Additional Program Information
The baccalaureate degree in health science provides a comprehensive and innovative curriculum in the evidence-based factors that affect human health including human biology, personal behavior, social and environmental determinants of health as well as the structure of and access to health care. Students are broadly trained in the application of basic science to health, coupled with the development of the values, inter-personal and inter-professional skills required for success in professional practice and graduate study. The major builds on the 60-credit general education requirement and includes additional credits in the Basic Sciences, the Social Sciences and the Health Sciences. Students select a focused concentration of study that will prepare them for careers in health care and targeted graduate study. Students preparing to enter graduate programs in the Health Professions at Mercy College or elsewhere should coordinate their plan of study with their PACT mentor. Exceptional students who are seeking graduate education in Physician Assistant may also elect to accelerate and condense their studies for application to Mercy College’s 4+1 Degree Programs in Physician Assistant (B.S. in Health Science, M.S. in Physician Assistant), in consultation with the Program Director.
Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration: The pre-physician assistant concentration prepares students for graduate study in physician assistant and includes all prerequisites for application to the Mercy College Master’s Degree Program in Physician Assistant.
The BS in Health Sciences does not provide eligibility for licensure to practice as a physician assistant. The health science degree is awarded after completion of the 120-credits of coursework detailed in the concentration.
Completing the health science program does not guarantee admission to a Mercy College graduate program in physician assistant studies. Graduates of the BS in Health Science must apply to the graduate program, meet specific requirements, and compete with all other applicants. Mercy College BS in Health Science graduates are offered an admission interview for the respective graduate program provided they meet the minimum criteria as outlined by the program.
The BS in Health Sciences pre-professional concentrations satisfy the course requirements for admission to the respective Mercy College Graduate Program.
The BS in Health Sciences pre-professional concentrations may or may not satisfy the course requirements for admission to other graduate programs within the specific professional. Courses can vary based on the college/university.
Students have the responsibility to check entrance requirements for college/university to which they intend to apply.
Students must earn a C or better in all Health Science courses as well as the required courses in the Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Mathematics.
Major Requirements
- Students who have selected a pre-physician assistant studies professional concentration must maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 3.0 to maintain matriculation within the pre-professional concentrations. If a student’s cumulative and/or major GPA falls below a 3.0, they will be placed on pre-professional concentration probation and will have one semester to restore their matriculating concentration status by raising their cumulative and/or major GPA to a 3.0.
- Pre-professional concentration students must achieve a grade of B or better in ENGL 112 or equivalent and MATH 116 , MATH 201 or equivalent.
- Any student who receives a grade below a C in a major course will be required to retake the course. Major courses may be retaken once.
- Any exceptions to program guidelines require approval by the Program Director.
N.B. successful completion of the Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Concentration does NOT guarantee acceptance into the Mercy College 4+1 Degree Program.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the Health Science Major, students are expected to:
- Master the foundational core concepts and competencies necessary for preparation for the role of a health care professional.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors that encompass strong interpersonal/interprofessional skills, cultural competence, ethical practice and a commitment to diversity.
- Apply professional/scientific literature and materials to support professional decision making related to clinical practice and health care issues.
- Acquire knowledge of the current health care system as well as challenges.
