Health Profession Studies
Develop a command of anatomy, physiology, and other fields within health care while preparing for a wide range of careers in the health professions.
Health Profession Studies Program Highlights
Program
Health Professions Studies B.A.
1–2 Years
Average time to complete
Delivery
On Campus
Earn a B.A. in Health Profession Studies from Georgian Court University
The health profession studies major at GCU will equip you with the knowledge you need to excel in every area of health care. By the time you receive your degree, you’ll be proficient in anatomy and physiology. But you’ll also have a solid understanding of health-care systems, health insurance, the laws that govern health care, and the social systems in which health care is delivered to patients. In other words, you’ll have a firm footing to launch a successful career in any health profession you choose.
Why you should pursue a Health Profession Studies degree at GCU
Engaged and Involved Faculty
Our faculty is comprised of health-care professionals who have real-world experience. That means you will receive not only high-quality academic instruction but also insight into what it takes to thrive in a health-care career.
Hands-On Learning
You’ll gain the skills you’ll need to excel in the workplace as a health profession student at GCU. Students get hands-on experience through internships in hospitals and clinical experiences. And with opportunities to conduct your very own scientific research and work collaboratively with teams, you’ll have lots to put on your résumé before you even graduate.
Mercy Core Values
We are devoted to our core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service, which are woven through each course and every aspect of our educational experience. At GCU, students, faculty, and staff see themselves as something bigger than themselves, recognizing their ability and responsibility to change the world as individuals and as a community.
Why GCU?
Georgian Court University is synonymous with possibility. Our education—which revolves around a broad liberal arts education, plenty of hands-on learning opportunities, and a tight-knit community—expands what’s possible in your life. All of this combined with more than $17 million in financial aid annually helps GCU to be recognized as a vehicle for social mobility.
Health Profession Studies Information
To earn a health profession studies degree from Georgian Court University, you must complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements. Explore the degree requirements below, along with information on faculty and programs related to health profession studies.
B.A. in Health Profession Studies Curriculum
The B.A. in Health Profession Studies program is intended to prepare students for many possible jobs, including those in the following areas: patient/hospital intake, patient care assistant, patient care coordinator, hospital or doctor office manager, patient advocate, rehabilitation aide, health advocate, patient navigator, community support staff, activity leader in long-term care facility, and hospice. Employment opportunities can be found with many types of employers, including hospitals, dental offices, laboratories, health clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospice homes, community and public agencies, and large health care organizations. Students can also successfully apply for a variety of professional entry-level graduate or postbaccalaureate programs, such as Accelerated B.S.N., Direct Entry M.S.N., M.S. in Speech Language Pathology, etc.
Occupational/technical credits from a health-related A.A.S. program may transfer as general electives for transfer students majoring in GCU’s Health Sciences or Health Profession Studies programs.
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (42 credits): | ||
| HRP111 | Introduction to Health Science | 3.0 |
| HRP200 | Medical Terminology | 3.0 |
| HRP/NU351 | Health Policy | 3.0 |
| HRP404 | Internship in Health Care | 3.0 |
| HRP444 | Capstone in Health Science | 1.0 |
| BI213 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BI214 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4.0 |
| MA103 | Introduction to Statistical Thinking | 3.0 |
| or BI203 | Experimental Design & Statistics | |
| PL354 | Bioethics | 3.0 |
| PS111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
| or PS113 | Foundations of Psychology | |
| SO101 | Principles of Sociology | 3.0 |
| SW295 | CommunicationSkillsSocialWork | 3.0 |
| or BU242 | Managerial Communications | |
| SP101 | Elementary Spanish I | 3.0 |
| or SP105 | Beginning Everyday Spanish I | |
| or SP107 | Spanish for Specialized Work Settings | |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
ES470 | Research Methods in Exercise & Sport | |
PS232 | Intro to Stats for the Beh Sciences | |
SW310 | Methods of Social Work Research | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from at least two of the following areas, excluding any course taken to fulfill a core major requirement: | 12.0 | |
| Business & Computer Science: | ||
AC171 | Principles of Financial Accounting | |
CM251 | Intercultural Communication | |
CM252 | Organizational Communication | |
CS105 | Computer Literacy | |
Any IS Course | ||
| Exercise Science: | ||
Any 100-, 200-, or 300-level ES course | ||
| Integrative Health: | ||
Any IH course | ||
| Natural Science: | ||
Any 100- or 200-level BI course | ||
Any 100- or 200-level CH course | ||
| Nursing: | ||
Any NU course | ||
| Psychology: | ||
Any 200-level PS course or PS300 | ||
| Social Work & Gerontology: | ||
Any GP course | ||
Any SW course | ||
| Pre-Occupational Therapy Track: | ||
| HPS electives include ES252, PS223, and PS227 | ||
| Total Credits | 54.0 | |
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Department of Integrative Health & Exercise Science Faculty
Joshua Burns, N.D., D.C.
Assistant Professor of Integrative Health
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Jeffries Hall Room 144
jburns@georgian.edu
732-987-2462
Vincent C.W. Chen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Exercise Science
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Wellness Center (529)
vchen@georgian.edu
732-987-2494
Sachiko Komagata, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Integrative Health
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Wellness Center (527)
skomagata@georgian.edu
732-987-2663
Michael Wortley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU
Wellness Center (529)
mwortley@georgian.edu
732-987-2475
Related Programs
If you’re interested in our Health Profession Studies program in the School of Arts, Sciences, & Education, here are other programs at GCU you might be interested in exploring:
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Start Building Your Health Career at Georgian Court University
A health profession studies degree from Georgian Court University can help get your career off to a great start. This program is intended to prepare you for a wide range of jobs, including patient intake, health advocate, doctor office manager, community support staff, and so much more. You can use GCU resources like “What Can I Do With This Major?” to help you see the full range of possibilities that a GCU degree opens up. Plus, all GCU students enjoy access to Career Services, which provides you with the tools you need to choose a career path and achieve your dreams.
Health Profession Studies FAQ
A degree in Health Profession Studies offers a versatile path into healthcare, preparing students for careers in health education, administration, community outreach, and patient advocacy. With a curriculum blending science, ethics, and communication, it’s ideal for those looking to impact healthcare systems or pursue advanced studies, including medical school. This degree provides both foundational knowledge and practical skills, opening doors to diverse, meaningful roles in the health sector.
What can I do with a Health Profession Studies degree?
A degree in Health Profession Studies opens up diverse career paths in healthcare and related fields. Graduates often find roles in healthcare administration, public health, health education, and clinical research, where they apply their knowledge to improve patient care, manage healthcare operations, or contribute to health policies and practices. The degree also provides foundational skills for students interested in specialized roles, such as a health coach, medical office manager, or community health worker, making it ideal for those seeking versatility in the growing healthcare industry.
Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and Careers
A Bachelor’s in Health Sciences, like Health Profession Studies, provides a well-rounded education that equips students for multiple careers in healthcare. Graduates can pursue positions as health educators, patient advocates, healthcare administrators, or public health analysts. This degree also supports students aiming to advance into graduate programs in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, or health policy. With a mix of practical and theoretical knowledge, students gain the skills needed to meet the demands of today’s healthcare systems.
Jobs available with a Health Profession Studies degree
Graduates of a Health Profession Studies program can access various entry-level and mid-level jobs in healthcare settings. Some popular positions include healthcare coordinator, health educator, community outreach specialist, and medical office manager. These roles involve educating patients, supporting healthcare administration, and helping to manage health services. For those interested in direct patient care, a Health Profession Studies degree can also provide a strong base for clinical roles with further certifications or training.
Health Profession Studies degree for pre-med students
A Health Profession Studies degree offers excellent preparation for pre-med students, providing them with a thorough understanding of healthcare systems, patient care principles, and medical terminology. The curriculum is typically designed to align with the prerequisites needed for medical school, covering essential topics like biology, chemistry, and anatomy. In addition, students gain exposure to healthcare ethics, research methods, and policy issues, making it a comprehensive program for future medical professionals who want a strong foundation before advancing into more specialized medical training.
Benefits of a Health Studies bachelor’s program
A bachelor’s program in Health Studies, such as Health Profession Studies, offers numerous benefits for students interested in healthcare. The program combines coursework in science and healthcare with essential skills in communication, ethics, and problem-solving, preparing graduates for various roles in the health sector. It also provides a flexible foundation that allows graduates to either begin a career immediately or pursue further studies in health-related graduate programs. With a blend of practical knowledge and theoretical understanding, students are equipped to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape and respond effectively to the needs of patients and communities.
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