Getting an Associate Degree in Health Science may be exactly what you need to launch your career. It pays well, the required classes are standard, and it leads to exciting opportunities. So, here’s what you need to know to get started.
What is an Associate Degree in Health Science?
This degree gives you hands-on career training by covering the basics of today’s healthcare industry. That’s because it’s an introductory degree that focuses on getting you ready for your bachelor’s. In fact, most schools offer credit transfer programs for that very reason.
When you finish, you can apply for entry-level positions at healthcare facilities. For example, you can get a job in medical billing, insurance administration, or medical office management. It all depends on where you go to school and how well you do in class.
What sort of classes do I have to take?
Your class schedule for this degree is based on what you plan to do with it. Still, there are some basic courses you’ll need to pass if you want to get a job in the healthcare field. So, here’s what’s required if you want a degree:
- Biology
- Physics
- Genetics
- Anatomy
- Mathematics
- Physiology
You might also have to take language arts classes and do work on sociology or history too. After all, most people consider an Associate Degree in Health Science a stepping stone for students entering the medical field. The good news is that it usually only takes about 2 years to complete.
Where should I go to school?
There are lots of places to get your Associate Degree in Health Science, but not all schools are made the same. So, here are a few places to look for more impactful credentials.
- Parker University – an accredited online school based out of Thief River Falls, Minnesota
- Austin Community College – a quiet campus with online coursework and top industry ratings
- San Jose College – a well-respected institution offering students a personal touch and affordable tuitions
- Bay State College – a laid-back school designed to help students find their place in the healthcare industry
- Indiana University Kokomo – a community-centered campus focused on real-world training and flexible schedules
Also, you can get your degree faster by working at your own pace through an online curriculum. Or, you can double your major to make twice the impact on your resume.
What jobs are available?
This degree gets your foot in the door but it will not land you a dream job unless your dream job is one of these:
- Medical Assistant (MA)
- Health Info Tech
- Pharmacy Tech
- Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA)
- Health Science Writer
- Health Instructor
- Public Health Advisor
- Physical Therapist
- Home Health Aide
- Phlebotomist
The list of available jobs is lengthy, so don’t stop there. Just know that your Associate Degree in Health Science can lead to bigger and better things if you continue to study. So, get information on preparing yourself for a more challenging career by talking to your school’s admissions counselor.
How much money can I make with an Associate Degree in Health Science?
A lot of people question whether this degree is even worth getting because it doesn’t lead to extremely lucrative healthcare careers. The salaries with any associate degree are generally modest, and this one is no exception. On average, grads end up making around $67,000 per year depending on where they live and work.
