Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus to Launch
Revamped Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science
- New curriculum designed to educate health care professionals to meet high
demand nationwide – classes begin in Fall 2009 -

Brooklyn, N.Y. - This fall, Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus will introduce a revamped bachelor’s degree program in health science. Its new curriculum, which includes courses that cover the latest developments in environmental health, epidemiology, wellness and nutrition, is designed to respond to the urgent need for professionals in today’s complex and expanding health care industry. Enrollment is underway, and classes will begin in September.

Despite current economic woes, the demand for health care professionals is strong and will continue to grow over the next few years. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be three million new jobs in the health professions by 2016— a projected increase of 22% that is unmatched in the forecast for any other industry.

“The B.S. in health science degree program qualifies graduates for entry-level jobs in public health and hospital settings, as well as in nonprofit agencies and in government,” declared Dr. Barry S. Eckert, dean of the Campus’ School of Health Professions. “It also prepares students for graduate work in a number of areas, including public health and business.”

For those interested in the health care field but unsure of their exact career path, the Bachelor of Science degree program provides the opportunity to explore various disciplines within the health professions, such as sports sciences, occupational therapy, physical therapy and respiratory care. Students complete required core and major courses and then have the flexibility to develop concentrations in their particular area of interest.

Dean Eckert noted that a number of health care fields are moving toward making B.S. preparation a mandatory requirement for employment. The retooled bachelor’s program also will fulfill the needs of people already in the field who need to complete their undergraduate degree to advance their careers or to secure their current positions. Students who hold an associate's degree or certificate in health professions can apply many of their credits toward the bachelor’s degree, and those who have worked in a health care field can have their resumes reviewed to see if they are eligible to receive credit for any of their on-the-job experience.

Approved by the New York State Education Department, the new 128-credit curriculum includes six new courses and incorporates changes to the program’s major requirements that cover the latest issues in health care. New courses include Introduction to the Health Professions, Wellness and Nutrition, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Issues, Introduction to Research in the Health Professions and a practicum.

Hands-on learning experiences are an important component of the Campus’ health professions curricula. Students take advantage of the Campus’ considerable resources, including its $45-million Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center, which features a state-of-the-art therapy pool (one of only two in the city), health and wellness services, a unique aquatic training program, an eight-lane swimming pool, a rooftop track and the latest cardio and fitness equipment; and its on-site physical rehabilitation clinic. Affiliations with hundreds of hospitals, medical centers and clinics provide Brooklyn Campus students with the opportunity to work in real-world settings, enabling them to build their professional network while honing their clinical skills.

Top-notch training, flexible course schedules and a convenient location make the Brooklyn Campus the ideal place to launch a career in health care. For more information about the Bachelor of Science program in health science or to register for classes, call the admissions office at (718) 488-1011, e-mail admissions@brooklyn.liu.edu or visit www.brooklyn.liu.edu/health.

Posted: August 25, 2009