LAKERS TOGETHER: Grand Valley is preparing for successful learning experiences when classes resume on Aug. 31. Learn more about the plan for fall in this handbook.
Allied Health Sciences, B.S.
Allied health professionals work in health care teams to provide a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and direct patient care and support services that are critical to the other health professionals they work with and the patients they serve. The Allied Health Sciences (AHS) major is intended to meet the educational needs of an aspiring health professional.
Program Overview
AHS can be tailored to meet the health professions goals of students with specific academic emphases.
Pre-health professional emphases for students desiring to apply for a graduate degree in:
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant Studies
Entry level baccalaureate emphases in:
- General Allied Health Sciences
- Histotechnology
- Health Professional degree completion - for those holding an associate degree in particular health professions
Why Study Allied Health Sciences at Grand Valley?
- Located in the state-of-the-art Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall (RFH) within close proximity of five hospitals, the Medical Education and Research Center, and many research, clinical, and treatment facilities.
- With strong relationships with the region's medical community, the program provides students with opportunities for high-quality clinical experiences which are an important aspect of the learning experience.
- Courses are taught by tenure track or adjunct faculty members who meet the highest levels of professional standards; the program does not use graduate assistants to teach courses.
- The College of Health Professions maintains a dedicated staff of academic advisors in its Student Services Office to meet the academic advising needs of its students.
Location & Format
All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus. Students in this major continue their upper division studies on the GVSU Health Campus, near the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.
This program is also available in Traverse City.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
Those declaring an AHS major must choose one of the above emphases and follow the curriculum guidelines for that emphasis. In addition, every student must complete:
- Biology
- Statistics
- Medical Terminology
- Intro to Health Professions
- Health Care Management
- Intro to Health Care Research
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Career Options
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that ten of the 20 fastest growing occupations are healthcare related. They also predict 3.2 million new wage and salary healthcare jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Admission Requirements
For general allied health sciences, prehealth physical therapy, and prehealth physician assistant studies emphases, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Health Professions Department of Allied Health Sciences
gvsu.edu/ahs
500 Lafayette Ave.
NE, Suite 106
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5555