Why study allied health at BGSU?
- Fast track to healthcare career growth. Students with an associate’s degree from an accredited allied health program can seamlessly transfer courses to BGSU and complete the online allied health bachelor’s degree in as little as one year.
- Academic excellence. The online allied health degree curriculum is rigorous. Our low faculty-to-student ratio ensues quality instruction and mentorship opportunities.
- Tailored to your goals. Allied health students come from a broad range of healthcare backgrounds. Our curriculum integrates 29-40 credit hours of suggested coursework that allows for additional instruction in your area of interest or practice.
- Faculty expertise. Our instructors have extensive clinical experience, lead key research initiatives and actively engage with health industry leaders.
- Flexibility to fit your schedule. The online allied health degree “Pathway to Completion” courses are spread over five sessions, eight weeks each. Get started at the beginning of any session.
Millions of new healthcare employees will be needed in the next decade – more than in any other industry – and many of those positions will be in the allied health field.
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Career - what can you do with an allied health degree?
Your associate’s degree in healthcare got you in the door. A bachelor’s degree in allied health from BGSU gets you a seat at the leadership table.
Careers with an allied health degree run the gamut, but the common denominator is the pursuit of more senior positions with greater job security and earning power. The goal is to build on prior learning while emphasizing leadership skills like communication, problem-solving, computing and navigation of modern healthcare systems.
Higher earning power is a leading motivator for many students. Exact salary ranges depend on the particulars of your career path and where you practice. But allied health professionals are typically in demand and well compensated. Going from an associate’s to a bachelor’s degree can mean a 20-40% jump in salary.
Department management, clinical coordination, program director roles – all are possibilities with an allied health degree. BGSU offers an expanded knowledge base in healthcare systems and administration and evidence-based practice. Your voice will carry greater weight in interdisciplinary teams, and your insights will be influential in shaping policy and practice.
An allied health degree is also a solid foundation for further education. It’s a great stepping stone for those interested in a master’s or doctoral degree that will allow for advanced practice, professional certifications, research roles or teaching positions.
Relevant to 80+ allied health professions, including…
- Health information technologist
- Medical sonographer
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Medical assistant
- Respiratory therapist
- Dental hygienist
- Physical therapy assistant
- Dietetic technician
- Radiology assistant
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to help working allied healthcare professionals develop the practical skills employers increasingly demand from allied health leaders. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices, healthcare disparities, economic and legal considerations in healthcare that will set you apart as you seek advanced career opportunities.
You have the potential to graduate from the BGSU allied health bachelor’s degree program in just one year if you transfer associate’s degree credits from an accredited allied health program.
Personalized academic advising helps students create a customized path that takes into account your prior education and experience.
Sample courses
- Research Methods Public/Allied Health
- Diversity in the Experience of Aging
- Policies in Healthcare
- Introduction to Public Health
- Introduction to Human Disease
- Introduction to Addictions and Substance Abuse
- Health and Aging
- Issues in Healthcare Administration
- Case Studies in Healthcare Admin
- Allied Health Educator
Is my associate degree coursework transferable?
Prospective students with associate degrees from accredited allied health programs with appropriate prerequisites can transfer coursework to BGSU – and ultimately earn their BSAH in as little as one year. The number of credits needed to complete the program will vary based on how many credits you transfer. At least 30 credit hours must be completed at BGSU to earn your degree.
Eligibility for all course transfers must be reviewed and approved by the BGSU Office of Registration and Records. If certain coursework is not eligible, additional prerequisites must be met, and degree completion may take longer.
Request an unofficial transfer credit estimate by emailing us. Our team will help you map out a personalized path to graduation.
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BGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation — and the only one in Ohio — to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.
The allied health program is part of the Department of Public and Allied Health in the BGSU College of Health and Human Services.
Updated: 11/25/2025 10:02AM