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Health Science (3656)

Health Careers
Health Careers

Health Science - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) (3656)

Do you already hold a position in a healthcare-related field for which you are actively credentialed or licensed? Do you want to advance your knowledge and skills? If this sounds like you, our Health Science program may put you on the track to obtaining higher positions within your organization.

This program is designed specifically for individuals who already have a degree and wish to advance their skills in specific areas. However, there are transfer opportunities available should you wish to continue your education within one of the specializations and obtain a bachelor’s degree.

If you do not have a healthcare credential and are not working in the healthcare field, you may be interested in the associate in healthcare management.

Jump to career information below!

View program requirements! 

Find your state's license and certification requirements.

After graduating from our Health Science program, you will be ready to advance your career in:

  • Dental Assisting (Expanded Function Dental Assistant)
  • Management/Marketing
  • Paramedic
  • Social Services/Gerontology

This program may be the perfect fit if you:

  • Work in the healthcare field of management/marketing, or social services
  • Want to advance your career within your organization
  • Possess strong math and computer skills
  • Can communicate effectively with others

 

 

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Begin exploring your options now!

 

 

Our program is ideal if you currently work in health care and have credentials. Your healthcare credential or licensure allows you to receive up to 30 credits towards the completion of the associate degree. You will select from one of the following areas of study to focus your coursework:

  1. Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)
  2. Management/Marketing
  3. Social Services

If you have the following certification, you may enroll in the EFDA concentration:

  • Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Because of the nature of our program, it is selective. This means that certain criteria must be met beyond our standard admission application. For the specific requirements and approved credentials please visit the health careers section of our website.

After graduating from one of the following concentrations in our Health Science Program, you will be able to: 

Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) Concentration:

  • Apply concepts of restorative terminology, tooth anatomy, and restorative dental materials to restorative procedures.
  • Demonstrate skills to meet the requirements established by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.
  • Demonstrate basic competency for placing and finishing amalgam and composite resin restorations on patients.
  • Demonstrates ethical conduct in restorative care and decision making.
  • Write and speak effectively.

Management/Marketing Concentration

  • Demonstrate competencies needed to gain employment in the physician practices, hospitals or vendors in the medical areas
  • Demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of medical management for the hospital and/or physician practice
  • Demonstrate the concepts of marketing to target audiences
  • Discuss human resource issues in the hospital or medical office
  • Incorporate Healthcare Law and Ethics into the changing healthcare environment

Social Services Concentration

  • Recognize race and cultural relations as they relate to the healthcare area
  • Demonstrate life-cycle development in a variety of patient populations

 

  • View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.
  • Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Our Health Science Program is designed for individuals who are currently employed in the healthcare field and possess a license or credential. If you wish to continue your education and pursue a bachelor’s degree, there are transfer opportunities. We encourage you to select a four-year school as soon as possible as each school has its own unique program requirements. It is important that you know what your desired school’s program requirements are early enough so that you can take the proper courses at HACC.

Browse our various transfer options below:

Saint Francis University - Francis Worldwide: Health Science (A.A.S.) (pdf)

Our program is available at the Harrisburg, Lancaster, Gettysburg, Lebanon and York campuses through various modalities (e.g., on-campus/in-person instruction, hybrid, synchronous remote instruction and/or asynchronous instruction). All of the EFDA courses offered within the Expanded Dental Functions concentration can taken at the Harrisburg Campus through on-campus/in-person instruction.

 

Yes! Through the HACC Foundation, there are scholarships available. Please visit https://www.hacc.edu/Scholarships  for details and deadlines.

 

 

We offer classes in the spring, summer and fall. To apply anytime, visit our website. When you submit your application please include program code 3656 to ensure you apply to correct program.

 

 

Future students, we are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. Please choose the option that works best for you to meet with us.

Current HACC students, please contact our Advising Department with any questions.