Doane University

What you'll study

The Health Services bachelor’s curriculum blends core health science knowledge with management, research and applied practice. You will study human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, public health principles, epidemiology, health policy and law, and health informatics. Courses commonly include research methods and statistics for the health sciences, healthcare systems and delivery, healthcare finance and management, ethics in healthcare, and community health promotion.

The programme emphasises experiential learning: supervised practicum or clinical observation placements in hospitals, community clinics, public health departments or non-profit health organisations are integral to the degree. Students typically complete a capstone project or integrative seminar that synthesises classroom learning with applied practice, and may choose electives in areas such as health communication, gerontology, behavioural health, or health information management depending on interests.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Typical expectations include an academic transcript demonstrating strong performance in science and mathematics courses; recommended preparatory subjects are biology and chemistry. Doane considers applications from transfer students with college-level coursework in relevant areas.

Standard application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and one or more academic or professional references. Test-score requirements (SAT/ACT) may be optional or considered in context of the whole application; applicants should consult Doane’s admissions guidance for current test policies. International applicants will need to provide proof of secondary education equivalency and demonstrate English language proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme enter a range of health-related roles. Common entry-level positions include health services coordinator, patient services manager, community health worker, case manager, health educator, and roles in health administration or operations. The degree also prepares students to work in public health agencies, non-profit health organisations, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics.

Alumni frequently pursue graduate or professional training in areas such as public health, health administration (MHA/MBA with health focus), physician assistant studies, nursing, occupational or physical therapy, and other allied health professions. The programme’s practicum experiences and capstone project are designed to help students build professional networks and practical skills sought by employers and graduate programmes.

Why study at Doane University

Doane offers a small-campus learning environment with a focus on personalised instruction and close faculty mentoring, which benefits students in applied fields where hands-on guidance is important. The university provides opportunities for local practicum placements and community partnerships in Crete, Lincoln and surrounding regions, allowing students to gain real-world experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances science, management and communication skills, plus access to support services such as career advising and internship placement. The combination of classroom coursework, applied practicum and a capstone project equips graduates with practical competencies and professional readiness for entry-level roles or further study in health-related careers.