Northwestern State University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health program has been ranked as the number nine program in the country by collegevaluesonline.com.

The rankings are available at collegevaluesonline.com/rankings/online-healthcare-degrees-top-values.

The site said the strengths of the BASAH degree include its low price in high level of flexibility. The program is targeted toward the needs of healthcare professsionals and the marketplace, according to Dr. Laura Aaron, director of Northwestern State’s School of Allied Health.

“The bachelor of applied science in allied health program has made a positive impact on healthcare professionals from a wide range of health care professions,” said Aaron. “The flexibility, cost, and relevant course work have helped to make this program successful. Students are able to tailor the program to meet their specific needs for professional growth.”

The BASAH program enrolled its first students in 2012.

“I chose NSU’s program because it is strictly online. I needed something to work with my busy life,” said Allied Health major Sarena Pundt of Lake Charles, a registered respiratory therapist at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. “This is a quality program because it offers a well rounded curriculum with excellent academic advisors.”

Pundt, a senior, holds an associate degree in respiratory care and hopes a bachelor’s degree can help her advance to a position in patient education. She plans to graduate in December.

Information on the Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health is available at nsula.edu/academics/nursing-allied-health/allied-health-2 or by contacting Aaron at carwilel@nsula.edu.