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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)

CTA 206 Computer Applications

ECO 105 Fundamentals of Economics

ENG 121 English Composition I

ENG 122 English Composition II

ENG 131 Public Speaking

PHI 100 Introduction to Critical Thinking

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

POL 300 American Politics

MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics

BIO 253 Anatomy and Physiology I (with Lab)


Health Information Technology Concentration (30 credits)

HSC 200 Medical Terminology

HSC 205 Principles of HealthCare Billing/Coding

HIT 301 Healthcare Informatics

HIT 302 Healthcare Database Systems

HSC 313 Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

HSC 340 Information Technology for the Care Management Professional

HSC 425 Data Analytics and Visualization in Healthcare

ISM 430 Systems and Business Process Analysis for Healthcare Professionals

ISM 450 Project Management and Practice

FYE 101 First Year Experience Seminar



Interdisciplinary Care Management Concentration (30 credits)

HSC 200 Medical Terminology

HSC 313 Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

HSC 320 Care Management Across the Health Care Continuum

HSC 330 Healthcare Quality & Reimbursement

HSC 340 Information Technology for the Care Management Professional

HSC 355 Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals

HSC 337 Understanding Human Disease

HSC 425 Data Analytics and Visualization in Healthcare

FYE 101 First Year Experience Seminar

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

Health Promotion: Fitness Concentration (30 credits)

HSC 200 Medical Terminology

HSC 313 Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

HLT 321 Personal Wellness

HLT 322 Strength Training Essentials and Theory

HLT 326 Nutrition for Healthy Living

HSC 337 Understanding Human Disease

BIO 254 Anatomy and Physiology II (with Lab)

PSY 451 Health Psychology

FYE 101 First Year Experience Seminar

In addition, select (1) Health Promotions Certificate Elective 

Healthcare Practice Management Concentration (30 credits)

HSC 200 Medical Terminology

HIT 301 Healthcare Informatics

HRM 201 Foundations of People Management

HSC 313 Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare

HSC 205 Principles of HealthCare Billing/Coding

HSC 335 Foundations of HC Practice Management

HSC 337 Understanding Human Disease

HSC 355 Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals

FYE 101 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.