Why Major in Applied Health Science?
The Applied Health Science major at Northwest prepares students for careers in the health, fitness, and wellness industry and for graduate studies in areas such as athletic training, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Students graduating from the program are prepared to develop and deliver comprehensive health and wellness programs that enhance physical, cognitive, and psychosocial well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.
Courses in the Applied Health Science program include content such as human anatomy, the positioning and function of bones, and muscles, and their relationships within the human body; human physiology, the study of the interrelationship between organs and organ systems; exercise science, how the body reacts and performs with physical activity; promoting health, teaching health-related and disease prevention concepts to the general public.
Message from the Advisor
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Terry Long |
Northwest has made a commitment to addressing the significant demand for well-trained professionals who are able to resolve the health and wellness-related challenges facing our communities. The applied health science degree will be an integral part of this effort, as it prepares students to enter directly into a variety of health and wellness professions, and pursue advanced degrees in athletic training, occupational therapy, nursing, sport psychology and other health-related areas of study. Students will specialize their course of study to focus on areas such as exercise science or aging studies. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to study and practice in what is one of the most in-demand and fastest growing job markets in America.
Career Opportunities
Below is a list of possible career opportunities and job titles:
| Career Opportunities | Job Titles | Sampling of employers hiring students |
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Profession-Based Learning Experiences
The Mozingo Outdoor Recreation Area, (MOERA) offers more than 320 acres of land dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities for Northwest students.
The Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center is available for students to gain experiences in managing facilities, developing programs and personal training.
Students experience between 480 and 560 hours of profession-based opportunities during supervised internships lasting 12 to 16 weeks. Internships are available at cardiac rehabilitation facilities, private and not-for-profit wellness and fitness centers, municipal health agencies, senior centers, long-term care facilities and athletic training centers.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $7,500. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $3,588 for in-state students and $9,804 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
Nearly $22 Million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
