Health Sciences - Radford University Carilion Site

Program Director

Sallie Beth Johnson, PhD, MPH, MCHES
Chair, Department of Public Health and Healthcare Leadership
Program Director, Assistant Professor
540-985-4037 (office)
540-985-9946 (department)
sejohnson1@radford.edu

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program is to prepare students to apply scientific reasoning, communicate effectively, and enter health-related professions that aim to improve health at individual and community levels.

Goals/Outcomes

Through this program, students will:

Assess health information and scientific data for evaluating the health status of individuals and communities.
Apply critical thinking skills based on empirical evidence and contextual frameworks in the health sciences.
Analyze ethical issues and challenges facing individual and community health.
Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills that display competency and professionalism in the health sciences.
Engage in civic activities and service that promote individual and community health.

Background

The B.S. in Health Sciences is a broad-based, foundational degree that prepares students for a variety of in-demand health and healthcare professions. As one of the fastest growing employment sectors, healthcare job opportunities are expected to grow by approximately 15% through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). The B.S. Health Sciences program serves students seeking direct entry into a health profession or prepares students for admission into a graduate program in a health-related field. For students already working in the health sector, degree completion offers an opportunity for career advancement. Program graduates are employed by healthcare systems, public health departments, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, community and social service agencies, wellness centers, research laboratories, and health insurance companies. For graduate study, the degree prepares students to be competitive for admission to healthcare professional programs, such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, and Public Health.

The B.S. Health Sciences program at Radford University Carilion offers flexibility and convenience through delivery in a hybrid or 100% online format. Students may complete the degree on a full or part-time basis. The program is very transfer-friendly and offers three Plans of Study: traditional B.S. Health Sciences, the B.S. Health Sciences 3+1 degree completion, or the B.S. Health Sciences 4+1 format.

Admissions Requirements

All Tracks

University Admission Requirements

Track Specific

The 3+1 Health Sciences is a Plan of Study designed for students who have at least 87 credits of undergraduate coursework to complete a bachelor’s degree in two semesters. To be eligible for this plan, students must have completed Radford University Carilion’s core requirements for a bachelor degree and have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.

The 4+1 Health Sciences is a Plan of Study designed to accelerate graduate study. Students complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Master of Science in Health Sciences with a five-year/11 semester Plan of Study. To be eligible for this plan, students must have a minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA in undergraduate coursework and complete the Master of Science in Health Sciences program admission requirements. Students may apply once they have completed 75 credits of undergraduate coursework.

Program Requirements

Several courses in the B.S. Health Sciences program are delivered in a synchronous, online format. Students must have a computer with webcam, headset, and microphone for online course participation.

Internships and community-service learning placements may require students to have a background check or drug screening conducted prior to participation

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete their Plan of Study with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. All program-specific and minor courses require a grade minimum of “C”. Students in the traditional B.S. Health Sciences must complete a minimum of 25% of the Plan of Study at Radford University Carilion.

Advising Tips

Each B.S. Health Sciences student is assigned an advisor upon admission into the program. Advisors review each student’s Plan of Study and offer personal recommendations and support through degree completion. Advisors regularly communicate with students prior to each semester to assist with the course registration process, follow-up on Starfish referrals, and meet with students as needed throughout each semester. Advising takes place in-person, by phone, or virtually.

Academic Programs

Health Sciences, B.S. (R, A, L)* - Radford University Carilion Site