Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Health Studies at WCU offers students foundational courses as well as hands-on opportunities in the field. Our program features tracks in general health science, sports medicine, and respiratory care, depending on your career aspirations. Regardless of the track you choose, you will find faculty experts in your classrooms and an education experience that will get your career on the right path.
Tracks
General
This track is for students who have completed a certificate, license, diploma, or associate's degree program in such health science areas as dental hygiene, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, medical technology, alternative/complementary medicine, and cardiovascular technology. The program gives professionals the chance to build on their technical education already received and to develop academic competency in a related field. General education requirements and health courses are needed for completion of the B.S. in Health Science.
Sports Medicine
Students who are interested in athletic training will complete a 3+2 accelerated program earning both a B.S. in Health Science: General - Sports Medicine Studies Concentration and an M.S. in Athletic Training. Interested students should contact Dr. Neil Curtis at (610) 436-2119 or via e-mail at ncurtis@wcupa.edu.
Respiratory Care
The B.S. in Respiratory Care is offered in association with Bryn Mawr Hospital. Graduation from the program satisfies the entrance requirement for the Written Registry Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Successful completion of these examinations qualifies the candidate as a registered respiratory therapist. Most respiratory therapists are employed by hospitals and home health care agencies.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Commission on Respiratory Care
- Accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- State-of-the-art labs and training facilities
- Hands-on experiences, including field placements
- Collaborative faculty research projects
- Study abroad options
- Conference attendance and presentations
- Faculty experts who are also practitioners
- Minors available in contemplative studies and environmental health
What can I do with this degree?
Our graduates are everywhere in health-related fields. They’re first responders, in- and out-patient caregivers, and on the sidelines of professional and amateur sports alike. Here are just a few positions that our graduates hold:
- General track
- Clinical development manager
- Director of business development
- Director of respiratory and radiology services
- Disease management specialist
- Health system diabetes and care specialist
- Program director
- Project lead
- respiratory therapy and anesthesia
- Senior clinical data coordinator
- Vice president of professional services
- Sports Medicine Track
- Assistant director of sports medicine
- Athletic trainer Director of football sports medicine
- Doctor of physical therapy
- Professor and consultant in sports medicine and emergency services
- Sports medicine consultant and athletic program support
- Sports medicine supervisor
- Sports medicine technology consultant
- Respiratory Track
- Associate director of respiratory care quality and safety Clinical lead
- respiratory care Education coordinator
- respiratory care department Infection preventionist
- Pulmonary care clinical supervisor
- Registered respiratory therapist
- Respiratory care practitioner
- Respiratory sales specialist
- Sleep and respiratory product developer
Many healthcare positions require advanced degrees. Here are just a few institutions where our graduates have pursued graduate programs:
- Hahnemann University
- Emory University
- James Madison University
- University of Alabama
- University of Connecticut
- University of Delaware
- University of Florida
- University of Kentucky
- University of North Carolina
- University of South Carolina
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Richmond
- University of Virginia
- University of Hawaii