Bachelor of Health Science

Students learn to think critically about various individual and public health issues and gain knowledge in the health care system, human disease, and disability, leadership, and patient communication. Graduates go on to earn professional or graduate degrees in professions such as medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, nursing, and health administration.

Educating the Next Generation of Health Care Professionals

The Health Science major is the first step toward a career in the rewarding field of health care.

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100% of Health Science students graduate within 4 years.

87.7% of students who apply to graduate or professional programs are accepted before they graduate with their BHS degree.

99% of students are satisfied or very satisfied with their Health Science academic preparation.


Program Overview

We firmly believe that the most effective health care professionals not only treat a patient’s ailment or condition, but also develop a sincere concern for the patient as a person. Thus, our program’s mission is to emphasize patient-centered care with the aim of helping you better understand health care from both the patient and professional points of view. Students who graduate our program complete coursework to help them:

  • Learn the basic tenets of the US health care system,
  • Better understand the lived experience of someone diagnosed with a disease and/or living with a disability,
  • Understanding the societal and environmental factors that impact health,
  • Communicate with patients to develop rapport and trust,
  • Understand the biological underpinnings of various diseases and conditions,
  • Mature as a health care leader, and
  • Be able to critically evaluate and analyze information to make informed, ethical health care decisions

In addition, we recognize that students entering the health professions are incredibly busy outside the classroom. Whether working, volunteering, shadowing, or conducting research, the demands placed upon students are significant. As such, each core class has multiple sections to choose from so that students can design a class schedule that works within their extracurricular demands. Moreover, the multiple sections allow the program to keep a low faculty-to-student ratio.


Choose the Pathway That’s Right for You

Combined Degree Options


Meet Our Students

Isabella Arias

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Arias, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate in the Bachelor of Health Science on the pre-physician assistant (PA…

Devin Valdes

Devin Valdes Hi everyone! My name is Devin Valdes, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate combination degree student in the Bachelor of Health…

Devin Valdes headshot

Roxana Garcia

Hi everyone! My name is Roxana Garcia. I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Science Honors program on the pre-dental…


Applying to the Program

Applying to the Program

Current UF Students

Program information for current UF students interested in the Health Science program.

Applying to the Program

Transfer Students

Information for students transferring into UF who are also interested in applying to the Health Science program.

A Message From the Program Director

Thank you for considering the Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) program. Our exceptional undergraduate program prepares students to improve lives and communities through careers in health care. BHS students learn the importance of providing effective patient-centered care, how to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams and the need for evidence-based practice. Our faculty and staff provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment focused on building core competencies in science, critical thinking, teamwork, therapeutic communication and ethical reasoning. The BHS program incorporates innovative curricula that promote student engagement and active learning. Finally, graduates become competitive applicants to professional programs such as medicine (physicians and physician assistants), dentistry, and rehabilitation programs, including physical and occupational therapy.

— Jamie Pomeranz, Ph.D.

Jamie P