An Associate in Health Science degree provides a foundation of knowledge and skills for the healthcare industry. This degree can be a direct path to employment or a stepping stone to further education. The flexibility of this degree makes it an attractive option for those interested in a career in healthcare but are unsure of which specific path to take.
Understanding the Associate in Health Science Degree
An Associate in Health Science is a two-year undergraduate degree program that provides a broad base of knowledge for the healthcare field. The curriculum gives students an understanding of the human body, medical terminology, and the healthcare system. The core curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, biology, and chemistry. Students also take courses in healthcare ethics, psychology, sociology, and communication to develop the soft skills needed to work with patients and colleagues.
Direct Career Paths with an Associate in Health Science
Graduates with an Associate in Health Science degree can pursue several career paths. Many of these roles involve direct patient care, while others are more administrative in nature.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of clinical and administrative tasks in a physician’s office or clinic. Clinical duties may include taking patient histories and measuring vital signs, while administrative duties include scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to dispense prescription medication to patients. Their duties may include receiving prescription requests, counting and packaging medication, and providing customer service in retail pharmacies or hospitals.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, and research. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and blood donation centers, and must be skilled in various blood collection techniques.
Health Information Technician
Health information technicians are responsible for maintaining and managing patient medical records. They ensure that medical records are accurate, complete, and secure. Health information technicians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants work closely with dentists to provide patient care. Their duties may include preparing patients for treatment, sterilizing instruments, and assisting with dental procedures. Dental assistants work in a variety of settings, including private dental offices, group practices, and dental clinics.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, are part of the surgical team. They prepare the operating room, sterilize equipment, and assist surgeons during surgical procedures. They work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities.
Core Skills You Will Develop
An Associate in Health Science program helps you develop skills for the healthcare field, which fall into clinical/technical and professional/soft skills categories. Clinical skills include knowledge of medical terminology, an understanding of patient care procedures, and lab safety. You will also learn about the different body systems, how they function, and the causes and treatments of various diseases.
You will also develop professional skills for success in the healthcare field. These skills include patient communication, empathy, teamwork, and ethical conduct, along with attention to detail for ensuring patient safety.
Using Your Degree as a Stepping Stone for Further Education
An Associate in Health Science degree can be a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in a variety of healthcare fields. Many four-year colleges and universities have articulation agreements with community colleges, which allow students to transfer their credits and apply them toward a bachelor’s degree. This can be a cost-effective way to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Common four-year degree paths for students with an Associate in Health Science degree include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
These degree programs can lead to advanced roles in the healthcare field. A BSN degree can prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. A degree in health administration can prepare you for a leadership role in a hospital or clinic. A degree in public health can prepare you for a career in which you work to improve the health of entire populations.
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary and job outlook for healthcare support roles that require an associate’s degree are positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in healthcare occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. This growth is due to an aging population and an increase in the number of people with chronic health conditions.
The median annual wage for healthcare support occupations was $36,030 in May 2023, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. Salaries can vary widely depending on the specific role, location, and level of experience. For example, surgical technologists tend to earn more than medical assistants.
The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent, and employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 8 percent over the same period.