Allied Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face, Hybrid • 120 Credits
Allied health sciences is a field encompassing a variety of health care professions focused on supporting patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.
Overview
Grand Valley’s Allied Health Sciences (AHS) program can be tailored for a variety of careers in the health care field with specific academic emphases, whether you aim to enter the workforce directly or pursue further education in graduate programs such as physical therapy or physician assistant studies. AHS majors must select one of the following emphases: general allied health sciences, social science, histotechnology, or health professional degree completion (for those holding an associate degree in particular health professions).
You will take diverse courses in biology, statistics, medical terminology, healthcare management, and health law and ethics. These courses are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various healthcare settings. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for hands-on learning through clinical experiences and internships, which are crucial for applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
Located in the state-of-the-art Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, near five hospitals and numerous research, clinical, and treatment facilities, the College of Health Professions offers you high-quality clinical opportunities through strong medical community relationships. Courses are taught by faculty who meet the highest professional standards, and your academic needs are supported by program-dedicated advisors, tailoring this degree to meet your specific health profession goals.
Admission Information
For general allied health sciences, prehealth physical therapy, and prehealth physician assistant studies emphases, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
College of Health Professions
School of Interdisciplinary Health
Allied Health Sciences
gvsu.edu/ahs
106 Raleigh
J. Finkelstein Hall
500 Lafayette Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI
49503
(616) 331-5555
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 65,400.92 | 10% |
| $ 74,856.95 | 25% |
| $ 77,625.98 | 50% |
| $ 80,744.70 | 75% |
| $ 84,414.47 | 90% |
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 58,200.58 | 10% |
| $ 71,888.69 | 25% |
| $ 82,258.92 | 50% |
| $ 95,890.62 | 75% |
| $104,598.62 | 90% |
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 34,218.45 | 10% |
| $ 36,346.06 | 25% |
| $ 45,492.31 | 50% |
| $ 75,932.49 | 75% |
| $ 82,617.37 | 90% |
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 96,482.78 | 10% |
| $105,573.21 | 25% |
| $126,802.45 | 50% |
| $135,706.13 | 75% |
| $150,951.27 | 90% |
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 51,553.63 | 10% |
| $ 61,000.84 | 25% |
| $ 65,959.74 | 50% |
| $ 78,933.59 | 75% |
| $ 83,558.21 | 90% |
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Operations Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 38,205.06 | 10% |
| $ 48,385.63 | 25% |
| $ 69,736.77 | 50% |
| $ 84,513.13 | 75% |
| $ 88,123.99 | 90% |
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 42,147.39 | 10% |
| $ 51,429.33 | 25% |
| $ 60,550.25 | 50% |
| $ 64,658.32 | 75% |
| $ 74,630.64 | 90% |
4,963
Students Participated in Experiential Learning
#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
Scholarships
Grand Valley has a wide variety of scholarships available to new and returning students. To begin your scholarship search select one of the options listed below or contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at [email protected], (616) 331-3234, or toll-free at (800) 748-0246.
Student Organizations
We're here to help you make the most of your college experience. Join any of our hundreds of student organizations, attend campus events, get involved in Fraternity & Sorority Life, explore civic engagement opportunities, and learn valuable leadership skills that will last a lifetime.
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
Request Information