Is An Online Associate Degree in Health Science For You?

The health job market is experiencing a significant expansion due to a variety of interconnected factors that are changing the healthcare landscape. The recent pandemic underscored the critical importance of a robust healthcare system, prompting increased investments in infrastructure and a surge in demand for trained workers capable of responding to public health crises. But there are other factors at play, as well.

The aging population is also impacting the demand for healthcare services. As people age, there is a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses and a greater need for medical care. This demographic shift has a cascading effect on various healthcare sectors, from hospitals to long-term care facilities. For all age segments of the population, the prioritization of overall wellness, mental health, and preventative medicine has prompted an increased need for professionals specializing in preventive care, health education, nutrition, fitness, and wellness programs.

Advancements in medical technology have revolutionized the healthcare industry, leading to the creation of novel treatments, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches. This progress not only enhances patient care but also requires a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining these sophisticated technologies. 

The shifting tides of the field mean that there is a wealth of compelling, well-paid jobs available to workers who have the appropriate training. However, almost all of these positions require specialized education to obtain even an entry-level position. If you aren’t sure how to go about entering a healthcare science training program, this article will help demystify the process. We will walk through the benefits of obtaining an associate degree in health science, to set you on the path to a rewarding career in the healthcare field.

Why Earn an Associate Degree Online?

An associate degree, commonly offered by community colleges, technical schools, and select universities, serves as an undergraduate academic credential. What does an associate degree cover? It introduces fundamental concepts within your chosen field and equips you with practical skills for entry-level positions. An associate degree will take you two years to complete, although this can vary depending on the program and if you choose to attend classes full-time or part-time.

In contrast, a bachelor’s degree demands a more extensive commitment of at least four years. Bachelor’s programs delve deeper into the curriculum, providing students with a broader understanding of theoretical principles, fostering critical thinking skills, and imparting specialized knowledge. Bachelor’s degree programs often include general education requirements for a well-rounded education that prepares students for leadership roles.

While both degrees offer value, which degree you pursue will come down to your academic and professional objectives. An associate degree provides a quicker entry into the workforce, whereas a bachelor’s degree is often deemed essential for higher-level positions and specialized roles. The choice between the two hinges on your individual goals, career aspirations, and desired expertise in a specific subject area.

To learn if a career in health science is for you, an associate degree is often a smart first step. University of the People offers an associate degree in health science that can open the door to this exciting industry. As part of the program, you will explore a wide range of health-focused topics, from disease prevention, psychology, global health, public healthcare, and biology to general health and wellness. 

Some of the specific lessons you will learn include analyzing and interpreting health data, gaining a holistic view of psychology and mental health, proposing real-world solutions to health problems, and exploring connections between society and health. 

UoPeople’s program is taught completely online, making it perfect for working professionals who need to attend classes on their own schedule. You will complete 20 courses in as little as four months, enabling you to join the workforce much faster than with other degree programs. 

When you complete the program, you will have earned 62 total credits, with 9 credits being in general education, 41 in core classes, and 12 in elective classes. It is important to note that, if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health science once you complete your associate degree, your credits can transfer. This means that earning an associate degree in two years may enable you to complete a bachelor’s degree in an additional two years, especially if both degrees align in disciplines. You should consult with your college regarding credit transfers to ensure you have a seamless transition into your bachelor’s program.

Career Prospects with a Health Science Associate Degree

The healthcare sector presents diverse opportunities for individuals with an associate degree. While certain roles may necessitate additional education or certification, an associate degree often serves as a gateway to sought-after positions involving direct patient care and specialized skills. Below are four positions the UoPeople program will prepare you to obtain.

Community Health Educator: A community health educator is responsible for delivering health education programs to a variety of community groups. The goal of the position is to help people cultivate healthier lifestyles and empower them to make informed choices. Acting as a liaison between communities and healthcare providers, this professional can assist people in navigating available resources and services, as well as advocate to local leaders and policymakers for health-promoting policies and initiatives.

Healthcare Advocate: Focused on promoting well-being and preventive healthcare within a community, healthcare advocates often engage one-on-one with patients to help them understand their rights, medical options, and available resources. Their responsibilities may involve assisting with paperwork, explaining insurance coverage, and clarifying medical bills.

Patient Services Representative: Serving as a frontline connection between healthcare providers and patients, patient services representatives play a crucial role in welcoming and reassuring patients when they arrive in a medical office. The professional’s daily tasks could include handling inquiries, scheduling appointments, and facilitating the registration process. Additionally, they collect and verify patient information, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.

Wellness Coordinator: Wellness coordinators assess the wellness needs of individuals, community groups, and corporate teams and then design programs to address areas like physical fitness, nutrition, stress management, and mental health. These programs could include workshops, seminars, fitness classes, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing overall well-being.

Other Education Options in Computer Science

If you aspire to progress further in the healthcare field, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science can open up new avenues for career growth. Additionally, obtaining additional certificates and licenses in various health-related skills can enhance your qualifications and make you well-equipped for advanced positions.

UoPeople offers an online bachelor’s degree in health science that prepares students for an exciting career in healthcare by teaching innovative skills to improve patient care and well-being. You will gain skills in biology, psychology, anatomy, and physiology while building a solid framework of skills that will transfer to many different healthcare settings. This degree can be completed in as little as 14 months and will take less time if you transfer your UoPeople associate degree credits into the program.

Certificates in Public Health and Health Services, Human Biology, Epidemiology, and Behavioral Health are also available from UoPeople. Certificates are a great way to gain specialized knowledge and skills in a specific field and often lead to higher-paying jobs and leadership roles.

Earn Your Degree Online 

A tremendous benefit of selecting UoPeople’s health sciences programs is that they are all conducted online. Online learning is great for working professionals, providing flexibility for students to complete their coursework at their own pace. Additionally, online learning platforms can connect students with experts and professionals worldwide, fostering a global community for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

If you choose to pursue an associate degree in health science through UoPeople’s online format, you are setting yourself up for a successful, meaningful career in healthcare. Online education will enable you to acquire essential skills efficiently, positioning you for success in a dynamic job market. As we have discussed, there are many well-paying jobs available to trained healthcare workers due to the rapid expansion of the sector. Besides being one of the most in-demand fields right now, health careers also allow you to have a positive impact on people’s lives. As Patch Adams, a doctor who was portrayed by Robin Williams in a 1998 movie of the same name, said: “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you win – no matter what the outcome.”