The new degree program at IWU is targeted at students currently working in healthcare who want to increase their career and earning potential and for those who wish to follow a bachelor's degree with a masters in another area of health sciences.
A new opportunity was announced in February by Indiana Wesleyan University that will allow students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences completely online. The new degree program is geared toward students who already work in the medical field and want to advance their careers, and students who plan to go on to earn graduate degrees in disciplines like physical and occupational therapy. The program is designed to be flexible to accommodate the busy lives of working adults.
In an announcement made last month, IWU provided details about the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences online degree program. Classes will be held in six-week sessions meant to provide flexibility to working students and will feature virtual lab components. The stated goals of the program include teaching students to exhibit advocacy and leadership in a healthcare setting, working collaboratively to find ethical solutions to healthcare problems, demonstration of proficiency in healthcare terminology, understanding the complexities of the healthcare system in the United States, and integration of faith into careers and coursework.
In the announcement, Amanda Doneski, assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences explained, "The program is a great pathway for allied health students with a certification or licensure who want to continue on to earn a bachelor's degree, like paramedics or occupational therapy assistants. The degree is so broad and offers some great knowledge on the delivery, legal and ethical aspects, and cultural issues in healthcare systems. We're not limited to any one particular kind of student in this health sciences program."
The new degree program is the sixth offered by IWU and the first cohort of students will begin in June 2021. According to the program description, students can attain the degree within 24 months. Potential careers are listed that include insurance sales, health education specialists, and management roles with salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually.