Flexibility is a hallmark of this online bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences—Allied Health from Northern Arizona University (NAU) which offers all coursework online and accepts a significant amount of transfer credit. To pursue this degree, students must have an associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an allied health discipline. Students may transfer up to 90 credits towards the Allied Health bachelor’s degree at NAU and must also complete a minimum of 30 credits of upper division courses at NAU. In order to graduate with the Allied Health bachelor’s degree, students must also have a current state or national license that matches their allied health associate degree. While students may begin coursework at NAU while their associate degree and license are still in progress, these must both be obtained prior to their enrollment in the final capstone course at NAU.
You can complete your bachelor’s degree in health sciences while working toward or after having finished an associate degree in an allied health discipline. With this online program, you can complete your coursework when it fits your schedule. You must have or be pursuing an associate’s degree in Allied Health in order to qualify.
Click "More" for detailed information on each emphasis.
The need for skilled professionals in allied health disciplines is rapidly growing. Healthcare expenditures are expected to continue to increase over the next ten years. The Health Sciences: Allied Health (AH) (general) emphasis is designed for students who are practicing or will practice in an allied health discipline that is not offered among the other NAU Health Sciences--Allied Health emphases. It is also appropriate for those who would like to have a broader degree emphasis title. The Health Sciences--Allied Health (general) online degree at Northern Arizona University will provide you with knowledge to better understand the importance of disease prevention, interconnectedness of personal and societal health, stress management, and the ever-changing healthcare environment. The capstone experience in the program focuses on leadership and interprofessional teamwork concepts to prepare you for potential professional advancement.
Note: In addition to applying and being admitted to NAU, students must also apply and be accepted to the Department of Health Sciences Allied Health degree program. To be eligible for this academic plan, students must be admitted to, enrolled in, or be graduates from an associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an allied health discipline. In order to graduate with the bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences: Allied Health (general Allied Health emphasis), students must also have a current state or national license in an allied health discipline that matches their associate degree.
Detailed information on each emphasis:
Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy Emphasis
General Allied Health Emphasis
Medical Assisting Emphasis
Paramedic Care Emphasis
Respiratory Care Emphasis
Surgical Technology Emphasis
Note: If you want to major in some emphases within the Health Sciences degree, you must apply and be accepted to the Department of Health Sciences program in addition to being admitted to the university.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
| Community College Emphasis Required | An emphasis is transferred to NAU from a Community College. |
Purpose Statement
The online BS Health Sciences Allied Health program provides an innovative "3+1" curriculum that prepares students to advance their careers in health-related fields. These programs are specifically designed for students who have completed their associate’s degree in an allied health discipline from a regionally-accredited program and who have successfully obtained the related professional license. Our programs provide students with foundational knowledge of health promotion, disease promotion concepts, and understanding of the interconnectedness of personal, family, organizational, community, and societal health. Our students will use this knowledge to work collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient-centered care. While completing this degree, students will expand their critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills and enhance their ability to communicate effectively with others in order to provide excellent care for their patients. We specialize in preparing students in enhancing their careers with an understanding of the importance of leadership and inter-professional teamwork among health professionals, as well as skills to sustain personal health and well-being.
Student Learning Outcomes
Program Outcome 1: Graduates will demonstrate foundational knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention concepts.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
To be eligible for this academic plan, students must be admitted to, enrolled in, or be graduates from an associate degree program at a regionally accredited community college or university in an allied health discipline corresponding with their state or national licensure.
This degree completion plan requires the completion of an associate degree at a regionally accredited community college or university in a health science discipline, and requires 30 units from NAU, distributed as follows:
Health Sciences Core (30 units)
Coursework must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better in each course.
HS 205 and PSY 101 are requisites for other courses that are required for this degree. You may transfer in an equivalent or be able to count it toward your general elective credit if taken at Northern Arizona University.
Prior to beginning the HS 460C capstone course, students must have completed their Associate degree and hold a current state or national license in Allied Health. The Associate degree and certificate or licensure must be in the same field of study. The student is also required to have a current cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible to enroll in HS 460C.
Emphasis Requirements
Northern Arizona University will accept up to 90 units of transfer credit toward the completion of this degree, including all coursework related to the following emphases.
Allied Health majors with an Occupational Therapy Associate Emphasis will be given priority admission to the Occupational Therapy, OTD.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.