Job outlook
98%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
98%
of College of Health and Human Services undergraduate students had instructors who made them excited about learning
95%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates participated in experience-driven learning
Pursue a B.S. in Healthcare Services and Rehabilitation Sciences
Pursue a B.S. in Healthcare Services and Rehabilitation Sciences
The Healthcare Services and Rehabilitation Sciences program is designed for students who plan to pursue graduate education in rehabilitation sciences and related healthcare fields. You'll complete coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, healthcare systems, health policy and research while developing critical thinking and communication skills. The curriculum provides flexibility to align your studies with your career goals and the prerequisites required by your preferred graduate program. Through classroom learning and applied experiences, you'll gain a deeper understanding of patient care, healthcare systems and evidence-based practice.
Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy
Our curriculum provides a strong foundation to continue to graduate-level OT or PT programs to ultimately become a licensed therapist. In addition, this program offers you practical experience through an experience-driven learning internship, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Blindness and Low Vision Studies
This course of study prepares you to apply to two of WMU's Blindness and Low Vision Studies accelerated graduate programs. Some of our courses can be accepted for credit in these graduate programs, reducing the number of graduate credit hours needed.
We’ll prepare you with the necessary biomedical background, plus we’ll help instill professionalism, communication skills, skills in using research to make decisions, and we’ll help you understand our rapidly changing health care systems and policies.
What you'll learn
What you'll learn
You'll build a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, healthcare systems and rehabilitation-focused studies. Coursework explores healthcare management, health policy, diversity and inclusion, health literacy, legal issues and psychosocial aspects of health and healthcare. You'll also strengthen your ability to use research to guide decision-making, communicate effectively with diverse populations and understand the changing healthcare landscape. Elective coursework allows you to tailor your academic experience to support future graduate study and career goals.
Test your skills while you're still learning through a capstone experience. You'll complete an internship, professional project or research project that you can add to your resume.
The professors and instructors I’ve had at CHHS have been the best and my favorites. They try to get to know you as both a student and a person, which is something I value. The instructors here have a “learning through doing” approach to their classes which I appreciate a lot.
Where you'll be after graduation
Where you'll be after graduation
Many students continue into graduate programs in rehabilitation sciences and related healthcare professions. The program provides preparation for occupational therapy, physical therapy, blindness and low vision studies and other graduate healthcare programs. Graduates enter advanced study with a strong understanding of healthcare systems, research, professionalism and patient-centered care.
Career pathways
- Occupational Therapy (graduate education required)
- Physical Therapy (graduate education required)
- Blindness and Low Vision Studies
- Rehabilitation Services
- Community Health Programs
- Healthcare Support and Coordination
What others have achieved
What others have achieved
Alayna Sutherland
Alayna chose HSS OT because she knew it would be a major with diverse healthcare information from many different areas which would help her become a well-rounded, knowledgeable occupational therapist. Alayna is in the WMU OTD program and looks forward to being a practicing OT after graduate school.
Making the most of your learning experience
Your learning extends beyond the classroom through a required capstone experience. You'll complete an internship, research project or professional project that allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences help you build professional skills, strengthen your network and gain practical experience before graduate school or employment. Faculty advisors work closely with students to identify coursework and experiences that support individual career goals.
Scholarships
What scholarships are available for the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services and Rehabilitation Sciences?
Western Michigan University offers a range of institutional scholarships and grants to help make a high-quality education affordable, including merit-based awards, need-based grants and departmental scholarships. Many students receive financial support—99% of full-time undergraduates with financial need receive aid—and scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. The University’s financial aid team works closely with students and families to navigate options, from admissions scholarships like the Medallion program to funding identified through Scholarship Universe, WMU’s scholarship-matching tool. With personalized support, financial resources and a commitment to access, WMU helps students identify funding opportunities and manage the cost of their education.
Other Healthcare Services and Sciences majors
Other degrees of interest
Healthcare Services and Sciences Clinical Practice is Health (BS)
Healthcare Services and Sciences (BS)
