Prepare for Graduate Studies in Health Care
We’ve designed the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program for students who are interested in human health and plan to enroll in graduate programs or advance their careers.
It’s also a great choice if you want to pursue a health care career but aren’t sure which one. You’ll get lots of opportunities to explore options before choosing a career track.
Several tracks are aimed at preparing students for specific graduate programs at UM-Flint. But whatever track you choose, you’ll get a great foundation for pursuing graduate studies to become a physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, environmental scientist, dentist, pharmacist, optometrist, or chiropractor.
You’ll have the chance to grow and learn with students who share your interests and career aspirations in a variety of clubs. Options include the Pre-Dental Club, Pre-Med Club, MCAT Preparedness Club, MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students), Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Pre-Physical Therapy Club and Public Health Student Organization.
How the Program Works
All students in the BS in Health Sciences program take 20 credits of prerequisites, 16 credits in the biological/physical sciences, and 38 credits in health sciences. Then they follow one of nine tracks depending on their career interest:
- Pre-Physician Assistant
Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Master of Science Physician Assistant program and the dual Master of Science Physician Assistant/Master of Business Administration program. Graduates of the Health Sciences program who meet all of the requirements for the PA program will receive a guaranteed interview for potential admission. - Pre-Physical Therapy
Designed to be preparation for UM-Flint’s physical therapy doctoral programs: the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the dual Doctor of Physical Therapy/Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy program, and the dual Doctor of Physical Therapy/Master of Business Administration program. - Pre-Occupational Therapy
Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and the dual Doctor of Occupational Therapy/Master of Business Administration program. - Environmental Health and Safety
Graduates are ready to work as environmental scientists and specialists for public agencies like local and state health departments or in private sector settings such as chemical plants and remediation companies. - Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Dental
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Optometry
- Pre-Chiropractor
Learn more about 2022 graduate Fares Siddig, who co-founded the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students on campus, and received several national honors, including a prestigious fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), while applying to medical schools.
“I am passionate about being at the forefront of innovation and science while also improving the health of underserved communities,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, friends, mentors and professors. You will have a strong support system and pre-med family on campus.”
Why UM-Flint?
We provide the program in two formats: online or a face-to-face setting. This gives you maximum flexibility to fit classes into your busy life. It also lets you choose a format that best fits your learning style.
We also offer year-round enrollment opportunities, a dedicated in-house advising staff, an internship coordinator, and faculty experts in public health, health care, and administration who welcome opportunities to serve as mentors.
You’ll have the option to conduct research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program or the Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. In a paid or volunteer role, you can develop your research skills while working side-by-side with faculty on state-of-the-art research.
Health Sciences Degree Programs
Besides the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program and the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Honors program, the Department of Public Health & Health Sciences offers three other options:
- The joint Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences/Master of Public Health program is designed for undergraduate Health Sciences students who want to pursue an MPH degree. You can earn both degrees with up to 17 fewer credits than if you completed them separately.
- The Physical Therapy Accelerated Pathway (BSHS/DPT) allows you to complete the requirements for a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences in three years instead of four, allowing you to apply to UM-Flint’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program sooner, saving one year of time and money. The bachelor’s degree will be awarded after the first year in the Physical Therapy program.
- The Occupational Therapy Accelerated Pathway (BSHS/OTD) allows you to complete the requirements for a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences in three years instead of four, allowing you to apply to UM-Flint’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program sooner, saving one year of time and money. The bachelor’s degree will be awarded after the first year in the Occupational Therapy program.
Career Opportunities in Health Sciences
With the aging U.S. population driving growing demand for medical care, health care professionals should enjoy excellent career prospects. Consider these examples:
Physician Assistants
Job growth for physician assistants, who practice medicine as part of health care teams, should be 28 percent through 2031, the BLS says. That translates into about 12,700 job openings annually through 2031.
Physical Therapists
Jobs for physical therapists should grow by 17 percent through 2031, the BLS projects, almost three times the rate for all jobs. Physical therapists earn a median salary of $95,620 annually, and there should be about 15,400 job openings each year through 2031.
Occupational Therapists
Demand for occupational therapists should increase 14 percent through 2031–just over twice the average for all jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS projects there will be about 10,100 job openings for occupational therapists each year through 2031.
More information about careers in health care is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Academic Advising for Health Sciences Majors
UM-Flint’s academic advisors are devoted to helping you succeed. They can answer your questions about program requirements, help you choose courses, and much more.
The dedicated academic advisor for Health Sciences majors (any track) is Jennifer O’Roark. You can contact her at [email protected] or 810-762-3288. You can also make an appointment with her online.
Scholarships for Health Sciences Students
Besides being eligible for financial assistance through UM-Flint’s Office of Financial Aid, you can apply for UM-Flint scholarships that are specifically for College of Health Sciences students.
Numerous scholarships are available to CHS students, each with its own requirements. They’re made possible through generous donations to the College of Health Sciences.
Get Started on Your Health Sciences Career Today
If you want great foundational preparation for pursuing graduate studies in health care, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Health Sciences program today. If you have questions, submit an online request for information, or contact Jennifer O’Roark, the program’s academic advisor, at [email protected] or 810-762-3288. You can also make an appointment with her online.