University of Northern Colorado

What you'll study

The Health Services bachelor programme combines core health sciences knowledge with applied skills in health promotion, systems, policy and management. You will study human anatomy and physiology, epidemiology, biostatistics and research methods alongside modules in health care organisation, health policy, ethics and legal aspects of care. Coursework typically covers: clinical terminology, health informatics, quality improvement, program planning and evaluation, and behavioural aspects of health.

• Core sciences: anatomy & physiology, microbiology fundamentals, basic pharmacology concepts.
• Public and community health: epidemiology, health promotion, community assessment and program design.
• Health systems and management: health care administration, finance basics, policy and law, quality and risk management.
• Research and data: statistics for health sciences, research methods, applied data analysis and reporting.
• Professional practice: ethics, communication for health professionals, interprofessional teamwork and leadership.
• Experiential learning: supervised practicum or internship in clinical, community or administrative settings and a capstone project applying knowledge to a real-world health services problem.

Students can often tailor electives to interests such as global health, health informatics, gerontology or substance use prevention. The programme emphasises experiential learning, with opportunities for community placements and undergraduate research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a completed secondary school qualification equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma with a record of steady academic achievement. Schools typically expect a background in science and maths; courses in biology, chemistry and algebra/statistics are recommended. Admission decisions use a combination of high school transcripts, personal statements and, where applicable, college-transfer records.

• Direct-entry applicants: successful completion of secondary education with recommended coursework in biology and maths.
• Transfer applicants: official college transcripts showing completion of general education and any relevant health-related coursework; some programme-specific prerequisite courses may be required.
• Non-traditional applicants: relevant work experience in health care or community services can support an application; personal statements and references are important.
• All applicants: evidence of English proficiency if English is not the first language, according to the university's standard requirements.

Because entry expectations and prerequisite lists can change, applicants should consult the University of Northern Colorado admissions pages or contact the programme office for the most current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor in Health Services enter a range of roles across health care, public health and community organisations. Typical entry-level and mid-level positions include:

• Health services coordinator or administrative roles in hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities.
• Community health worker, health educator or outreach specialist in public health departments and non-profit organisations.
• Quality improvement or patient safety technician roles within health systems.
• Care coordination, case management and insurance or utilisation review positions.
• Roles in health data support, health informatics and programme evaluation.

The degree also provides a foundation for graduate study in public health, health administration, physician assistant studies, occupational or physical therapy, nursing and other allied health professions. Many graduates combine workplace experience with further credentials or certifications to advance into leadership, policy or specialist clinical support roles.

Why study at University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers a student-focused learning environment with a strong emphasis on applied experience and community engagement. The Health Services programme is designed to integrate classroom learning with practicum placements in the local health care and public health systems, giving students hands-on exposure to real service settings.

• Small to mid-sized classes that support close faculty mentoring and collaborative projects.
• Opportunities for supervised internships and community partnerships in Northern Colorado and the surrounding region.
• Access to faculty with applied experience in health care, public health and health services research, and chances to participate in undergraduate research.
• Advising and career support focused on placement into entry-level health roles or preparation for professional and graduate programmes.

Together, these features make the University of Northern Colorado a practical choice for students seeking a broad, career-oriented education in health services with strong local practicum links and preparation for further professional training.