Online Health Science Associate Degree
Brandon Mario D’Souza
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FacebookBrandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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Healthcare is a booming field, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is slated to grow at a very fast pace, much more than the other industries as a whole. An entry-level undergraduate degree program can provide students with a strong foundation for reaching their professional goals if they are interested in a healthcare career. For instance, an associate degree in health science degree can serve as a launching pad for several higher degrees and careers in the health sector where graduates can support the community’s efforts to achieve and maintain good health. Regardless of the health career route they intend to take, every prospective healthcare practitioner needs a solid foundation in the life and health sciences. Students can get just that from the online health science associate degree program: a grounding in general studies focusing on life sciences and health. This guide lists the details of all aspects of associates in health science degree programs and the many jobs you can get with an associate’s degree in science.
Best Online Health Science Associate
Degree Programs
An associate degree in health sciences might be the initial step for those who want to pursue a profession in healthcare. However, choosing a degree becomes quite difficult for young minds when there are so many factors to consider and so many universities offering an associate degree in health sciences. Students should think about the cost, placements, starting income, employment rates, acceptance rates, and other factors. FBD examined all these matrices to compile a list of the top associates in health sciences programs offered online: *
| Univ | Address |
| Mission College(ONCAMPUS) | 3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, California 95054 |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from the Online Health Science
Associate Degree Program
The associate of health science program can help students lay the groundwork for a successful career in the healthcare industry. They can investigate a variety of health-related subjects, such as illness prevention, psychology, public health, global health, biology, and general health and well-being. For working individuals who desire a firm foundation in health science or intend to pursue a higher degree eventually, an online health science associate degree is ideal.
A degree in health science stands apart from other science degrees like those in biology, physics, or chemistry. The scope of those degrees is rather narrow. A degree in health science, on the other hand, is concentrated on anything health-related and includes both behavioral and natural sciences. Building on a foundation of general education, biology, and chemistry courses, a health science degree program adds major-specific classes like medical terminology, biostatistics, research, and epidemiology.
The majority of associate in health science programs take around two years to finish and call for about 60 credits. Programs may be online, in-person, or a combination of both called the hybrid mode. Typically, students must take core courses in addition to general education courses in English, statistics, sociology, etc., and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The completion of multiple proctored tests is another requirement for learners.
Some of the courses one can expect in an online associate degree in health science are:
Introduction to Psychology
All the key psychological theories and principles are explored in depth in this course. Students learn to critically analyze psychological research and develop a deeper understanding of human thought and behavior.
Mathematics in Health Sciences
This course teaches students how to solve problems in the field of health science, translate values inside and between the metric, home, and apothecary systems, read and comprehend labels and graphs in the health sciences, do calculations and use statistical ideas, calculate dosages, and address challenges regarding parenteral, pediatric, and/or intravenous administration.
Introduction to Sociology
This course exposes students to the sociological study of society. Students study the systematic knowledge of social behavior, social structure, social institutions, and social change. The interaction between the individual and society, the stability and change of society, social inequality and its origins and effects, and the social construction of human existence are all central concerns in sociological thought.
Principles of Nutrition
This course teaches pupils the fundamentals of nutrition and how it affects their personal wellness. It emphasizes an evidence-based approach to various subjects, including the 14 elements of a healthy eating pattern, the nutrient components of food, and the connection between diet and health. The course also offers a behavioral approach to dietary recommendations for the growth and upkeep of optimal wellness.
Examples of other courses include:
- Principles of Psychology
- Culture and Diversity and Healthcare
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Exercise and Nutrition for Behavioral Change
- Principles of Chemistry
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Introduction to Biology
- Global Health Perspectives
Degree Types for the Online Health Science
Associate Degree Program
Students may choose between two types of associate degrees in healthcare—the associate of science health science or the associate of arts health science. Students may also find the online associate of applied science degree programs as an alternative option, providing theory and teaching in fundamental and applied health sciences.
Associate of Science in Health Science
The Associate of Science in Health Science or AS Health Science program covers various health-related subjects, including biology, psychology, public health, global health, and general health and well-being. Working professionals who desire a solid health science foundation or intend to pursue a higher degree would benefit greatly from this degree. This degree needs lab work because conducting experiments is a requirement.
Associate of Arts in Health Science
The Associate of Arts in Health Science or A.A. Health Science program is more generic and can assist students in continuing their studies or entering a variety of occupations in the field of health sciences. While the AS in health science gives a broad overview of health science topics with depth in some areas, the A.A. in health science offers a solid scientific basis within a flexible curriculum.
Areas of Specialization for the Online Health
Science Associate Degree
Students can enter the exciting and lucrative world of health sciences by earning an associate degree in health sciences. As they go to higher degrees like bachelor’s or master’s, their studies become more focused and less generalized. This serves as more of a practice area or testing ground for students, preparing them for more difficult academic tasks and helping them identify their areas of interest and ability to decide what specialties to pursue later in their academic careers.
But before enrolling in a health science associate program, students should be aware of the applications of the subject and decide if they want to follow those areas of study or turn health science into a career. Health science is used in three major areas: healthcare management and administration, healthcare and associated medical research, and professional healthcare practice. Because the associate in health science is an entry-level degree, one can seldom specialize in a specific area; instead, one could take elective courses that would be useful when specializing in a bachelor’s degree.
Why should I do an Online Health Science
Associate Degree?
Many students have the question, “what can I do with an associate in science?”. A student’s job options and salary may substantially increase by earning an associate degree in health science. Jobs like front desk manager for clinical facilities, patient care coordinator, lab assistant, clinical laboratory technician, and medical technician are examples of potential career routes. The ability to pursue a degree that will increase their career options and earning potential is another benefit of an associate degree in health sciences program for working healthcare professionals like diploma nurses, surgical technologists, paramedics, pharmacy technicians, and medical office staff.
While the healthcare industry is a business, it is also a human effort that calls for experts with compassion and skill to help people live longer, healthier lives. Therefore, people who wish to learn how to promote wellness and manage health concerns through tried-and-true methods, best practice strategies, patient education, and goal-oriented interventions might consider earning an online health science associate degree.
Furthermore, since most jobs in the health sciences need a four-year degree or more, many students choose associate degrees as their first step toward careers in occupational therapy, radiography, medical assisting, and dental assisting. An online associate degree in health science can provide the framework for further and higher education by introducing students to core concepts in health science that have applicability in many other fields. Students may learn to express health concepts and deal with problems by employing the correct analytical approaches. Typical lessons learned while pursuing an associate degree in health sciences include the following:
- Express a basic comprehension of the underlying sciences and rationale for scientific claims.
- Display a basic understanding of math.
- Express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
- Exhibit the capacity for critical thought and performance in upper-division courses.
For those wondering, “what can I do with an associate’s in health science?” an online associate degree in health science serves the following purposes:
- Prepares students for advanced degrees in the Allied Health Sciences by offering a thorough fundamental science curriculum that includes general education, mathematics, and core health science instruction.
- Offers an introductory curriculum that is simple to transfer to other degrees.
- Presents opportunities for work in the Allied Health sector, including using scientific theories and evidence-based procedures to improve patient or client results.
Students who already hold an associate degree in the health sciences may be eligible to transfer their credits to an online bachelor’s program in the same field of study or another allied health science field. Associates degree in health science jobs also include work options such as pharmacy technicians, medical administrative assistants, medical assistants, etc.
Free Courses for Online Health Science
Associate Degree Students
Numerous instructors and universities are providing free access to educational resources worldwide. Students should be aware of them and use all the free resources offered to them. Here are a few such free associates in health science courses students can take:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology | This course covers calcium and phosphate homeostasis, the formation, development, and construction of healthy bones and joints, as well as the biomechanics of bone connective tissues and their stress reaction. The control of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, the pathogenesis of metabolic bone disorders, illnesses of connective tissues, joints, and muscles with consideration of potential causes, as well as metabolic derangements at the root of these diseases, are other themes. | MIT OpenCourseWare |
| Principle and Practice of Human Pathology | This course offers a thorough introduction to human pathology, focusing on disease processes and diagnostic medicine. One of the two weekly sessions includes a 2–3-hour laboratory component in addition to lectures. | MIT OpenCourseWare |
| Human Reproductive Biology | This course aims to give students a thorough grasp of the pathophysiology of the menstrual cycle, fertilization, implantation, ovum growth, development, and related problems. The pathophysiology of the breast and breastfeeding problems will also be discussed, along with abnormalities of fetal development, teratology principles, and the process of both normal and pathological parturition. | MIT OpenCourseWare |
| Principles of Pharmacology | This course aims to impart to students a methodology for studying pharmacologic compounds. It is not meant to be a pharmacopeia review. The basic concepts of biophysics, biochemistry, and physiology as they relate to the processes of pharmacological action, bio-distribution, and metabolism are the main topics of discussion. | MIT OpenCourseWare |
How to get into the Online Health Science
Associate Degree Program
Students must meet some entrance requirements for health science degree programs to enroll at a college. To obtain this degree, they might need to meet certain general enrollment criteria along with specific requirements, depending on the institution they apply to. The general admissions requirements for an associate’s in health science online would include:
- a high school diploma or GED
- a minimum GPA of 2.0
- results from placement exams and standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT
- a completed application form
- application fees
- and, in certain situations, recommendation letters
How Long does it take to complete the Online Health
Science Associate Degree Program
Associate degree in health science online programs typically require 60 credits and take students about 2 years to complete. Part-time students and those who opt for asynchronous learning may take longer – between 2 and 3 years. Of course, all this depends on the coursework, chosen electives, program structure, and institution.
Accelerated Online Health Science
Associate Degree Programs
Online health science associate degree programs can be used as a prerequisite or bridge course to get into a four-year bachelor’s program in the discipline. As a result, and in most instances, there are no expedited programs for an associate degree in health science, although some universities provide 18-month programs instead of the standard 24. One could say that accelerated programs often begin with a bachelor’s degree. The four years required for a bachelor’s degree include the two years earned at the associate level.
Accreditations for Online Health Science
Associate Degree Programs
Accreditation is a review process to determine if educational programs meet specific quality standards. After being granted, accreditation is not permanent; it must be renewed regularly to ensure the quality of the educational program.
In the U.S., academic accreditation is voluntary. Several non-profit, non-governmental organizations distribute and manage it. As the process of academic accreditation ends, a group of certified experts from academia or industry often conducts an external quality review. These experts provide their time, knowledge, and skills to the quality assurance process and ongoing improvement of education in their professions. More crucially, to qualify for U.S. federal student aid, one must ensure that the institution they are enrolling in has acquired accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website contains a list of recognized regional and national accrediting organizations. Students should confirm the school’s accreditation before enrolling. Read the Guide to College Accreditation to learn more about accreditation.
How to Pay for an Online Health Science
Associate Degree Program?
Given the present situation of student debt, the cost of education, and the typical amount of debt that each student accrues, it is crucial for prospective students to give their payment alternatives for their associates in health science program careful consideration. Scholarships are the best way to pay for education, but if a candidate is working as a professional and does not match the requirements for a scholarship, they may ask their employers for tuition reimbursement. Another option for paying for one’s online health science associate degree is applying for a student loan. Students can also find out if they are eligible for federal student aid and read the financial aid guide for options to pay for college.
FAQs Related to the Online Health Science
Associate Degree Program
What jobs can you get with an associate in science in health science?
Your ideal entry point into the lucrative healthcare industry may be earning an associate degree in healthcare. Some of the several career options you may take after earning this degree include medical assistant, pharmacy technician, surgical technologist, and occupational therapy assistant.
What can an associate’s in science get you?
What does a healthcare associate do?
What are medical associate degree programs?
What medical jobs can one pursue with an associate degree?
What is the importance of health science?
Is health science easy?
Is health science a useful degree?
Is health science the same as nursing?
Is Psychology a health science?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after an Online
Health Science Associate Degree
What jobs can you get with an associate of science? The ideal entry point into the lucrative healthcare industry may be earning a health science associates degree online. Students will learn skills for entry-level jobs with associates degree in health science in medical office administration, community health services, health insurance member services, human resources, and medical billing management, among others. Apart from the alternative of moving to a bachelor’s degree program, some of the careers one could choose include:
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | To evaluate bodily fluids, tissue, and other substances, clinical laboratory technologists and clinical laboratory technicians gather samples and carry out tests. They also analyze blood samples for transfusions, counting the number of cells, examining the cell morphology of the cells, determining the blood type, and determining whether the blood type is compatible with other blood types, etc. | Dexterity, physical stamina, detail-oriented, ability to use technology | $57,800 | 7% (as fast as average) |
| Nursing Assistants and Orderlies | Basic care is given by nursing assistants, often known as nursing aides, who also assist patients with everyday tasks. Patient transporters and cleaning staff are known as orderlies. Nursing assistants may also provide medicine, depending on their degree of training and the state in which they operate. | Communication skills, physical stamina, compassion, patience | $30,290 | 5% (as fast as average) |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | Under the direction of qualified veterinarians, veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical examinations that aid in diagnosing diseases and injuries in animals. Research-related veterinary technologists and technicians ensure that animals are handled appropriately and with compassion. | Communication skills, manual dexterity, compassion, physical strength, detail-oriented | $36,850 | 20% (much faster than average) |
| Phlebotomists | Phlebotomists draw blood for various uses, including diagnostics, research, and donations. They ensure the sample is acceptable and properly labeled in its container and train patients on the right collection methods. They also support patients or donors who are worried before the blood sample or experience a negative reaction afterward. | Interpersonal skills, communication skills, physical stamina, detail-oriented, compassion, dexterity | $37,380 | 10% (faster than average) |
| Medical Records Specialists | Professionals who work with medical records gather, process, and preserve patient files are called medical records specialists. They could also organize and input patient medical data into the numerical coding system used by the healthcare sector. | Analytical skills, interpersonal skills, integrity, detail-oriented | $46,660 | 7% (as fast as average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Health
Science Associate Degree Students
Health sciences focus on the common good and human interaction; health scientists must possess a state-mandated qualification to practice their profession. Health science certifications evaluate and document students’ knowledge and capacity to comprehend and apply course content. The state’s certification and licensing may be desired by the student, depending on where they earned their associate degree in health science online. Every state has a different certification and licensure process. For example, students in the state of Washington may consider the following certifications and licenses:
Additional Resources for Online Health Science
Associate Degree Students
After earning an associate degree in health science, committing to the chosen health sciences focus is important, and so is joining a professional organization and getting accredited. It keeps students up to date on the most recent business and science trends and instantaneously links them to their professional counterparts. Here are a few professional organizations that students might want to connect with:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) | The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is a non-profit professional association for healthcare professionals committed to advancing the science and practice of infection prevention and control. |
| Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) | The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) is a specialized membership organization that supports executives and professionals in healthcare finance management as they negotiate the challenges of the healthcare sector. |
| American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) | The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is the premier national and international respiratory care professional organization. It supports and promotes professional excellence, advances respiratory care science and practice, and advocates for the profession, the public, patients and their families, and the respiratory therapist. |
| American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) | The American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) is a training organization focusing on doctors in managerial and leadership roles. It is committed to teaching, training, and supporting physicians, enabling them to take leadership and managerial roles in the global healthcare business. |
| American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) | The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) is the collective voice of pharmacists who work as patient care providers in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, health systems, and other healthcare settings across the whole spectrum of pharmaceutical usage. ASHP has been a leader in improving pharmaceutical use and patient safety initiatives. |
Author Bio:
Brandon Mario D’Souza
Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Disclaimer:
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