2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Oct 12, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Health Science (BS.HLT)


Program Description  

Prepare to support others as they move toward greater health and well-being. In the Bachelor of Science in Health Science program at Vermont State University, you will take courses in nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, biology, chemistry, and more that will lay a foundation for a range of paths within the allied health professions.  

The B.S. in Health Science program offers a core curriculum including prerequisite coursework in natural and social sciences, math, health and wellness to prepare students for professional degree programs in the health-related fields. In addition, the curriculum content provides a foundation in healthcare, intervention, and prevention, which means you will be equipped with tools to improve the quality of life of those in your community. Experiential learning is emphasized in the many lab-based courses, and all students will gain hands-on internship or clinical experiences. Students can graduate with a general Health Science degree or choose one of the following concentrations:  

The Pre-Allied Health concentration further prepares students to apply to professional programs in healthcare fields, such as chiropractic medicine, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  

The Pre-Athletic Training Accelerated concentration prepares students to continue their education in VTSU’s CAATE accredited Master of Athletic training (MAT) program. The 3+2 accelerated program allows students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years. Students may also complete the curriculum at a more traditional pace and enter the two-year MAT program after completing the BS in Health Science/Pre-AT degree in four years.  Any student who has completed a bachelor’s degree and meets the MAT program admissions requirements may apply to Master of Athletic Training program. 

The Health & Wellness Coaching concentration provides students with the necessary skills for careers in personal training, corporate health and wellness, community health education, and health/wellness counseling.  Vermont State University’s Health & Wellness Coaching Program is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching). 

Program Outcomes 

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of biological, physical, and social sciences as they relate to health, illness, injury, and disease.  

  1. Assess health status and risk factors and develop interventions to promote wellness and prevent injury and disease in diverse populations. 

  1. Interpret and apply scientific findings related to the human body, health, and disease.  

  1. Integrate critical thinking skills and content knowledge to address real-world situations in health.

Pre-Allied Health Concentration (BS.HLT.PHS)


21 credits required

Take the following courses plus 9 credits of upper-level Health Science electives (3000 level or above).

Health & Wellness Coaching Concentration (BS.HLT.HWC)


15 credits required

Take the following courses:

Credits Required for Major: 50-67


Graduation Requirements


To obtain a degree, students must fulfill the major-specific requirements as well as satisfy all other Degree Requirements  including the Connections General Education Program Requirements .

Accreditation


Pre-AT concentration feeds into CAATE-accredited MAT program. Reese Boucher (Reese.Boucher@VermontState.edu) is the VTSU contact for this program. CAATE Info: https://caate.net

Health & Wellness Coaching concentration and minor are approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). NBHWC Info: https://nbhwc.org

Sample Curriculum Map


Degree Map (Sample) - BS.HLT