Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS)

Institution:

Rush University

State:

Illinois

Academic Level:

Baccalaureate

Issue Area:

Academic Program

Program Focus:

Discipline/Subject

Website:

https://www.rushu.rush.edu/college-health-sciences/academic-programs/bachelor-science-bs-health-sciences

Key Personnel:

Brinda Bradaric, PhD

Contact Info:

Brinda_D_Bradaric@rush.edu | 312.563.7997

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) degree completion program’s mission is to prepare highly qualified, diverse graduates interested in pursuing healthcare careers that require advanced levels of professional education. The BSHS program outcome goals are twofold:

Graduate Latino and minority students so they can enter or advance in health science careers that require a bachelor’s degree
Provide Latino and minority students a path to advance their career goals by preparing them for acceptance into a variety of graduate/post-baccalaureate healthcare programs, including but not limited to, medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, respiratory care, health administration, research, and occupational therapy.

Program Description

The BSHS was launched in 2013 at Rush University in collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago – College to Careers initiative to provide minority students a pathway to complete a bachelor's degree focused on healthcare. A cohort model (23 students) is designed to allow for significant student/faculty interaction with individualized plans of study being developed for each student. Each term, students meet with their Academic Advisor and the Student Professional & Career Development Manager (SPCDM). When students receive below 70% on an assessment they are required to meet with the SPCDM. Additionally, faculty meet weekly to discuss support strategies for each student. Programming for students includes professional and personal development seminar series and the opportunity to learn from alumni. During a student’s last term they complete a clinical practicum (approximately 220 hours) where they are able to apply their didactic education at a hospital with various professionals (e.g. OTs, RNs, MDs).

Outcome

Latino students who matriculated Fall 2016 to Fall 2019, 82% graduated, 9% are continuing, 5% military leave and 5% transferred/attrition.
During 2018-2021, 72% of our Latino graduates were accepted into graduate or post-baccalaureate education (e.g. medicine, health systems management, respiratory therapy, medical laboratory sciences, counseling, and occupational therapy).
Of the 2019 graduates, 100% have continued their education. In comparison, according to Hispanic Outlook, only 4% of Latinos are pursuing graduate degrees. In 2017, the Council of Graduate Schools stated 11% of graduate students were Latino.

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