background 0background 1background 2background 3

Immigration Rights and Resources for the Campus Community

Breadcrumb

Health & Medical Science, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Health & Medical Science offers a dynamic foundation in the biological, social, and behavioral sciences, preparing students for healthcare careers or advanced study in fields like medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy. The program connects students with hands-on experiences through local internships and shadowing opportunities, equipping them with the skills, insight, and confidence to thrive in a wide range of health professions.

Why This Program

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Our program provides essential knowledge over a wide range of healthcare disciplines to prepare you for careers in the discipline of your choice. 

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Internships, clinical experiences, and job shadowing opportunities allow you to apply theoretical knowledge, gain real-world exposure, and make informed career choices. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

As the only university on the Northern California coast, we are a key educational hub for the region. We partner with healthcare facilities in the community to grow and nurture our hands-on learning objectives while providing key clinical services to the community.

Image
A professor pointing to a monitor in a lab

Program Emphases

This concentration offers a focused, academically rigorous pathway for students aspiring to become Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), as well as those interested in related healthcare professions.

Students gain early exposure to the medical field through direct instruction by experienced faculty, immersive learning experiences, and access to advanced laboratory facilities. Structured internships and hands-on opportunities allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced study in MD or DO programs, or to explore diverse career paths within the health and medical sciences. They emerge prepared to thrive in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

This concentration offers a comprehensive and structured pathway for students preparing to pursue graduate studies in physical therapy or related health professions. Foundational coursework includes: anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and kinesiology, providing students with the scientific knowledge essential for advanced clinical training.

Students benefit from direct instruction by experienced faculty, early exposure to the physical therapy profession, and extensive hands-on learning opportunities. State-of-the-art Kinesiology laboratories and structured internships enable students to develop practical skills and gain meaningful experience in real-world settings. Whether planning to enter a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program or explore a range of careers in health and medical sciences, graduates are well-prepared to succeed in competitive and evolving healthcare environments.

This concentration provides a focused and academically rigorous pathway for students planning to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant or in related healthcare fields.

Coursework includes: biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and the social sciences, preparing students with the scientific and clinical knowledge essential for admission to Physician Assistant graduate programs.

Students benefit from early exposure to the healthcare environment through instruction by experienced faculty, immersive learning opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Structured internships and hands-on clinical experiences enable students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Graduates are well-prepared for entry into competitive Physician Assistant programs and for success in a broad range of health and medical science careers. The program equips students to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare landscape with confidence and competence.

This concentration prepares students for critical roles in diagnostic healthcare by providing the knowledge and skills required for clinical laboratory practice.

Students receive a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics, and gain hands-on experience through laboratory coursework and practical training essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Taught by experienced faculty and supported by modern lab facilities, the program blends academic rigor with precision laboratory experience. Students are encouraged to complete structured internships in accredited institutions or reference laboratories to further enhance their professional readiness and receive academic credit.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue California or National certification as Clinical Laboratory Scientists (also known as Medical Laboratory Scientists) and are qualified for employment in clinical laboratories, public health agencies, biotechnology firms, and research institutions.

This concentration offers a targeted, rigorous academic foundation for students aspiring to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree or careers in related healthcare fields.

This interdisciplinary program combines core coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, providing the scientific and clinical background essential for admission to pharmacy graduate programs. Students gain early exposure to pharmaceutical concepts and practices through instruction by expert faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and access to advanced biology and chemistry laboratory facilities.

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, including laboratory-based learning and opportunities for structured internships that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. Through this comprehensive preparation, graduates are well-positioned to enter competitive Pharm.D. programs and succeed in diverse roles within the health and medical sciences.

This concentration equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare with confidence and professionalism.

Did you know?

Jobs in healthcare continue to grow in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% increase in healthcare jobs between now and 2033 which translates to around 2 million new jobs in healthcare and nursing - much faster than the average for all occupations. Combining Cal Poly Humboldt’s commitment to applied, interdisciplinary learning with foundational scientific rigor, this program will prepare you for a dynamic range of healthcare careers. 

A student in front of a minor with a medical graphic on it

Careers

The Health & Medical Science, B.S. equips students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s changing career landscape.

  • Medical Doctor
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Physician assistants  
  • Physical Therapist
  • Clinical Lab Scientist/Medical Scientist
  • Pharmacist
     

Ready to find what
your future holds?