2004-05 Undergraduate Catalog
Health Science
The Health Science program leading to the Bachelor of Health Science degree includes didactic and experiential activities for students to learn the foundation skills necessary for success in the dynamic health environment. The program has two major goals: (1) to teach foundation skills to students whose career goal is to work in health care, particularly for those who want to become health care providers; and (2) to teach foundation skills to students who want to work in rehabilitation-related settings with individuals who face social or economic challenges.
The college offers five course tracks to achieve the goals listed. These are: health science general, pre-professional, pre-OT, pre-PT, and rehabilitative services. Students should select the track that most closely meets their career goals (see course sequence section below).
Beginning in the junior year, the health science general, pre-professional, and pre-PT tracks offer the same core curriculum. The junior year focuses on the health care system, different diseases and disabilities, the role of the health care provider in prevention and treatment, and patient-provider communication. The senior year focuses on health-related research, effective leadership, critical-thinking skills important to clinical problem solving, and bioethical and legal issues impacting health care.
The pre-OT track offers the core curriculum plus OT prerequisites necessary for the UF MOT program. The rehabilitative services track offers the junior core curriculum plus junior and senior course work focusing on vocational, psychological, and social aspects of rehabilitation and human services. The rehabilitative services senior year also includes a practicum. Regardless of track selected, students complement core courses with electives, rounding out their academic skills and interests.
Upon successful completion of the Health Science program, students receive a Bachelor of Health Science degree. Students commonly pursue graduate or professional training in a health field (e.g. occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine, physician assistant, health administration, dentistry, public health, etc.). Some students seek employment in hospital or related community organizations after completion of the B.H.S.
Course Sequence
All tracks are designed for students interested in health care. However, students should select the track that most closely approximates their career plans and overall academic performance.
Four course tracks in the health science program require a 3.0 GPA for admission at the junior level – health science general; health science pre-professional school; health science pre-OT; and health science pre-PT. The health science rehabilitative services track requires a 2.7 GPA.
The health science general track is designed for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in fields that do not require significant basic science course work, such as health administration and public health.
The health science preprofessional track is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in fields such as medicine, physician assistant, and dentistry, which require strong basic science backgrounds.
The pre-OT and pre-PT tracks are designed specifically for students interested in occupational therapy or physical therapy as a career.
The rehabilitative services track is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate training in rehabilitation counseling or a related field or who want to work in a rehabilitation-related setting upon graduation.
The specialty tracks are designed to include the prerequisites needed for the graduate or professional programs at UF in addition to the prerequisites for health science.
Each track incorporates General Education requirements and health science prerequisites. All health science tracks except pre-OT accept AP or IB credit for one prerequisite course only. Pre-OT accepts AP or IB credit for two prerequisites. All other prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better at the university level. Students should consult a college adviser if they need assistance or have questions about a specific course schedule.