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The Department of Health Sciences offers degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the undergraduate level, the department offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, selecting a concentration that aligns with their career aspirations in the healthcare field. The concentration options include Clinical, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Community Health, and Gerontology. The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences provides a strong foundation for diverse career paths in healthcare, public health, research, administration, and management. Whether students choose to enter the workforce immediately or pursue advanced studeies, this degree prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for success in the evolving healthcare landscape. With a Health Sciences degree, students have the flexibility to explore career opportunities in direct patient care, healthcare administration, public health, research, and beyond. Whether students are interested in hands-on clinical work, policy and management, or technological advancements in healthcare, this degree provides the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career. Students can enter the workforce or continue their education in fields such as Physical Therapy, Ocucupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Nursing, Athletic Traning, Chiropractic Medicine, Speech-Language Pathology, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiologic Technology, Medical Imaging, Surgical Technology, Public Health Education, Community Health, Healthcare Administration and Management, Clinical Research Coordination, Insurance and Health Policy Analyst, Pharmaceutical Sales, Medical Sales, and more.

Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) concentration will be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) exam. Those who earn the COTA® certification from NBCOT are held to the highest standards of professional competence, public safety, ethical conduct, and ongoing recertification for continued proficiency in the field.

At the graduate level, the Health Science Department offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The PA program provides students with superior knowledge and skills for the evaluation, monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of patients across their lifespan, and successful completion of the NCCPA PANCE exam. For additional information, see the Graduate Catalog or the Physician Assistant web page at westfield.ma.edu/PAstudies.

For program and course availability, please contact the Health Science Department directly.

Programs

• Health Sciences, Clinical Concentration, B.S.
• Health Sciences, Community Health Concentration, B.S.
• Health Sciences, Gerontology Concentration, B.S.
• Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy Assistant Concentration, B.S.

Courses

• GERO 0100 - Gerontology Lab
• GERO 0101 - Introduction to Gerontology
• GERO 0201 - Health & Physical Aging
• GERO 0300 - Caregiving and Carework
• GERO 0370 - Gerontology Internship
• GERO 0399 - Independent Study in Gerontology

• HESC 0101 - Introduction to the Health Care Practice
• HESC 0105 - Owl Embroidery Guild
• HESC 0125 - OTA Practice I
• HESC 0175 - Occupational Science I
• HESC 0201 - Human Assessment
• HESC 0225 - OTA Practice II
• HESC 0250 - Medical Ethics
• HESC 0275 - Occupational Science II
• HESC 0310 - Level I Fieldwork Pediatric Population
• HESC 0325 - OTA Practice III
• HESC 0330 - Level I Fieldwork Adult Population
• HESC 0335 - OTA Practice IV
• HESC 0350 - Research Methods in Evidence Based Practice
• HESC 0375 - Occupational Science III
• HESC 0380 - Public Health Intervention
• HESC 0390 - Level II Fieldwork Placement I
• HESC 0391 - Level II Fieldwork Placement II
• HESC 0395 - OTA Baccalaureate Project
• HESC 0399 - Independent Study: Health Sciences

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