PSEO/Early college online classes
125 credits
125 credits
required for program
PSEO/Early college online classes
Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Health Sciences
Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Undergraduate
At Northwestern, students will learn, review, and teach together in group settings while participating in advanced internships and working alongside caring faculty. This degree is a solid underpinning to enter the professional world or for graduate study. You will be prepared to pursue a Master in Nursing, Master in Physician Assistant, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master in Nutrition, or Master in Public Health.
Why study health sciences at Northwestern?
Under the guidance of Christian professors who are scientific experts, you will grow spiritually as you come to better know the Creator through His design of human beings. This degree prepares students for careers as Physician Assistant, Occupational or Physical Therapy, and Nurse Practitioner among other options.
Faculty are able to teach students to care for the general public as Christian leaders in the medical field because we offer small class sizes where students get to know them personally. With campus so close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving healthcare and health science industries.
If you are a caring person with a passion for helping people who are suffering, interested in health and wellness, want to make a difference in the lives of all of God’s people, and are interested in a career in medicine, laboratory research, public health, or other scientific fields, this might be the right degree for you.
What will I learn?
Students will learn laboratory skills and think critically, while studying medical terminology, nutrition, and anatomy.
I was amazed at the intricacies with which God designed the human body and found it fascinating to learn about. Seeing how important faith was in each of my classes was one of the things I loved most about Northwestern.
Careers in health sciences
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in health sciences.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Physician’s office intake
- Chiropractic office assistant
- Nursing home assistant
- Certified nursing assistant (with additional training)
- Personal care assistant
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Medical technology sales
- Fitness and wellness coaching
- Business functions within healthcare organizations
Who employs people with this degree?
- Home healthcare agencies
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Medical equipment sales and manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Chiropractic offices
- Physical and occupational therapy providers
- Health clubs
- Nutritional product retailers and manufacturers
93%
of graduates felt professionally prepared for work by their education
90%
of seniors grew in their relationship with God during their time at Northwestern
100%
%}
of recent graduates plan to pursue further education
Preparing for a Career
College graduation rates continue to increase each year making competition for jobs even greater. Set yourself apart from the crowd with the following strategies for getting started, networking, and gaining experience.
Strategies for success:
- Gain an understanding of the rigorous education and training required in the medical professions to ascertain your willingness to complete the required experiences.
- Study the demands required by each of the medical fields. Many physicians and healthcare professionals work very long, irregular hours. Consider your tolerance for such a schedule.
- Many medical fields require licensure that is generally regulated by the state of residency.
- Plan for a lifetime of learning to stay abreast of new trends in the field and to fulfill continuing education requirements for licensure.
- If you are interested in the administrative side of healthcare such as hospital administration, business functions in medical technology, or administration in healthcare companies, consider adding a Business major, minor or electives. It will also be important that you gain experience in the field through internships or volunteering.
- The Northwestern Health Sciences major also prepares students for entry level positions in fields related to research and the biologic sciences.
Professional associations:
American Physical Therapy Association
American Occupational Therapy Association
American Dental Hygienists' Association
American Health Information Management Association
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Careers
American Society for Cytotechnology
American Medical Technologists
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Discover the Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
Meet the staff Explore the department