Health Professions Career Explorer

The need for substance use counselors is on the rise. The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley’s School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling first fully online undergraduate major at UTRGV – all major courses are available online – will help you meet the qualifications to become an addiction professional.

This program leads to a profession which requires an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001. This requires that all applicants seeking to become licensed must undergo a criminal background check prior to licensure.

A Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies degree program within the School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling has stated a mission of preparing students to become addiction counseling specialists. Graduates will enter the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment and assist individuals to overcome their addictions and healthy lives, independent lives.

*For more information, see the Addiction Studies Program page.

Addiction Studies – B.S.
Classes/Credits	39/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition & Fees ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as an addictions counseling specialists or Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling, Health Science, and others.
Average Salary	$43,300.00 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

American Sign Language and Interpretation (Communication Studies), Bachelor of Science

A Bachelor of Science degree in American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation will advance the field by preparing future ASL interpreter professionals. Our mission is to prepare entry-level practitioners who are capable of managing the intercultural demands and complex cognitive tasks for conveying dynamically equivalent messages between ASL and English. Upon successful completion of the degree students will demonstrate foundational competencies in the areas of language, understanding the culture of the Deaf community, and demonstrate professional behaviors for Sign Language Interpreters. Graduates will be eligible for state and national ASL Interpreter certification and/or a specialized state certification in the area of Tri-lingual Interpretation.

*For more information, see the ASLI page.

American Sign Language and Interpretation (Spanish Translation and Interpreting), Bachelor of Science

This program prepares students to work in the American Sign Language (ASL) and Interpretation field. Our mission is to prepare entry-level practitioners capable of managing the intercultural demands and complex cognitive tasks for conveying dynamically equivalent messages between ASL, English and Spanish. Upon successful completion of the degree students will demonstrate foundational competencies in the areas of language, understanding the culture of the Deaf community and demonstrating professional behaviors for sign language interpreters. Graduates will be eligible for state and national ASL interpreter certification and a specialized state certification in tri-lingual interpretation.

The Spanish Translation and Interpretation concentration is for students seeking to work as ASL professionals in Spanish-influenced settings. Students will apply the development of analytical skills, cultural literacy, linguistic competence and professionalism to the field of tri-lingual interpretation.

*For more information, see the ASLI page.

American Sign Language Interpretation – B.S.
Classes/Credits	39/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition & Fees ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as a language interpreter and are eligible for state and national ASL Interpreter certification and/or a specialized state certification in the area of Tri-lingual Interpretation.
Average Salary	$49,930.00 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Faster than average

The Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is pleased to offer an updated BMED Program, which launched in fall 2015. This degree explores the application of powerful modern bioscience approaches such as molecular cell biology, molecular genetics and genomics, as well as anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience to human health. It is a preparatory degree for tomorrow’s health care professionals and leaders and thus prepares students for successful admission to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant programs as well as graduate studies in biomedical sciences.

Format: Portions of the coursework and academic resources will be delivered online. In addition to the online component, students will attend face to face weekly classes with faculty and participate in face-to-face coached study hours and team building courses, all meant to enhance learning.
Innovative curriculum design: Our faculty has spent years redesigning courses that integrate topics and other materials to ensure your understanding, as well as prepare you for success in medical school, graduate school, or a health sciences profession.
Enhanced student services: In addition to the wealth of student services offered by UTRGV, BMED students will have a robust community of support available to them. BMED students will receive valuable advising via a dedicated Program Manager who will help you get the most out of your education. In addition, the program will offer Instructional Facilitator, tutors and peer mentors who work closely with the faculty of record to assist students in their studies in order to achieve academic excellence.
Student Research, Clinical and Volunteering opportunities: Students get experiential learning opportunities through our Independent Research coursework, Biomedical Freshman Research Initiative, Clinical opportunities (competitive) and Volunteering through our various Student led Organizations such as Medical Brigades.

*For more information, see the BMED Program page.

Biomedical Sciences – B.S.
Classes/Credits	63/120
Time to Complete	4 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition & Fees ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for Medical School, Dental School and Other Professional Health/Research Advanced Degree Programs
Average Salary	$82,090 with a Doctoral or Professional Degree
Hiring Demand	Faster than Average

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMD) is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for graduate studies in COMD. Upon completion of the Bachelor degree, students are eligible for licensure to practice in the State of Texas as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant.

*For more information, see the Communication Sciences & Disorders Program page.

Communication Sciences & Disorders – B.S.
Classes/Credits	40/120
Time to Complete	4 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for work as Speech Language Pathology Assistant or Graduate School for Speech Language Pathology
Average Salary	$76,610.00 with a Master’s as a Speech Language Pathologist
Hiring Demand	Faster than Average

The Department of Health and Human Performance has a focus on preparing Exercise Science majors to function professionally in a changing and diverse society, and to improve the quality of life through the understanding, delivering and promotion of health, physical activity, and wellness. Exercise Scientist work in a variety of settings include gyms, worksite health programs, hospitals and other settings.

*For more information, see the Exercise Science Program page.

Exercise Sciences – B.S.
Classes/Credits	42/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as an Exercise Scientist and can go forward to OT School, PT, School, Medical School or other Graduate Programs.
Average Salary	$49,090 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

The Department of Health and Human Performance has a focus on preparing Health majors to function professionally in a changing and diverse society, and to improve the quality of life through the understanding, delivering and promotion of health, physical activity, and wellness as health education specialists.

What is a health education specialist?

A health education specialist teaches behaviors that promote wellness. They develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities.

Health education specialists offer knowledge, skills and training that complements the work of others — health care providers, policy makers, and human resource personnel.

Health educations specialists:

Assess the health needs of people and communities.
Develop programs, materials and events to teach people about health topics or manage health conditions.
Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and educational materials.
Help people find health services or information.
Provide training programs for other health professionals or community health workers.
Advocate for improved health resources, policies, procedures and services that promote health.
Collect and analyze data to learn about a particular community to improve programs and services.
Supervise staff who implement health education programs.

Where do health education specialists work?

Healthcare facilities, hospitals and clinics
State, county, and public health departments
Schools and universities
Nonprofit organizations
Businesses and industries

Health education specialist employment is expected to grow by 12 percent from 2014-2024. Growth is driven by efforts to improve health and reduce healthcare costs. U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics 21-1091 Health Educators.

(Source: Health Education Specialist. Retrieved June 11, 2019 from https://www.sophe.org/careers/health-education-profession/)

*For more information, see the Health Program page.

Health – B.S.
Classes/Credits	40/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as a Health Education Specialist or Graduate Programs in Public Health, Health Science, Medicine, and others.
Average Salary	$45.360.00 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

The Bachelor of Applied Technology - Health Services Technology program was created to facilitate completion of a Bachelor's degree for allied health practitioners with an AAS degree in the least amount of time at a reasonable cost. Topics of study include leadership, management and teaching. The program is offered online via the UTRGV Blackboard delivery system to allow maximum flexibility for working students and those at a distance.

Mission

To provide a high quality online educational program that meets the needs of working healthcare professionals across varied health care disciplines;
To prepare graduates who will realize their full potential as members of the healthcare team;
To develop future healthcare leaders with the characteristics and skills for success including problem solving, critical thinking, effective communication and lifelong learning;
To encourage community involvement and service learning;
To be a vital part of the university that respects the dignity of each learner and addresses the health care needs of a culturally diverse community.

*For more information, see the Health Services Technology Program page.

The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Science (BSIHS) is a 120 Hour program designed to prepare graduates to obtain an entry-level position as a health science professional ready to work in a variety of places including: Community Health Agencies, Business and Educational Organizations, Public Health Departments, Nursing Homes, Retirement Residences, Home Health Agencies, Wellness/Fitness Centers, Schools, Hospitals, Medical Group Practices, Insurance Companies, Alcohol/Drug Treatment Programs and others.

*For more information, see the BSIHS Program page.

Integrated Health Science – B.S.
Classes/Credits	40/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Will be ready to enter the workforce as a health science professional with a skill set enabling them to work in many different health care related jobs.
Average Salary	$45.360.00 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

The Department of Health and Human Performance has a focus on preparing Kinesiology majors to function professionally in a changing and diverse society, and to improve the quality of life through the understanding, delivering and promotion of health, physical activity, and wellness.

*For more information, see the Kinesiology Program page.

Kinesiology – B.S.

Classes/Credits	40/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as a Kinesiologist, Athletic Trainer, Coach, Rec Sports Advisor or Graduate Programs in Health Science, Medicine, and others.
Average Salary	$46,630.00 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

The Department of Health and Human Performance has a focus on preparing Kinesiology majors to function professionally in a changing and diverse society, and to improve the quality of life through the understanding, delivering and promotion of health, physical activity, and wellness.

*For more information, see the Kinesiology (Teacher Certification) Program page.

Kinesiology (EC-12) – B.S.
Classes/Credits	40/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as a Physical Education Teacher.
Average Salary	$59,170.00 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

Medical laboratory science professionals, often called medical laboratorians, are vital healthcare detectives, uncovering and providing laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as in disease monitoring or prevention (maintenance of health). We use sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology, computers, and methods requiring manual dexterity to perform laboratory testing on blood and body fluids. Laboratory testing encompasses such disciplines as clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Medical laboratory science professionals generate accurate laboratory data that are needed to aid in detecting cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, infectious mononucleosis, and identification of bacteria or viruses that cause infections, as well as in detecting drugs of abuse. In addition, we monitor testing quality and consult with other members of the healthcare team.

The medical laboratory science profession has more than one career track based on level of education: medical laboratory technician (2 years) and medical laboratory scientist (4 to 5 years). Medical laboratory technicians are competent in the collection, processing, and analysis of biological specimens; the performance of lab procedures; the maintenance of instruments; and relating lab findings to common diseases/conditions. Medical laboratory scientists have a more extensive theoretical knowledge base. Therefore they not only perform laboratory procedures including very sophisticated analyses, but also evaluate/interpret the results, integrate data, problem solve, consult, conduct research, and develop new test methods. (Source: BECOMING A MEDICAL LABORATORY PROFESSIONAL. Retrieved June 11, 2019 from https://www.ascls.org/)

The mission of the Medical Laboratory Science Program is to provide a quality educational experience which prepares medical laboratory scientists for leadership roles in a multicultural health care system. Excellence in teaching is enhanced by faculty engaged in research, creative activities as well as professional service to the Profession, the University and the Community. We strive to be a leader in the transformation of healthcare and the future growth of the South Texas Region through education, research and service.

*For more information, see the Medical Laboratory Science Program page.

Medical Laboratory Sciences – B.S.
Classes/Credits	41/123
Time to Complete	3.5 years with one summer session
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$33,246.82
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Average Salary	$61,860 with a Bachelors Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences Program (BSNS) is focused on graduating students with exceptional knowledge and skills in wellness and nutrition. The BSNS program is designed to prepare students for nutritional sciences careers and position them to pursue higher education at the levels of Masters and PhD in Nutritional Sciences, Dietetic programs at the Masters level, in addition to related fields at the UTRGV and other Higher Education institutions within the US. Nutritionists are specialists in the use of nutrition and food to promote health and wellness.

The Program: The BSNS program will consist of two defined learning tracks. The general education courses total to 42 hours, program core includes 58 hours and each track has 20 hours of specific courses. To graduate from the program all the general education course, core course and the respective track related courses have to be completed.

*For more information, see the Nutritional Sciences Program page.

Nutritional Sciences – B.S.
Classes/Credits	42/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as a Nutritionist and can go forward to become a Registered Dietician
Average Salary	$59,410 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

Mission

The Rehabilitative Services Program is an integral part of the School of Rehabilitative Services and Counseling and aligns its mission with the school, the College, and the University. The Program is committed to providing high quality undergraduate education to Rehabilitative Services students on a variety of subjects and issues related to people with disabilities. There is a focus on the integration of theory and practice with and ongoing emphasis on experiential learning.

Goal

The overall goal of the Program is to prepare graduates to enter the work force in professional positions with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to assist people with disabilities to live full, independent lives. Graduates are also well prepared to enter graduate school.

*For more information, see the Rehabilitation Services Program page.

Rehabilitation Services – B.S.
Classes/Credits	39/120
Time to Complete	4.0 years
Financial Aid	Yes
Total Tuition ^{(2022-2023 Rates)}	$38,164.48
Outcomes	Prepared for a career as a Rehabilitation Services Specialist or Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling, Health Science, Medicine, and others.
Average Salary	$34,860.00 with a Bachelor’s Degree
Hiring Demand	Average

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

College of Health Professions Office of the Dean

Health Professions Career Explorer

Undergraduate Degrees