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)
Health Information Technology Concentration (30 credits)
| HSC 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HSC 205 | Principles of HealthCare Billing/Coding | 3 |
| HIT 301 | Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| HIT 302 | Healthcare Database Systems | 3 |
| HSC 313 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare | 3 |
| HSC 340 | Information Technology for the Care Management Professional | 3 |
| HSC 425 | Data Analytics and Visualization in Healthcare | 3 |
| ISM 430 | Systems and Business Process Analysis for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| ISM 450 | Project Management and Practice | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
Interdisciplinary Care Management Concentration (30 credits)
| HSC 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HSC 313 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare | 3 |
| HSC 320 | Care Management Across the Health Care Continuum | 3 |
| HSC 330 | Healthcare Quality & Reimbursement | 3 |
| HSC 340 | Information Technology for the Care Management Professional | 3 |
| HSC 355 | Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| HSC 337 | Understanding Human Disease | 3 |
| HSC 425 | Data Analytics and Visualization in Healthcare | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
In addition, select (1) Interdisciplinary Care Management Certificate Elective or Internship.
Health Promotion: Fitness Concentration (30 credits)
| HSC 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HSC 313 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare | 3 |
| HLT 321 | Personal Wellness | 3 |
| HLT 322 | Strength Training Essentials and Theory | 3 |
| HLT 326 | Nutrition for Healthy Living | 3 |
| HSC 337 | Understanding Human Disease | 3 |
| BIO 254 | Anatomy and Physiology II (with Lab) | 4 |
| PSY 451 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
In addition, select (1) Health Promotions Certificate Elective
Healthcare Practice Management Concentration (30 credits)
| HSC 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HIT 301 | Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| HRM 201 | Foundations of People Management | 3 |
| HSC 313 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare | 3 |
| HSC 205 | Principles of HealthCare Billing/Coding | 3 |
| HSC 335 | Foundations of HC Practice Management | 3 |
| HSC 337 | Understanding Human Disease | 3 |
| HSC 355 | Pharmacology for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
In addition, select (1) HSC Elective or Directed Study.
Students with less than 16 transfer credits are required to take FYE 101.