Health Sciences: Diploma Summary

There were no diploma programs found in health sciences as of May 2012, but students who want to focus on basic topics in medicine and healthcare may attend associate's degree programs in this field. Learn about associate's degrees in health sciences and get information about courses, requirements and career options to make an informed decision about your education.

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Associate's Degree in Health Sciences

Associate's degree programs in health sciences focus on fundamental topics in healthcare and are primarily designed to prepare students for further studies related to the medical field. Students may learn about topics in medical law, terminology, ethics and human physiology. Students may also study the overall structure and role of the healthcare industry. Some programs may allow students to supplement basic curricula with courses that are geared toward specific career options. Students who are interested in attending associate's degree programs must have a high school diploma or a GED.

Course Topics

Programs cover a range of basic topics in healthcare. In addition to required core courses, students may need to take a range of foundational courses in topics such as psychology, chemistry, sociology and nutrition. Some programs may offer internships. While enrolled, students may study the following topics:

  • Physiology and anatomy
  • Medical terminology
  • Medical law
  • Medical ethics
  • Common medicines
  • Biocalculations
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathophysiology

Popular Career Options

These programs are typically designed to serve as the foundation for further education. For example, individuals who are interested in becoming nurses or medical technicians can complete a medical sciences associate's degree program to prepare to advance to more specialized programs. Some associate's degree programs in medical sciences may allow students to specialize in a given area, such as medical billing, by supplementing standard coursework with specialized topics. These programs may prepare students to obtain the following employment positions:

  • Medical biller
  • Health information technician
  • Medical coder

Continuing Education Information

Associate's degree programs in health sciences may pave the way for a number of educational options. Graduates of such programs could choose to enter certificate or bachelor's degree programs in subjects like nursing, medical billing or medical laboratory technology in order to move into careers specific to those areas of study. Some certificate programs could be specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals who have already earned an associate's degree in a related subject, like health sciences, but need additional training. However, it should be noted that an associate's degree in health sciences is not required to become a nurse, medical technician, medical technologist or medical biller.

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