Getting a healthcare degree is significant, and we understand the complexities involved. If you’re stuck between the possibility of a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and a BSN nursing degree, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll wade through the details of these two educational paths and what awaits you professionally in the healthcare field.
Let’s dive in!
Career outcomes
As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for specialized healthcare roles grows. With various degree options available, you have the flexibility to choose a path that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Bachelor of Health Sciences
A focus on health science in undergrad prepares graduates for diverse careers in various health-related fields, including medicine, dentistry, public health, and physical therapy. Graduates of this program often pursue roles such as health educators, researchers, or professionals within the broader healthcare system. The term “health science” covers all areas of health study, serving as a stepping stone for those looking to further specialize or enter advanced healthcare roles.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nursing courses equip students with essential skills required to succeed in a nursing career. This is generally a patient-facing role, unless you go into nursing leadership or administration later on, as a nursing degree prepares individuals for roles within the healthcare system like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Nurse (RN), or, with further education beyond a BSN degree, Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). A BSN nursing degree provides both the clinical expertise and theoretical foundation necessary for advancement in the nursing profession.
Clinical Training
Both programs offer students clinical experiences to best equip them for their careers. While both offer students a lot of opportunities, nursing is inherently more involved directly with patients, making it more hands-on than obtaining a Bachelor of Health Science.
Bachelor of Health Sciences
A Bachelor of Health Sciences degree offers flexibility, allowing graduates to work directly with patients in clinical settings or take on administrative roles within healthcare organizations. The program is designed to prepare students for both pathways, providing a solid foundation for entry-level positions or serving as a stepping stone for those wishing to pursue advanced degrees in specialized areas of healthcare.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Clinical training experiences in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program are typically extensive and hands-on. These courses are specifically centered around patient care, safety, and the practical application of nursing skills in real healthcare settings. Nursing students gain invaluable experience in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
University of Bridgeport’s College of Health Sciences offers a diverse set of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate healthcare programs!
Licensing
For those pursuing specific higher-level careers in healthcare, obtaining a license may be required. Licensing ensures that professionals meet the standards of practice and have the necessary qualifications to provide safe and effective care. Let’s take a closer look at what’s required with a bachelor of health sciences vs. nursing.
Bachelor of Health Sciences
For those aiming for managerial or leadership positions within healthcare, continuing your education beyond obtaining a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree is often necessary. While a health sciences degree provides a strong foundation, it does not fully prepare graduates for advanced clinical roles such as Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner. Further specialized education is a must if you want to go into one of those fields.
This degree equips students with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue further education in areas like healthcare administration or medical school. Outside of the possibility of further education, there aren’t any specific licenses needed after completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Many nursing degrees are designed to train students in the necessary steps to work as a nurse in various capacities. However, obtaining licensing is required for many nursing roles. For example, a Registered Nurse must first earn their nursing degree, apply for licensure, and pass the NCLEX exam before they can practice nursing in a professional setting.
Program structure
The structure of both the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs share some similarities. Both programs involve scientific health-related coursework and clinical experiences. However, the focus of each program differs. The Bachelor of Health Sciences offers a broader foundation in health science, while the BSN degree focuses specifically on nursing skills and patient care.
Bachelor of Health Sciences
The core health sciences curriculum is known for its challenging nature, covering a wide range of scientific and practical topics. Key courses in the health science curriculum typically include biology, chemistry, community education, global health, healthcare advocacy, infectious diseases, and psychology. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that impact health at both individual and community levels.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The nursing curriculum includes essential science courses such as biology and chemistry, but it also encompasses specialized topics like community health, nursing for special populations, nursing practice, and pharmacology. These courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care in a variety of clinical settings.
Some other factors to consider
The difficulty of each program will vary depending on the school and is ultimately a subjective experience for each student. When deciding between a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a BSN in nursing, consider your long-term career goals and how each path aligns with those objectives.
Additionally, explore different post-grad options and potential career advancements. If patient-to-patient interaction is something you enjoy and seek, nursing may be the better fit. If you prefer minimal direct contact with patients, a Bachelor of Health Sciences might align better with your preferences. Reflect on the different ways you want to be involved when making your decision.
Advice for applicants
When you look at health sciences vs. nursing, exploring potential job outlooks is one of the most valuable steps you can take when deciding on the best career path for you. Researching the demand for various healthcare roles and speaking with professionals in different positions can provide insights and help address any specific questions you may have about each field.
Don’t hesitate to apply today or contact us for more information—we’re here to help guide you on your journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career