Best Associate Degrees in Health Science

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Students can most commonly earn an Associate of Science (AS) in Health Science. However, there are also Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree programs available in health science technology. AAS degree programs in the field are more focused on preparing students for a career, while AS degrees help prepare students for further education, but students can pursue a career or further education after graduation no matter which degree they choose to earn. For instance, both degrees can easily transfer to a 4-year school to help students continue their education. AAS degree programs may offer students the chance to earn additional certificates that help them learn specialized skills within the healthcare field, such as certificates in medical coding, hospital admissions specialist, medical scribe, and more. Although we are focusing on on-campus programs, there are several associate degree programs in health science that are also available in flexible formats, such as online or hybrid.

An associate degree in health science is a great way for students to begin exploring the fields of healthcare and science. These programs provide students with an introduction to how the healthcare system works, different jobs and specialization areas, and practical skills for entry-level careers in the field. Students may pursue this degree if they are interested in healthcare but are unsure what specific kind of job they may like to pursue. Earning an associate degree is also a great way to complete general education courses that are commonly required for a bachelor's degree, which can help students finish their 4-year degree faster after transferring in credits. Students with their associate degree can go on to earn a bachelor's degree in a wide range of health-related areas, such as healthcare management/administration, nursing, and more. Graduates with their associate degree are also likely to make more money than those with only a high school diploma.

Students should first consider their career and education goals when choosing an associate degree program in health science. Those who plan on starting a career right away may choose to earn an AAS over an AS degree. Students who plan to pursue a 4-year school after graduation should explore any transfer agreements between institutions of interest to help ensure that the credits they earn from their associate degree will transfer easily to their desired 4-year school and program. Students can also explore the specific courses offered in a program and find one that aligns with their personal interests and career goals. Some programs in health science offer specific tracks, such as a general track, community and public health track, or track for medical assistants to an AS.

When choosing a program, students also need to consider the logistics of the program in addition to the unique features. For instance, some students need to compare the different learning formats for these associate programs. Working professionals may need a part-time or online program, while traditional students may prefer an on-campus program. Programs also usually have specific admissions requirements, as well as graduation requirements, that students need to make sure they meet. Other decision-making factors could come down to personal preferences, such as the available resources that a school offers. For instance, several schools offer academic advising, updated laboratories, and financial aid.

Application and Admissions for Health Science Associate Degree Programs

The admissions process and requirements for associate degree programs in health science vary by school. Some programs require students to apply separately to the institution and then the health science program. Typically, these associate degree programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have a minimum GPA requirement, such as a 2.7 or higher, and/or require entrance or placement exams, such as the ACT. There are some programs that also require applicants to pass some foundations courses prior to full admission. These courses aim to equip students with the academic skills needed to do well in their future classes. Usually, with an admissions application, students are required to include evidence of their high school diploma and any transcripts that they have. After admission, students may work with an advisor to register for classes.

There are some associate degree programs in health science that allow students to finish in 21 months when taking the program full-time. However, usually, these programs take 2 years to finish. Most of these programs require around 60 credits of coursework and do not usually require any additional internships or other hands-on experiences that may take additional time to complete. Many of these programs have a degree pathway that helps guide students through when to take what course and keep them on track to degree completion.

There are many different factors that go into calculating the total cost of an associate degree in health science. Typically, the cost of taking courses is tuition plus any additional fees. However, students may also need to consider various living expenses, books, and materials. Each school usually sets its own tuition rates, and these rates may vary for different students, such as in-state vs. out-of-state. Tuition is generally set at a specific rate per credit hour, so the longer the program, the more expensive it is. Most schools have a range of different kinds of fees that could apply to students, but some of these fees can be specific to certain types of programs. For instance, there can be some general, mandatory fees for all students, as well as fees that may only apply to distance learning students.

The curriculum for associate degree programs in health science typically consists of general education courses, additional science and math courses for the major, and electives. Many of the science and math courses that students take in this degree program can count toward a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, as well as the general education courses. Some of these science courses also include a lab section for hands-on learning. Examples of health science courses include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Calculus
• Biology
• Microbiology
• Organic chemistry
• Physics
• Infectious diseases
• Nutrition
• Community and public health

Salary and career information for a health science major varies for this broad field, as graduates have many different career options. According to PayScale.com, the median annual salary for those with an AS in Health Sciences is $50,013, as of April 2021. However, salaries vary by a number of factors, including position, employer, experience, etc. Primarily, career information for a degree in health sciences and services varies by position. Graduates can work jobs as patient care coordinators, lab assistants, medical technicians, clinical facilities front desk managers, and more. This also means they can work in a wide range of settings, such as doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Below, we explore a couple of career options, as well as the median annual salaries for these positions.

Begin a Career as a Health Technician

Health technicians usually need to hold an associate degree or postsecondary certificate. These technicians typically have taken courses in math, chemistry, and biology. Most of these technicians work in laboratory settings, such as at hospitals or medical and diagnostic laboratories. This means that they commonly need to meet state licensure requirements for lab personnel. Sometimes, licensure requires earning certification. General certification is available, as well as specialized certifications. Either type typically requires passing an exam after finishing professional education.

Health technicians help run health-related tests and procedures for doctors and healthcare professionals. However, they are responsible for running less complex tests than technologists. Usually, they need to carefully record their results and talk about findings with doctors. As of 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that health technologists and technicians made a median annual salary of $45,620.

Begin a Career as a Medical Secretary

Medical secretaries need to have at least a high school diploma, but many need to have additional training. This training can come in the form of courses at community colleges or technical schools to learn medical terminology and other industry-specific skills. Most positions also require at least a few months of on-the-job training to learn terminology and practices for their specific position.

Medical secretaries typically work with doctors and medical scientists to help prepare their reports and articles. Usually, this requires transcribing dictation, so they have to be familiar with medical terminology, lab procedures, and medical codes. Medical secretaries also need to understand information on medical records and could be required to take patients' simple medical histories. Some of these secretaries could also work with processing insurance payments and coordinating patient care. Per the BLS, medical secretaries and administrative assistants made a median annual salary of $37,350 as of 2020.

Most, if not all, associate degree programs in health science do not hold program-level accreditation. Instead, these programs are offered by accredited institutions. These schools could be accredited by groups such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or other accrediting bodies. Degrees from accredited programs are typically preferred by employers because it indicates that the programs at that school have met academic standards set by the accrediting body to ensure quality. Students at accredited institutions also qualify for financial aid and can more easily transfer credits to other accredited schools. The ability to transfer credits easily can be especially important for those wishing to pursue a bachelor's degree after earning their associate degree.

Although graduates with their associate degree in health science can pursue a range of entry-level jobs right after graduation, students wishing to advance their careers typically need to undergo additional education and training. Students usually begin by earning a bachelor's degree, but this degree can be in a wide range of fields related to health, such as nursing, administration, aging, and more. Beyond even a bachelor's degree, students can pursue advanced degrees to become specialized medical professionals in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, medicine, and more. Some of these more advanced degrees are likely to require more hands-on training through labs and clinical experiences. Depending on the field and position, some students may be able to move into more leadership-based roles after gaining enough work experience or additional certifications.

Students can often pursue advanced education in the general field of health science or more specific areas of healthcare. Those interested in furthering their education in health science can earn an undergraduate and/or a graduate degree in the field. These programs are typically math- and science-heavy in the required courses and help prepare students for a range of careers related to health. Explore some details of different health science programs that are available below.

Bachelor's Degrees in Health Science

Bachelor's degree programs in health science are commonly offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. Some of these degree programs are available in online formats for flexibility. Depending on the program, students could be required to complete a capstone course and/or participate in unique, hands-on fieldwork and community-based service-learning opportunities. Some bachelor's degree programs even offer various pathways for students to earn a master's or doctoral degree in conjunction with their bachelor's, such as a 3+2 program to earn a bachelor's in health science and a master's in athletic training in 5 years. Other students wondering what can you do with a bachelor's in health science will be happy to know that graduates can work in an array of areas, including sonography, radiography, dental hygiene, and respiratory therapy.

Master's Degrees in Health Science

At the master's level, students can usually pursue a Master of Health Science (MHS/MHSc) or a Master of Science (MS) in Health Science. Again, some of these programs are available in online formats to allow working professionals to obtain their degree. MHS or MHSc programs typically allow students to earn the degree through a specific department (such as epidemiology or environmental health) or choose a concentration (such as health law, sports medicine, or healthcare administration) to help focus their studies. Graduates with a master's in sports and health sciences can also choose from many different jobs in various areas.

Doctoral Degrees in Health Science

Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree programs are most common at the doctoral level. Unlike doctoral degree programs in other fields, many of these programs are readily available in online formats. These degree programs are usually research-heavy and prepare students for advanced positions in a specialized area of clinical practice. Typically, students are required to finish some kind of capstone research project in their given area of interest. Some of these degree programs can be completed in as few as 3 years.

Certificate Programs in Health Science

At the undergraduate level, students cannot usually find certificates specifically in health science but can pursue related programs, such as a certificate in public health or medical and health humanities. However, certificate programs in health science are fairly common at the graduate level. These certificate programs aim to help prepare students for health science graduate programs, such as medical school and physical therapy school. Some of these graduate certificate programs are available in online formats and sometimes allow students to apply credit toward a master's degree.

Although 2-year degrees typically cost less than 4-year degrees, it can still be hard for students to pay for their education out-of-pocket. Various forms of financial aid can help lessen the burden on students and their families. Each student should be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year to check what state- and federal-funded grants and loans they may qualify for. Students can then begin exploring their financial aid options at their school of interest and from outside organizations. For example, scholarships are a great source of funding and are available from schools, professional organizations, local businesses and clubs, and more. Scholarship requirements vary greatly, as well as the amount and conditions of the award, such as renewal eligibility.

Schools that offer associate degree programs in health science can also be a great source of financial aid. Some schools may offer different kinds of tuition discounts, such as tuition reduction for military service members. Schools can also have state- or institution-sponsored scholarships and grants. For example, South College offers the South College Promise Grant that saves winners $3,000 each quarter for 4 quarters. Eligible students must be enrolled in an associate or bachelor's degree at the school and attend the Atlanta or Asheville campus.