Are Online Health Science Degrees Legitimate?

Interested in pursuing an online health science degree? Perhaps you'd like to know more about these types of degree programs; specifically, do online schools offer legitimate, respected degrees in health science?

Online health science degrees are typically as legitimate as in-person degrees. As long as they come from respected, accredited schools, online degrees can be a great way to finish your education even if you're unable to attend in-person classes.

Keep reading as we discuss this topic in greater depth.

Do Employers Respect Online Health Science Degrees?

There is an ongoing concern among online learners that their online degrees won't be respected once they're ready to enter the workforce. The good news is, this is largely a myth. For one thing, many schools don't differentiate between their online and in-person degrees. They offer the same quality education and the same type of degree to both campus-based and online learners, so it's possible prospective employers won't even know you got your degree online.

Even if you obtain your degree from a well-known online school, most employers will give you as much consideration as they give any other candidate. Online degrees have become increasingly popular in recent years. The majority of employers have already hired and had success with candidates who obtained online degrees. So, while it's still possible to run into some employers who won't consider you, the vast majority of employers will respect your online degree as much as if you had obtained it in person.

What To Look For in an Online Health Science Degree Program

Let's take a look at some factors to consider when choosing your ideal online health sciences degree.

Accreditation

Any school you attend must be accredited for your degree to be considered legitimate. This applies to both online and in-person schools. Schools should be accredited by a recognized accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, some health science programs may be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Reputation

A school's reputation is affected by several factors such as its:

• Accreditation
• Graduation rate
• GPA

Choosing a school with a good reputation can make it easier for you to land a good job after graduation.

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Degrees

Nonprofit schools are those that put all of their money back into the school. For-profit schools spend a lot of the money they generate on advertising. While non-profit degrees are generally respected more than for-profit degrees, many for-profit schools offer highly flexible degrees at affordable prices. As long as a for-profit school is accredited and respected, it can be expected to provide legitimate degrees.

Graduation Rates

When choosing your school, you may also want to consider other data such as graduation rate, average GPA, and more. Schools with higher graduation rates and higher average GPAs typically offer higher-quality education and more well-respected degrees.

Differences Between Online Health Science Degrees and Traditional Health Science Degrees

Traditional health science degrees are completed on-campus and typically include set class times. They may include various hands-on components such as time in the lab and clinical rotations. Online degrees offer most or all of their coursework online, and most programs don't have set class times. Students study when and where they want. They may have to complete hands-on components of the program on campus or at a local healthcare facility. Online degrees are more flexible than in-person degrees, but they typically don't offer the same structure. Some students thrive in this environment, while other students do better in a more structured classroom-based program.

Benefits of Earning Your Health Science Degree at an Online School

If you are self-motivated, self-disciplined, and driven to succeed, an online health science degree program can provide many benefits. Flexible coursework allows students to fit their studies around work, family, and other commitments, allowing them to get their degrees on their own terms. If you have previous college credit, most online programs allow you to transfer generous amounts into the program. Some even award credit for life experience and career certifications.

Finally, online degree programs are often more affordable than in-person programs. Many online programs offer the same tuition rates to both in-state and out-of-state students, and students can save additional money on:

• Transportation
• Room and board
• Fees charged to on-campus students

Featured Online Health Science Degree Programs

Let's take a closer look at five of the top online health science degree programs you can consider.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is one of the most well-known online schools, as it provides affordable competency-based education in many career-focused fields. It is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in health science. The program comprises 28 courses and culminates in a capstone project. All coursework is completed online, though clinical experiences must be completed at approved local facilities.

2. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati provides both online and in-person degrees in a wide variety of industries. It is a respected university institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students at this school can pursue a Bachelor of Science in health sciences completion degree online. The program is designed for students with associate degrees or those transferring at least 60 college credits. All coursework is completed online, with flexible full-time and part-time options available.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large, private Christian University enrolling around 100,000 students. Though many attend on-campus, many more get their degree online. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges regionally accredited the school.

The school offers the following flexible online health science degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in health sciences
• Master of Arts in medical sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy in health sciences

4. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is another large Christian school enrolling the majority of its students in online programs. It has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. An online Bachelor of Science in health sciences is available. Students complete this program entirely online by taking seven-week courses on their schedule. Up to 90 transfer credits are accepted.

5. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida is a public school awarding both campus-based and online degrees. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The following two programs can be completed in a flexible online program at this school:

• Bachelor of Science in health science - general
• Bachelor of Science in health science - healthcare administration

Start Your Educational Journey Today

Check out one of the online health science degree programs provided above and use Learn.org's immense library of resources to research more information concerning their potential degree or future career.