Dec 11, 2024  
Spring 2023 Academic Catalog 
    
Spring 2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Sciences, A.A.S.


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Vickie Findley, Health Sciences Program Coordinator
Advanced Technology Center / (304)367-4716
Vickie.Findley@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Health Science provides students with the opportunity to build upon the knowledge gained in a professional skill set or certificate degree program and earn an associate’s degree. Students may complete some of the requirements toward the A.A.S. degree while enrolled in the skill set or certificate degree curriculum. Students with current national certification or state licensure/certification may also be able to transfer credits to fulfill the required area of emphasis in the curriculum. The credits earned through national certification can be from a variety of careers, including but not limited to emergency medical technician, medical administrative assistant, phlebotomy, laboratory assistant, and licensed practical nurse.

Admission Requirements

All students entering the A.A.S degree Health Sciences must meet the following criteria:

  • Have completed or be enrolled in a health care related skill set or Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) program in order to fulfill the area of emphasis requirement in the curriculum. Admission to a specialty area is not guaranteed
  • Must pass a criminal background clearance, meet health and immunization requirements and essential functions, and provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites, if accepted into a skill set or CAS program

NOTE: Completion of all or part of the A.A.S. degree in Health Sciences does not guarantee selection into any of the other health sciences associate degree programs offered at Pierpont Community & Technical College.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the A.A.S. degree in Health Sciences, graduates will be able to do the following:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and competence in a chosen field of state or national certification
  • Communicate verbally and in writing with patients, clients, health care delivery personnel and peers in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner
  • Use critical thinking, technological, and mathematical skills to complete work assignments and solve work problems
  • Demonstrate professional behavior that meets legal, ethical, responsible, and safe standards with respect for individuals and cultures

Opportunities

The associate’s degree can provide students with greater flexibility in their professional field of study as well as opportunities for job advancement. Graduates of the Health Science A.A.S. degree have a wide range of career options within the healthcare setting, including hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and physician offices as well as scientific, sales or technical services firms within the health science industries.

Required Courses (60 Hrs)


Electives (16 Hrs)


Students may choose to fulfill part of the 16 required elective credits from the following courses, provided the courses were not used as one of the required courses in the “Required Courses” section. Note that all prerequisite and selective admission requirements must be met for all courses used as electives.

Skill Set/Certificate Requirements (6 Hrs)


Only specific courses from a skill set will satisfy this section of the degree requirement. If completing the skill set simultaneously with the AAS Degree, students must adhere to the model schedule for their respective skill set. Students completing Licensed Practical Nurse or Laboratory Assistant Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) degrees, must declare that major as the primary major and should complete those programs before entry into the Health Science program (change of major may need to take place).

Model Schedule (60 Hrs)


First Semester (13-16 Hrs)


Second Semester (12-15 Hrs)


Third Semester (15-17 Hrs)


Fourth Semester (11-14 Hrs)


Grade Requirement


A “C” or better is required for General Education courses and Health Sciences core courses.

Notice to All Students


  • Annual Notification: All career and technical education courses and programs are offered at Pierpont regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.
  • Advanced Skill Set and Skill Set programs do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an associate or certificate degree in which the skill set and advanced skill set courses are embedded.
  • Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures as stated in the catalog.

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