Health Sciences Major

Goal 1: Graduates of the Health Studies Program will know and understand the biological, psychological, and social determinants of health and well-being.

Outcome 1.1: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of how race, social class, gender, culture, geographic location, and disability influence physical and mental health.

Outcome 1.2: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the primary health issues at each stage of life and how healthcare needs change across the lifespan.

Goal 2: Graduates will apply health theories to health practice and research.

Outcome 2.1: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of health promotion planning, needs assessment, program development, and evaluation by developing and implementing a health promotion project.

Outcome 2.2: Graduates will be able to foster health behavioral change by applying systematic, measurable, and supportive (empathic) approaches.

Goal 3: Graduates will demonstrate literacy in the language of health professions.

Outcome 3.1: Graduates will effectively use the terminology and language of the health professions.

Outcome 3.2: Graduates will be able to analyze regional, national and global health data and to draw logical conclusions based on health data.

Outcome 3.3: Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and apply current research in the health professions to health promotion and disease prevention practice.

Goal 4: Graduates will collaborate with others in order to promote health and well-being of people in need.

Outcome 4.1: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of healthcare systems and effective healthcare systems management.

Outcome 4.2: Graduates will be able to educate, delegate, and coordinate with others to promote health and well-being of a population.

Goal 5: Graduates will follow ethical codes of conduct of the health professions.

Outcome 5.1: Graduates will follow and promote ethical conduct reflecting Jesuit values, specifically the values of honesty, respect for persons, and justice.

Outcome 5.2: Graduates will demonstrate the maturity to make decisions and to take professional responsibility for those decisions.

Outcome 5.3: Graduates will act as global citizens, holding personal and career objectives that honor and serve the beneficence of people in need.

The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas¹:

1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
2. Ethics Intensive
3. Writing Intensive, and
4. Diversity

¹

Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements

General Education Signature Courses

See this page about Signature courses. 

General Education Variable Courses

See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses

General Education Overlays

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

 Major Requirements

Saint Joseph’s BS in Health Science to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) prepares you to develop as a skilled practitioner with a fast path to graduation, a full-time clinical education and a wealth of clinical experiences, including pro-bono and collaborative clinics. Earn two degrees — a BS in exercise physiology or health science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy — in under six years without having to re-apply by meeting all academic criteria and program requirements.

Saint Joseph’s BS in Health Science degree allows direct entry into graduate Occupational Therapy (DrOT, MOT) and prepares you to develop as a skilled practitioner with an accelerated path to graduation.  Guaranteed entry into the profession phase of this program is dependent on maintaining a grade point average minimum, completing all prerequisite classes, and meeting all requisite shadow hours. The plan of study for direct entry into the DrOT or MOT degrees from the BS degree is similar, both provide the pre-requisite courses for progression into graduate study.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy is a doctorate degree that prepares you to become a successful OT practitioner, researcher, and leader in a variety of medical and community settings. It’s the highest level of formal education available to entry-level occupational therapists. By earning your clinical doctorate degree in occupational therapy from Saint Joseph’s University, you’ll gain not only the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on patient care, but the skills of an advanced critical thinker and innovator for the profession of occupational therapy. 

The Master's of Occupational Therapy is a masters degree that provides preparation needed to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR) and earn a degree that prepares you for professional practice. Occupational Therapists help clients develop the functional capacity to live independently, care for personal needs and participate in work, school or community activities across one's lifespan.

Summer after Junior year begins the professional curriculum for DrOT and MOT programs 

The Clinical Leadership Concentration within the Health Sciences major will prepare students to apply for and succeed in leadership positions in healthcare.  The concentration is open to students at the Lancaster location who are transitioning from an Associate's Degree in an Allied Health Field to the Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS).  

The concentration consists of five required courses, one of which will be of the student's choosing from a discrete list  of options.  Students must also meet all general education requirements and reach a minimum of 120 credits to earn the BSHS degree.