What You Should Know About This Degree
When it comes to postsecondary education in healthcare, there are several options. While a health science degree focuses on patient care and healthcare management, a degree in healthcare administration lets you take on support roles, such as healthcare coordination and secretarial work. Alternatively, a degree in nursing is less generalized than a degree in health sciences and focuses exclusively on patient treatment.
When selecting a program, it’s important to make sure it’s accredited by an agency that’s approved by the U.S. Department of Education. These agencies routinely review programs and student services offered by schools.
Graduating with an associate degree in healthcare comes with plenty of career opportunities. As mentioned earlier, medical assistants are in high demand. Other career choices, such as radiologist and MRI technologist, are expected to experience faster-than-average growth.
Depending on their location and chosen career path, students may need to obtain additional state licensing prior to starting work.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in health science programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Typically, admission to an associate degree program in health science requires a high school diploma or GED, along with good marks in math and science. A limited number of schools may require some work experience in healthcare or a related field.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Many of the programs on our list offer both types of classes, so it’s important to make sure a program offers a schedule and delivery format that suits your preferences and needs.
As you research programs in health science, take time to carefully track important information such as application deadlines, admission requirements, and options for financial assistance.
If your chosen school doesn’t provide much support for obtaining financial aid, research options such as state grants and scholarships from local organizations.