Healthcare Science (Online)

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science

Healthcare sciences focus on the development of knowledge and programs that promote health and well-being. ��ֱ��'s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science degree teaches students how to advocate for individuals and communities that are underserved or under-informed on issues related to health and wellness, health-system policies and health management. It is also an excellent major to "jump start" into other healthcare degrees such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and others.

Along with the program’s interdisciplinary design, you’ll have the flexibility to study at your own pace at a place of your choosing while learning from faculty who are highly experienced in the field.

This program is also available in a hybrid format with courses primarily offered fully online and some evening courses via Zoom or on campus.

Estimated Program Length	2-4 years
Credit Hours	123
Course Length	7 weeks
Transfer Credits Accepted	75
Cost per Credit	$650*

*Tuition discount available. Ask for details!

In This Section

Online Programs

Getting Started

Application Instructions

For admission into ��ֱ��’s online healthcare science degree, you must have a 2.0 GPA or higher. To apply:

Speak to an enrollment counselor
Complete an application
Provide evidence of high school completion/graduation. Documentation may include high school transcript, diploma, GED scores, or equivalent.*
Submit official transcripts of all previous college work (if applicable)
Submit a copy of from military (if applicable)

*This requirement may be waived if an official college transcript is provided to validate completion of 15 credits or more from an accredited school.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. ��ֱ��’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Request More Information

Program Overview

Topics of Study

Topics include:

Current topics in healthcare science and how they relate to professions in the field
Evidence-based principles in healthcare, how to critically analyze them and how to produce various forms of writing for the field, including research reports and grant writing
The issues concerning one’s health and wellness throughout their life, including the sociological, psychological and economic factors that can impact them
The healthcare beliefs in different cultures that interact with the American healthcare system, including the geographical, societal, economic, political and spiritual factors
The strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. healthcare system and healthcare institutions, specifically healthcare delivery systems and the impacts of differences in various factors such as age and family structure

Curriculum: Liberal Arts Core/General Electives Requirements

The online healthcare science degree is made up of a total of 123 credits. The Liberal Arts Core makes up 31 to 55 of the program’s credits, and the major requires 48 credits, including an elective course in criminal justice.

Liberal Arts Core (31-55 credits)

All ��ֱ�� students are required to complete between 31-55 credits toward the Liberal Arts Core. Transfer work may be applicable for this area. As part of the application process, students receive specific information regarding remaining credits. Students entering the program with 70 or more transfer credits or an associate degree must complete 31-55 Liberal Arts Core credit hours.

General Elective Requirements (as needed)

A total of 123 credits, including three credits in a human diversity course, are required to earn a bachelor’s degree. To adhere to Franciscan values, community service hours are also required.

Curriculum: Major Requirements

Required Major Courses (30 credits)

HCS 305: Intro/Healthcare Informatics
HCS 310: Health & Wellness over the Lifespan
HCS 320: Healthcare Science & Cultural Competency
HCS 330: Healthcare Literacy & Advocacy
HCS 335: HCS 335 Population Health & Epidemiology
HCS 340: Healthcare Science Management
HCS 400: Healthcare Systems & Policy
HCS 410: Community Healthcare Organization & Administration
HCS 420: Current Issues in Healthcare Science
HCS 430: Capstone (pre-requisite: Senior standing)

Curriculum: Related Requirements

(15-16 credits)

BIO (100 Level w/Lab) or BIO 203
BIO 216: Nutrition
PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
PSY 208: Human Development (pre-requisite: PSY 101)

Accreditation

Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

After earning your Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science online, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

Case Manager
Care Manager
Surgical Coordinator
Supervisor for PAHM
Hospice Care
Patent Service Associate
Community Engagement Coordinator
Navigator (Patient Advocate)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average for all occupations.