Healthcare Sciences majors (concentrations): Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-Physician Assistant
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences degree program is designed to be the pathway for students seeking to go into professional graduate programs in athletic training, physical therapy, medical school, occupational therapy, and physician assistant areas. The curriculum structure and content gives the graduate a strong foundation and credentials to embark on other careers in advanced healthcare settings or to enter the workforce as entry-level technicians in healthcare settings.
The degree plan includes a choice of five concentrations: Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Pre-Physician Assistant. Depending on concentration, coursework will include the University Core, 32 to 35 credit hours in Healthcare Sciences, and science and psychology courses tailored to most common prerequisites for the respective professional school. Students interested in pursuing a professional degree in other healthcare-related fields may select a concentration they feel is the most appropriate to their professional goals, and an individualized advising plan may be necessary. These degree plans were designed to meet the needs of most concentration specific, post-baccalaureate advanced professional healthcare programs in the state of Texas. In some instances, the individual may need to take additional coursework to meet the academic prerequisites for entry into a specific program. The Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Pre-Physical Therapy concentration coursework meet the requirement for a minor in psychology. The Pre-Physician Assistant concentration meets the requirement for a Biology minor.
Admissions
Applicants will apply to the major concentration. Applications to the major are due by October 1 for the Fall Admissions cycle and February 15 for the Spring Admissions cycle each year. Applicants work with an assigned advisor and are required to submit a completed application form. External applicants or students not working with an advisor should send application materials to the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions, ATTN: Healthcare Sciences, 4301 Broadway, CPO 300, San Antonio, TX 78209. As part of the application process, the student must submit the following to be considered for entry into the major:
-
A completed application form (found online)
-
A well written letter of intent (more specifics can be obtained from the Healthcare Sciences department)
-
Current Health Care Provider CPR
-
Official transcripts from all colleges attended filed with the registrar
-
Completion of a favorable criminal background screening
-
Health and Immunization Packet (Health History, Physical, and Immunizations)
-
Acknowledgement of program Essential Functions
-
A candidate may be required to attend an interview with the selection committee and complete a general knowledge exam.
-
HIPAA/Confidentiality Agreement
To be considered for admission the student must meet the following criteria:
-
Completion of the application with all components.
-
Minimum college-level credit and GPA:
-
Pre-Athletic Training: 30 hours of college-level credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
-
Pre-Medicine: 30 hours of college-level credit with a minimum of cumulative GPA of 3.25.
-
Pre-Physical Therapy: 30 hours of college-level credit with a minimum of cumulative GPA 3.25.
-
Pre-Occupational Therapy: 30 hours of college-level credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
-
Pre-Physician Assistant: 30 hours of college-level credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
-
If a first-time incoming freshman is entering UIW with 20 dual credit hours at a 3.5 cumulative GPA including 8 hours of dual credit science at a 3.0 or better, the student may be eligible for immediate admission to the major coursework. Or, if an incoming student is a direct admit student to a UIW professional school, the student may also be eligible for immediate admission to the major coursework. The student will be given 30 days to complete administrative admission requirements listed above to maintain status in the major.
-
Transfer students should have all prerequisite coursework completed (8 hrs of Anatomy and Physiology and 8 or more hours of additional science), 45 or more transfer credits that count toward the degree, and a cumulative GPA which meets their concentration requirements. Students should meet with the Program Director to determine the length of time to complete the program. The students will be given 30 days to complete administrative admission requirements listed to maintain status in the major.
Promotion/Retention/Graduation Requirements:
Once accepted into the Healthcare Sciences major, students will be evaluated each semester to ensure they are meeting the expectations set by the program. These expectations include:
-
The student must be in good standing with the university.
-
The student must maintain health and immunization requirements.
-
The student must maintain a minimum of 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Medicine, and Pre-Physician Assistant tracks. The student must maintain a minimum of 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the Pre-Athletic Training track.
-
The student must pass all major and support coursework with a "C" or better. All students must achieve a final test average of 75% or better in HCSC coursework. Failure to do so will result in failure of the course.
Students who fail to meet the above may be placed on either an academic or administrative probationary contract with the program director with a list of dates and expectations or suspended from the program. Failure to fulfill the probationary contract may result in the student's dismissal from the program.
If a student wishes to change concentrations to one with a lower GPA requirement due to not meeting the GPA requirement of their current concentration, the student will be asked to reapply to the new concentration with a new letter of intent, 30 hours of observation in the intended concentration area, and a letter of recommendation from a licensed professional in that concentration. The readmission semester must include concentration courses in the degree progression.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences Degree Plan
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences degree plan includes a choice of five concentrations: Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Pre-Physician Assistant.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences, Pre-Athletic Training Degree Plan
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
UIW Core Curriculum |
Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
Second Language |
6 credit hours |
Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
|
43 total core credit hours |
|
|
Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Healthcare Sciences Core Coursework for the Pre-Athletic Training Concentration
HCSC 2310 | Introduction to Healthcare Sciences | 3 |
HCSC 2150 | Professional Engagement | 1 |
HCSC 2250 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
HCSC 2251 | Health Assessment and Physical Examination | 2 |
HCSC 3210 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider I | 2 |
HCSC 3250 | Professional School Preparation | 2 |
HCSC 3260 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider II | 2 |
HCSC 3320 | Social and Cultural Considerations in Healthcare | 3 |
HCSC 3330 | Applied Biomechanics and Intervention | 3 |
HCSC 3360 | Lower Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4310 | Upper Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4320 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
HCSC 4330 | Interprofessional Communication | 3 |
HCSC 4350 | Conditions of the Spine and Neurological System | 3 |
HCSC 4360 | Informatics and Evidence in Healthcare | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Pre-Athletic Training Concentration Coursework
Coursework for the Pre-Athletic Training concentration includes one elective course in Psychology (PSYC) and one elective course in Public Health (PUBH).
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences, Pre-Physical Therapy Degree Plan
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
UIW Core Curriculum |
Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
Second Language |
6 credit hours |
Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
|
43 total core credit hours |
|
|
Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Healthcare Sciences Core Coursework for the Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration
HCSC 2310 | Introduction to Healthcare Sciences | 3 |
HCSC 2150 | Professional Engagement | 1 |
HCSC 2250 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
HCSC 2251 | Health Assessment and Physical Examination | 2 |
HCSC 3210 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider I | 2 |
HCSC 3250 | Professional School Preparation | 2 |
HCSC 3260 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider II | 2 |
HCSC 3320 | Social and Cultural Considerations in Healthcare | 3 |
HCSC 3330 | Applied Biomechanics and Intervention | 3 |
HCSC 3360 | Lower Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4310 | Upper Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4320 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
HCSC 4330 | Interprofessional Communication | 3 |
HCSC 4350 | Conditions of the Spine and Neurological System | 3 |
HCSC 4360 | Informatics and Evidence in Healthcare | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration Coursework
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences, Pre-Occupational Therapy Degree Plan
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
UIW Core Curriculum |
Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
Second Language |
6 credit hours |
Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
|
43 total core credit hours |
|
|
Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Healthcare Sciences Core Coursework for the Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration
HCSC 2310 | Introduction to Healthcare Sciences | 3 |
HCSC 2150 | Professional Engagement | 1 |
HCSC 2250 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
HCSC 2251 | Health Assessment and Physical Examination | 2 |
HCSC 3210 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider I | 2 |
HCSC 3250 | Professional School Preparation | 2 |
HCSC 3260 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider II | 2 |
HCSC 3320 | Social and Cultural Considerations in Healthcare | 3 |
HCSC 3330 | Applied Biomechanics and Intervention | 3 |
HCSC 3360 | Lower Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4310 | Upper Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4320 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
HCSC 4330 | Interprofessional Communication | 3 |
HCSC 4350 | Conditions of the Spine and Neurological System | 3 |
HCSC 4360 | Informatics and Evidence in Healthcare | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration Coursework
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant Degree Plan
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
UIW Core Curriculum |
Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
Second Language |
6 credit hours |
Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
|
43 total core credit hours |
|
|
Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Healthcare Sciences Core Coursework for the Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration
HCSC 2310 | Introduction to Healthcare Sciences | 3 |
HCSC 2150 | Professional Engagement | 1 |
HCSC 2250 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
HCSC 2251 | Health Assessment and Physical Examination | 2 |
HCSC 3210 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider I | 2 |
HCSC 3250 | Professional School Preparation | 2 |
HCSC 3260 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider II | 2 |
HCSC 3320 | Social and Cultural Considerations in Healthcare | 3 |
HCSC 3330 | Applied Biomechanics and Intervention | 3 |
HCSC 3360 | Lower Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4310 | Upper Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4320 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
HCSC 4330 | Interprofessional Communication | 3 |
HCSC 4350 | Conditions of the Spine and Neurological System | 3 |
HCSC 4360 | Informatics and Evidence in Healthcare | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration Coursework
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences, Pre-Medicine Degree Plan
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
UIW Core Curriculum |
Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
Second Language |
6 credit hours |
Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
|
43 total core credit hours |
|
|
Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Healthcare Sciences Core Coursework for the Pre-Medicine Concentration
HCSC 2150 | Professional Engagement | 1 |
HCSC 2250 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
HCSC 2251 | Health Assessment and Physical Examination | 2 |
HCSC 2310 | Introduction to Healthcare Sciences | 3 |
HCSC 3210 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider I | 2 |
HCSC 3250 | Professional School Preparation | 2 |
HCSC 3260 | Introduction to Pathology and Pharmacology for the Healthcare Provider II | 2 |
HCSC 3320 | Social and Cultural Considerations in Healthcare | 3 |
HCSC 3360 | Lower Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4310 | Upper Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4320 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
HCSC 4330 | Interprofessional Communication | 3 |
HCSC 4350 | Conditions of the Spine and Neurological System | 3 |
HCSC 4360 | Informatics and Evidence in Healthcare | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 35 |
Pre-Medicine Concentration Coursework
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's
Degrees: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science
Apply to UIW: Application for the Accelerated Bachelor to Master's in Athletic Training
The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences to Athletic Training Master of Science is a 5-year dual degree program supporting students interested in acquiring their national certification as an athletic trainer. Students completing the 5-year ABM program are awarded both the bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously. This Bachelor's to Master's pathway takes the foundationally supportive Healthcare Sciences program and blends it into the 2-year Master of Science of Athletic Training program, resulting in students well-prepared to pass their national boards and serve within their communities. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in varied healthcare settings including with sports teams at all levels, in military support, and in occupational medicine.
Service
Students honor the 45-hour service requirement of the university as part of the undergraduate portion of the program. The Master of Science of Athletic Training program has its own service requirement that is fulfilled as a component of regular programming during the last two years.
Students who have completed 60 credit hours in the Healthcare Sciences program must choose to complete only the bachelor of science degree or continue with the ABM program through to the completion of all undergraduate and graduate requirements.
Any qualified undergraduate may opt for this ABM degree program anytime prior to the end of their sophomore year.
Admissions
Students with a minimum high school GPA of 3.7 overall and 3.33 in math and science courses are encouraged to apply. Students achieving a minimum of a 3.25 collegiate GPA with a minimum of 3.25 for math and science may apply.
Secondary Application Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of application, two letters of recommendation (one from an athletic trainer), and a letter of intent all submitted during the fifth semester.
There are two pathways through which students may enter the ABM program.
1) Direct admit: Incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.7 overall and 3.33 in math and science courses may apply.
To be contacted by an admissions counselor, please fill out the UIW Inquiry Form. Note: The Healthcare Sciences program secondary application process will still be required after completion of 30-credit hours.
2) Current freshman and sophomores may apply to the ABM in combination with the Healthcare Sciences degree secondary application due by Feb 1 of the sophomore year. Acceptance to the ABM additionally requires two letters of recommendation (one of which should be from an athletic trainer) and an interview with faculty. Students achieving a minimum of a 3.25 collegiate GPA with a minimum of 3.25 for math and science may apply.
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
UIW Core Curriculum |
Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
Second Language |
6 credit hours |
Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
|
43 total core credit hours |
|
|
Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Healthcare Sciences in Athletic Training ABM Degree Plan
The undergraduate Healthcare Sciences program encompasses a total of 97 credit hours in the first three years and in the fourth year incorporates the first 23 credit hours of graduate level Athletic Training coursework. Completion of another 32 credit hours of graduate coursework completes the ABM sequence at which point both degrees are
awarded.
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Sciences Component
Students complete 97 credit hours in years 1-3; year 4, at 23 credit hours, is the first year of the master's program coursework. These 120 credit hours satisfy university requirements for completion of the undergraduate degree.
Master of Science of Athletic Training Component (See Graduate Catalog)
The 23 credit hours of the student's fourth year count towards the master's degree portion of the degree program. In conjunction with 2 credit hours from the preceding summer, clinical and exam preparatory coursework, and 24 credit hours of master's level coursework in the fifth year, the obligations for the master of science degree are complete.
Total credit hours required to complete all undergraduate and graduate portions of the ABM program: 152 credit hours.
HCSC 2310 | Introduction to Healthcare Sciences | 3 |
HCSC 2150 | Professional Engagement | 1 |
HCSC 2250 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
HCSC 2251 | Health Assessment and Physical Examination | 2 |
HCSC 3320 | Social and Cultural Considerations in Healthcare | 3 |
HCSC 3330 | Applied Biomechanics and Intervention | 3 |
HCSC 3360 | Lower Extremity Orthopedic Case Management | 3 |
HCSC 4320 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
HCSC 4330 | Interprofessional Communication | 3 |
HCSC 4350 | Conditions of the Spine and Neurological System | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Athletic Training Concentration ABM