University of North Florida

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree provides a broad grounding in the biological, behavioural and clinical sciences that underpin allied health practice. Core areas typically include human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, medical terminology, clinical assessment and diagnostic techniques, rehabilitation principles, and evidence-based practice.

• Foundations: courses in anatomy & physiology, general and organic chemistry, microbiology and statistics to build life-science literacy.
• Clinical knowledge: modules covering diagnostic modalities, clinical reasoning, patient assessment, pharmacology basics and disease processes.
• Intervention and treatment: training in therapeutic intervention approaches, rehabilitation principles, assistive technologies and basic therapeutic modalities.
• Professional practice: health care ethics, clinical communication, cultural competence and health systems/management topics.
• Applied learning: laboratory classes, simulation sessions and supervised clinical practicums or internships that give hands-on experience in hospital and community settings.
• Capstone and research: a research methods module and a capstone project or practicum that integrates clinical assessment, evidence appraisal and patient-centred planning.

The programme structure balances required core courses with electives that allow students to focus on areas of interest such as diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation sciences, clinical laboratory techniques, or health informatics. Placement and practicum components are arranged in partnership with regional healthcare providers to ensure workplace-ready skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with a strong science background. Typical entry expectations include:

• a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent;
• completion of prerequisite subjects such as biology and chemistry (or willingness to complete them before advanced clinical courses);
• a competitive cumulative grade point average reflecting readiness for university-level study.

Selection may also consider a personal statement, relevant volunteer or work experience in healthcare, and academic references. Some clinical placements require background checks, immunisation records and basic life-support (CPR) certification before placement; applicants should be prepared to meet these professional-entry conditions. Transfer applicants from community colleges or other universities are assessed on prior coursework and credits.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme move into a wide range of allied health roles or continue to postgraduate professional training. Common career directions include:

• clinical/support roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health settings;
• positions as allied health assistants or technologists in diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, or laboratory services;
• progression to professional degrees such as physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, clinical laboratory science, diagnostic imaging programmes or nursing, where the bachelor provides a strong preparatory foundation;
• careers in health administration, case management, health education, clinical research or medical device and pharmaceutical industries.

The programme’s applied elements and placement links help graduates develop employable clinical skills, professional networks and the practical experience sought by employers and postgraduate admissions panels.

Why study at University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers allied health students access to a regionally connected campus with hands-on learning facilities and active partnerships across local healthcare providers. Students benefit from the university’s emphasis on experiential education, including simulation labs, skills suites and supervised clinical placements that bring classroom learning into real-world care environments.

UNF’s smaller class sizes in health programmes support close faculty mentoring and advising, while interdisciplinary opportunities enable collaboration with nursing, public health and biomedical science students. Career services and the university’s professional networks assist with internship placement, licensure guidance and transitions into employment or postgraduate training, making UNF a practical choice for students aiming to enter allied health professions.