What is an associate degree in health science

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles associated with the structure and function of the human body. It is intended to prepare students for careers in the health sciences and healthcare systems (medical assisting, medical technology, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, health information management, medical coding, etc.). Lessons and laboratory exercises focus on the organization, microscopic and gross anatomy, and the functions of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems of the human body. The basics of chemistry and cell biology are introduced in order to provide the foundation for discussion of the individual organ systems. This course includes a hands-on laboratory component, and students are required to perform dissection of preserved animal specimens. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens. Refrigerated storage is not required. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video. This is a time and resource-intensive course. Students intending to pursue a career in the health sciences should verify that this course meets the requirements of their intended program prior to enrollment. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy & physiology.

The purpose of the Associate of Science (AS) in Health Science program is to provide a community college career pathway for students seeking health careers requiring a baccalaureate or higher-level degree. The program and its course of study is intended to provide students with a general course of study that parallels the freshman and sophomore years of Bachelor of Health Science programs at most colleges and universities. Students will be able to take this relevant transfer coursework at the more affordable community college price.

The proposed program will provide students an opportunity to complete a program that will articulate with baccalaureate degree programs in the high demand health science and health-related fields. The highlights of the curriculum include a core of courses emphasizing wellness and scientific inquiry, with a focus on three distinct tracks for students interested in the health science field: public health, exercise science, and/or pre-professional tracks in Health Professions. The program also contains the general education courses needed for transfer into a baccalaureate program.

Online Learning Option This program can be completed online or in the classroom.

Career Exploration

Learn more about a career in this field, how much it typically pays, what the demand is, and how your education can help you become qualified.

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College Catalog

For the most up-to-date information about this program, including courses, credits, and other requirements, please refer to our College Catalog.

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

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An associate degree in health science provides the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-based knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a range of growing healthcare professions. This degree is a great starting point if you’re interested in qualifying for entry-level roles at the intersection of science and healthcare. With this education, you can enter the workforce prepared to contribute to many aspects of the healthcare system.

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Overview

An associate degree in health science can prepare you for roles that are behind the scenes or involve direct patient care. Your knowledge will be based on an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes STEM.

“Associate-level careers in health sciences can be very rewarding,” says Anna Zendell, PhD, MSW, senior faculty program director at Excelsior College. “People seeking health sciences degrees want to make a difference.”

An associate degree in health science typically includes a curriculum that provides a broad view of the healthcare industry through interdisciplinary coursework. Many programs offer the opportunity to focus on a range of clinical or nonclinical concentrations.

“Many health sciences degrees are flexible,” Zendell says. “At many colleges, the degree is often open to electives and career exploration.”

While some students use the degree as a foundation for earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree later, you can also use it to step into some clinical positions without further education.

“(Associate) health science degree programs are great for those traditional college-age students who are not interested in attending school for four years and those nontraditional students seeking a career change,” says Marcy McCarty, MBA, RT (R) (N), director of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program and assistant professor of Healthcare Administration at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences.

While some students use the degree as a foundation for earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree later, you can also use it to step into some clinical positions without further education.

Prerequisites

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement to be admitted to a program in health science, and your transcript should reflect good grades in science and math-related subjects, McCarty says.

Curriculum

A health science curriculum is designed to give you a strong foundation in basic STEM coursework, along with the professional skills to pursue a career in your area of specialization.

Examples of the types of core courses you may find in a health science associate degree include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Computer and internet literacy
• English composition
• General chemistry

• General psychology
• Healthcare ethics
• Medical terminology
• Statistics

Depending on the program you choose and your goals, you may also be able to take introductory courses in these specialties:

Clinical and Training Requirements

Depending on your specialization, you may be required to complete a capstone project or get hands-on training in a healthcare setting.

Working in a professional setting gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom. Your program may refer to this experience as internships, externships, practicums, or fieldwork. Most programs award course credit for this work, and some employers may also provide a stipend to students.

Depending on your specialization, you may be required to complete a capstone project or get hands-on training in a healthcare setting.

If your specialty involves direct patient care, your training should focus on meeting requirements for professional licensure and/or certifications that your state requires.

Online Degree Options

An online degree can be a good choice for students who work, have family responsibilities to juggle, or don’t live near a college campus.

Online and campus curriculums are virtually the same. But online programs typically allow you to attend classes at your convenience while meeting established deadlines for assignments and exams.

You may also be able to finish your degree faster if your online program allows you to complete courses at your own pace, rather than following a quarter or semester schedule.

It’s important to note that while you’ll be able to complete theory-based coursework online, you may have to attend onsite labs and do clinicals, fieldwork, or any other hands-on training in person.

While an online degree can be convenient, it’s not for everyone. Online students must manage their work and have the motivation to succeed without the structure of a classroom program.

Worthwhile Concentrations to Pursue

While the core of an associate degree in health science provides a broad-based education, some programs allow you to concentrate on a specific clinical or nonclinical area.

Here are two concentrations to consider:

Healthcare Administration

A healthcare administrator works in roles that involve managing healthcare facilities and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources. These roles are usually behind the scenes rather than at the bedside.

At the associate degree level, roles typically involve assisting managers and administrators in their day-to-day duties, with varying degrees of independent responsibility. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 28 percent through 2031 for healthcare managers and administrators. This staggering demand is due largely to the increasing need for healthcare services as the number of older adults continues to grow.

Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician works under the supervision of a pharmacist, assisting in tasks related to dispensing prescription medication accurately and safely. They also perform administrative tasks such as inventory control and insurance billing.

As pharmacists perform more clinical roles, like administering immunizations, and the demand for prescription medicine increases with the growing aging population, pharmacy technicians are performing more duties traditionally handled by pharmacists. The BLS projects 5 percent job growth for pharmacy technicians to 2031.

Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree

An advantage of pursuing an associate degree is that you can qualify for a range of entry-level positions without a four-year degree. This can save you time and money and let you decide whether a field is right for you before committing to a bachelor’s degree.

“There is absolutely a benefit to starting with an associate degree for some students,” Zendell says. “Many students are working full time while earning their degrees, all while balancing work, family, and community roles. They will often take a break between degrees to test the waters and be sure this is what they really want to do before going further.”

While an associate degree can qualify you for entry-level positions, you may need a bachelor’s when you’re ready to move up to positions with more responsibility.

“The associate degree typically leads to entry-level careers, such as technical and assisting careers in radiology, dentistry, and in laboratories, or research and development,” Zendell says. “Career options in management and leadership begin to open up with a bachelor’s degree. Graduates enter healthcare delivery, advocacy, health education, health promotion, community health work, informatics, and more with their bachelor’s degrees.”

Careers with an Associate Degree in Health Science

Whether you plan to use an associate degree in health science to begin a lifelong career or serve as a path to more advanced roles, the degree can qualify you for a range of entry-level positions, McCarty says.

“Health science degree programs are unique because a student only needs the associate degree to practice in that specific discipline for many programs,” she says. “Many health science societies and accreditors only recommend/require an associate degree to meet the eligibility status for certification or licensure.”

A certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in a profession or specialty. States and employers sometimes require professionals to earn certification for employment. But even if they don’t, a professional credential is worth considering. They may:

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