What is an Online Health Science Associate Degree?
Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
What is an Online Health Science Associate Degree?
An online health science associate degree is a 2-year degree
program that typically awards an Subordinate of Science (AS) or Subordinate of Practical
Science (AAS) in Health Science. AAS degrees in health science are often
designed for immediate entry into a chosen career upon graduation, while AS
degrees are usually designed for transfer to a more advanced degree in a
specialized subject. Health science associate degrees cover basic topics in
subjects such as biology, anatomy, chemistry, and math, along with social
science courses like psychology, anthropology, communication, and sociology.
This is to help students gain strong foundational knowledge in topics that will
prepare them for a number of health science careers as well as understand and
have compassion for the people they will work with.
Although these programs cover general science and math
topics, students also take a few classes that are specific to health science,
such as medical terminology, scientific analysis, human health and disease, and
public health. Some schools allow students to choose a concentration area, such
as medical assisting or pharmacy technician. Even though the programs are
online, laboratory courses are also included; special technical equipment may
be required in order to complete a laboratory class online. The main objective
of health science associate degrees is to help students prepare to promote
health and wellness through advocacy and best practices for patients,
regardless of their specific chosen career.
Who Should Pursue an Online Health Science Associate Degree?
Online associate degrees are suitable for working adults who
lead busy lives, for students who want a low-cost education, and for anyone who
wants to quickly learn skills for a new career or begin the process of
receiving higher education. An online associate degree in health science may
work best for you if you are absorbed in following a career in the healthcare
industry, but don't quite yet know which career, or if you need a more
affordable option to get started. Online schools also have credit transfer
policies, so if you are returning to school to finish your degree, you may be
able to transfer a significant amount of credits and finish faster.
Application, Admissions, and Enrollment for Online Health
Science Associate Degree Programs
The specific admissions requirements, application materials,
and enrollment processes will vary by school. However, in general, most online
associate degree programs in health science have similar requirements. For
admission, students will typically need:
High school diploma or equivalent
High school transcripts (if no college experience, or
transferring a minimal amount of college credits)
College transcripts (if some college experience)
Applications also request proof of English proficiency,
either by being a citizen of an English-speaking country, or demonstrating
knowledge in subjects such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening by
taking a placement test. If you must take an English proficiency test, plan
accordingly so that you can receive your scores by the time you apply for
school; many of these tests are available online. Colleges that offer online
associate degrees typically process the application in 2 days or more; the
process may take significantly longer if you are transferring credits.
Once you've been accepted, it's time to enroll and register
for classes. Many online programs have rolling admissions and enrollment dates,
meaning that you can apply at any time of the year and begin classes at the
soonest available date-sometimes this means you can begin classes as soon as a
month later. An enrollment advisor will contact you to guide you through the
enrollment process and choosing classes. A course schedule is usually made
available so you can get an idea of what courses you can take and when. Some
programs, like health science, will have additional technical requirements
(like software and hardware) for students to complete classes.
