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Program Details
This concentration is unique to Carleton, it introduces you to the biomedical, social and psychological basis of chronic illnesses and explores treatment strategies to enable productive and healthy lives. Chronic illnesses and disabilities affect the quality of life of a large number of people and include heart disease, cancer, chronic pain conditions, mental health problems and physical disabilities. You will learn about biomedical, cognitive and technological advances, as well as the ethical dilemmas affecting intervention and treatment.
Work Experience
Participate in a paid summer research internship or explore getting involved in research as part of the program curriculum. Your Capstone project will give you practical experience in research field placements to advance your personal and professional goals.
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Career Outcomes
Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.
The concentrations in the BHSc program will prepare you for a diverse array of health-related careers and will provide excellent preparation for professional schools, graduate training or health-related employment opportunities.
Sample Careers
- Biomedical Devices
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Community Health Worker
- Dentistry
- Drug Submission Evaluator
- Health and Safety Officer
- Health Community Worker
- Health Education
- Health Program Evaluator
- Health Project Manager/Administrator
- Health Promotional Coordinator
- Health Researcher or Policy Analysis
- Law
- Medical Devices Evaluator
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Naturopathy
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Paramedic
- Patient Advocacy
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Research Analyst
- Research Technician
- Social Work
- Teaching

Sample Courses
HLTH 3503 - Disability and Chronic Health Conditions
An interdisciplinary view of disability and chronic health conditions, including risk factors, prevalence, and the trajectory of such conditions. Functional impact based on life stage. Strategies for health promotion, prevention, accommodations, treatment, and rehabilitation.
HLTH 4503 - Trauma-related Disability and Impairments
Biomedical and psychosocial factors associated with trauma-related illnesses, stressors, injuries and disabilities, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, fractures, amputations, burns, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others. Short- and long-term considerations for care and rehabilitation.
Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!
After being an undergraduate student for the past 3 years, I find the BHSc program well-rounded. The courses are tailored to give students both practical and literature education. I am particularly impressed by the comprehensive curriculum which covers a wide range of topics, from molecular biology and anatomy to public health policy and epidemiology allowing me to learn both the biomedical and holistic aspects of health. There are also opportunities for more hands-on experiences such as laboratory courses, research, and internship opportunities within the program to enhance our skills further. Most importantly I find that faculty members are supportive and flexible to student needs
