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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Allied Health Sciences

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in allied health sciences

Website: gvsu.edu/ahs

The B.S. in allied health sciences (AHS) degree serves two functions:

  1. Prepares students for entry into graduate programs in health professions with preparatory emphases (e.g., pre-health professional emphases preparing students to apply for graduate programs in physician assistant studies and physical therapy).
  2. Equips students with options to complete combined bachelor's and master's degrees in both Public Health and Athletic Training, as well as a Self-Initiated Combined degree in their area of interest (such as Occupational Therapy), to allow them to most efficiently reduce their time and expenses related to time to graduation.
  3. Prepares students for a career in the health care field, should students decide not to pursue a graduate-level program. Additional emphases are offered to prepare students to advance into a health care career. These include health information and reimbursement, and histotechnology. These aforementioned emphases each have a competitive secondary admission requirement for students to meet. Declaration of allied health sciences as a major does not assure acceptance into these emphases. There is also a general allied health sciences emphasis, which is not preparatory for any particular graduate or specific undergraduate career route. It is for those who are truly undecided about their health career path. It is strongly recommended that all students discuss their options with their assigned advisor to determine what emphasis to select.
  4. Lastly, students who wish to complete prior education have the opportunity to upskill their competencies and knowledge for career advancement.

Allied Health Sciences Goals

  • Prepare students with an educational foundation to succeed in the allied health sciences professions.
  • Instill in students the professionalism, interprofessionalism, and maximized employability related to the healthcare workforce conduct.
  • Instill in students the critical thinking problem-solving skills, and agency necessary to be effective in providing interventions and services.
  • Instill in students the understanding of the role of research and scientific inquiry and research skills as applied to the practice, education, and leadership of their chosen profession.

Grand Valley State University is ideally suited to educate a wide variety of health care professionals. The university's geographic location, access to high-quality clinical and non-clinical environments, strong relationships with the regional medical education community, excellent faculty, supportive administration, experience in the education of health care professionals, and a growing student population all combine to form an ideal environment for students interested in healthcare and pursuing professional education in healthcare programs.

Program Requirements

The following programs are available:


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