As a health science major at Grace, you’ll be equipped with the mathematical and scientific skills necessary to prepare for graduate medical training in a variety of fields. A pre veterinary medicine concentration will prepare you for graduate veterinary training.
Providing care for animals of all sizes, veterinarians are the most broadly trained of any medical profession. Their scope of care ranges from routine exams to weekly surgeries.
Grace’s health science program is founded on the truth that the human body is an incredible creation of God. We acknowledge His role in not only its creation but in His providing for our health, whether that’s through the body’s ability to heal itself or the knowledge He gives us to promote healing through medicine.
You’ll take foundational and specialized courses and labs in fields such as biology, ecology, and physics. Know that faculty will be present at your labs. At Grace, our health science faculty will know you by name, mentoring you academically and supporting you in living out your faith as a scientist. Our faculty will be present at your labs and available to answer your questions.
A distinguishing characteristic of Grace’s health science program is that each student is required to complete field learning. With a pre vet concentration, you’ll shadow practicing veterinarians in your chosen field or serve in an entry-level healthcare occupation. Through your learning experience, you’ll get an in-depth look at the healthcare system, better allowing you to visualize yourself in a career before tackling the rigors of graduate medical education.
After you graduate with a pre vet health science degree, you’ll be able to continue your education at a graduate institution, leading to a medical career in the veterinary field. If you choose not to pursue graduate studies, you’ll still be equipped for a variety of health science jobs, such as laboratory work, medical sales, or even life science education.
Ph.D.
Associate Dean, School of Science and Engineering; Pre-Health Professions Coordinator; Associate Professor of Biology
M.S.P.T.
Chair, Department of Life Sciences; Director, Biology Program; Assistant Professor of Biology
A bachelor’s degree in health science can provide several opportunities within the vast field of healthcare; however, extra education at a graduate school is often required for most positions.
Healthcare Administrator
Organizing and managing health care services, including facilities, programs, and staff budgets. With a health sciences major, you can work in healthcare administration jobs such as a nursing home administrator, health information manager, or insurance underwriter.
Dietician/Nutritionist
Helping people examine and improve their health and lifestyle based on your knowledge of food and nutrition. With your health science degree, you can take this career to nursing homes, cafeterias, clinics, schools, or local government.
Radiology and Ultrasound Technician
Performing medical imaging examinations and treatments to help patients find a diagnosis with your bachelor of health science.
Occupational Therapist
Helping patients who are ill, injured, or disabled learn to do daily activities so that they may live to their fullest in the face of a medical crisis. A health science degree gives you the knowledge and skills needed to work with injured patients regaining everyday skills, disabled children learning to be capable in a school setting, and more.
Physician Assistant
Taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and many other responsibilities. As a PA, you will work directly with other healthcare providers, collaborating and learning from licensed doctors.
So many more
There are a plethora of other roles available for a health science degree, including a drug and alcohol counselor, laboratory technician, pharmaceutical salesperson, claims reviewer, and more!
A standard bachelor’s degree in health science can be completed in four years. Further education in a master’s or doctoral program can vary.
A health science major is the study of life and health, generally for healthcare.
Along with general education, health science majors will take foundational courses in subjects such as Biology, Ecology, and Physics. As the degree progresses, classes become more specialized, like Microbiology and Organic Chemistry.
Yes, health science is a good major, as it offers various career pathways and provides job security, as healthcare workers are in constant demand.
Besides taking intense classes, health science majors spend time in laboratories conducting experiments, shadowing specific medical professionals, and socializing with peers. Read What to Expect as a Health Science Major to learn more about what health science majors do.
A pre-veterinary concentration helps prepare students for a career in veterinary medicine. Our program at Grace strives to prepare you to succeed in veterinary medicine, which includes providing you with the prerequisites you need for graduate school. As a pre-veterinary student, you will develop a foundational understanding of the sciences and take courses in chemistry, anatomy, physics, and microbiology.
On top of rigorous coursework, it is important to have experience working with animals. We will guide you through internships with veterinarians. To effectively prepare for this career, we recommend shadowing veterinarians working with either small or large animals. You could also work at an animal rescue center, participate in 4-H, volunteer, or pursue extracurricular activities for grad school.
If you’re curious about veterinary medicine, read about the career path of Grace alumnus and veterinarian Abigail Hammond.
Our pre-veterinary program prepares you for a graduate degree in veterinary medicine.
As a veterinarian, you provide yearly checkups or vaccinations, perform surgeries, and inspect animals. You will be trained to care for larger or smaller animals.
While students who pursue this route typically become certified veterinarians, some go on to work in laboratories, the Department of Natural Resources, or sales in the medical industry.
If you are interested in a health science major with a pre-veterinary medicine concentration, read about the important concepts you need to know when pursuing this degree.
As a pre-veterinary student, you will need to have a deep understanding of the sciences. You will take courses in physics, microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy.
Through these types of classes, you’ll learn about microbiology, so that you understand contagious illnesses, including different treatment and diagnostic methods. You’ll also develop a knowledge of the properties of matter, principles of physics, and more.
A pre-veterinary concentration helps students gain the prerequisite classes, study skills, and persistence essential for managing rigorous classwork. This concentration teaches you higher-order thinking and helps you develop a nuanced understanding of science while learning how to think critically.
In order to pursue vet school, you should:
A pre-veterinary degree is a good choice for someone who is passionate about becoming a veterinarian. In order to care for animals, including pets, farm or zoo animals, you must be able to:
of Grace grads who have been accepted to programs and have completed those programs have become medical professionals
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of Grace grads have been accepted to programs in graduate related education
Our faculty and staff are expertly skilled in their fields and they care about your goals, future, and well being.
Meet our School of Science and Engineering FacultyAt the heart of a Grace education are academically challenging courses that are specifically designed to foster a thirst for character, competence, and service within the hearts and minds of our students.
Learn More About Our Values“Learning the sciences from a Christian perspective is invaluable. Grace's sciences shine as a beautiful light in the otherwise atheistic world of science. I appreciate the brilliant, godly, and caring faculty who set aside countless hours to help their students inside and outside of the classroom.”
Jonathan Biller
Grace College Student
