CHCS - Perspectives Summer/Fall 2017

28 Nova Southeastern University Health Sciences Online and On-Site Programs Bachelor of Health Science Program Recognized by BestColleges.com BestColleges.com — a leading provider of higher education information and resources—has ranked the NSU College of Health Care Sciences’ online Bachelor of Health Science Program sixth in the United States. The online Bachelor of Health Science completion program prepares its students for success in health care by building on their knowledge as health care professionals. The program does not require on-campus time for its students and boasts a 71.6 percent graduation rate, which is more than 25 percent higher than the NSU average. Many hospitals and other health care providers are requiring professionals to obtain a bachelor’s degree, and the college’s online, interdisciplinary program helps students get there efficiently. Professionals choosing to pursue their Bachelor of Health Science degree at NSU include respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, ultrasound technicians, and many more. “When it was first launched in 2003, our Bachelor of Health Science Program was one of very few such programs,” said T. Christopher Mitchell, M.S., program director and assistant professor. “Today, many other institutions have replicated it.” This marks the second time the program has been recognized as one of the best online health science programs in the country. In 2014, it ranked No. 17 among “The 25 Best Bachelor’s in Health Science Degree Programs” by TheBestSchools.org . The program is proud to have been able to retain this distinction. According to BestColleges.com’ s recent “2017 Online Education Trend Report,” online learning opportunities are expanding at a rapid clip. Students are flocking to online colleges for new reasons, with 72 percent of students motivated by career- related goals. Online learning also opens up educational opportunities to students who cannot pursue traditional on-campus degree programs. In fact, 50 percent of today’s students see online programs as the only option to get their education because of existing commitments or extenuating circumstances, such as work, family, or disabilities. “Online education opportunities continue to increase at an incredible rate, and this gives many more prospective students the ability to learn and build career-related skills,” said Stephanie Snider, general manager at BestColleges.com . “As one of the best online Bachelor of Health Science programs in the nation, Nova Southeastern University is clearly committed to providing excellent education opportunities that will shape the future of the health care industry.” BestColleges.com’ s rankings use a methodology grounded in statistical data compiled from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. ● For more information, go to healthsciences.nova.edu/health -sciences/bhs/index.html. T. Christopher Mitchell receives the Bachelor of Health Science Program award for his outstanding contributions to the program.