Bachelor of Science in Health Science

The Castleton Natural Sciences Department offers a B.S. in Health Science that is intended primarily to prepare students for admission to graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health care fields. Health Science majors must take a “core” of essential courses, such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Physics. We believe that a solid foundation in these disciplines is important to anyone with an interest in human health. But Castleton’s Health Science major also includes a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to choose courses that will prepare them for the specific graduate program or career they seek. Castleton has very strong undergraduate programs in Exercise Science and Athletic Training, and many classes in these areas may be used to satisfy the Health Science requirements. This allows you to take some specialized courses that can really set you apart from other applicants for graduate school. 

All Health Science majors are also required to complete an internship. For most students, this will be a “job shadowing” experience and we can arrange this with one of our local health care professionals during the academic year or, if more convenient, with a health care provider near your home over the summer. Most graduate programs in the health sciences now require this kind of practical experience prior to admission and we also see this as an important step in choosing the right career path.

Castleton has an articulation agreement with Sage Graduate School in the Albany, NY area that offers preferred admission of our graduates to Sage’s Occupational and Physical Therapy programs, as long as our students meet certain criteria. After graduation from Castleton, students may earn a Masters in Occupational Therapy (MS-OT) or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Sage.

If you are interested in employment rather than graduate school, our Health Science program can prepare you for that as well. Our graduates are broadly trained and have excellent lab skills that employers are looking for. Many are now working in hospitals, in medical equipment sales, and other health-related careers. And we are offering a new career option in cooperation with Castleton’s Department of Health, Human Movement & Sport. Health Science students may complete the new Health Education minor and may become Certified Health Education Specialists.