Associate of Science in Health Sciences
Program Purpose
The Associate of Science in Health Sciences will prepare students for a variety of job opportunities in health care. Multiple entry-level roles exist to meet the demand of this continually expanding industry. Students in this program will gain foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, as well as a variety of specialized concentrations that will help them in their preparation for specific job opportunities. The 2-year 100% online Associate of Science in Health Sciences will include the foundational knowledge from the general education curriculum with appropriate math and science courses that provide the groundwork for several concentrations based on certificates within the College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences. The capability of these concentrations within an associate degree in Health Sciences will afford future flexibility that can be adapted rapidly for new roles within healthcare. Importantly, the AS degree will provide a basis for students to continue their education into the BS in Health Sciences and further into graduate programs.
The Associate Degree in Health Sciences has concentrations in the following:
- Health Information Technology
- Health Promotion: Fitness
- Healthcare Practice Management
- Interdisciplinary Care Management
The Associate's Degree program in Health Sciences prepares students for a variety of job opportunities including those in health information management or clinical documentation, care management assistants, patient navigators, personal trainers, wellness coordinators, managers for fitness businesses, medical practices or other health care organizations.
Program Competencies
Students completing the Associate of Science (A.S.) in Health Sciences will be able to:
- 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.
- 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.
- Use evidence-based information critically and incorporate appropriately into existing knowledge.
- Apply medical law and ethics principles to individuals and communities.
- Appraise diversity and differing belief and value systems to provide cultural competent health care.
- Effectively leverage information technology to contribute to the improvement of the health of patients.
- Recognize the patient as a partner in providing care responsive to their preferences, patient-centered needs and values
Additionally, within the specific concentrations, students will achieve additional competencies.
Sixty-one (61) total credit hours are required for degree completion.
Two -Year Degree Program Curriculum
Students are urged to 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 in alternative ways. Students who do not have any healthcare experience are urged to enroll in a Work Integrated Learning Opportunity. Numerous healthcare opportunities in a wide variety of settings are available. Students should discuss their interests with the HSC Program chair early in their degree program.
General Education Requirements (31 Credits)
Curriculum
Associates of Science General Education Requirements (31 Credits)
Curriculum
Health Information Technology Concentration (30 credits)
| HSC 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HIT 301 | Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| HIT 302 | Healthcare Database Systems | 3 |
| HSC 313 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare | 3 |
| ISM 450 | Project Management and Practice | 3 |
| ISM 430 | Systems and Business Process Analysis for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| HSC 340 | Information Technology for the Care Management Professional | 3 |
| HSC 205 | Principles of HealthCare Billing/Coding | 3 |
| HSC 425 | Data Analytics and Visualization in Healthcare | |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
Curriculum
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 | |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
In addition, select (1) Interdisciplinary Care Management Certificate Elective or Internship.
Curriculum
Health Promotion: Fitness Concentration (30 credits)
| HSC 200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HSC 313 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Healthcare | 3 |
| HLT 322 | Strength Training Essentials and Theory | 3 |
| HLT 326 | Nutrition for Healthy Living | 3 |
| BIO 254 | Anatomy and Physiology II (with Lab) | 4 |
| HSC 337 | Understanding Human Disease | 3 |
| PSY 451 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| HLT 321 | Personal Wellness | 3 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience Seminar | 3 |
In addition, select (1) Health Promotions Certificate Elective
Curriculum
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. The Chair for Health Sciences is available to assist with the choice of other electives if FYE 101 not required.