Who Is ASU's College of Health Solutions For?

ASU's College of Health Solutions is for students who want to work in health care but not necessarily as doctors or nurses. The college states that health is "bigger than you think": while physicians and nurses treat wounds and disease, other professionals — personal trainers, physical therapists, dietitians, speech and occupational therapists, social workers and counselors — help people optimize their health. Behind the scenes, the field also needs administrators, statisticians, researchers and software developers. The college is built around preparing students for that full range of roles, whether they treat patients, conduct research, or work in administrative or support positions.

The college's view of health care work

The College of Health Solutions is described as dedicated to the belief that everyone can realize a healthier life with the right support. That belief shapes who the college is for: not only future clinicians, but anyone whose work touches how people get and stay healthy.

The page frames this as a division of labor:

• Direct care and therapy roles — personal trainers, physical therapists, dietitians, speech and occupational therapists, social workers and counselors.
• Behind-the-scenes roles — administrators, statisticians, researchers and software developers.

If your goal is medical school or nursing, this framing suggests the college is one path among others rather than a substitute for clinical training. If your interest is in health-adjacent work — data, systems, communication, movement, nutrition — it is aimed squarely at you.

Three schools, many entry points

The college houses three schools, which is the clearest signal of who it serves:

Areas of study and who each one suits

The college lists these interest areas, each with its own program page:

• Biomedical diagnostics — for students drawn to the science and technology of diagnosing disease.
• Biomedical informatics — for those who want to use data to improve health.
• Health care systems — for students interested in the systems and processes involved in providing care.
• Health sciences and medical studies — for those who want to work with patients to improve health and manage disease.
• Exercise and movement sciences — for people who want to help others get in shape and improve mobility.
• Nutrition — for students focused on the impact of food on the human body.
• Population health — for those who want to reduce health disparities among groups of people.
• Speech and hearing science — for students who want to help people communicate better.

A useful way to decide: match the phrase that describes your motivation ("using data," "helping people communicate," "the impact of food") to the corresponding area, then check that program's page for requirements.

What students actually do there

The college emphasizes practical experience as a competitive advantage. According to the page, coursework includes hands-on training, and students can also take part in community projects, research, internships and student clubs. Employers, the college notes, want to hire graduates with practical experience.

Advising is available regardless of where you are in your planning: whether you know exactly what you want to do or are still figuring it out, an advisor can help you choose classes.

Who this college is probably not for

Based on how the college describes itself, it may not be the right fit if:

• You want a program whose primary purpose is preparing licensed physicians or nurses.
• You are looking only for a traditional pre-med track with no interest in the broader health workforce.
• You want a narrowly technical degree with no health context.

For everyone else — students who see health as a system, a service, or a set of skills beyond the clinic — the college's own description positions it as a place to start.