Department of Applied Health Sciences

Help shape a better world through service, advocacy, and compassion.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of Applied Health Sciences, you’ll learn to expand the limits of known knowledge for innovation, service, and leadership within dynamic healthcare settings.

You'll participate in hands-on learning in professional settings, collaborate with experienced professors, and prepare for a wide range of careers through a holistic education—all within a faith-based community.

Majors, minors, and programs

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Learning opportunities


In our programs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to travel the world, get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.

  • Real-world experience. You’ll engage in cross-departmental networking, internships, and multi-semester human subject research.
  • Holistic coursework. Your coursework integrates biology, chemistry, physics, and social sciences with research-based applications to human health.
  • Preparation for life after Bethel. You’ll engage in client care experience, observations, and networking opportunities facilitated by clubs and peer-to-peer mentoring.

Faith integration


You’ll study the core concepts of applied health sciences from a Christian perspective, integrating faith into your coursework.

Become a Christ-guided healthcare professional


At Bethel, you’ll grow in leadership and service while gaining hands-on client care experience, observations, and networking opportunities. You’ll leave Bethel ready to succeed as a compassionate, Christ-centered healthcare professional.

Comprehensive skills for success


You’ll develop both hard and soft skills through interdisciplinary collaborations, internships, and human subject research. You’ll apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, building a robust portfolio that prepares you for your career journey.

Preparation for life beyond Bethel


You’ll be ready for your future, whether it's graduate school or employment. Many students pursue further education in fields like physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more. You can also pursue health coaching, fitness, medical device sales, and pharmaceutical research.

Holistic health and wellness


You’ll learn in cross-disciplinary degrees that blend biology, chemistry, physics, and social sciences with practical applications in human health. You’ll study nutrition, fitness, and disease prevention, adopting a client-centered care approach and developing lifelong learning skills to thrive in various health-related professions.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in applied health sciences prepares you for diverse career paths and further education.

Skills


You’ll learn:

  • Critical thinking
  • Research
  • Analysis
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Data interpretation
  • Patient care
  • Laboratory techniques
  • Health promotion

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work in fields like:

  • Healthcare administration
  • Clinical research
  • Public health
  • Health education
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Hospital management
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Health informatics
  • Medical device development

 

Graduate school


You can go on to study:

  • Physical therapy
  • Physician assistant
  • Chiropractic
  • Medicine
  • Exercise physiology
  • Occupational therapy
  • Biomedicine

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Taite Anderson

Degree: Biokinetics

At Bethel, Taite found that her experience as a student in Bethel's applied health sciences department was about more than just coursework and books. She gained valuable skills for her career in a a supportive and faith-based community. Professors weren't just teachers; they were mentors who helped her grow, both intellectually and spiritually.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

Department of Applied Health Sciences


Location

Hagstrom Center (HC) 400

Contact

Leah Jackson

Leah Jackson

Leah Jackson

Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences

Bio >

Christopher Carroll

Christopher Carroll

Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences

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Seth Paradis

Seth Paradis

Professor of Applied Health Sciences

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Leah Qubty

Leah Qubty

Assistant Professor of Applied Health Sciences

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Justin Byers

Justin Byers

Adjunct Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences

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Andrew Fernelius

Adjunct Instructor of Applied Health Sciences

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Jon Herbrechtsmeyer

Adjunct Instructor of Applied Health Sciences

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Rick Meyer

Adjunct Instructor of Applied Health Sciences

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Jamie Dolieslager

Jamie Dolieslager

Associate Professor of Athletic Training Emerita

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Neal Dutton

Neal Dutton

Associate Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

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Steven Henkel

Steven Henkel

Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

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Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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