What are the top brick-and-mortar and online colleges and universities for health science?

Many different factors play into what defines the top health science colleges. For example, tuition costs are an important element to consider. City University New York (CUNY), Lehman College‘s incredible yearly tuition of only $2,565 for in-state residents rates it as 1 of the top health science universities for students looking for an affordable education.

The school also ranks in the top 150 for regional universities, adding value to the bargain price. CUNY, Lehman College also ranks high in areas like faculty quality, class size and financial aid, with a highly credentialed staff, a student to faculty ratio of 14:1 and an 84.8% rate of financial assistance.

Prestige is also a factor in determining what makes a top school. Highly ranked schools, such as University of Miami, which is rated in the top 40 for national universities, often offer a wide selection of elements which contribute to the high ranking. In University of Miami’s case, this accredited health science university has a very selective application process, an excellent location for cultural diversity and extracurricular activities, extensive research facilities, a high graduation rate and a 90% freshman retention rate.

On the whole, online programs tend to rate lower on ranking systems like U.S. News & World Report due to the remote nature of distance learning. Hands on-experience, internship opportunities and actual clinical or hospital observation can greatly affect a bachelor in health science program and most online schools cannot offer these opportunities as readily as brick-and-mortar schools.

What extracurricular activities should I pursue when I am studying health science in college?

The best health science colleges have clubs for students majoring in health science degrees. These are often run through the department the program is housed in. These clubs are excellent ways to network and learn about career opportunities, acquire internships or summer jobs and to prepare for graduate school or a career after graduation.

Many health science universities also have chartered chapters of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). Students who are part of this national organization can get involved in leadership by running for chapter or national council government positions or by attending an annual leadership conference.

If you are interested in getting leadership experience in a broader setting, consider getting involved with campus government. Many schools have a student senate or elected positions and these roles can and do plan and organize events, projects and programs for the entire campus. The types of skills you acquire in a role like this can translate well into a career in healthcare administration.

Students enrolled in health science online colleges won’t have as many of these options available, but, thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to find people who share your interests. Websites like meetup.com make help students to find other health science students or professionals nearby for study sessions, lectures, museum trips or even dinner parties.

What volunteer opportunities will I have at my brick-and-mortar or online health science university?

Many students enrolled in colleges for health science choose to volunteer at hospitals. These types of volunteers are often needed and students in both on-campus and online programs should find it relatively easy to enroll in volunteer service at a local hospital.

Volunteers help with a range of services, from working in reception or the gift shops, to assisting with filing, to helping with duties like changing bed sheets. This experience is an excellent introduction to the hospital environment and can provide a good view of what working in the medical field can be like.

A health science college student may also consider volunteering in organizations that can enhance leadership skills. For example, acting as a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop assistant leader or joining a community service organization like Rotary or Kiwanis International can help hone organizational, planning and management abilities, all useful tools to have after graduating from a health science universities.

Many government agencies also offer volunteer opportunities, on the local, state and national levels. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute of Health (NIH) are 2 national agencies that use volunteers to assist with clerical work, clinical support services, reception and patient ambassadors. Local health clinics and state health departments often use volunteers for administrative tasks, emergency assistance, technical support and interpretive services.