BS in Healthcare Services and Sciences, Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan

48 Months

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About this course

Western Michigan University's Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services and Sciences (BS-HSS) is designed to prepare students for success in the healthcare world. The program integrates core courses, specialized knowledge through concentrations or minors, and a capstone experience, usually an internship. It aims to develop students into interdisciplinary team members who understand how health services systems operate and can work effectively within them. Whether students choose a general program or focus on a specific health career via a concentration, the curriculum emphasizes core competencies like patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare ethics, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for careers or further studies in health-related fields.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is particularly beneficial for students interested in a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems combined with targeted career preparation. It offers a blend of core health competencies and specialized tracks, enabling students to tailor their education toward their future goals. The inclusion of a capstone internship provides practical experience, enhancing employability or readiness for graduate studies. Moreover, the program’s focus on interdisciplinary skills and in-depth industry knowledge makes it a strong foundation for various health careers or advanced education pathways.

Specialisation

Students pursuing the BS-HSS can focus their studies through a range of concentrations or minors. The available concentrations include Clinical Practice in Health, Physician Assistant Preparation, Audiology Preparation, Blindness and Low Vision Studies Preparation, Occupational Therapy Preparation, and the now suspended Audiology doctoral track. Each concentration has tailored coursework and prerequisites to prepare students for specific health careers, with some options also offering pathways to graduate programs or licensure.

Course fees

Application fees

19.75L

1st year tuition fees

19.75L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To graduate, students must complete all HSS core major courses, including classes like Introduction to Professions in Health and Human Services, Lifespan Development, and Healthcare Management. They also need to fulfill cognate courses such as Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, plus a concentration or minor. A capstone experience—typically an internship—is mandatory, along with maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA. Students must pass core courses with a ‘C’ or higher and meet specific GPA and credit transfer policies, particularly in the final semester before their capstone.

English language test

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

100

Career prospects

Graduates of the BS-HSS program are prepared to work as interdisciplinary team members within healthcare systems. Depending on their chosen concentration, potential career paths include clinical practice, physician assistant roles, audiology, occupational therapy, or vision rehabilitation. The program’s emphasis on practical skills and industry knowledge positions students well for employment in various health-related settings, or for applying to advanced graduate programs in their specialized fields.

FAQs

Can I transfer clinical experience toward my capstone?

Yes, students in the Clinical Practice in Health concentration may transfer clinical placement experience as their capstone, but if the transfer is not possible, they will need to complete a separate capstone project or internship.

What is the internship requirement?

Most students complete an internship which requires a minimum of 200 hours. The internship helps integrate and apply the knowledge gained throughout the program and is essential for practical preparedness.