparation.
- Individualized Support: Individualized academic support throughout your studies to help you stay on track, build confidence, and reach your academic and career goals.
Graduates are well-positioned for success in entry-level healthcare roles or for advanced study in fields such as medicine, physician assistant studies, physical or occupational therapy, public health, and related disciplines. This program is ideal for students passionate about improving health outcomes, reducing health disparities, and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities through research, advocacy, or direct service.
Concentration: Students must complete at least one concentration from the following:
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Health Care Leadership
- Health Services Administration
- Maternal Child Health
- Registered Behavior Technician
- Aging Studies
- Long Term Care Administration
- Trauma Informed Practices
Practica: All students are required to take 3 quarter hours of Practica within the Core Requirements:
- Practicum I (80 hours external, 10 hours of "class") – 3 QH
Pre-Physician Assistant students will be required to take two more sections (6 QH) of Practica to be admitted to the PA graduate program.
What You'll Learn
Throughout the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program, you'll develop both foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for success in healthcare and related fields.
At the completion of the B.S. in Health Sciences program, students will be able to:
- Apply foundational knowledge of human biology, biochemistry, and human anatomy and physiology to explain health, disease, and treatment mechanisms in human systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system, including healthcare delivery models, policy, ethics, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Analyze the impact of social determinants of health and health disparities on patient outcomes and population health, while identifying strategies to address those issues using critical thinking and problem-solving approaches.
- Interpret and evaluate scientific data, research literature, and health information using critical thinking and appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
- Communicate health-related information clearly and effectively to global and local audiences using written, verbal, and digital formats.
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethical reasoning in simulated and real-world healthcare or community settings, showing accountability, adaptability, and reflective problem-solving.
- Identify, apply, and synthesize knowledge in order to prepare for career paths or graduate programs in health-related fields through experiential learning and academic planning.
Career Outlook
With a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, you will be prepared for entry-level careers in healthcare or further graduate education in health-related fields.
Career Statistics:
- +1.8% Projected 10-Year Job Growth
- $48.8K/yr average salary
Career Paths:
- Health Education Specialist: $63K with +4.5% projected job growth
- Medical Equipment Sales Rep: $100K with +1.9% projected job growth
- Health Information Technologists: $75K with +14.8% projected job growth
- Emergency Management: $86K with +3% projected job growth
