Health Sciences majors engage in courses that will build a firm foundation for careers in clinical health care professions and community health. Students work with faculty to design their HS major to prepare them for graduate programs or working in a health career after graduating from Gettysburg College including the following Health Professions Pathways:
- Medicine or Dentistry: Gettysburg College is a great place to prepare for a career in medicine. Many pre-med students major in Health Sciences, taking foundational courses in human anatomy and physiology and more advanced courses, such as cardiorespiratory physiology and pathophysiology. Students will take their pre-requisite courses in many departments across campus, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English.
Students can choose any major and go to medical school. Popular majors for students who choose to apply to medical school include Health Sciences, Biology, and BMB. In addition to foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, students will also have access to relevant upper-level courses, such as cardiorespiratory physiology and pathophysiology of chronic disease.
- Applying to medical school https://www.gettysburg.edu/academic-programs/pre-health/health-professions/applying
- Physician Assistant Programs: Gettysburg College offers an excellent foundation for pursuing a career as a physician assistant. Health Sciences majors have the opportunity to study foundational courses in human anatomy and physiology, along with advanced courses such as cardiorespiratory physiology and pathophysiology. Students complete their prerequisite coursework across various departments, including Health Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology.
- Physical Therapy: A major in Health Sciences at Gettysburg College is a great option for students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy (PT). We offer foundational courses in human anatomy and physiology with labs, an advanced course in functional anatomy and biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, and an exercise is medicine course. Gettysburg College offers PT pre-requisite courses across other natural and social sciences departments.
- Public Health: Pursuing a Health Sciences major at Gettysburg College is an excellent option for students aiming for a career in public health. Our program includes a foundational course in public health, which prepares students for more advanced classes in epidemiology, exposure assessment in environmental health, global health, and health equity, providing a well-rounded foundation to address pressing public health issues. Students interested in a generalized focus on public health can choose the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Health Sciences.
For students interested in integrating public health studies with public policy studies, Gettysburg College also offers a new major in Public Health Policy. This is a joint major between the Health Sciences department and the Public Policy department. Students take core courses in public health (listed above) and also take foundational and advanced courses in public policy, including a course on health organizations and policy. Students also complete a public health policy internship as a program requirement.
- Nursing: Gettysburg College provides a strong academic foundation for students preparing for a career in nursing. Health Sciences majors have the opportunity to study foundational courses in human anatomy and physiology, along with advanced courses such as cardiorespiratory physiology and pathophysiology. Students complete their prerequisite coursework across various departments, including Health Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology.
- Occupational Therapy: A major in Health Sciences at Gettysburg College is a great option for students interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy (OT). We offer courses in human anatomy and physiology with labs, medical terminology, and functional anatomy and biomechanics. Gettysburg College offers OT pre-requisite courses across other natural and social sciences departments.
- Athletic Training: Pursuing a Health Sciences major at Gettysburg College is an excellent choice for students aiming for a career in athletic training (AT). Our major includes foundational courses in human anatomy and physiology, complete with lab experiences. Students can also take advanced classes in functional anatomy and biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, and an exercise-focused course designed to explore the role of physical activity in health and wellness.