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HEALTH SCIENCES

ASSOCIATE DEGREE

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About our Health Sciences
Associate Degree

The Associate of Science in Health Sciences degree provides students with introductory courses necessary for careers in healthcare administration or healthcare education or as a starting point for students interested in attaining a future professional degree in healthcare. The health sciences degree consists of foundational courses in science, English, math, social sciences, humanities and healthcare. To complete the Associate of Science in Health Sciences degree, each student selects an area of concentration (Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Education, Healthcare Pre-Professional, or Pre-Pharmacy).

The degree allows students to customize their educational pathway to meet their preliminary professional educational goals. This degree is especially appropriate for individuals interested in entering the field of healthcare with the goal of pursuing a future medical professional degree (physician, physician assistant, physical therapist and more); healthcare administration; or health education. In addition to traditional students, the Health Sciences Degree is appropriate as an educational pathway for medical professionals who desire to advance their careers in healthcare management or education. The degree offers a combination of on-campus and online courses. Students pursuing a Health Sciences degree may opt to complete a second major in Cardiovascular Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical Assisting, Paramedicine, Radiography or Respiratory Therapy. Acceptance into these programs is based upon application to the program and meeting minimum entrance criteria.

In addition to traditional students, the Health Sciences Degree is appropriate as an educational pathway for medical professionals who desire to advance their careers in healthcare management or education. The degree offers a combination of on-campus and online courses. Students pursuing a Health Sciences degree may opt to complete a second major in Cardiovascular Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical Assisting, Paramedicine, Radiography or Respiratory Therapy. Acceptance into these programs is based upon application to the program and meeting minimum entrance criteria.

Graduation Outcomes

  • Demonstrate effective communication skills and work collaboratively with individuals and populations.
  • Identify and analyze ethical issues in research, health and public health.
  • Describe the components of health policy and healthcare systems both domestically and globally.
  • Develop and apply critical analysis skills to contemporary health issues.
  • Exhibit college-level knowledge of English, math and sciences.

What opportunities does this program provide?

SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:

  • Delivery Systems Operations Support Staff
  • Hospital Admissions Representative
  • Medical Secretary
  • Patient Service Representative
  • Talent Acquisition Support Staff (Human Resources)

Continue Your Education

Available transfer agreements for this program include:

Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time

62-credit-hours-4-semesters

Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.

Interested in viewing full program and course details?

Are you a current student?

Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.

Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.

Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.

Learn More:

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Costs & Financial Aid

This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)

Want to learn more?

Fill out a quick form and we’ll reach out to provide more info.

Ready to apply?

Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.

Additional Admissions Requirements:

Please note that our Health Sciences programs have additional requirements.
For more information, visit our Health Science Applicants webpage.

Contact Us:

Admissions: 207-741-5800 or admissions@smccME.edu 

Department Chair: Norma Willis, 207-741-5591 or nwillis@smccME.edu

A three-credit class averages

LESS THAN
$400

Full-time tuition & fees

$3,880
PER YEAR

*Additional program costs may apply.

3 CAMPUSES

South Portland, Brunswick & Online