Gateway to Health Sciences Certificate

Get a valuable head start in pursuing careers in health sciences, while still in high school. The Gateway to Health Sciences Certificate allows high school students to learn about the varying professions within a healthcare team and learn essential healthcare terminology through dual-credit college courses. Students can apply the earned credits to many majors in health and human services.

High school students can complete this certificate through on-campus courses, online options, or approved in-district dual credit partnerships. Qualifying students benefit from the reduced dual-credit tuition rate, making it an affordable way to begin earning college credits early. Tailored for those exploring careers in health sciences, the certificate provides a strong academic foundation and applies up to 12 credits toward select bachelor’s programs, including Computer Information Systems with Health Informatics Specialization, biology, and exercise science. These credits may also fulfill general education requirements across a variety of other degree programs.

Emerging leaders in health science

Healthcare professions are among the fastest-growing occupational groups in South Dakota, with an anticipated growth rate of 11.3% from 2018 to 2028. DSU students go on to professional healthcare programs and careers in high-need areas within healthcare information systems.