Health Sciences, A.S.
Program Overview:
The Associate of Science in Health Sciences program at St. Francis College is a two-year, 60-credit degree designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in healthcare and provide a strong academic foundation for transfer into bachelor's and advanced professional programs. The curriculum integrates liberal arts education with core health science coursework, emphasizing communication, critical thinking, cultural competence, ethical practice, and evidence-based decision-making. Students gain knowledge in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, epidemiology, healthcare systems, medical ethics, and organizational management while developing the skills needed to address contemporary public health challenges and serve diverse populations. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of clinical and nonclinical career opportunities in healthcare organizations, public health agencies, community organizations, insurance and pharmaceutical industries, or for continued study in fields such as nursing, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions.
Program Learning Objectives
Program Learning Objectives
PLO 1: Apply appropriate communication strategies with clients and their families, community organizations, and/or other stakeholders.
PLO 2: Analyze health needs with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
PLO 3: Practice awareness of cultural, ethnic, age, gender, and lifestyle differences.
PLO 4: Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct appropriate to the health science community.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Requirements | 36 |
FS | Understanding College | 1 |
WRI1 | Writing | 3 |
OC1 | Presentation | 3 |
QR1 | Mathematics | 4 |
MAT-1104 or MAT-1105 | Math for Liberal Arts or College Algebra |
|
DL | Digital Literacy | 3 |
IT-1002 | Computer Tools |
|
ALC | Arts and Literature across Cultures | 3 |
NSS | Natural Sciences | 4 |
BIO-1140 & BIO-1140 L | Anatomy & Physiology I & Laboratory |
|
EP | Ethics & Philosophy | 3 |
SSS | Social Sciences | 3 |
PSY-1108 | Life-Span Development |
|
HGP | Historical & Global Perspectives | 3 |
FS | Personal Wellness | 2 |
HS-1201 | Health Science |
|
RS | Religion | 3 |
| Major Requirements | 22 |
HC-1001 | Introduction to American Health Service Delivery | 3 |
AP-1141 & AP-1141 L | Anatomy and Physiology II & Laboratory | 4 |
HS-1207 | Nutrition | 3 |
MAT-2301 | Statistics | 3 |
PHI-2502 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
HS-2406 | Epidemiology | 3 |
BUS-1001 | Organization and Management | 3 |
| General Electives | 3 |
| Total Credits | 61 |
Curriculum Highlights
Curriculum Highlights
The Associate of Science in Health Sciences curriculum provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences while developing the professional competencies required for success in today's healthcare environment. The 60-credit program combines a strong liberal arts core with specialized health science coursework that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, ethical decision-making, and cultural competence.
Students complete foundational science courses in Anatomy and Physiology I and II, along with coursework in Nutrition, Epidemiology, Medical Ethics, Statistics, and the American Health Service Delivery System. The curriculum also includes Organization and Management to strengthen leadership and administrative skills applicable to healthcare settings. Throughout the program, students engage in learning experiences that address the social, behavioral, environmental, and cultural determinants of health, with an emphasis on serving diverse and underserved populations. General education courses reinforce written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, information literacy, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, preparing graduates for immediate employment in entry-level healthcare positions or seamless transfer into bachelor's degree and professional health programs.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Associate of Science in Health Sciences program will be prepared for entry-level employment in a variety of healthcare and public health settings or for continued study in bachelor's and professional degree programs. Career opportunities include:
Medical Office Administrator
Health Services Coordinator
Patient Care Coordinator
Community Health Worker
Health Education Assistant
Medical Claims Reviewer
Healthcare Customer Service Representative
Public Health Program Assistant
Clinical Research Assistant
Health Information Technician
Medical Records Specialist
Hospital Unit Coordinator
Healthcare Quality Improvement Assistant
Insurance or Pharmaceutical Company Representative
Wellness Program Coordinator
Nonprofit or Community Health Agency Associate
The program also provides a strong academic foundation for transfer into bachelor's degree programs and preparation for advanced professional education in fields such as nursing, public health, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions.