Health Science
School of
Health Care Professions
www.uwsp.edu/shcp
Contact:
Sue Raab, Head
School of Health Care Professions
College of Professional Studies
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Science Building D127
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: 715-346-3766
Fax: 715-346-2640
shcp@uwsp.edu
A
re you looking for a career that doesn’t see the need to separate the human
element from the scientific process? Would you enjoy working in a rapidly evolving
field that incorporates new technologies with innovative problem-solving techniques
that will assist people to get better? If the answer is “yes,” our health science program
may be exactly what you’ve been trying to find. Health science is a major designed to help you
learn more about the many options available within the field of health care as well as prepare
some students for graduate-level specialties.
The Health Science Major
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science will prepare you with an interdisciplinary and
liberal arts foundation for a variety of professional careers within the health care system. The
common core requirements emphasize the human, behavioral and physical sciences while
fostering an appreciation for their complexities. Depending upon your professional goals you
will select one of four specific options of study:
Health Care Administration Option. In hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and group medical
practices, health care administrators manage the business of health care delivery. They may
run a large medical facility or a single clinical department, but all are engaged in providing
high-quality care as efficiently as possible.
When you choose the health care administration option, you’ll complete the core health
science requirements plus coursework in accounting, business and human resource
management, marketing, computer information systems and economics. When you graduate,
you’ll be prepared for an entry-level job in health care management. However, you may also
choose to go on to graduate school to earn the credentials needed to expand your career
options.
Health Care Informatics Option. Health care informatics integrates health care with computer
technology. Electronic medical records, digital imaging, clinical decision making, medical
research and billing systems all rely on information systems specialists.
When you choose the health care informatics option, you’ll become an effective problemsolving partner with other information technology professionals. Your coursework will
consist of a liberal arts education with an emphasis in computer information systems and
accounting.
“The health science major
at UWSP is definitely worth
all the hard work that is put
into both your on-campus
responsibilities and clinical
practicum as you are given all
the tools that you’ll need to
succeed as a professional.”
— Travis, ‘09
Pre-Occupational Therapy Option. Occupational therapists work with people who have been
disabled by physical illness or injury, birth defects, emotional disorders, aging, drug abuse or
other problems. They work in hospitals, school systems and rehabilitation centers to facilitate
therapeutic activities that help improve their patients’ everyday lives.
The health science degree with the pre-occupational therapy option will be your first step in
leading to a career in occupational therapy. It’s considered a pre-professional degree because
it prepares you for further study in graduate school. The second step is completion of a
master’s degree in occupational therapy, which is the minimum degree required to get your
license and become a practicing occupational therapist.
Health Science
Pre-Physical Therapy Option. Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes,
schools, rehabilitation centers and other settings to evaluate physical problems and
administer therapeutic treatments that help patients increase their flexibility and range of
motion in order to improve overall physical functioning and health.
Choosing the pre-physical therapy option for your health science degree will prepare you for
admission to a graduate program offering the doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) which is
required before you can become a licensed physical therapist.
Special Opportunities
“UW-Stevens Point’s health
science professors are very
dedicated to their students
and are eager to pass along
to them the information
and experiences they’ll
need to excel.”
— Kristy, ‘09
•
You’ll have the chance to join the Sigma Mu Tau student organization which strives to
develop social and professional interest in health care related fields among the student
population at UW-Stevens Point. As a member, you will help with blood drives, raise
funds for overseas orphanages and network with professionals in your field.
•
Your senior-level capstone course will pair you with a community agency on a
challenging project involving research, problem solving and communication.
Our Faculty
Our faculty’s backgrounds are as broad as the many disciplines within the field of health care.
However, they all share a common passion to ensure you receive a high-quality education
that prepares you to be a successful medical professional. Whether your interest lies in a
specific area like kinesiology or you simply have a general desire to help people feel better,
our faculty village is ready to assist you to achieve your career goals.
High School Preparation
If you’re interested in earning a health science degree you should complete a competitive
college-preparatory high school curriculum with an emphasis on chemistry, biology and
computer science.