Associate of Science in Health Sciences

Program Purpose

The Associate of Science in Health Sciences will prepare students for a variety of job opportunities in health care.   Multiple entry-level roles exist to meet the demand of this continually expanding industry. Students in this program will gain foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, as well as a variety of specialized concentrations that will help them in their preparation for specific job opportunities. The 2-year 100% online Associate of Science in Health Sciences will include the foundational knowledge from the general education curriculum with appropriate math and science courses that provide the groundwork for several concentrations based on certificates within the College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences. The capability of these concentrations within an associate degree in Health Sciences will afford future flexibility that can be adapted rapidly for new roles within healthcare. Importantly, the AS degree will provide a basis for students to continue their education into the BS in Health Sciences and further into graduate programs.

The Associate Degree in Health Sciences has concentrations in the following:

• Health Information Technology
• Health Promotion: Fitness
• Healthcare Practice Management
• Interdisciplinary Care Management

The Associate's Degree program in Health Sciences prepares students for a variety of job opportunities including those in health information management or clinical documentation, care management assistants, patient navigators, personal trainers, wellness coordinators, managers for fitness businesses, medical practices or other health care organizations.

Program Competencies

Students completing the Associate of Science (A.S.) in Health Sciences will be able to:

1. Utilize and apply knowledge and skills from the humanities and sciences as a foundation for practice to recognize, research, and form conclusions to problems within healthcare.
2. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication using a variety of communication tools and techniques and terminology appropriate to the discipline of study within the field of healthcare.
3. Use evidence-based information critically and incorporate appropriately into existing knowledge.
4. Apply medical law and ethics principles to individuals and communities.  
5. Appraise diversity and differing belief and value systems to provide cultural competent health care.
6. Effectively leverage information technology to contribute to the improvement of the health of patients.
7. Recognize the patient as a partner in providing care responsive to their preferences, patient-centered needs and values

Additionally, within the specific concentrations, students will achieve additional competencies.

Sixty-one  (61) total credit hours are required for degree completion.

Students with less than 16 transfer credits are required to take FYE 101. The Chair for Health Sciences is available to assist with the choice of other electives if FYE 101 not required.