Health Science

Learn about the Health Science Associate in Applied Science Degree program for professionals who are actively credentialed and currently working.  Download a Health Science flier (pdf) listing all approved credentials and required courses (pdf).  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.

What can I do with a health science degree?

As credentialed health care professionals, this degree can expand your clinical role and provide a degree which is often required for management positions.
 

How much does the program cost?

Download Estimated Expenses (pdf)

 

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials? 

• Upon successful completion you will earn a Health Science Associate in Applied Science Degree 
• Upon successful completion of the Radiologic Imaging option (didactic and clinical courses), students will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist's (ARRT) post primary certification examination in CT or MRI.
• Upon successful completion of the EFDA options, students will be eligible for the EFDA examination after completing the program. You may apply to the State Board of Dentistry for certification.

 

What are the required courses and what is the suggested schedule? How long does the program take to complete?

• Download a list of of Required Courses - 61 credits (pdf)
• The complete program can be completed at all campuses and online (with careful course selection).
• Options available are:
  • Social Services - open to anyone
  • Management/Marketing - open to anyone
  • Radiologic Imaging - CT or MRI
    • Restricted to students who possess, or are eligible to sit for, a primary certification from an approved medical imaging board. (Rad Tech, Nuc med, Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
    • The Radiologic Imaging option is completed online. The clinical courses can be completed at a location near you. Contact Tami Burkholder if you have questions.
    • Download Application & Registration Information (pdf).

    • Apply to the College, then apply for the courses online using the CT course application  (Survey Monkey).

  • Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) - Restricted to students who possess CDA credential or 2 years of clinical chairside experience.  
    • Contact Tiffany Kessler if you have questions.
    • Find a link on this website to to apply and be considered for for EFDA courses - https://hacc.edu/ProgramsandCourses/Programs/HealthCareers/Expanded-Functions-Dental-Auxiliary-Program.cfm

What are the program admission criteria?

• Admission to HACC does not guarantee admission to this program.
• To qualify, students must be actively credentialed health care professionals currently working in their fields.  (See list of approved credentials below.)
• Verification of credential and current employment in the field are required.
•  Qualified students will be awarded 30 credits towards a Health Science degree.
• Students who are NOT actively credentialed health care professionals may be interested in the  Health Care Management degree.
• Contact Vicki Gentzel (vlgentze@hacc.edu) for specific program entry requirements and to start the process for your 30 credits.
• Download Step by Step for New Health Science Students (pdf)
• Virtual Learning Admission Steps

 

What credentials have been approved for the health science degree?

• Credentials are approved for 30 credits
• The following are approved credentials for this degree:

 

Specialty	Credential
Activities Director CVT	Activities Director, Certified (ADC) Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)
CVT	Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES)
CVT	Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
CVT	Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
Coding	Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) (CCS-P) -  (American Health Information Management Assn - AHIMA)
Coding	Certified Professional Coder (CPC, COC, CIC, CRC, CPC-P ) (American Academy of Professional Coders - AAPC)
Dental	Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Dental	Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
DMS	Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
EEG	Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist (R.EEG.T  ABRET)
Health Information Management	Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) (AHIMA)
Laboratory	Clinical Lab Technician (CLA ASCP) Histotechnician (HT ASCP )
	Medical Lab Technician (MLT ASCP )
Massage	Board Certified Massage Therapist (NCBTMB) or Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) and State Massage License
Medical Assisting	Certified Medical Assistant (CMA/AAMA - Certifying Board of the American Assn of Medical Assistants) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA - American Medical Technologists) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA - National Healthcare Association)
Nursing	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Nursing	Registered Nurse (RN)
Ophthalmic	Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) (JCAHPO)
Ophthalmic	Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) (JCAHPO)
Orthopaedics	Orthopaedic Technologist Certified (OTC) (NBCOT)
Orthopaedics	Orthopaedic Technologist - Surgery Certified (OTSC) ( NBCOT )
Paramedic	Registered Paramedic (NRP or PA EMTP)
Physician Assistant	Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) (NCCPA)
Polysomnography	Polysomnography Technologist (RPSGT)
Radiology	Registered Technologist (Radiography) (RT(R))
Research	Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)
Respiratory	Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
Respiratory	Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Surgical	Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

These credentials do not qualify for Health Science:
Coding - CCA
CVT - CCT, CCDS, IBHRE
Nursing - CNA
Orthopedics - ROT
Pharmacy - CPhT
Phlebotomy

Can I advance my education in this field? These schools will accept HACC's Health Science degree in its entirety.

• Bloomsburg University offers a  Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership
• Franklin University offers a BS in Allied Healthcare Management.
• Immaculata University offers a BS in Health Care Management. It holds part-time evening classes at HACC's Lancaster campus, Fort Indiantown Gap and online. 
• Siena Heights University offers an online bachelor's in applied science including a BAS in massage therapy for NCBTMB board certified MTs.

 

Where can I get more information?

• Visit ACHE -American College of Healthcare Executives. American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 30,000 healthcare executives. These executives lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. You must have a bachelor's degree to join.
• Visit AHA - The American Hospital Association. AHA is the national organization that represents and serves hospitals and health care networks. It also serves patients and communities.
• Download Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Medical and Health Service Managers.
• Visit ExploreHEALTHCareers.org
• Visit  https://discoverhealthadmin.org/careers/