Health Sciences

A Bachelor of Science degree is offered in Health Sciences to traditional students.

The mission of the Health Sciences major is to prepare students for entry into graduate programs including Physical Therapy, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Medical School, Dental School, Veterinary School and others. The wide variety of course offerings will also allow students to explore careers in public health agencies, research, healthcare management, science writing, elder services, health education, wellness services, human services, health insurance, and pharmaceutical sales.

The curriculum develops critical thinking skills, the ability to use the medical and basic scientific primary literature, a broad biomedical knowledge base, and a clear understanding of the requirements necessary to succeed in the application to graduate schools in healthcare related fields. Students interested in careers and graduate programs in healthcare are encouraged to meet with a member of the Health Sciences Advising Committee early in their program. Faculty members of this committee will assist the student in self-assessment, development of career goals, and construction of a realistic plan for the student’s successful attainment of their goals.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science

Franklin Pierce offers motivated students the opportunity to complete their undergraduate Health Science degrees in just three years. Students completing their undergraduate degrees through the Accelerated Program save a year’s tuition and fees and enter the job market earlier or can choose to apply to our graduate program a year earlier. Several accelerated options are available to new and continuing students who have a record of strong academic achievement and a desire to advance their education.

Personalized schedules are available to student athletes and those with work or volunteer commitments so students can take advantage of all that Franklin Pierce has to offer. The following options are available:

• 3-year Accelerated Health Science degree
  Complete your undergraduate Health Science degree in three years.
• 3+2.5 Accelerated Health Science degree + Doctor of Physical Therapy
  Complete your undergraduate Health Science degree in three years and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2.5 years.
• 4+2.5 Traditional Health Science degree + Doctor of Physical Therapy
  Complete your undergraduate Health Science degree in four years and the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2.5 years.
• 3+2 Accelerated Health Science degree + Master of Physician Assistant Studies
  Complete your undergraduate Health Science degree in three years and the Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2 years.
• 4+2 Traditional Health Science degree + Master of Physician Assistant Studies
  Complete your undergraduate Health Science degree in four years and the Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2 years.
• 3+1.5 Accelerated Health Science degree + Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing
  Complete your undergraduate Health Science degree in three years and the Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing in 1.5 years.
• 4+1.5 Traditional Health Science degree + Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing
  Complete your undergraduate Health Science degree in four years and the Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing in 1.5 years.

Applying to the Accelerated Health Science Programs

• Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA), in academic courses only, of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (84/100)
• Equivalent of four years of math with a final grade of B+ (87/100) or higher in each class
• Equivalent of four years of science with a final grade of B+ (87/100) or higher in each class
• Demonstrated leadership through community and school activities; related healthcare experience is highly desirable.

Accelerated Health Science Requirements

To be eligible for a Health Science degree, students must fulfill the major and GLE requirements. In addition, the following are the program requirements for students admitted into the accelerated programs:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2.
• Obtain no less than a “B” in all of the Health Science major requirements.

In the event that students do not meet these requirements they will be transitioned into our standard Health Science program.

Health Science Curriculum

The curriculum for the accelerated and traditional Health Science program is the same, the difference being that the accelerated program requires course work to be completed over the summer terms. The Health Science program is able to accommodate prerequisites for the DPT, MPAS, and MEPN program. You do not need to determine the specific graduate program you wish to pursue until the spring semester of your junior year, this is where the program prerequisites diverge. Since the Health Science program incorporates elective courses in their curriculum, we have suggested courses which will directly benefit that chosen graduate profession.