The Bachelor of Science in Allied Health is a degree completion program for graduates of associates degrees in the various allied health disciplines where there is generally no discipline specific bachelor degree available. Examples of such associate degree include Physical Therapist Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Medical Sonography Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Health Information Technician, and Medical Assistant. The Bachelor of Science in Allied Health curriculum is not intended to provide further technical training or didactic knowledge of specific areas of health care practice. The allied health degree completion program builds on prior learning and provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their chosen field. The program promotes increased communication skills, problem solving, computing, leadership, and understanding the healthcare system. It provides a convenient, flexible way for students and working professionals to earn a bachelor degree. It allows eligible students to build upon their previous education and training, receive credit for their prior education, and complete requirements at Bowling Green State University for the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health.
A primary goal of this program is to provide a more seamless pathway for students who have completed their associate degrees in allied health disciplines to earn their Bachelor of Science degree. Individuals with associate degrees in accredited allied health programs with the appropriate prerequisites will be able to transfer to Bowling Green State University and complete the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health in as little as one year. Students will be required to complete 10 three credit-hour courses (30 credit hours) of designated BGSU courses referred to as “Pathway to Completion”. The “Pathway to Completion” courses will be offered online via the Bowling Green State University eCampus. The eCampus program courses are spread over five eight-week sessions; and students can begin earning their degree at the start of any of these sessions.
The Allied Health degree curriculum requires a minimum of 122 credit hours. At Bowling Green State University, up to 92 credits can be applied towards the baccalaureate degree. Students must have a minimum of 40 hours of upper level courses (i.e., courses numbered 3000 and above). Courses that transfer as the equivalent of any required general education or core may be applied to the baccalaureate degree. Only courses in which the student obtained a grade of “C” or higher will be transferable. The number of transfer credits granted to entering allied health students varies depending on preparation at the associate degree level and beyond. Therefore, a single plan of study cannot be prescribed. Students are encouraged to discuss their plan with an Academic Advisor. The purpose of this program is to assist allied health practitioners to advance in their relative disciplines by preparing them for roles in allied health.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate, students in Allied Health are expected to:
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills required for effective health care practice;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impacts of health disparities (e.g. addictions, poverty, mental health parity);
- Apply knowledge and principles of effective management in allied healthcare settings;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the economic and legal-political aspects of the US healthcare system;
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method research involving data collection and analysis.
