B.S. in Allied Health

The B.S. in Allied Health degree gives students the foundation for the future diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of illness, as well as promoting disease prevention and supporting the healthcare system in a variety of settings. The allied health field encompasses a broad range of health professionals, including but not limited to occupational therapists, dietitians, dental hygienists, cardiovascular technologists and many more.

The allied health program at Biola places Christ-like compassion at the core of holistic healthcare, helping people get back into living active, healthy lives. The program offers several key advantages:

Collaborative healthcare learning opportunities through the Health Careers Club provides abundant opportunities to explore the breadth of health careers and the interconnectedness of these careers.

Bring faith to work and infuse one of Christ’s missions — to heal and serve the hurting — in a field that supports patients as they overcome barriers to enjoy their daily life.
Stand out in graduate school applications since allied health professions often require graduate degrees. Be equipped with the experience and strategic approach to applying to master’s and doctoral programs in allied health disciplines at major national universities.
Well-equipped laboratories at the Lim Center offer hands-on experience and opportunities to put your learning into action.
Be mentored by expert faculty who integrate their Christian faith into their lives as researchers, teachers and ministers in local or global communities. Students have opportunities to be involved in directed research with faculty, participate in presentations at various conferences and co-author peer-reviewed journal articles. Learn more about our faculty and student research.

Concentrations

General Health
The general health concentration provides an excellent foundation to prepare for careers in the allied health field, and allows you to choose from a wide range of electives across several departments to tailor to your specific interests or career requirements.
Pre-Occupational Therapy
The pre-occupational therapy concentration forges a clear path to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the occupational therapy field. Occupational therapy is a discipline that seeks to provide rehabilitation for people experiencing barriers to meaningful activities due to physical injuries or difficulties with cognitive or mental illnesses.

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Courses

What will I study as an allied health major?

As a major in allied health, you will take foundational courses in biology and chemistry, in addition to a variety of applied topics including psychology, statistics and environmental health. A few course highlights include:

Human Anatomy (BIOS 254)

An introduction to the basic structure and function of the human body. Laboratory emphasis varies from section to section to meet the needs of the different majors. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lectures, one hour pre-lab, three hours laboratory. Notes: Cadavers are used. Grade Mode: A, N.

Medical Terminology (BIOS 346)

This course will provide an overview of the abbreviations and terminology used in medical settings. An overview of the human body, conditions, and procedures in correspondence with medical abbreviations will be taught in this course.

Exercise in Health and Disease Credits (KNES 337)

Theoretical and practical examination of relationships and scientific aspects of exercise to health and disease. Influences and effects of exercise on health status, human performance, chronic diseases, and dysfunctions.

Bible and Theology Coursework

As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health?

The B.S. in Allied Health degree will prepare graduates to enter and excel in graduate school with confidence in their academic knowledge, practical skills and faith integration. Professions in the allied health discipline consistently rank high as one of the top and recession-proof jobs in the nation.

Occupational Therapist
Wellness Manager
Healthcare Administrator and Operations Manager
Clinic Manager
Orthotist and Prosthetist
Dietetics
Medical Librarian
Cardiovascular Technician
Community Health Worker
Medical Dosimetrist
Neurodiagnostic Technologist

Explore the Biola Office of Health Professions Advising (BOHPA), a distinctive of Biola, that provides experienced advice for navigating your healthcare journey, resources for taking qualifying exams like the GRE and MCAT, mock interviews, clinical shadowing experiences with health professionals, and strategic advice for applying to postgraduate programs.

11% job growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for occupational therapists is projected to be much faster than average between 2023 and 2033.

BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.

Admissions

Admissions Process

Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.

Schedule a Visit

Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.

Faculty

Faculty Spotlight

Andre Woo

Director of Occupational Therapy Program

OTD, University of Southern California
M.A., University of Southern California

Faculty Spotlight

Harvey Havoonjian

Director, Office of Health Professions Advising

M.D., University of California, Los Angeles
B.S., University of California, Riverside

Faculty Spotlight

Kit Ng

Program Chair of Biological Sciences

Ph.D., University of California, Davis
B.S., University of California, Davis

Meet All Program Faculty

B.S. in Allied Health

Program at a Glance

Format

Total Credits

Standard Completion Time

Accreditation

Concentrations

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Courses

What will I study as an allied health major?

Human Anatomy (BIOS 254)

Medical Terminology (BIOS 346)

Exercise in Health and Disease Credits (KNES 337)

Bible and Theology Coursework

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health?

11% job growth

Admissions

Admissions Process

Schedule a Visit

Tuition and Financial Aid

Faculty

Andre Woo

Harvey Havoonjian

Kit Ng

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