Bachelor of Health Science Online

BS in Health Science Online

Do you aspire to provide a better health outlook for others? IWU’s B.S. in Health Science online degree equips you to advance in your allied health specialty or prepare to enter one of these rewarding career fields. Take advantage of a choice of two specialization paths to customize your learning to your professional goals while you complete your degree fully online!

Pre-Clinical Specialization

Gain the fundamentals you need across bioscience disciplines and healthcare systems and processes to position your expertise toward an entry-level career in the allied health fields through a health science bachelor degree with a pre-clinical specialization. You'll develop expertise in medical terminology and anatomy, along with research methods for health sciences that prepare you for evidence-based practice. Gain the skills you need to pursue entry to a number of career paths from healthcare administration, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and more!

Post-Clinical Specialization

Make the most of your licensure and certification by turning them into college credit toward a bachelor of health science online with a post-clinical specialization and complete your degree in as little as two years! Gain the skills you need to advance a number of career paths—from dental hygiene and medical transcription to physical therapy and radiologic technology to medical assisting and much more!

Why Pursue My Health Science Degree Online at IWU?

From the flexibility of choosing a pre-clinical or post-clinical specialization path to offering our online bachelor's degree in health science fully online, IWU has aimed for the highest caliber of a university education experience for more than a century—and online education for more than a quarter century. Today, we are proud to offer the support you need to have a meaningful impact on many medical and healthcare fields—through faculty who bring a practitioner-centered approach to your learning and curriculum aligned to industry standards and best practices. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Additionally, your tuition rates are locked in the moment you start. You will experience no tuition hikes for the duration of your program.

What Will I Learn in a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science Program?

This health and wellness degree online develops a well-rounded foundation of the theories, concepts, terminology, skills, and processes that optimize healthcare delivery. You will cultivate your leadership approach within healthcare environments and gain a strong understanding of the complex U.S. healthcare system. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice in health care, teaching you to apply current research and proven methodologies to improve patient outcomes.

You’ll also prepare for collaborative problem-solving and decision making within several settings in the healthcare industry. For students interested in population health, the program includes community health principles that address public health challenges and promote wellness at the community level.

Pre-Clinical FAQs

IWU’s Health Sciences faculty bring extensive clinical and academic experience. Dr. Amanda Doneski, a certified radiologic technologist, has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare practice and education, with expertise in clinical education, healthcare leadership, and ethics. Dr. Christin McMahan brings deep expertise in online teaching and curriculum design, with a background in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and exercise physiology. Dr. Carol Rice, an occupational therapist, has practiced across diverse healthcare settings and specializes in patient care, research, and rehabilitation. Together, faculty provide mentorship grounded in real-world healthcare experience and a Christ-centered approach.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (Pre-Clinical) program is designed for students beginning their college journey or those with limited prior college credit. The program is 100% online and features virtual labs, accelerated 5–6 week courses, and a flexible format built for working adults. Students benefit from IWU’s Next Generation Digital Campus, which includes a unified portal, Brightspace learning platform, and 24/7 support. Coursework includes simulations, case studies, and evidence-based learning to prepare students for graduate healthcare programs.

This program is fully online, including virtual labs, with no in-person or residency requirements.

Courses typically run 5–6 weeks. For 5-week courses, students receive a one-week break between courses.

Students follow an accelerated, one-course-at-a-time format. Courses are completed year-round in a structured sequence, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

Students typically begin as part of a group and progress together, with opportunities to build relationships through online discussions and peer collaboration.

Courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing flexibility for working students. Some instructors offer optional live sessions to support engagement and discussion.

Students should expect to spend approximately 11–15 hours per week on coursework.

Students follow a structured schedule once enrolled, with courses automatically scheduled. The program’s format still provides flexibility through its one-course-at-a-time design.

Students with no prior college credit typically complete the program in approximately five years. Transfer credits may shorten this timeline.

Yes. New cohorts begin approximately every six weeks.

After acceptance and registration, students receive a course schedule and complete orientation through the student portal. Students also gain early access to their first course during IWU’s Preview Week.

Students receive comprehensive support, including academic advising, 24/7 tutoring, library services, technical support, career services, accessibility accommodations, and spiritual support through IWU chaplaincy services.

Students may transfer up to 90 credit hours from regionally accredited institutions, with grades of C or higher. Transfer credits are evaluated during admissions, and students receive a degree audit outlining remaining requirements.

Yes. Students may qualify for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit based on professional certifications, licenses, or documented training. Evaluation timelines vary and may take up to 30 days.

No. The program does not require a practicum or capstone. Instead, coursework focuses on developing healthcare knowledge, leadership skills, and evidence-based decision-making.

The program emphasizes a strong foundation in the sciences, research literacy, and critical thinking. Coursework prepares students for graduate-level study and develops skills in communication, ethics, and professional readiness.

This program is a pre-professional pathway designed to prepare students for graduate and professional healthcare programs such as physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, and athletic training. Graduates may also pursue roles in healthcare administration, research coordination, quality improvement, and health education.

Key courses include Healthcare Systems, Health Safety and Ethics in the Healthcare Environment, and Management and Leadership in Health Sciences.

Recent alumni include Christian Wade, Faviola Ramirez, and Haley Jordan-Brown, who have pursued continued education and careers in healthcare-related fields.

Most graduates pursue admission to graduate or professional healthcare programs, while others enter healthcare-related roles in administration, research, or education.

Yes. Students receive faculty mentoring focused on graduate school preparation, professional identity, and career planning.

Internships are not required as part of this program.

Students who are motivated, science-oriented, and committed to pursuing healthcare careers thrive in this program. Strong time management, discipline, and a desire for service are key characteristics.

Students experience a supportive, academically rigorous environment with strong faculty engagement. The program emphasizes purpose, calling, and preparation for future healthcare careers.

Yes. Faith is integrated throughout the curriculum through discussions, assignments, and reflection, emphasizing servant leadership, ethics, and vocational calling in healthcare.

How does this program prepare students for entry into clinical health professions?

The Bachelor of Health Sciences Pre-Clinical Track prepares students for success in graduate-level healthcare programs by building a strong academic and professional foundation. Students develop advanced scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, and analytical reasoning. The program emphasizes ethical decision-making, patient-centered care, and professional expectations, helping students prepare for the rigor and intensity of clinical graduate programs such as physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical school.

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in the core sciences required for healthcare careers. Key areas of study include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology and Population Health, and Research Methods with an emphasis on evidence-based practice. These courses are designed to prepare students for competitive healthcare graduate programs.

Yes. The Pre-Clinical Track is intentionally designed to prepare students for admission into competitive healthcare graduate and professional programs. Students gain a strong academic foundation in the sciences, develop critical thinking and research skills, and engage in faith-integrated learning. Faculty mentoring supports students in building a strong academic profile, professional identity, and sense of calling, positioning them as competitive applicants for programs such as physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, and medical school.

This program does not include required clinical or observation hours. However, students are encouraged to pursue volunteer, shadowing, or observational experiences independently to strengthen their applications for graduate and professional healthcare programs.

Post-Clinical FAQs

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (Post-Clinical) program is designed for allied health professionals who already hold a certification, licensure, or associate degree in a related field. This fully online program features virtual labs, accelerated 5–6 week courses, and a flexible format built for working adults balancing career, family, and education. Students benefit from IWU’s Next Generation Digital Campus, which includes a unified portal, Brightspace learning platform, and 24/7 technical support. Coursework incorporates simulations, case studies, and real-world applications to prepare students for leadership in healthcare.

This program is 100% online and includes virtual labs. There are no in-person, clinical, or residency requirements. Students also complete a six-credit post-clinical specialization aligned with their career goals.

Courses are typically 5–6 weeks in length. For 5-week courses, students receive a one-week break between courses.

Students follow an accelerated format, taking one course at a time. Courses are completed back-to-back year-round, allowing focused learning. In some cases, students may take additional coursework depending on financial aid or scheduling considerations.

Students generally begin the program as part of a group and progress together unless scheduling changes occur. Interaction is encouraged through online discussions, and many students build peer connections through social and professional networks.

Courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing students to complete work on their own schedule. Some instructors offer optional live sessions via Microsoft Teams to enhance engagement and discussion.

Students should expect to spend approximately 11–15 hours per week on coursework, depending on experience and familiarity with the subject matter.

Students follow a structured schedule once enrolled, with courses automatically scheduled after registration. While the program is structured, the one-course-at-a-time format provides flexibility for working adults.

Students with an associate degree in an allied health field can typically complete the program in approximately two years. Students transferring fewer credits may take longer, depending on their starting point and pace.

Yes. The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year, with new cohorts beginning approximately every six weeks.

After acceptance and registration are complete, students receive a course schedule and access to orientation through the student portal. Students also gain early access to their first course during IWU’s Preview Week, one week prior to the official start date.

Online students receive comprehensive support, including:
- Dedicated academic advising
- 24/7 tutoring through Tutor.com
- Online Campus Library Services (OCLS)
- Technical support for Brightspace and the student portal
- Faculty support with a typical 24-hour response time
- Career services and professional development resources
- ADA accessibility accommodations
- Spiritual support, including chaplain access, prayer, and faith-based counseling resources

Students may transfer up to 90 credit hours from regionally accredited institutions, with grades of C or higher. Transfer credit is evaluated during the admissions process, and students receive a degree audit outlining remaining requirements. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may be available for certain non-regionally accredited coursework.

Yes. Students may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit based on professional certifications, licenses, or documented training. Documentation requirements include proof of completion, instructional hours, and supporting materials. Evaluation timelines vary but may take up to 30 days after submission.

No. This program does not require a practicum or capstone. Instead, students complete coursework designed to build practical healthcare leadership skills, including problem-solving, evidence-based decision-making, and understanding healthcare systems.

IWU’s Bachelor of Health Sciences (Post-Clinical) program stands out for its flexibility, fully online format, and focus on working professionals. Students benefit from a practitioner-informed curriculum, faith-integrated learning, and tuition that remains locked from the start of the program. The program also allows students to customize their learning through post-clinical specializations aligned with career goals.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance?

Students can contact the IWU Financial Aid Office directly by phone or email for the fastest response. They may also work with their enrollment counselor to review funding options, required documents, and financial aid estimates.

Bachelor of Health Science Online

BS in Health Science Online

Why Pursue My Health Science Degree Online at IWU?

What Will I Learn in a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Aid

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Work in Various Industries

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

Pre-Clinical FAQs

Post-Clinical FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

Take the Next Step

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