Applied Health Sciences
Why pursue an Applied Health Sciences degree at North Central College?
The North Central College Applied Health Sciences major offers students with a completed Associate in Science (A.S.) or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree a pathway to earn a B.A.S. degree. This major is designed to be completed in two years (four semesters and one summer) and is delivered in a 100% online model.
Our curriculum is centered around giving you a comprehensive approach to applied health sciences, from the principles of health studies and community health to health wellness and psychology. You will graduate with a bachelor's degree, prepared for success in graduate school or advancement within your health profession.
Our online Applied Health Sciences program is perfect for career-minded individuals looking for a four-year degree that equips them with the skills needed to excel in the modern healthcare workplace. Achieving a degree in applied health science can help you in earning a master's in occupational therapy or a doctorate in physical therapy.
Students can enhance their studies in a variety of ways:
- Build upon the base of knowledge previously obtained
- Explore opportunities to deepen expertise related to healthcare delivery and systems
- Engage in a strong interdisciplinary curriculum featuring courses in ethics, research, psychology and leadership
- Apply foundational knowledge of health and body systems
- Advance in mastery of subjects through a transformative experience emphasizing evidence-based practice and cultural competence
- Participate as a relationship-centered professional within an interprofessional collaborative team
Applicants must have:
- Completed an Associate in Science (A.S.) or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree
- Obtained a certification within their respective healthcare field
The North Central College Applied Health Sciences major offers individuals who have previously completed an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in a healthcare field and has a certificate within their respective healthcare field, an opportunity for advancement by providing a pathway to earn a Bachelors degree, delivered in a 100% online mode. Completion of the degree will prepare the graduate to apply to graduate healthcare or administrative programs or advance within their current professional.
Qualified students will have the opportunity to direct entry following their degree completion into a graduate healthcare program. This major will focus on the application of a base of knowledge students have already obtained and offer opportunities to deepen expertise related to healthcare delivery and systems through advancement of interdisciplinary educational experiences diffused with liberal arts education. The curriculum is built on a strong interdisciplinary educational experiences diffused with liberal arts education and core foundation including courses in ethics, research, psychology and leadership that are central to the discipline.
Students will apply foundational knowledge of health and body systems and advance in mastery of subjects through a transformative experience emphasizing evidence-based practice and cultural competence to serve as part of a relationship-centered professional within an interprofessional collaborative team. Qualified students meeting base requirements may use this major as a bridge program to identified graduate healthcare disciplines by choosing to complete prerequisite courses listed as approved curriculum electives and successfully meeting standards necessary to move to the next step of a bridge program.
Applied Health Sciences, B.A.S.
The North Central College Applied Health Sciences major offers individuals who have previously completed an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in a healthcare field and has a certificate within their respective healthcare field, an opportunity for advancement by providing a pathway to earn a Bachelors degree, delivered in a 100% online mode. Completion of the degree will prepare the graduate to apply to graduate healthcare or administrative programs or advance within their current professional. Qualified students will have the opportunity to direct entry following their degree completion into a graduate healthcare program. This major will focus on the application of a base of knowledge students have already obtained and offer opportunities to deepen expertise related to healthcare delivery and systems through advancement of interdisciplinary educational experiences diffused with liberal arts education. The curriculum is built on a strong interdisciplinary educational experiences diffused with liberal arts education and core foundation including courses in ethics, research, psychology and leadership that are central to the discipline. Students will apply foundational knowledge of health and body systems and advance in mastery of subjects through a transformative experience emphasizing evidence-based practice and cultural competence to serve as part of a relationship-centered professional within an interprofessional collaborative team. Qualified students meeting base requirements may use this major as a bridge program to identified graduate healthcare disciplines by choosing to complete prerequisite courses listed as approved curriculum electives and successfully meeting standards necessary to move to the next step of a bridge program.
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APHS 101 - Introduction to the Applied Health Sciences
APHS 101 - Introduction to the Applied Health Sciences
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the application of advancing health care knowledge serving as a gateway for the Applied Health Sciences major. This course serves to provide an overview of the health care system and role within the health care system, professional requirements, practice settings and professional organizations. This course provides an overview and practical strategies to success in online learning. Attention given to interprofessional practice and narrative medicine concepts.
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APHS 250 - Muscoluskeletal Functional Applied Anatomy
APHS 250 - Muscoluskeletal Functional Applied Anatomy
4.00 credit hours
A review of the musculoskeletal system for the purpose of applying this network to the functional movement of the human body. Special attention will be given to identification of typical functions within the system, limitations and compensations.
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APHS 301 - Evidence Based Practice and Medical Literature Review
APHS 301 - Evidence Based Practice and Medical Literature Review
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the fundamental practice of applying medical evidence to clinical practice across the health professions. Students learn the basic concepts of evidence based practice as it applies to health care and the interpretation of research, enabling students to discuss these findings with patients and peers in order to make collaborative patient/client-centered health-care decisions. Once the evidence-based practice foundation is established, this course then services as a bridge between evidence-based practice and health care research methods by presenting the process of the development of a medical literature review or systematic review of health literature. A practical approach to the process of selecting a research question and the assessment of relevant published research to craft a systematic or medical literature review is addressed. An iterative composition process of drafting, reviewing and revising these comprehensive summaries and synthesis of previous research on a given topic is used. Attention is given to the steps in development, refinement, appraisal, synthesis and reporting of results in the formal formatting guidelines of a literature review and/or systematic review that are in alignment with evidence-based practice.
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APHS 350 - Applied Neuroanatomy Fundamentals
APHS 350 - Applied Neuroanatomy Fundamentals
4.00 credit hours
A review of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system for the purpose of applying this complex network to the functions of the human body.
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APHS 475 - Leadership Styles and Reflective Practice in Healthcare
APHS 475 - Leadership Styles and Reflective Practice in Healthcare
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to various theories and leadership styles from a historical and contemporary point of view. Through engagement in reflective practice, students study leaders and leadership situations to assist in the identification of leadership style and personal philosophies. Special attention is directed to leadership as it applies to healthcare. A substantial portion of the course (minimum 90 contact hours) is devoted to an intensive experiential learning class exercise such as asset mapping and addressing a community health problem. Students utilize leadership foundational knowledge to apply to health systems or identified problems to create workable solutions.
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APHS 490 - Senior Seminar Experience I
APHS 490 - Senior Seminar Experience I
4.00 credit hours
A dynamic and interactive course that serves as the capstone for the Applied Health Sciences major. The seminar allows students to review, assess and apply concepts learned throughout the major course sequence and allows for the application to future professional and graduate plans. A substantial portion of this course allows for the development of career/graduate readiness health care skills.
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HTSC 230 - Community Health
HTSC 230 - Community Health
4.00 credit hours
Critical analysis of cultural and economic factors on the health of society. Emphasis on the facilitation of how diverse health care practices have a systemic influence on the social determinants of health. The organization and administration of school, community, health care facility, and workplace health promotion programs are introduced.
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HTSC 310 - Principles of Epidemiology for the Health Sciences
HTSC 310 - Principles of Epidemiology for the Health Sciences
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the principles and methods of epidemiology and their application to research in the health sciences. Attention given to the development of fundamental skills necessary to interpret and critically evaluate relevant literature in the health sciences and the utilization of an epidemiological approach to disease and intervention.
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HTSC 315 - Research Methods in the Health Sciences
HTSC 315 - Research Methods in the Health Sciences
4.00 credit hours
A bridge between evidence-based practice and health care research methods presenting a systematic approach in conducting research which can be applied to several specialties in the health sciences. A practice approach to both quantitative and qualitative will be addressed, including development of a question, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, development of a hypothesis, identification of variables and drafting research proposals.
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KINE 280 - Human Pathophysiology
KINE 280 - Human Pathophysiology
2.00 credit hours
Pathophysiological conditions associated with human organ systems are studied. The role of physical activity, nutrition and lifestyle in the progression and treatment of pathologies are covered where appropriate.
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PHIL 213 - Health Care Ethics
PHIL 213 - Health Care Ethics
4.00 credit hours
Considers fundamental ethical questions concerning health care and applies ethics to contemporary debates such as abortion.
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PSYC 250 - Statistics
PSYC 250 - Statistics
4.00 credit hours
The methods, concepts and logic underlying the statistical evaluation of research data with an emphasis on "why" as well as "when" to use various statistical methods. Content includes descriptive and inferential statistics, estimation and hypothesis testing. Analyses include z and t tests, one-way and factorial ANOVA, correlation, regression and Chi square. Assignments focus on problem solving, technical writing and use of computer statistical packages (SPSS). Only one of
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APHS 460 - Senior Standards Review II
APHS 460 - Senior Standards Review II
4.00 credit hours
A review of Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) Standards. During the education of an Occupational Therapy Assistant and an Occupational Therapist, there are seventeen standards that are identical to both education levels. This course provides a review of those standards to ensure the student remains competent in these standards.
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PSYC 235 - Lifespan Development
PSYC 235 - Lifespan Development
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of development across the lifespan from conception to death. Both normal and abnormal patterns of development in various cultures and contexts are examined.
One of the Following:
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PSYC 385 - Health Psychology
PSYC 385 - Health Psychology
4.00 credit hours
An examination of how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and illness. Specific topics include behavior change, stress, patient-provider communication, substance abuse, weight control, and coping with chronic illness.
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SOCI 343 - Health, Illness and Care
SOCI 343 - Health, Illness and Care
4.00 credit hours
This course covers the theoretical orientations that guide sociological and anthropological insights into health, illness, treatment seeking and the organization of medical care and the current state of empirical knowledge in the field. Topics include the social origins of illness; lay beliefs about disease; sociodemographic variations in health care utilization; the profession of medicine; the structure of the American health care system and cross-national disparities in health and longevity. This course challenges our assumptions about the social foundations of health disparities, the sovereignty of medical providers and the administration of health care.
Recommended Courses
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HTSC 156 - Medical Terminology
HTSC 156 - Medical Terminology
2.00 credit hours
An introduction of basic medical language with a body system's approach. Required competencies to increase the student's abilities to examine medical literature and to communicate with health care professionals are developed. This course is taught in an online format.
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HTSC 390 - Special Topics in Health Promotion
HTSC 390 - Special Topics in Health Promotion
2.00 credit hours
Each version of this course will feature a selected topic relevant to the ever changing field of health promotion. May be repeated with different topics.
Note:
These courses are recommended, but not required for major.
Bridge Tracks with Graduate Healthcare Programs
Qualified students meeting base requirements may use this major as a bridge program to identified graduate healthcare disciplines by choosing to complete pre-requisite courses and successfully meeting standards necessary to move to the next step of a bridge program.
North Central College Graduate Programs
Health Profession Degrees
Apply to North Central College
The application process involves only two steps. Complete the free online application form available via the APPLY NOW tab below. Then request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities be sent to the Office of Admission. Questions? Contact McKenna Herbst at mjherbst@noctrl.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the fall term start?
- Cohorts start every year in August in advance of the Fall semester.
- What is student to faculty ratio?
- We are anticipating 10-24 students per cohort.
- Do I ever need to come to campus?
- No. This program can be completed 100% online. There are no in-person campus requirements in the Applied Health Sciences major. However, for those that are looking for an on-campus component, there are options in some classes to enroll in the in-person sections and also students are always welcome to come to campus to meet with professors or participate in campus events.
- How do you complete any labs/practicum work?
- All labs and practicum work are completed online for the core curriculum. The courses are structured so that the instructor works closely with the students to provide them guidance on how to get practical hands-on experience with the classroom concepts. There is a chance if a student needs a specific course outside the curriculum in order to apply to a specific graduate program (example - needs to add-on organic chemistry to apply to PA school), then they would have to take that class/lab in a regular in-person section.
- Since classes are online, do I need to purchase any medical equipment for labs?
- No. The labs and practical experiences for this class are not the type that equipment is needed. Additionally, this major has a package price so there is one upfront cost that includes all tuition, books, and fees. There are no hidden fees for extra lab equipment or other supplies.
- Are online courses synchronous or asynchronous (i.e. can I complete on my own schedule)?
- We are striving to have most of the courses run in an asynchronous format with optional synchronous check-in sessions during each week. Additionally, we are striving to structure the 16-week semester courses into two sections where all classes will pause at the half way point for a 4 day weekend that is free from all homework/assignments.
- Asynch = learn on your own schedule within a certain timeframe.
- Synch = live interaction with faculty and/or other students at a pre-determined time.
- We are striving to have most of the courses run in an asynchronous format with optional synchronous check-in sessions during each week. Additionally, we are striving to structure the 16-week semester courses into two sections where all classes will pause at the half way point for a 4 day weekend that is free from all homework/assignments.
- Are faculty accessible for virtual office hours?
- Yes. Faculty will strive to be very accessible for virtual students and the goal of this program is to build a strong community/cohort feel. A focus of this program will be to connect faculty and students and to make it both an individualized experience and also to make sure that students feel connected to the faculty, College, and their peers.
- What is the cost of the program?
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This program is being offered at a special cohort rate which reflects a 30% reduction from the college’s standard undergraduate costs. The total program cost over the course of two years -- inclusive of tuition, fees and books -- is $35,688 for those starting the cohort in Fall 2022. Cohort rates may change with subsequent cohort start dates (i.e. Fall 2023). Because each term is full-time (fall, spring and summer of the first year, and fall and spring of the second year), all terms are eligible for financial aid for those who qualify. Students can apply for federal and state financial aid including low interest student loans by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov using North Central College’s school code of 001734. Any financial aid for which the student is eligible, would be applied directly against the cost of the program. The remaining balance would be due each semester. Students can opt to spread out their payments through monthly payment plans available through the College: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/paymentplan
Two cost examples are illustrated below for planning purposes. In both examples, the full program cost of $35,688 is split into five equal terms costing one-fifth of the total - or $7138 per term.
- Example 1: Students eligible for maximum loans. $7138- $3750 (loan max) = out of pocket expense/what would appear on bill
- 5 month payment plan – beginning August 1 for the FA22 term. Five monthly payments of 677.60.
- 4 month payment plan – beginning Sept 1 for the FA22 term. Four monthly payments of $847.00.
- Example 2: Students not eligible for any loans. Each of the five terms would cost $7138. This cost could be split into payments using the College’s payment plan.
- 5 month payment plan – beginning August 1 for the FA22 term. Five monthly payments of $1428.
- 4 month payment plan – beginning Sept 1 for the FA22 term. Four monthly payments of $1785.
- Example 1: Students eligible for maximum loans. $7138- $3750 (loan max) = out of pocket expense/what would appear on bill
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- How does loan repayment work?
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Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your federal student loan goes into repayment. However, if you have a Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized loan, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments. Interest will continue to accrue on an Unsubsidized Loan during your grace period. You may choose to make payments of the interest during this time.
When your loan enters repayment, you will automatically be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, 10 year plan. You can request to be changed to a different plan at any time. You may also prepay your loan and there are no penalties if you do so.
You can find more information on Direct Loans and repayment at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment.
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- Is this program accredited?
- There is no accreditation body or option for this. However, North Central College, as an institution, is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
- I’m interested in the MOT bridge program specifically. What does that entail?
- For those interested in the MOT Bridge program, the APHS major is simply tailored to include FOUR specific MOT pre-requisites that ensure students have the required OT content they need for success. The four required courses occur in the second fall and spring of the program, and include PSYC 235 in the fall, and PSYC 385, SOCI 343 or another global understanding class, and APHS 460 in the second spring.
- What if I’m interested in ‘bridging’ into another masters program?
- All students can work with faculty advisors to select electives that help them 'bridge' into other masters programs as desired (either at NC or elsewhere).
- Does this program/school have any relationships with local hospitals, medical groups, or medical facilities?
- We are working to establish connections with local medical groups, facilities, and hospitals. We are also working to establish connections with graduate programs. We will strive to assist students in getting connected to health and medical areas of interest for them.
- What have other students done with this degree?
- This is a brand new program so we have yet to graduate the first cohort. However, there is already an established Bridge program with the Master of Occupational Therapy program. That MOT program has wonderful outcomes of retention, graduation/passing the national certification exam, and finding jobs.
- What if I need a break and take a semester off? How will it impact my graduation timeline?
- The Applied Health Sciences major is designed to be completed in two years as a full-time student. Students may take a semester off and complete their major on their return, but that will generally delay their completion date or entry into the MOT Bridge program. You should meet with your academic advisor if you are considering taking a part time course load or a semester off, to see the specific impact on your completion date.