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Health Sciences Degrees

Earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in health sciences at SBU-Springfield

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SBU's College of Health Professions offers multiple health science degree programs.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is designed specifically for the working allied or imaging healthcare professional who has certification and would like to obtain an associate's degree. If you have already completed a certificate program in an approved healthcare field, you will be admitted to the AAS program on the basis of a current state-issued license or certification.

The Associate of Science in Health Sciences (ASHS) degree is a great option for students interested in completing a degree to gain a foundational education in health sciences.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) degree is a web-enhanced program utilizing newly revised curriculum, and is an excellent option for students already working full-time. The degree has two tracks:

  • Clinical Track — Allows health care professionals to advance their profession in the areas of management, leadership, and the delivery of healthcare becoming servant leaders in a global society.
  • Non-Clinical Track — Designed for individuals who have no health care experience, yet want to pursue a degree in healthcare that does not include direct patient care. This degree plan will prepare the non-clinical professionals to advance their knowledge base in the healthcare industry.

This degree is designed for anyone in the healthcare industry to continue their education toward a bachelor degree. Professions include medical technology, billing and coding, respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, and dental hygiene, among many more health care professions.

The Southwest Baptist University-Springfield Campus provides conveniently scheduled general education and science prerequisite coursework for all its degree programs, as well as a wide array of courses for adult learners who desire to begin or continue their education. General education coursework is offered in both traditional classroom settings and through online courses. Students in general education courses benefit from experienced professors in small classes.

Want to learn more?

Visit the SBU-Springfield Campus page to learn more about the campus, cost, scholarships and financial aid, and more.

Springfield Campus Information

8
week
block
courses

(The health sciences programs offer convenient scheduling for students already in the workforce through 8-week block online courses.)

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The SBU Advantage

  • Be equipped for a lifetime of success by a school that is committed to doing what it takes to help you graduate and succeed.
  • Receive a high-quality, Christian higher education in partnership with a nationally recognized healthcare system, Mercy Health System.
  • Further your education while remaining active in the workforce through afternoon and evening classes that work with your schedule.
  • Benefit from small class sizes that provide opportunities for individualized instruction, academic guidance and networking.

Faith Integration

Southwest Baptist University is a Christ-centered university and is committed to the integration of faith and academics in all programs and degrees. Class discussions include open dialogue about how faith impacts the academic discipline. Students are encouraged to consider their own faith and how they will incorporate their faith in their chosen career paths. SBU's goal is to produce academically qualified career professionals who are also servant leaders in today's global society.

Admissions

To be admitted to a health sciences program at SBU-Springfield, please complete the following steps:

  1. Schedule a meeting with an admissions office representative at the Springfield campus by calling (417) 447-8672 or (417) 447-8670.
  2. Complete an application for admission to Southwest Baptist University. Indicate that you plan to attend the Springfield campus.
  3. Request official transcripts. For high school students and college students with less than 12 hours of credit, submit official high school transcript and ACT/SAT/CLT scores, along with any college, university or training school official transcripts. For transfer students with 12 hours or more of college credit, please submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities and training programs attended.
  4. Verify receipt of application and all transcripts listed on application with the Admissions Office. Be sure transcripts are updated upon completion of each semester and show in-progress courses.
  5. Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor (for course planning and registration) by calling (417) 820-2069.

Course Transfer Equivalency

Southwest Baptist University maintains a current database of course transfer equivalencies from hundreds of accredited colleges and universities. Students are welcome to search for and find course equivalents for prerequisite courses and program requirements within the College of Health Professions degree programs.

Contact Information

Paula Palmer
Springfield Campus Admissions
(417) 328-8672
ppalmer@SBUniv.edu 

Full-Time Faculty

Michael Dickerson

Michael Dickerson, Instructor
Paula Steiert

Paula Steiert, Instructor

 

Lauren Hargus
"I cannot say enough good things about my professors at SBU. To have individuals who are not only wanting to help you grow in the classroom, but also care about you as a person and are willing to listen and pray with you through different struggles was the biggest blessing. I never felt like a number at SBU."
Lauren Hargus, ASR '16, BSHS '17
Sonographer at Phelps Health

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Course Requirements

General Education

Total hours 39-42

Graduation Requirements

BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
SPF 2012 Spiritual Formation or 2
**HSC 3453 Spirituality in Health Care 3
KIN 1162 Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
Total hours 8-11

 

Program Requirements

HSC 1013 Medical Terminology 3
BEH 3243 Elementary Statistics 3
Total hours 6

 

Choose One Block

Block 1 — Previous Healthcare Degree/Certificate

Total lower-level hours 30-42*

Block 2 — No Previous Healthcare Degree/Certificate

HSC XXXX Health-related courses (Up to 30 lower-level hours awarded based on transcript)  
HSC 3143 Intro. to Health Care & Professionalism 3
BIO 2204 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIO 3304 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIO 2243 Nutrition 3
BIO 2213 Microbiology 3
BEH 3063 Human Growth & Development 3

*Blocks must total number of hours required for the 128-hour degree

Health Sciences Major Core Courses

HSC 3010 Orientation Course 0
HSC 3453 Spirituality in Health Care** 3
HSC 3013 Organization and Delivery of Healthcare 3
HSC 3133 Legal & Contemporary Issues in Health Care 3
HSC 3113 Ethics in Health Care 3
HSC 3123 Informatics for Health Care Professionals or  
HSC 4013 Health Care in Culturally Diverse Populations* 3
HSC 4013 Health Care in Culturally Diverse Populations 3
HSC 4023 Health Care Finance 3
HSC 4343 Human Resources for Health Care Professionals 3
HSC 4143 Research for Health Care Professionals or  
NUR 4333 Research and Evidence Based Practice 3
HSC 4434 Administration and Leadership 4
HSC 4453 Public Health and Education 3
HSC 4453 Capstone 3
Total hours 37

*Approved general education alternative course
** Approved alternative for SPF 2012

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Health Sciences Plan (PDF)