Loading…

Associate of Science in Health Sciences

Program Purpose

The Associate of Science in Health Sciences degree prepares students for a variety of job opportunities in health care.  Students will gain foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, as well as a variety of specialized concentrations. Multiple entry-level roles exist for associate degree-prepared professionals to meet the demands of this continually expanding industry. Potential career opportunities include health information management or clinical documentation, care management assistants, patient navigators, personal trainers, wellness coordinators, and managers for fitness businesses, medical practices, or other healthcare organizations.

The 2-year 100% online Associate of Science in Health Sciences includes foundational knowledge from general education math and science courses that provide the groundwork for several concentrations and certificates within the College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences. Importantly, this degree provides a basis for students to continue their education into the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and further into graduate programs.

The Associate Degree in Health Sciences offers:

    Health Information Technology

    Health Promotion: Fitness

    Healthcare Practice Management

    Interdisciplinary Care Management

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

Students will achieve additional competencies within the four concentrations.

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


Two -Year Degree Program Curriculum

Students should meet regularly with an academic advisor or Program Chair to plan their course sequence. The program of study will vary depending on transfer credits, part-time or full-time status, and credit earned via alternative pathways. Students who do not have healthcare experience are encouraged to enroll in a Work Integrated Learning opportunity. Students should discuss their interests with the Program chair early in their degree program.

General Education Requirements (31 Credits)

 

Curriculum

Associate of Science General Education Requirements (31 Credits)

Computer Applications

Fundamentals of Economics

English Composition I

English Composition II

Public Speaking

Introduction to Critical Thinking

Introduction to Psychology

American Politics

Introductory Survey of Mathematics

Anatomy and Physiology I (with Lab)


Health Information Technology Concentration (30 credits)

Medical Terminology

Principles of HealthCare Billing/Coding

Healthcare Informatics

Healthcare Database Systems

Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

Information Technology for the Care Management Professional

Data Analytics and Visualization in Healthcare

Systems and Business Process Analysis for Healthcare Professionals

Project Management and Practice

First Year Experience Seminar



Interdisciplinary Care Management Concentration (30 credits)

Medical Terminology

Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

Care Management Across the Health Care Continuum

Healthcare Quality & Reimbursement

Information Technology for the Care Management Professional

Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals

Understanding Human Disease

Data Analytics and Visualization in Healthcare

First Year Experience Seminar

In addition, select (1) Interdisciplinary Care Management Certificate Elective or Internship.

Health Promotion: Fitness Concentration (30 credits)

Medical Terminology

Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

Personal Wellness

Strength Training Essentials and Theory

Nutrition for Healthy Living

Understanding Human Disease

Anatomy and Physiology II (with Lab)

Health Psychology

First Year Experience Seminar

In addition, select (1) Health Promotions Certificate Elective 

Healthcare Practice Management Concentration (30 credits)

Medical Terminology

Healthcare Informatics

Foundations of People Management

Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

Principles of HealthCare Billing/Coding

Foundations of HC Practice Management

Understanding Human Disease

Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals

First Year Experience Seminar

In addition, select (1) HSC Elective or Directed Study.

Students with less than 16 transfer credits are required to take FYE 101.


This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.