Health Science, Associate Degree Completion Concentration, A.S.

This program is designed to allow students the flexibility to plan a course of study that best suits their educational and professional needs through four available areas of emphasis: healthcare career exploration, pre-professional, associate degree completion and transfer to a baccalaureate degree. Students work closely with an academic advisor in order to determine their individual professional goals and develop a plan of study to meet those goals.

Students interested in pursuing a career in Histologic Science and Medical Billing and Coding can simultaneously pursue a certificate in this area, while earning an associate degree in Health Science. In addition, students who complete their certificate in Medical Assisting can also apply those credits toward the associate degree in Health Science. Students should meet with their academic advisor for more information.

Healthcare Career Exploration concentration provides students pursuing a general degree in Health Science the opportunity to explore various careers and aspects of healthcare. This concentration is intended to serve students who have not yet decided on a specific healthcare profession but are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

Associate Degree Completion concentration allows individuals who have already obtained a nationally recognized certification or license the opportunity to gain collegiate credit and work towards the completion of an associate degree. Additionally, students completing certificate program requirements in Medical Billing and Coding may apply these credits towards completion of this associate degree.

Transfer concentration allows students to complete the degree program with the intention of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Science or a related field.

Program Outcomes

The Health Science Program prepares all students to be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills that represent competence and professionalism in the healthcare field.
2. Identify the ethical, legal, and regulatory framework of the healthcare industry.
3. Identify and describe the different roles of health professionals.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking skills used in healthcare.
5. Appreciate and embrace diversity, differing belief and value systems, as well as appreciate individual opinions within the healthcare environment.
6. Develop self-directed learning skills needed for independent and lifelong learning.
7. Effectively use information technology to participate in learning activities.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all the general Associate graduation requirements as stated in the catalog. In addition, students must complete all Health Science major core requirements with a minimum cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A.) of 2.0.