An associate degree in health science is an entry point into the high-growth healthcare industry, providing an educational base for various clinical and administrative roles. This two-year degree is an accessible way to begin a career that is in high demand, offering pathways for professional development.
Understanding a Health Science Associate’s Degree
An associate of science in health science is a two-year undergraduate program that provides a broad understanding of the healthcare field. The curriculum builds a foundation in sciences and liberal arts, with core coursework in human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and medical terminology. This base is complemented by studies in health psychology, nutrition, and healthcare ethics.
The program structure allows students to explore facets of healthcare through electives in areas like cardiovascular technology or public health. The degree prepares individuals for entry-level employment in settings from hospitals to non-profit organizations. It provides the knowledge needed to enter the workforce or continue education toward a bachelor’s degree.
Direct Patient Care Roles
Graduates with a health science associate degree can pursue roles involving direct interaction with patients, assisting with diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants handle both administrative and clinical tasks. They may be responsible for taking patient vital signs, preparing blood samples for laboratory analysis, and administering medications or injections. Working primarily in outpatient clinics and physicians’ offices, they are often the first point of contact for patients.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Under the supervision of a physical therapist, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) help patients recover from injuries and illnesses that affect mobility. They guide patients through prescribed exercises, perform therapeutic massage, and utilize equipment to aid in recovery. A state-issued license or certification is required to practice, which involves graduating from an accredited program and passing a national exam.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work with occupational therapists to help patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities participate in daily activities. OTAs guide patients through exercises and activities designed to improve their ability to perform tasks at home and at work. Certification is available through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) after completing an accredited associate degree program.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists collect blood from patients for testing, transfusions, research, or donations. They must be skilled in various blood collection techniques and ensure patient comfort and safety. Phlebotomists work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and blood donor centers, and many employers prefer to hire those with professional certification.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and assist doctors during surgeries. Their responsibilities include ensuring all necessary sterile supplies are available and passing instruments to surgeons during procedures. Surgical technologists primarily work in the operating rooms of hospitals and outpatient surgery centers, and certification is often preferred or required.
Administrative and Technical Healthcare Roles
A health science associate degree also prepares graduates for administrative and technical roles that manage information, technology, and operational processes within healthcare organizations.
Medical Coder and Biller
Medical coders and billers translate healthcare services into universal medical codes for billing purposes. They review patient records and assign the correct codes for each diagnosis and procedure for insurance reimbursement. Many employers require certification from organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Health Information Technician
Health information technicians organize and manage health information data, ensuring the quality, accuracy, and security of paper and electronic health records (EHRs). They are employed by nearly every type of healthcare provider. To become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), one must pass an exam administered by AHIMA, a credential that is highly valued in the field.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of a licensed pharmacist to dispense prescription medication. Their duties include measuring amounts of medication, packaging and labeling prescriptions, processing insurance claims, and managing inventory. They are employed in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers use imaging equipment to help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Sonographers can specialize in areas like obstetrics, cardiology, or vascular technology, and they work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physicians’ offices. Certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the standard in the field.
Key Skills for Your Resume
Graduates acquire a range of marketable skills that should be featured on a resume. Employers look for foundational abilities that demonstrate readiness for the professional healthcare environment.
- Proficiency in medical terminology for clear communication.
- Interpersonal communication skills for interacting with patients and colleagues.
- Patient record management, including experience with electronic health records (EHR).
- Knowledge of healthcare regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities for critical thinking.
- Competency in specific procedures, such as taking vital signs or using billing codes.
Advancing Your Career Beyond an Associate’s Degree
An associate degree in health science serves as a foundation for career growth. Many graduates use it as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree, which opens doors to leadership and specialized roles. Credits from an associate program often transfer, reducing the time to complete a bachelor’s.
Popular pathways include a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Healthcare Administration, or Public Health. These programs prepare graduates for management positions or advanced clinical practice. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for roles like health services manager or for entry into graduate programs for physical therapy.
Continuous learning through certifications is another path for advancement. Obtaining specialized credentials in areas like medical coding or sonography can lead to higher earning potential and greater responsibilities.