Pre-Health Science: AS Degree
The Associate in Science Degree in Pre-health Science emphasizes courses that satisfy preliminary academic requirements of the core curriculum for health care professions. Required coursework for the degree includes integrated lecture and laboratory courses in biology and chemistry that are prerequisites for many health science and health occupations programs. To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required courses and work with a counselor to determine the appropriate pattern of general education courses based on the student’s individual educational goals.
Career Opportunities
The degree is intended to prepare students to apply to programs in nursing, respiratory care, radiography, sonography, physical therapy, and other health science professional programs.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems in humans.
- Communicate chemical and physical processes at the molecular level and how they relate to the macroscopic environment.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (8-9 units) | ||
| Complete 1 chemistry course and 1 biology course from the following: | ||
| CHEM-110 | Introduction to Chemistry | 4-5 |
| or CHEM-120 | General Chemistry 1 | |
| BIOL-105 | Human Biology | 4 |
| or BIOL-120 | General Biology | |
| Required Electives (10 units) | ||
| Complete 2 of the following courses: | 10 | |
| Human Anatomy | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| Total Units | 18-19 | |
Note:
Pre-nursing and pre-respiratory care students are advised to take all three 200-level biology courses (BIOL 218, 219 and 220) to complete the prerequisites for these programs. Other allied health programs may have different requirements. Students are advised to consult with the particular institutions and programs of interest to determine their specific requirements.
To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.