The Bachelor of Science program in Allied Health Practice and Leadership is a flexible, online program that equips graduates with the essential knowledge and skills to excel as healthcare practitioners and leaders. We specialize in preparing allied health professionals for career advancement with our competency-based curriculum. Graduates develop expertise in health policy, health ethics, leadership, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based decision-making, as well as sustaining personal and organizational resilience. Allied Health Practice and Leadership students transfer a range of credits based on their prior studies and professional experience to complement coursework completed at NAU.
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 general 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 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
The BS in Allied Health Practice and Leadership equips graduates with the essential knowledge, skills, and professional competencies to excel as skilled, compassionate allied health leaders. The program establishes a foundation in communication and relationship management to enable effective interactions with patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community. Students demonstrate professionalism through ethical conduct, critical thinking, and a commitment to self-care for career longevity, including stress management and resilience skills to combat burnout and promote sustained well-being. We emphasize a comprehensive understanding of healthcare knowledge across allied health disciplines for success in specialized leadership, teaching/training, and managerial roles. Further, the program integrates business knowledge and skills to prepare graduates for the complexities of the modern healthcare system, including healthcare administration and management. Our graduates meaningfully contribute to enhanced patient care and the advancement of allied health professions.
The online BS in Allied Health Practice and Leadership program provides a convenient personalized curriculum, allowing students to transfer and apply previous coursework from other universities or colleges and/or professional experience to their NAU bachelor's degree. The Allied Health Practice and Leadership program is designed for students with an Associate of Science or Applied Associate of Science degree and/or holding licensure/certification in their allied health field of practice.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student learning outcomes focus on developing evidence-based, professional competencies adapted from the American Hospital Association and American Congress of Healthcare Executives.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Students must hold one of the following:
This major requires 30 - 63 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 - 63 units:
Allied Health Practice and Leadership Core (15 units)
*Inclusion of this course is pending General Studies Committee and Curriculum Committee approvals.
Leadership Certificate Requirement (15 units)
Students who have only a license or only an AAS or AS are required to complete one of the following. (18 - 33 units)
Health Sciences Foundation Option (Students who only have a license) (33 units)
Students with only a license in an Allied Health Field must complete the Health Sciences Foundations. Students with an associate degree (AS or AAS) in a health profession would substitute the equivalent units of credit through any combination of the following, subject to advisor approval:
Certificate, Minor, or Track Option (Students who have only an AAS or AS degree) (18 - 30 units)
Students with only an associate degree (AS or AAS) in a health profession must complete a Certificate, Minor, or Track. Students with a professional license/certification would substitute the equivalent units of credit through any combination of the following, subject to advisor approval:
Certificate Option (21 - 30 units)
Minor Option (18 - 24 units)
Track Options (18 units)
Accelerated Nursing Track (18 units) - For students interested in pursuing a Nursing - Accelerated Option, BSN
The following courses have additional prerequisites:
Occupational Therapy Track (18 units) - For students interested in pursuing an Occupational Therapy, OTD
The following courses have additional prerequisites:
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 General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.