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Bachelor of Health Science (Pre-Health Professions)

CHART YOUR COURSE

BECOME A PRE-HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Get a degree in health science! Why settle for a general degree in science when you can begin to explore your healthcare career options with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Mercy College of Health Sciences? Our Health Science degree is considered a pre-health professions program, meaning you'll be prepared for medical, dental, physician's assistant, podiatric, and veterinary school, as well as further studies in medical laboratory sciences, physical therapy, optometry, and more!

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8

Semesters - Students who are first-time college freshmen

5

Semesters - Students with an existing Associate of Science degree

4

Semesters - Students who also wish to obtain a Medical Laboratory Science Certificate

4

Semesters - Students who also wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

2

Years - Students who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Mercy College and a Master of Science of Athletic Training from Drake University

OUR BODY OF WORK

ABOUT OUR HEALTH SCIENCE MAJOR

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science will prepare you for graduate study in the health sciences. Our 125-credit hour program prepares you for a specialized introduction to the health science field. Blending a strong foundation of laboratory science with the specialization available in healthcare, you can explore a number of possible career fields at the same time. If you want to get started with your career right after graduation, you’ll be ready for employment in areas like medical research, medical sciences, insurance, public health, or in community agencies as a medical technician or pharmaceutical sales representative. 

No matter what you decide to pursue, Mercy College will give you tremendous opportunities to explore the dynamic field of healthcare, as well as access to our premier network of healthcare partners.

 

Practicum Experience

This program offers a unique opportunity to shadow professionals in areas of personal interest at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Des Moines University, or other healthcare and science laboratories in central Iowa during the second and third year of the program. Your program chair and academic advisor will assist in making these arrangements. This practicum experience is designed to give you firsthand insight into contemporary careers in health science.

Faculty

Our full-time PhD faculty will team up with specialists in specific health science fields from surrounding healthcare and science institutions to provide a comprehensive learning experience for students in this program. You will have an opportunity to learn from healthcare specialists and scientists with expertise and clinical or bench experience in their fields of study.

Meet Your Faculty

Students

English isn't my parents' first language, but everyone at Mercy College went above and beyond to make sure we understood the admissions and financial aid processes. The hands-on learning opportunities in my classes have been a huge help in preparing me for my licensure exams and setting me on my path to a successful career.

Irma S., Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Healthcare Administration Candidate, 2021

Mercy College student looking into microscope

STEP ONE: COLLEGE ADMISSION
To be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Health Science major, you must first be admitted to Mercy College of Health Sciences. Learn more about admission to Mercy College. Complete our FREE online Mercy College application. Once admitted to Mercy College of Health Sciences, you may enroll in Core requirements prior to your admission to any academic major. If you are transferring credits, please visit our transfer page to learn more.

STEP TWO: PROGRAM ADMISSION
To be considered for admission to the Health Science major, you must meet the criteria listed below:

  • First-Time College Students: earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Transfer Students: complete nine (9) college credit hours applicable to the Mercy College general education core or major-specific curriculum with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0

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The following courses are required to earn your Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Additional coursework may be required depending on your individual situation and desired track. For a complete listing of course sequence and required coursework, visit the College Catalog. Students must also satisfy all Core requirements.

BIO 101 - General Biology I (w/Lab)(4 cr)
BIO 102 - General Biology II (w/Lab)(4 cr)
BIO 180 - Human Anatomy (w/Lab) (4 cr)
BIO 185 - Human Physiology (w/Lab) (4 cr)
BIO 203 - Microbiology (w/Lab) (4 cr)
BIO 302 - Pathophysiology (4 cr)
BIO 320 - Genetics (w/Lab)(4 cr)
BIO 360 - Immunology (3 cr)
BIO 410 - Advanced Anatomy (w/Lab) (4 cr)
BIO 450 - Histology and Embryology (w/Lab) (4 cr)
BHS 300 - Practicum I (2 cr)
BHS 450 - Professional Preparation in Health Sciences (2 cr)
BHS 400 - Practicum II (2 cr)
CHE 101 - General Chemistry I (w/Lab)(4 cr)
CHE 102 - General Chemistry II (w/Lab)(4 cr)
CHE 320 - Organic Chemistry I (w/Lab) (4 cr)
CHE 420 - Biochemistry (w/Lab) (4 cr)
PHA 202 - Pharmacology (3 cr)
PHY 101 - Physics I (w/Lab) (4 cr)
PHY 102 - Physics II (w/Lab) (4 cr)
 
TOTAL: 125 CREDITS FOR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
 

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science major offers three start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. View our full academic calendar for exact semester start dates. Pre-requisites and Core requirements may be completed at Mercy College of Health Sciences year-round.

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Next step before transforming into a life-saving hero: complete the form below. Our admissions team will get you all the info you need to know.

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EMAIL
Admissions: admissions@mchs.edu

PHONE
Admissions: (515) 635-1133
General: (515) 643-3180

About Us

Mercy College of Health Sciences has been transforming students into healthcare professionals since 1899. Located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, we offer master's degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education courses.

Mercy College is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), in addition to numerous programmatic accreditors.

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Mercy College is a Catholic, accredited, nonprofit institution of higher learning.

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