The online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences- Allied Health program empowers students who have completed an associate’s degree and obtained their state license or certification to elevate their careers in health-related fields. This innovative curriculum is ideal for working professionals.  In our program, students delve into foundational health promotion and disease prevention concepts, sharpening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while enhancing their ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams. This comprehensive approach equips students to collaborate to provide exceptional, patient-centered care.  Our curriculum emphasizes leadership and interprofessional education, essential skills for navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare landscape. We infuse diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles throughout the program, ensuring we equitably serve students from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. This includes understanding and addressing health disparities and advocating for equitable healthcare.   The Allied Health program also addresses the critical issue of career burnout. We provide a range of practical strategies and tools to help students manage stress and maintain their personal health and well-being. By fostering resilience and a balanced approach to work-life integration, this program ensures students feel prepared to thrive in their careers.  Whether aspiring to become educators in their field or seeking to advance in their current roles, students will emerge from this program ready to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful impact.  

With your degree, you’ll have access to meaningful careers in a wide range of healthcare settings. This Allied Health degree gives you the flexibility to explore multiple career paths:

• Direct Patient Care: Work on the frontlines of healthcare
• Wellness Consultant: Guide individuals into healthier lifestyles
• Program Coordinator: Manage healthcare programs for specialized populations.
• Community Health Worker: Work for non-profits, hospitals, schools, or government agencies to promote healthy living habits
• Allied Health Instructor: Train the next generation of healthcare workers
• Patient Advocate: Ensure patients understand their treatment plans and receive quality care
• Nursing Care Institution Administrator: Oversee the operations of nursing care facilities
• Assisted Living Manager: Manage day-to-day operations of assisted living facilities
• Hospice Care Coordinator: Provide compassionate care for patients with terminal illnesses by managing interdisciplinary teams, coordinating care, and offering support to patients and families.
• Rehabilitation Specialist: Help patients recover from injuries or surgeries by working with healthcare providers to develop personalized recovery plans.
• Palliative Care Specialist: Focus on symptom management and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses through a holistic, patient-centered approach.
• Healthcare Leadership Coach: Help emerging leaders in healthcare develop their skills in communication, team building, and strategic planning to improve organizational effectiveness and patient care outcomes
• Occupational Therapist: Continue your education and become an Occupational Therapist. Graduates of NAU’s Allied Health program receive preferred admission to the NAU Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Occupational therapists help people do what they want to do and need to do in the activities of everyday living. Watch this video to learn more about the profession.

To be admitted to this program, you must:

• have or be currently pursuing an allied health associate’s degree through a regionally accredited college
• secure state certification or licensure upon completion of your associate’s degree
• GPA of 2.5 or higher

Meet Kenneth Silverwind, firefighter, flight paramedic, and NAU Allied Health student. He says, "I came to the NAU allied health program after completing my associate’s degree focused on paramedic care a few years ago. I wanted to continue a degree program with the same focus as my previous degree that also correlates with and promotes advancement of my career as a flight and ground paramedic. The allied health program also promotes my knowledge and ability to become a better instructor in the multiple disciplines I teach." Learn more about Kenneth in this piece from the NAU Review. 

What is Allied Health?

Allied health encompasses a diverse range of professions that extend beyond nursing and physician roles. These professionals are essential to the healthcare system, focusing on the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases and disorders. Allied Health responsibilities may include providing dietary and nutrition services, supporting rehabilitation efforts, and managing health systems. Examples of allied health professionals include diagnostic medical sonographers, paramedics, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, and respiratory therapists. In addition to these well-known roles, there are many lesser-known allied health professions that play a crucial role in delivering essential healthcare services and support. Please reach out if you have questions about your specific field of Allied Health!

Is earning the Associate’s degree required?

Can I work on my Associate’s degree at the same time?

Yes, you can! However, you must complete your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degree before enrolling in the capstone course.

Do I need a license or certification for this program?

Yes. In this program, you can earn credit hours simply by holding a relevant license or certification in your field —giving you a major head start toward completing your degree. You will need to have a current license or certification before enrolling in the capstone course, HS 460C, where you’ll put all your knowledge and expertise into action.

Should I choose an emphasis?

This decision is entirely up to you! If you choose an emphasis, it should align with your associate’s degree. The emphasis you select will appear on your official transcript. If you prefer not to have an emphasis, you can select the General Allied Health option.

Which classes will I take?

During your time at NAU, you’ll complete the Health Sciences Core, a set of 30 units designed to build your knowledge and skills for a successful career in Allied Health. Courses include:

• Human Diseases
• Mind-Body Health
• Stress Management
• Epidemiology
• Organization & Administration of Health Services
• Current Health Issues
• Leadership and Interprofessional Teamwork for Health Professionals

These engaging courses are designed to deepen your understanding of health while preparing you for real-world challenges and opportunities in your field. You'll leave the program ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference!

Do I have to earn the AGEC (Arizona General Education Certificate?

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