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Health Sciences - Allied Health, Bachelor of Science
- Available Emphasis Areas:
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy - Emphasis
- General Allied Health - Emphasis
- Medical Assisting - Emphasis
- Paramedic Care - Emphasis
- Physical Therapist Assisting - Emphasis
- Respiratory Care - Emphasis
- Surgical Technology - Emphasis
- Occupational Therapy Associate - Emphasis
Flexibility is a hallmark of this online bachelor's degree in Health Sciences—Allied Health from Northern Arizona University (NAU) which offers all coursework online and accepts a significant amount of transfer credit. To pursue this degree, students must have an associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an allied health discipline. Students may transfer up to 90 credits towards the Allied Health bachelor's degree at NAU and must also complete a minimum of 30 credits of upper division courses at NAU. In order to graduate with the Allied Health bachelor's degree, students must also have a current state or national license that matches their allied health associate degree. While students may begin coursework at NAU while their associate degree and license are still in progress, these must both be obtained prior to their enrollment in the final capstone course at NAU.
You can complete your bachelor's degree in health sciences while working toward or after having finished an associate degree in an allied health discipline. With this online program, you can complete your coursework when it fits your schedule. You must have or be pursuing an associate's degree in Allied Health in order to qualify.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
The full policy can be viewed here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Students may transfer up to 90 units of community college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
- 30 units of major requirements from NAU.
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
| Community College Emphasis Required | An emphasis is transferred to NAU from a Community College. |
Purpose Statement
The online BS Health Sciences Allied Health program provides an innovative '3+1' curriculum that prepares students to advance their careers in health-related fields. These programs are specifically designed for students who have completed their associate's degree in an allied health discipline from a regionally-accredited program and who have successfully obtained the related professional license. Our programs provide students with foundational knowledge of health promotion, disease promotion concepts, and understanding of the interconnectedness of personal, family, organizational, community, and societal health. Our students will use this knowledge to work collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient-centered care. While completing this degree, students will expand their critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills and enhance their ability to communicate effectively with others in order to provide excellent care for their patients. We specialize in preparing students in enhancing their careers with an understanding of the importance of leadership and inter-professional teamwork among health professionals, as well as skills to sustain personal health and well-being.
Student Learning Outcomes
Program Outcome 1: Graduates will demonstrate foundational knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention concepts.
- Identify and explain the determinates of optimal health and wellness in each of the six interrelated dimensions.
- Identify risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment associated with specific diseases
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of human diseases.
- Locate information concerning the identification and recognition of disease.
- Explain key concepts of epidemiology.
- Explain key concepts of epidemiologic data.
- Define stress and major types of stress.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of individuals in maintaining personal, family and community health.
- Recognize evidence of informational knowledge of the effects of attitudes, emotions, and relationships in the mind-body-spirit aspect of health.
- Explain how social and behavioral factors influence diseases and conditions.
- Identify credible, evidence-based sources of health-related information
- Critically analyze sources of health information related to disease topics.
- Describe the current status of health service delivery, with a primary focus on the US system of health services delivery.
- Compare the health care system of another country with the USA's health care system.
- Critically assess the USA's current and future trends in health service organization and administration.
- Demonstrate writing skills using professional language appropriate for the topic, purpose and audience using APA format.
- Communicate health-related information effectively.
- Demonstrate effective writing and communication skills essential to the health professions workplace.
- Apply principles of ethical and/or professional health practice appropriate to the discipline.
- Analyze issues related to course topics in leadership skills and inter-professional teamwork identified during the observational experiences.
- Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Complete a behavior change project utilizing effective and appropriate strategies.
- Identify the stress-related consequences of personality and temperament.
- Implement various stress management techniques and interventions.
Details Accordion Closed
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
To be eligible for this academic plan, students must be admitted to, enrolled in, or be graduates from an associate degree program at a regionally accredited community college or university in an allied health discipline corresponding with their state or national licensure.
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Occupational Therapy Associate
- Paramedic Care
- Physical Therapist Assisting
- Respiratory Care
- Surgical Technology
- Another allied health field.
Transfer Block
- Students may transfer up to 90 units of community college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
General Studies Requirement
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Students who have completed the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) from an Arizona public or tribal community college, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), or California State University General Education (CSUGE) from a California public community college are considered to have satisfied NAU's General Studies and Foundation requirements as well as the US Ethnic and Global Diversity requirements.
Major Requirements
This degree completion plan requires the completion of an associate degree at a regionally accredited community college or university in a health science discipline, and requires 30 units from NAU, distributed as follows:
- Associate degree at a regionally accredited community college or university in a health science discipline: 90 units
- Health Sciences Common Courses: 30 units
- Selection of an Emphasis associated with the state or national license attained from the associate degree received from the community college.
Take the following 120 units:
Health Sciences Core (30 units)
Coursework must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better in each course.
HS 205 and PSY 101 are requisites for other courses that are required for this degree. You may transfer in an equivalent or be able to count it toward your general elective credit if taken at Northern Arizona University.
Prior to beginning the HS 460C capstone course, students must have completed their Associate degree and hold a current state or national license in Allied Health. The Associate degree and certificate or licensure must be in the same field of study. The student is also required to have a current cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible to enroll in HS 460C.
Emphasis Requirements
Northern Arizona University will accept up to 90 units of transfer credit toward the completion of this degree, including all coursework related to the following emphases.- Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy Emphasis
- Medical Assisting Emphasis
- Occupational Therapy Associate Emphasis
- Paramedic Care Emphasis
- Physical Therapist Assisting Emphasis
- Respiratory Care Emphasis
- Surgical Technology Emphasis
- General Allied Health Emphasis
Allied Health majors with an Occupational Therapy Associate Emphasis will be given priority admission to the Occupational Therapy, OTD.
General Electives
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Additional Information
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Our Allied Health degree completion program is offered entirely online.
This degree completion program is offered entirely online for students with an associate's degree and state license or certification in a health-related field.About our program Accordion Closed
What can I do with this degree? Accordion Closed
- Direct Patient Care: Work on the frontlines of healthcare
- Wellness Consultant: Guide individuals into healthier lifestyles
- Program Coordinator: Manage healthcare programs for specialized populations.
- Community Health Worker: Work for non-profits, hospitals, schools, or government agencies to promote healthy living habits
- Allied Health Instructor: Train the next generation of healthcare workers
- Patient Advocate: Ensure patients understand their treatment plans and receive quality care
- Nursing Care Institution Administrator: Oversee the operations of nursing care facilities
- Assisted Living Manager: Manage day-to-day operations of assisted living facilities
- Hospice Care Coordinator: Provide compassionate care for patients with terminal illnesses by managing interdisciplinary teams, coordinating care, and offering support to patients and families.
- Rehabilitation Specialist: Help patients recover from injuries or surgeries by working with healthcare providers to develop personalized recovery plans.
- Palliative Care Specialist: Focus on symptom management and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses through a holistic, patient-centered approach.
- Healthcare Leadership Coach: Help emerging leaders in healthcare develop their skills in communication, team building, and strategic planning to improve organizational effectiveness and patient care outcomes
- Occupational Therapist: Continue your education and become an Occupational Therapist. Graduates of NAU’s Allied Health program receive preferred admission to the NAU Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Occupational therapists help people do what they want to do and need to do in the activities of everyday living. Watch this video to learn more about the profession.
Admission requirements Accordion Closed
To be admitted to this program, you must:
- have or be currently pursuing an allied health associate’s degree through a regionally accredited college
- secure state certification or licensure upon completion of your associate’s degree
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
Meet an Allied Health student Accordion Closed
Meet Kenneth Silverwind, firefighter, flight paramedic, and NAU Allied Health student. He says, "I came to the NAU allied health program after completing my associate’s degree focused on paramedic care a few years ago. I wanted to continue a degree program with the same focus as my previous degree that also correlates with and promotes advancement of my career as a flight and ground paramedic. The allied health program also promotes my knowledge and ability to become a better instructor in the multiple disciplines I teach." Learn more about Kenneth in this piece from the NAU Review.
FAQs Accordion Closed
What is Allied Health?
Allied health encompasses a diverse range of professions that extend beyond nursing and physician roles. These professionals are essential to the healthcare system, focusing on the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases and disorders. Allied Health responsibilities may include providing dietary and nutrition services, supporting rehabilitation efforts, and managing health systems. Examples of allied health professionals include diagnostic medical sonographers, paramedics, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, and respiratory therapists. In addition to these well-known roles, there are many lesser-known allied health professions that play a crucial role in delivering essential healthcare services and support. Please reach out if you have questions about your specific field of Allied Health!Is earning the Associate’s degree required?
Can I work on my Associate’s degree at the same time?
Yes, you can! However, you must complete your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degree before enrolling in the capstone course.Do I need a license or certification for this program?
Yes. In this program, you can earn credit hours simply by holding a relevant license or certification in your field —giving you a major head start toward completing your degree. You will need to have a current license or certification before enrolling in the capstone course, HS 460C, where you’ll put all your knowledge and expertise into action.Should I choose an emphasis?
This decision is entirely up to you! If you choose an emphasis, it should align with your associate’s degree. The emphasis you select will appear on your official transcript. If you prefer not to have an emphasis, you can select the General Allied Health option.Which classes will I take?
During your time at NAU, you’ll complete the Health Sciences Core, a set of 30 units designed to build your knowledge and skills for a successful career in Allied Health. Courses include:- Human Diseases
- Mind-Body Health
- Stress Management
- Epidemiology
- Organization & Administration of Health Services
- Current Health Issues
- Leadership and Interprofessional Teamwork for Health Professionals