Office of the University Registrar

Health Science

The health science program leading to the Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree includes didactic and experiential activities for students to learn the foundation skills necessary for success in the dynamic health environment.

About This Major

  • College: Public Health and Health Professions
  • Degree: Bachelor of Health Science
  • Hours for the Degree: 120
  • Specializations: Health Science General, Health Science Preprofessional,
    Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Rehabilitative Services
  • Minor: Yes
  • Combined-Degree Program: Yes
  • Website: www.phhp.ufl.edu/bahealthsci

Overview

The program has two major goals: to teach foundation skills to students whose career goal is to work in health care, particularly for those who want to become health care providers, and to teach foundation skills to students who want to work in rehabilitation-related settings with individuals or groups who face social or economic challenges. In addition, students who are interested have the opportunity to explore a combined-degree program in public health.

The college offers five course specializations in the freshman and sophomore years: health science general, preprofessional, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy and rehabilitative services. The health science general, preprofessional and pre-PT specializations collapse into one track beginning in the junior year and follow the same core curriculum, focusing on the health care system, different diseases and disabilities, the role of the health care provider in prevention and treatment, research methods and understanding core public health concepts. The senior year focuses on patient provider communication, effective leadership and critical-thinking skills important to clinical problem solving the bioethical and legal issues impacting health care.

The pre-occupational therapy specialization offers the core health science curriculum plus OT prerequisites necessary for the Master of Occupational Therapy program at UF. The rehabilitative services specialization offers the junior core curriculum plus junior and senior coursework focusing on vocational, psychological and social aspects of rehabilitation and human services. The senior year of study in rehabilitative services also includes a practicum.

Regardless of specialization selected, students complement core courses with electives to round out their academic skills and interests.

Upon successful completion of the health science program, students receive the Bachelor of Health Science. While the majority of students pursue graduate or professional training in a health field (e.g. occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine, physician assistant, health administration, dentistry, public health), some students seek employment in hospital or related community organizations after completing the B.H.S.

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Course Sequence

While all specializations are designed for students interested in health care, students should select the specialization that most closely approximates their career plans and overall academic performance. Included are typical prerequisites for UF graduate and professional programs in specific tracks.

Four course specializations in the health science program require a 3.0 overall and prerequisite GPA for admission at the junior level: health science general, health science preprofessional, health science pre-OT and health science pre-PT. The health science rehabilitative services specialization requires a 2.7 overall and prerequisite GPA.

Students must apply by February 1 for Summer B and fall admission. All prerequisites must be completed by the end of Summer A. However, all students must have completed APK 2105C, BSC 2007 or 2010, PSY 2012 and STA 2023 before the application deadline to be considered for admission at the junior level.

The health science general specialization is designed for students who want to work in a health care field but this field does not require extensive basic science background (e.g., health administration, public health).

The health science preprofessional specialization is designed for students pursuing careers in fields such as medicine, physician assistant and dentistry, all of which require significant basic science prerequisites.

The pre-OT and pre-PT specializations are designed specifically for students interested in occupational therapy or physical therapy careers.

The rehabilitative services track is designed for students who intend to pursue graduate training in a counseling or related field, or who want to work in a rehabilitation-related setting.

Each track incorporates general education requirements and health science prerequisites. All health science tracks accept AP or IB credit for one prerequisite course only. All other prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better at the university level. Students should consult a college adviser if they need assistance or have questions about a specific course schedule.

Specialization: Health Science - General
Specialization: Health Science - Pre-Occupational Therapy
Specialization: Health Science - Pre-Physical Therapy
Specialization: Health Science - Preprofessional
Specialization: Health Science - Rehabilitative Services

General Health Science

The general specialization is designed for students who want to work in a health care field that does not require an extensive basic science background (e.g., health administration, public health).

In order to be on track for health science at the junior level, students must meet the critical-tracking criteria listed, beginning with the first fall or spring term.

Students must remain on track for each subsequent fall and spring term for a total of four semesters in order to be considered for admission at the junior level. All students must make sure they complete APK 2105C, BSC 2007 or BSC 2010, PSY 2012 and STA 2023 by the end of the third semester to be considered admission at the junior level. Students also must formally apply to the college for junior admission by February 1. The college application packet is available on the BHS website. (Note: Transfer students also must apply to UF.)

Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college adviser before registering for the next semester.

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To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan

Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students

Semester 1

  • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete ENC 1101 or higher with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework (including ENC 1101 or higher) with minimum grades of C

Semester 2

  • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete BSC 2007 or BSC 2010 with minimum grade of C
  • Complete PSY 2012 with minimum grade of C
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18, including the university writing requirement

Semester 3

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA on all critical-tracking courses based on all attempts
  • Complete CLP 3144 or DEP 3053 with minimum grade of C
  • Complete APK 2105C and STA 2023 with minimum grades of C
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

Semester 4

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA and minimum grades of C on all critical-tracking courses based on all attempts
  • Complete all general education coursework and the CLASR requirement
  • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
  • Complete the university math requirement
  • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework

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To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
Elective3
Humanities (GE-H)3
Mathematics (GE-M)3
Physical or Biological Science (GE-P or B)3
Total 15
Semester 2Credits
BSC 2007 Biological Sciences: Cells, Organisms and Genetics or
BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (GE-B)
3
ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions3
PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S)3
Humanities (GE-H, N)3
Total 15
Semester 3Credits
APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology with Laboratory4
CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology (GE-S) or
DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology (GE-S)
3
ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR)3
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (GE-M)3
Elective2
Total 15
Semester 4Credits
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S)3
Humanities (GE-H, D and WR)3
Electives9
Total 15

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Critical-Tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

  • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated, with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which must be taken prior to the senior year.
  • A minimum grade of C is required in all health science core courses, which appear in bold.

Semester 5Credits
HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System3
HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability3
PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts3
STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 23
Approved college elective3
Total 15
Semester 6Credits
HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science4
HSC 4558 Disability Management3
OTH 3416 Pathophysiology3
Approved college elective3
Elective, 3000/4000 level3
Total 16
Semester 7Credits
HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team2
HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles3
RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory1
Approved college elective3
Electives, 3000/4000 level6
Total 15
Semester 8Credits
HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care4
HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions3
Electives, 3000/4000 level7
Total 14

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Health Science - Pre-Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a graduate-level program. The preprofessional OT track within the health science program gives students the opportunity to learn core health science content while simultaneously completing 3000/4000-level prerequisite coursework required for the graduate-level occupational therapy program at UF.

In order to be admitted to the pre-OT track, students must have completed all 2000-level prerequisites required for the master's program in occupational therapy and have a 3.0 GPA. Students who make satisfactory academic progress in their health science and pre-OT coursework receive the Bachelor of Health Science and have priority for admission to the graduate-level OT program.

Successful completion of the graduate program is required for eligibility to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Occupational Therapist Registered (O.T.R.) certification examination and for eligibility to become licensed by the Florida State Board of OT Practice, Department of Health. For additional information, refer to the Department of Occupational Therapy.

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan

Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students

Semester 1

  • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete BSC 2007 and BSC 2009L with minimum grades of C
  • Complete ENC 1101 or higher with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete sociology or anthropology with minimum grade of C
  • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework (including ENC 1101 or higher) with minimum grades of C

Semester 2

  • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete HSC 2000 with a grade of C or better (highly recommended course)
  • Complete APK 2100C, PSY 2012 or either CHM 1030 or PHY 2004/2004L with minimum grades of C
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18
  • Complete 28 cumulative hours of coursework

Semester 3

  • Complete 3 additional critical-tracking courses, including APK 2105C, CLP 3144 and STA 2023 with minimum grades of C
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 3.0 GPA on critical-tracking coursework based on all attempts
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27
  • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
  • Complete 14 additional cumulative hours of coursework for a total of 42

Semester 4

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete all critical-tracking courses with a 3.0 GPA and no grade below C
  • Complete all labs
  • Complete all general education coursework and the CLASR requirement
  • Complete the university math requirement
  • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework

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To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
BSC 2007 Biological Sciences: Cells, Organisms and Genetics (3) and
BSC 2009L Biological Sciences Laboratory (1) (GE-B)
4
ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
Elective2
Humanities (GE-H)3
Sociology or anthropology course (GE-S)3
Total 15
Semester 2Credits
APK 2100C Applied Human Anatomy with Laboratory - strongly recommended (4) (GE-B) or
PHY 2004 and 2004L Applied Physics 1 (3) and Applied Physics 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) or
CHM 1030 Basic Chemistry Concepts and Applications 1 (3) (GE-B)
3-4
ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions (highly recommended)3
PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S)3
Mathematics (GE-M)3
Total 15-16

Students can complete missing coursework in the summer, but all first-year tracking criteria must be completed by the end of the summer term.

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Semester 3Credits
APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology with Laboratory (GE-B)4
CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology3
ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR)3
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (GE-M)3
Humanities (GE-H, D)3
Total 16
Semester 4Credits
HSC 3537 Health and Medical Terminology3
Electives5-6
Writing requirement course (WR)3
Humanities (GE-H, N)3
Total 14-15

Critical-Tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

  • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated, with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which can be taken any time in the junior year.
  • A minimum grade of C is required in all health science core courses and pre-OT coursework, which appear in bold.
Semester 5Credits
HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System3
HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability3
OTH 3200C Applied Human Development 13
STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 23
Elective, 3000/4000 level3
Total 15
Semester 6Credits
HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science4
HSC 4558 Disability Management3
OTH 3201 Applied Human Development 22
OTH 3416 Pathophysiology3
PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts3
Total 15
Semester 7Credits
HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team2
HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles3
OTH 4418 and 4418L The Nervous System and Disorders (3) and The Nervous System and Disorders Laboratory (2)5
RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory1
Electives, 3000/4000 level4
Total 15
Semester 8Credits
HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care4
HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions3
OTH 3413C Applied Kinesiology3
OTH 4412 and 4412L Musculoskeletal Anatomy (3) and Musculoskeletal Anatomy Laboratory (2)5
Total 15

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Health Science - Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a doctoral-level program. Listed below is the suggested undergraduate prerequisite course sequence. For a description of the program and additional information, please refer to the Department of Physical Therapy.

Course Sequence

The following course sequence permits completion of general education requirements and health science and physical therapy prerequisites for UF.

The pre-PT program accepts AP or IB credit for a maximum of one health science prerequisite course. All other prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better. Students should consult a college adviser if they have questions.

To be on track for this major, a student must meet the health science critical-tracking criteria each semester for enrollment beginning with the first fall or spring term. Students must remain on track for each subsequent fall and spring term for a total of four semesters to be considered for admission at the junior level. Students also must submit a college application.

Note: Transfer students also must apply to UF. Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college adviser before registering for the next semester.

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan

Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students

Semester 1

  • 2.3 GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete ENC 1101 or higher with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete MAC 1140 or MAC 1147 with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete PSY 2012 with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework (including ENC 1101 or higher) with minimum grades of C

Semester 2

  • 2.7 GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete STA 2023 or DEP 3053 with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18

Semester 3

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete APK 2105C, BSC 2010, DEP 3053 and STA 2023 with minimum grades of C
  • 3.0 GPA on all critical-tracking courses based on all attempts
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

Semester 4

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete HSC 2000 with a grade of C or better (highly recommended)
  • Complete all critical-tracking courses with a 3.0 GPA and no grade below C
  • Complete all general education coursework
  • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254 or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
  • Complete the university math requirement
  • Complete the CLASR requirement
  • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework

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To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
CHM 1025 Introduction to Chemistry 2
ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
PSY 2012 General Psychology 3
Humanities (GE-H, D)3
MAC 1140 Precalculus Algebra (3) (GE-M, MR) or
MAC 1147 Precalculus: Algebra and Trigonometry (4) (GE-M, MR)
3-4
Total 14
Semester 2Credits
BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B)4
CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions (highly recommended)3
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics (GE-M) or
DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology
3
Humanities (GE-H, WR)3
Total 17
SummerCredits
CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
Total 4
Semester 3Credits
APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology with Laboratory4
DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology or
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics (GE-M)
3
ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR)3
PHY 2053 and 2053L Physics 1 (4) and Physics 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)5
Total 15
Semester 4Credits
APK 2100C Applied Human Anatomy with Laboratory4
PHY 2054 and 2054L Applied Physics 2 (4) and Applied Physics 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)5
Humanities (GE-H, N)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S, WR)3
Total 14-15

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Critical-tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

  • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which can be taken any time in the junior year.
  • A minimum grade of C is required in all health science core courses, which are listed in bold.
Semester 5Credits
HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System3
HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability3
PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts3
STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 23
Electives, 3000/4000 level4
Total 16
Semester 6Credits
HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science4
HSC 4558 Disability Management3
OTH 3416 Pathophysiology3
Approved college electives6
Total 16
Semester 7Credits
HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team2
HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles3
RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory1
Approved college elective3
Electives, 3000/4000 level6
Total 15
Semester 8Credits
HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care4
HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions3
Electives, 3000/4000 level6
Total 13

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Health Science - Preprofessional

Students interested in health careers requiring strong basic science backgrounds, such as medicine and physician assistant programs, should enroll in the preprofessional specialization.

Additional science coursework is included within the track to help students meet preprofessional course requirements, but this coursework is not specifically required for the health science program unless it appears in bold.

Students should meet with a prehealth adviser in the Academic Advising Center (100 Farrior Hall) and a PHHP adviser to ensure adequate preparation for professional entrance exams and the professional school application process. Students are responsible for ensuring they have the correct prerequisites for the professional program of their choice.

In order to be on track at the junior level in the health science program, students must meet the critical-tracking criteria listed below, beginning with the first fall or spring term. All critical-tracking courses appear in bold. Students must remain on track for each subsequent fall and spring term for a total of four semesters to be considered for admission at the junior level.

Students also must apply formally to the college for junior admission by February 1. The college application packet is available on the department website. (Note: Transfer students also must apply separately to UF and to the college.)

Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college adviser before registering for the next semester.

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan

Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students

Semester 1

  • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete PSY 2012 and ENC 1101 or higher with minimum grades of C
  • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework (including ENC 1101 or higher) with minimum grades of C

Semester 2

  • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete DEP 3053 or CLP 3144 with minimum grade of C
  • Complete STA 2023 with minimum grade of C
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18

Semester 3

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 3.0 GPA on all critical-tracking courses based on all attempts
  • Complete APK 2105C and BSC 2010 with minimum grades of C
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

Semester 4

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA and minimum grades of C on all critical-tracking courses
  • Complete all general education coursework and the CLASR requirement
  • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254 or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
  • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework

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To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) 4
PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (recommend sociology course; GE-S)3
Total 13
Semester 2Credits
CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) 4
DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology (GE-S) or
CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology (GE-S)
3
HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions3
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 13
Humanities (GE-H, WR)3
Total 16
SummerCredits
CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)4
Total 4
Semester 3Credits
APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology with Laboratory (GE-B)4
BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B)4
ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR)3
Humanities (GE-H)3
Total 14
Semester 4Credits
APK 2100C Applied Human Anatomy with Laboratory *4
BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B)4
CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry3
PHY 2053 and 2053L Physics 2 (4) and Physics 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)5
Humanities (GE-H) 3
Total 16
SummerCredits
CHM 2211 and 2211L Organic Chemistry (4) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) and/or
Electives (three at 3000-level)
5-8
Total 5-8

* APK 2100C may not be required for your career goal.

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Critical-Tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

  • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which must be taken before the senior year.
  • A minimum grade of C is required in all health science core courses, which are listed in bold.
Semester 5Credits
HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System3
HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability3
PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts 3
PHY 2054 and 2054L Physics 2 (4) and Physics 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P)5
STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 23
Total 17
Semester 6Credits
BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology4
HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science4
HSC 4558 Disability Management3
OTH 3416 Pathophysiology3
Total 14
Semester 7Credits
HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Healthcare Team2
HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles3
RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory1
Approved college electives6
Elective, 3000/4000 level3
Total 15
Semester 8Credits
HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care4
HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions3
Approved college elective3
Electives, 3000/4000 level4
Total 14

The health science program requires 120 hours for degree. Students following the preprofessional guidelines will require more than 120 hours, which includes all pre-professional coursework.

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Health Science - Rehabilitative Services

The rehabilitative services specialization prepares graduates to work in a variety of rehabilitation-related occupations where they can advance the independence, integration and full participation of individuals with disabilities or service needs in the work force and community.

The rehabilitative services program prepares students to

  • Develop skills, knowledge and values that enable them to provide quality rehabilitation services
  • Empower consumers in the development of their personal and vocational resources
  • Participate as an integral member of multidisciplinary networks providing services to consumers
  • Develop a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth
  • Receive a sound preparation for graduate education in rehabilitation fields
  • Become informed citizens supportive of individuals with disabilities.

Opportunities have expanded for human-service providers who coordinate and manage services in state and federal service agencies, rehabilitation facilities, correctional programs, youth centers and centers responding to the aging population, public assistance programs and other community service organizations.

Graduates may supervise service activities, conduct intake interviews, manage community services and facilitate job re-entry and other social services activities.

Admission

The applicant must have a 2.7 overall GPA and 2.7 prerequisite GPA. The applicant also is encouraged to have volunteer experience in a human service setting.

Enrollment is based on space available. Admission to the college is considered separately from admission to UF. Students are admitted in Summer B and fall. The application deadline is February 1 for Summer B and fall admission consideration. Students submitting application materials after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Course Sequence

The following course sequence permits completion of general education requirements and rehabilitative services prerequisites. The rehabilitative services track accepts AP and IB credit for only one prerequisite course.

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To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan

Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students

Semester 1

  • 2.0 GPA on work from all institutions
  • Complete PSY 2012 and ENC 1101 or higher with minimum grades of C
  • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework (including ENC 1101 or higher) with minimum grades of C

Semester 2

  • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 2.3 GPA on prerequisite courses
  • Complete BSC 2007 with minimum grade of C
  • Complete STA 2023 or an advanced psychology course (CLP 3144 or DEP 3053) with a minimum grade of C
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18

Semester 3

  • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 2.7 GPA on critical-tracking courses: APK 2105C, BSC 2007, CLP 3144 or DEP 3053, PSY 2012, STA 2023
  • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

Semester 4

  • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
  • 2.7 GPA on critical-tracking courses: APK 2105C, BSC 2007, CLP 3144 or DEP 3053, PSY 2012, STA 2023
  • Complete all general education coursework and the CLASR requirement
  • Complete HSC 2000 with a grade of C or better (highly recommended)
  • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254 or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
  • Complete the university math requirement
  • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework

Back to Top

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

Recommended semester plan

Semester 1Credits
ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S)3
Humanities (GE-H)3
Humanities (GE-H, D)3
Mathematics (GE-M)3
Total 15
Semester 2Credits
BSC 2007 Biological Sciences: Cells, Organisms and Genetics (GE-B)3
ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) or
Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
3
HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions3
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics (GE-M) or
Advanced psychology course (GE-S) (CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology or DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology)
3
Humanities (GE-H, N)3
Total 15
Semester 3Credits
APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology with Laboratory (GE-B)4
ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR)3
STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (GE-M) (if not completed in prior semester) or
Advanced psychology course (GE-S) (must be either CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology or DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology)
3
Elective3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
Total 16
Semester 4Credits
Electives8
Physical or Biological Science (GE-P or B)3
Writing requirement course (WR)3
Total 14

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Critical-tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

  • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated with the exception of college electives, which can be taken any term they are offered.
  • A minimum grade of C is required in all rehabilitative services core courses, which appear in bold.
Semester 5Credits
HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System3
HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability3
HSC 3537 Health and Medical Terminology3
RCS 3030 Introduction to Rehabilitation and Human Services3
RCS 4061 Psychosocial Aspects of Rehabilitation3
Total 15
Semester 6Credits
HSC 4558 Disability Management3
PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts3
RCS 4240C Vocational Services in Health, Rehabilitation and Human Services3
Approved college elective3
Elective, 3000/4000 level4
Total 16
Semester 7Credits
HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team2
RCS 4800 Rehabilitation and Human Services Practicum 13
RCS 4930 Special Topics in Rehabilitative Services3
RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory1
Approved college elective3
Elective, 3000/4000 level3
Total 15
Semester 8Credits
RCS 4451 Rehabilitation Aspects of Substance Abuse3
Approved college elective3
Electives, 3000/4000 level8
Total 14

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