What to Expect from a Typical Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Allied Health Degree
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Allied Health is a career-focused degree designed for students who already hold a certificate or have completed prior coursework in a health-related field. It serves as a degree completion program, helping healthcare professionals advance their skills and qualifications.
These programs are often delivered online or in a blended format and can be completed in as little as five months to two years, depending on the school and format.
Program Structure and Curriculum
A typical AAS in Allied Health builds on prior education in areas such as medical assisting, pharmacy technology, dental assisting, or veterinary assisting. Students must usually transfer in 54 quarter credit hours from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Students complete core and general education courses such as:
- The Health Care System
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care
- Academic Success Strategies
- College Mathematics
- Written and Oral Communication
- Introduction to Sociology
- Environmental Science
- Ethical Principles Across Societies
In total, most programs require about 90 quarter credit hours (or ~60 semester credit hours) for graduation. Out-of-class assignments are required and may include research projects, papers, and presentations. The program emphasizes real-world application of skills and contemporary healthcare issues.
Skills and Outcomes
Graduates of an AAS in Allied Health should be able to:
- Demonstrate supervisory and leadership abilities.
- Use problem-solving skills to address real-world healthcare issues.
- Communicate effectively in professional environments.
- Understand key federal, state, and local healthcare policies.
These programs prepare students to work in roles such as medical office assistants, healthcare support workers, or administrative staff in clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. You can explore examples of job roles via the O*NET Healthcare Support Workers summary.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to an AAS in Allied Health generally includes:
- Proof of a completed certificate or diploma in an allied health concentration.
- Transcripts showing a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Official transfer credits from an accredited institution.
- Completion of prerequisite general education courses in math, science, and communication.
Some schools may allow internal applicants to transfer from their own certificate programs.
Program Cost
Typical AAS in Allied Health ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 in total program cost. Some schools may offer scholarships or financial aid options. In-state and regional tuition discounts (like the NEBHE Tuition Break Program for New England students) can significantly reduce costs.
Career Outlook
With healthcare support roles growing steadily, the AAS in Allied Health prepares graduates for entry-level roles or career advancement. While the degree does not guarantee licensure or certification, it enhances qualifications for many non-licensed healthcare jobs and can serve as a pathway to further healthcare education.
Top Schools
If you’re looking to launch a career in accounting with a strong foundation in practical, job-ready skills, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting can be your ideal starting point. Across the country, community and technical colleges are offering affordable, hands-on programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or continued study.
Whether you’re seeking flexible online options, stackable credentials, industry certifications like QuickBooks, or personalized instruction from experienced CPAs, the schools featured below each bring something unique to the table. From New York to Texas to Washington, these programs provide real-world training, strong career services, and pathways that align with today’s job market demands in business, finance, and public service.
| College | Location | Program Length | Format | Stackable Credentials | Unique/Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Star College | Houston, TX | 2 years (60 credits) | In-person (multiple campuses) | Yes | Includes Excel and QuickBooks training; Level 1 Certificate feeds into AAS |
| San Juan College | Farmington, NM | 2 years | In-person | Yes | Offers two specializations (Tax and Accounting); internship experience with community tax help |
| Dallas College | Dallas, TX | 4 semesters (~2 years) | In-person and online | Yes | Offers Accounting Clerk and Assistant certificates along the way |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) | Schnecksville, PA | 2 years | In-person | Yes | Accredited by ACBSP; wide range of accounting topics including cost and tax |
| City Colleges of Chicago | Chicago, IL | 2 years | In-person | Yes | Offers a Basic Certificate in Accounting Clerk; includes diversity-focused coursework |
| Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) | Canandaigua, NY | 2 years (63–64 credits) | In-person or online | Yes | Hands-on training with QuickBooks and Excel; strong local employer connections |
| Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | 2 years | In-person | Yes | Curriculum guided by local business advisory boards; CPA exam pathway for bachelor holders |
| Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood, PA | 2 years (61 credits) | In-person | No | Strong emphasis on ethical conduct, teamwork, and technical accounting skills |
| Clark College | Vancouver, WA | 2 years (91 credits) | In-person | Yes | Integrates communication, critical thinking, and workplace skills |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | 2 years (63 credits) | In-person (daytime) | Yes | Faculty are all CPAs; Last-Dollar Scholarship covers tuition for eligible students |
| College of Southern Maryland | St. Mary’s County, MD | 2 years | In-person or fully online | Yes | Fully online option; basic to advanced certificates stack into AAS |
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/accounting-aas.htm
The Woodlands, Texas
Program Structure and Curriculum
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting at Lone Star College is a two-year, 60-credit hour program offered at several campuses, including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, and more. The curriculum includes foundational accounting topics such as financial accounting and auditing, and incorporates practical, hands-on training using Excel and QuickBooks. First Time in College (FTIC) students are required to complete EDUC 1300 – Learning Framework. Students can also stack credentials, beginning with a 21-credit Level 1 Accounting Certificate that feeds directly into the AAS degree.
Career Outcomes and Transferability
Graduates of the program are prepared for various entry-level roles in accounting across industries such as public accounting firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The program emphasizes accuracy, software proficiency, and ethical standards in accounting work. While the AAS is workforce-oriented, general education core courses are transferable to Texas public colleges and may be accepted by private and out-of-state institutions. Students are encouraged to work with advisors to explore transfer options and tailor their educational pathways.
San Juan College
https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/accounting-aas/
Farmington, NM
Specialization Options and Curriculum Highlights
San Juan College offers a two-year Accounting AAS degree with two specialization tracks: Accounting Specialist and Tax Specialist. Students in both tracks develop strong foundational skills in accounting software like QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, and learn financial accounting, payroll, and income tax. The Tax Specialist option includes an internship, where students provide free tax preparation for the community, while the Accounting Specialist track includes courses in nonprofit accounting and auditing. Students may pursue both specializations with just an additional semester or two due to overlapping coursework.
Affordability and Transfer Opportunities
Thanks to New Mexico’s Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, many students at San Juan College can earn their degree with little to no tuition cost. Graduates are job-ready for paraprofessional roles and can also pursue certification as a bookkeeper or IRS enrolled agent. While the AAS programs do not directly transfer to all four-year institutions, many students successfully transition to bachelor’s programs at schools like New Mexico State University and Fort Lewis College. Academic advisors are available to help students navigate transfer planning and future degree goals.
Dallas College
https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/gps/pages/gpsmap.aspx?gpsId=436
Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, Richland
Flexible Learning and Stackable Credentials
Dallas College offers a four-semester Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting designed to provide a strong foundation in accounting procedures and generally accepted accounting principles. The program costs approximately $5,940 and is offered at multiple campuses as well as online. Students must complete at least 25% of their coursework (15 credit hours) at Dallas College and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The course sequence also enables students to earn stackable certificates—Accounting Clerk and Accounting Assistant—on their way to completing the full associate degree.
Career Pathways and Curriculum Design
This program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the accounting field, including roles in bookkeeping, payroll, and accounts receivable/payable. Its building-block format allows students to gain credentials at multiple points during the program, enhancing employability and flexibility. The coursework focuses on developing industry-relevant skills and knowledge, and students can also select accounting electives to explore areas of personal or professional interest.
Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC)
https://www.lccc.edu/academics/programs/accounting-a-a-s-acc/
Schnecksville, PA
Career-Focused and Transferable Skills
The Accounting A.A.S. program at LCCC equips students with practical knowledge for entry-level positions in accounting or to continue on to a bachelor’s degree. Accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the program features courses in principles of accounting, income tax, cost/managerial accounting, accounting information systems, and business law. Students can earn an accounting certificate as a first step toward the associate degree, allowing them to progress at their own pace.
Job Readiness and Pay Outlook
Graduates are prepared for immediate roles such as bookkeepers, payroll clerks, billing specialists, and receivable/payable specialists, with typical hourly wages ranging from $17 to $25. The program emphasizes technical and professional skills that are highly valued across industries. LCCC’s stackable credential model offers a clear educational pathway that leads to increased responsibility and higher pay as students advance academically and professionally.
City Colleges of Chicago
https://catalog.ccc.edu/academic-program-requirements/accounting-aas/
Chicago, IL
Practical Training and Certificate Integration
The Associate in Applied Science in Accounting from City Colleges of Chicago combines foundational accounting education with hands-on experience. Students progress through a course sequence that includes a Basic Certificate (BC) in Accounting Clerk and the full AAS degree. Courses are designed to build core competencies in budgeting, tax preparation, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting. A focus on Human Diversity is integrated into the curriculum through a designated course.
Broad Career Prospects
Graduates are qualified for a range of roles, such as bookkeeping and auditing clerks, tax preparers, payroll clerks, and even entry-level budget analysts or credit analysts. The program offers clear pathways to employment across various sectors including retail, service, and manufacturing. With access to career services and guidance, students can confidently pursue professional roles or additional education beyond the associate level.
Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC)
https://www.flcc.edu/academics/programs/accounting-aas/
Canandaigua, NY
Real-World Skills and Career Versatility
FLCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Accounting can be completed online or in person, with 63–64 credit hours required for graduation. The program emphasizes hands-on use of industry software like QuickBooks and Excel, and includes coursework in business law, marketing, and communication. Students build practical problem-solving skills and learn to interpret and manage financial data across various sectors.
Career and Transfer Opportunities
FLCC prepares students for entry-level positions in businesses, government agencies, and non-profits, as well as for entrepreneurial ventures. Regional employers of FLCC graduates include Constellation Brands, Paychex, and Petrella Phillips LLP. The college supports seamless transfer to four-year institutions through articulation and joint admissions agreements. Tuition is competitively priced at $5,376 per year, and 76% of students receive financial aid or scholarships.
Brightpoint Community College
https://www.brightpoint.edu/majors/accounting-aas
Chester, VA
Targeted Job Preparation with CPA Pathways
Brightpoint’s two-year AAS in Accounting is a workforce-focused program designed to prepare students for entry-level roles such as bookkeeper or cost accounting clerk. The program is guided by advisory committees made up of local business leaders to ensure curriculum relevance. Graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree may become eligible to take the CPA exam in Virginia upon completing the program.
Learning Outcomes and Structure
The curriculum develops intermediate accounting competencies in areas such as financial statement preparation, computerized accounting, individual tax return filing, and cost accounting. While this program is not designed for transfer, students interested in continuing their education are advised to consult academic advisors and transfer institutions for guidance. Brightpoint also participates in the NC-SARA agreement, allowing enrollment from most U.S. states.
Westmoreland County Community College
https://westmoreland.edu/academics/programs/22-23-catalog-pages/accounting-aas-may2022.pdf
Youngwood, PA
Strong Technical Foundation for Accounting Roles
Westmoreland’s AAS in Accounting is a 61-credit program tailored to individuals new to the accounting field. The curriculum includes comprehensive coursework in accounting, business management, and computer applications. The program suits individuals with strong math skills, attention to detail, and an analytical mindset.
Job Titles and Skill Development
Graduates are prepared for roles such as junior accountant, accounting clerk, payroll accountant, and assistant to a CPA. Students learn to prepare financial statements for various business entities, complete tax returns, apply cost accounting principles, and use accounting software. The program emphasizes ethical conduct, communication skills, and teamwork, ensuring graduates are ready to function effectively in professional business environments.
Clark College
https://catalog.clark.edu/academic-plans/accounting/accounting-aas/
Vancouver, WA
Comprehensive, Skill-Building Curriculum for Aspiring Accountants
Clark College’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting prepares students with foundational and specialized accounting skills applicable across business sectors. Spanning 91 credit units, the two-year program integrates general education with technical accounting competencies, including payroll, financial reporting, and the full accounting cycle for various business types. A key requirement includes at least 5 credits of BUS 199, emphasizing workplace relevance. Students also build communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills—equipping them for careers or further education in the field.
Outcomes Focused on Industry-Ready Expertise
Graduates of Clark College’s program demonstrate the ability to prepare and interpret financial statements, maintain payroll systems, and manage accounts for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. The curriculum fosters broader competencies like scientific inquiry, quantitative problem solving, and cultural awareness through embedded general education goals. Ideal for entry-level roles or advancement in current positions, the program’s thorough structure ensures students exit job-ready and adaptable to various professional environments.
Hawkeye Community College
https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/accounting/aas-degree
Waterloo, IA
Affordable and Career-Focused Training
Hawkeye Community College’s Accounting AAS program is a two-year, daytime, face-to-face degree that offers a robust curriculum in financial, managerial, and tax accounting, payroll, and spreadsheet analysis. With a faculty composed entirely of CPAs and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized and expert instruction. Tuition is fully covered for eligible students through the Last-Dollar Scholarship, making this a cost-effective choice. The curriculum includes 63 total credits across four semesters and optional electives in business and mathematics to support diverse accounting career goals.
Strong Outcomes and Professional Credentials
Students graduate with practical knowledge in financial reporting, QuickBooks certification (90% attainment), and opportunities to gain further credentials. The curriculum is built to prepare graduates for immediate employment in positions like staff accountant, bookkeeper, or accounts clerk, or to transfer to a four-year institution for continued education. The program’s emphasis on real-world applications, supported by up-to-date course content and job readiness skills, ensures graduates are prepared to succeed in today’s accounting job market.
College of Southern Maryland
https://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/program-finder/accounting.html
La Plata Campus | Leonardtown Campus, Maryland
Flexible Learning for Career Advancement
The College of Southern Maryland offers a highly adaptable AAS in Accounting designed for both aspiring and current professionals in the field. The program prepares students for entry-level roles in business, industry, government, or public accounting. With pathways including basic and advanced certificates and a fully online option, the program allows for progressive learning and career advancement. Courses cover general education and focused accounting topics to ensure well-rounded development.
Pathways for Progression and Specialization
Students can begin with the basic certificate and stack their credentials up to the AAS degree, aligning their studies with evolving career goals. Practical skills in bookkeeping, payroll, automated accounting systems, and financial analysis are emphasized, and course selection flexibility allows for specialized interests. Ideal for working adults and traditional students alike, this program ensures graduates are equipped with both technical know-how and transferable workplace skills.
How Long Will It Take to Pay Off Your Tuition?
One of the most practical questions future students ask is: How long will it take to pay off my student loan once I graduate? While the exact timeline depends on factors like your job, location, and living expenses, we can use average numbers to give you a realistic picture.
Let’s assume:
- Average total tuition cost for an AAS in Accounting: $6,000
- Average starting salary in accounting-related roles: $38,000 per year
Here’s how long it would take to pay off that $6,000 in student loans, depending on what percentage of your salary you allocate toward repayment:
| % of Salary Used for Loan Repayment | Annual Payment | Estimated Payoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $1,900 | 3.2 years |
| 10% | $3,800 | 1.6 years |
| 15% | $5,700 | 1.05 years |
| 20% | $7,600 | 9.5 months |
These estimates assume no interest accrues and no other debts are factored in. However, they illustrate an encouraging takeaway: a degree in accounting from one of these affordable community colleges can pay for itself in under 3 years—often sooner. If you’re able to land a job quickly and dedicate even a modest portion of your income toward repayment, your investment in education can be both short-term and smart.