Program Overview
The Healthcare Science Associate of Science (AS) degree prepares students for a wide range of educational and career opportunities in healthcare. The program offers two complementary pathways, allowing students to choose the option that best aligns with their interests, career goals, and educational plans. Whether students aspire to provide direct patient care or improve health through leadership, administration, public health, policy, or community-based initiatives, the Healthcare Science AS degree provides a strong academic foundation and the flexibility to adapt as career goals evolve.
Non-Clinical Healthcare Science AS Transfer Option
The non-clinical Healthcare Science AS Transfer Option prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution and continued study in areas such as health administration, public health, health policy, community health, and related healthcare fields.
Students may customize their educational experience through one of three emphasis areas, Health Administration and Finance, Public Health and Health Policy, or General Healthcare Sciences, each designed to support distinct transfer pathways and career goals.
Selective Admissions Preparation Option
The Selective Admissions Preparation Option is designed for students planning to apply to a competitive clinical healthcare program. This pathway provides guidance on completing prerequisite coursework for the college's selective-admission programs, including Dental Hygiene: AAS, Mortuary Science: AAS, Nursing: AAS, Occupational Therapy Assistant: AAS, Physical Therapy Assistant: AAS, Practical Nursing: Technical Certificate, Radiologic Technology: AAS, Surgical Technology: AAS. Students should refer to individual program pages for specific admission requirements and selection criteria.
Students pursuing selective-admission programs can complete prerequisite coursework while progressing toward the Healthcare Science AS degree. This structure helps students maintain momentum toward graduation and transfer opportunities, even if their educational goals or career plans change.
What You Will Learn
- Obtain foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare systems.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze health-related scenarios.
- Make informed decisions in professional contexts.
- Communicate effectively with diverse audiences in written, oral, and digital formats relevant to health settings.
- Explain the ethical principles, cultural competence, and professional behavior expected in health settings.