Introduction
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree provides the student with a comprehensive program of study designed to satisfy entry-level eligibility requirements into a professional program. The curriculum is designed to allow students to attain their occupational or educational goals, primarily in healthcare. It offers adequate course flexibility for acceptance into both Jefferson College of Health Sciences' and other institutions' degree programs.
Purposes
A variety of tracts exist within the A.S. degree curriculum to allow for individualization depending on the students prior academic background and future career goals.
The purpose of the Associate Degree in Science program is to:
prepare students for other degree programs offered at Jefferson College of Health Sciences,
provide opportunities for students who may need to complete prerequisite or developmental coursework prior to acceptance into a professional health sciences program at Jefferson College of Health Sciences, or to pursue post-secondary education,
prepare students to transfer to another college or university,
provide a strong foundation in general education, science, mathematics and health sciences,
provide comprehensive basic science education,
provide the first two years of coursework (pre-professional) for the Physician Assistant program.
Preparation for Other Associate Degrees at Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Most programs at Jefferson College of Health Sciences have a competitive admissions process. Students who may not be accepted upon their first application to the program of choice have the opportunity to take college-level coursework to prepare for reapplication. Depending on the program of interest, the course of study for the first year can be individualized, with the student placed in the appropriate level courses.
Preparation for Transfer to Another College or University
In addition to satisfying entry-level eligibility requirements into a professional program of study at Jefferson College of Health Sciences, individuals with an Associate of Science degree are well prepared to pursue an educational track leading to healthcare or science careers that require baccalaureate- or graduate-level degrees. Additional career opportunities include hospital technician, laboratory technician, medical technologist, biomedical engineer, physical therapist, pharmacist, physician, dentist or veterinarian.
Students wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree at another institution are responsible for ensuring that courses taken at Jefferson College of Health Sciences will transfer to the institution and program of choice.
To obtain the Associate of Science degree, the student must earn a grade of "C" or above in the 36 required credit hours outlined below, and must successfully complete a minimum of 30 elective credit hours, for a total of 66 credit hours earned.
Please Note:
Biology 102 may be substituted for Biology 101 in the following listing of requirements.
