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School of Education & Health Sciences

Health Science

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Why choose health science at North Central College?

The Health Science major offers students an avenue to enter the world of health, health care or allied health fields. With an undergraduate degree, you will be prepared to enter the world of wellness, health care, or allied health fields. This program can also serve as the foundational major for preparing you to enter graduate programs in public health or clinical professions such as becoming a nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or physician assistant. In addition, our health science program can provide guidance for students who are interested in a career in health sciences but have not chosen a specific field. As an interdisciplinary program, the Health Science major offers a strong general education foundation in the liberal arts and sciences to develop communication and critical-thinking skills, so graduates are productive members and leaders of health care facilities and teams. Health Science majors will integrate all aspects of the curriculum by completing a Senior Seminar Experience related to their career interests.

If you're considering a health science program, you will be dedicating yourself to a rewarding career that involves improving lives and the community. With a health science degree, you will have learned about health promotion, nutrition, and disease in the human body. Our health science program provides a strong foundational knowledge of the core concepts in most medical-related jobs and prepares students to further their higher education, or pursue medical school. 

You can also:

  • Pursue the accelerated 3+2 pathway Master of Athletic Training program so you can earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Athletic Training degree in as few as 5 years.
  • Learn from an experienced faculty with vast and varied professional backgrounds.
  • Attend local, state, regional and national conferences.
  • Participate in undergraduate research with faculty.
  • Join the Pre-Health Organization for cocurricular enrichment.
  • Gain experience as a Peer Health Educator by working with Dyson Wellness Center professionals to improve the wellness of your peers.
  • Prepare for professional roles in health care though interprofessional education, which brings together students from varied areas of health care to learn together.

3+2 Master of Athletic Training Pathway

North Central College offers an accelerated 3+2 Master of Athletic Training pathway program so you can earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Athletic Training degree in as few as 5 years, allowing you to select from 2 different undergraduate majors, a bachelor of science in either health science or exercise science. This pathway prepares you to become a certified athletic trainer.

Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering

Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering, home to the health science program classes, labs and faculty offices.

Virtual Tour

More Department information

Dual admission bachelor's/master of occupational therapy degree

3+2 Master of Athletic Training pathway

Health Science, B.A.

The Health Science Major (B.A.) offers students an interdisciplinary program to study the health sciences and enter the world of health care. The curriculum is built on a strong liberal arts and sciences, multidisciplinary, core foundation including courses in anatomy and physiology, sociology, ethics and communication that are central to the discipline. Students may also choose to complete prerequisite courses (e.g., pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-nursing, pre-physician assistant, pre-athletic training, health education and promotion), allowing them to design their own academic road map to fit their career interests. Students will integrate all aspects of the curriculum by completing a capstone internship related to their intended field of study.

Students will be prepared to practice in today's rapidly-evolving world of healthcare fields (e.g., public or community health, community or government agencies, the insurance industry or hospitals) or to pursue graduate programs in public health or a clinical profession (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training or physician assistant). Development of strong communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills are emphasized with the goal of students being prepared to practice as evidence-based, culturally competent and patient/client centered professionals.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

One of the following:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Health Science, B.S.

Health Science Major (B.S.) offers students an interdisciplinary program to study the health sciences and enter the world of health care. The curriculum is built on a strong liberal arts and sciences, multidisciplinary, core foundation including courses in anatomy and physiology, sociology, ethics and communication that are central to the discipline. Students may also choose to complete prerequisite courses (e.g., pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-nursing, pre-physician assistant, pre-athletic training, health education and promotion), allowing them to design their own academic roadmap to fit their career interests. Students integrate all aspects of the curriculum by completing a capstone internship related to their intended field of study.

Students will be prepared to practice in today's rapidly-evolving world of healthcare fields (e.g., public or community health, community or government agencies, the insurance industry or hospitals) or to pursue graduate programs in public health or a clinical profession (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training or physician assistant). Development of strong communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills are emphasized with the goal of students being prepared to practice as evidence-based, culturally competent and patient/client centered professionals.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

One of the following:

Health Science Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Career opportunities for Health Science Majors include:

  • Graduate programs in health or healthcare fields
  • Community and public health agencies
  • Non-profit organizations (such as American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society)
  • Health insurance agencies
  • Pharmaceutical sales

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.

Health Science Student Profile

Corey Gustafik '24

As a student-veteran at North Central College, Corey Gustafik aspires to become a dietitian, driven by his experiences both abroad and at home. From aiding his father in managing diabetes to witnessing diverse nutrition practices during his military service, Gustafik is motivated to make a difference in people's lives through dietary guidance. Join him on his mission to serve others through the science of nutrition.

Corey Gustafik