Health Sciences, Associate in Applied Science
Program Description
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Health Science is designed for students already working in the healthcare field as paraprofessionals who wish to enhance their educational credentials. They will receive up to 19 college credits for their previous postsecondary training and experience. The evaluation of previous training and experience will be conducted by the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and will be based upon review of transcript(s) from previous educational program(s) and work experience documented in a comprehensive portfolio. Students will complete the remaining credits as outlined to earn the A.A.S. degree.
Transfer Information
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are intended to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The NJ Statewide Transfer Agreement does not guarantee the transfer of credit/coursework when a student earns an AAS degree and continues on to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Students are encouraged to work closely with OCC faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer www.njtransfer.org.
Career Information
The Associate of Applied Science Degrees are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to start employment upon graduation. Several of the A.A.S. degrees provide the opportunity for the student to gain work experience by offering internship credit. These degrees are usually technical in nature and prepare the student for certification and licensing exams necessary to work in their field of choice. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with OCC faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options. OCC students can also utilize Focus2 Career, a resource provided by OCC, to explore degree programs and corresponding careers. To get started, log in through Ocean Connect.
Students are encouraged to keep track of degree requirements by using the “My Progress” screen on Student Planning. Student Planning can be accessed via logging into Ocean Connect.
Program Requirements
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| AHMT 110 - Medical Terminology | 3 | |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Any Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 1 | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| PHIL 192 | Contemporary Ethical Issues | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Any Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| BIOL 114 | Principles of Biological Science or Science and the Human Body or Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| Any Gen. Ed. Requirement | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| AHLT 893 - Health Science Professional Experience 2 | 19 | |
| Credit Hours | 19 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available. Please speak to your academic advisor for assistance when selecting.
- 2
Students are awarded up to 19 credits for completing an articulated CPE program and/or demonstrating professional certification, licensure, or experience, as approved by the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, based upon review of transcript(s) from previous educational program(s) and work experience documented in a comprehensive portfolio. If awarded less than 19 credits, the student needs to complete additional HEHP, HHAW, BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, or ENVI courses to make up the difference.