An Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA) in Health Sciences provides students with foundational knowledge in science and healthcare.
This degree prepares learners for entry-level roles in medical support and administrative fields or for transfer into a bachelor’s program. It is ideal for those planning to work in patient care, medical administration, or health education.
What to Expect from a Health Sciences AA Program
Health Sciences associate degrees typically require 60 to 90 credit hours and take about 18 to 24 months to complete. Many programs are available fully online, while others offer hybrid options. Flexible formats support working professionals, military veterans, and students planning to enter healthcare quickly or continue to a bachelor’s degree.
Students can specialize in medical administration, health information technology, or clinical support. Programs such as those at University of the People and South University offer affordable, online pathways with asynchronous learning.
What You Study in a Health Sciences Program
The curriculum blends general education with health-focused courses. Common subjects include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biology and Chemistry
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare Ethics
- Nutrition and Wellness
- Health Informatics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics for Health Professionals
Many programs also include career preparation and soft skill development. For example, Rasmussen University teaches interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and electronic health record use.
Students may also choose electives in areas like:
- Health Navigation
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
- Medical Coding
Typical Program Costs
Costs vary by institution and delivery format. Some examples include:
- University of the People: ~$2,860 total with no tuition or textbook fees; students only pay a $60 application fee and $140 per course assessment.
- South College: Tuition rates vary by credit load, but financial aid and scholarships may lower out-of-pocket costs.
- Los Angeles Pacific University: ~$21,630 for 60 credits at $515 per credit.
On average, U.S. public colleges charge about $6,700 for a two-year associate degree. Online programs often cost less due to fewer fees and flexible structures.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions are generally open to applicants with:
- A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- A minimum GPA (commonly 1.5 or higher)
- Completion of placement testing or prerequisite math and English courses
Some programs allow conditional acceptance pending submission of official documents within a set period (usually 5 weeks). Transfer credits are often accepted. For military-friendly options, Purdue Global and American Military University give credit for prior service-related training.
Career Outcomes with a Health Sciences Associate Degree
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles such as:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Patient Services Representative
- Health Information Technician
- Community Health Educator
- Wellness Coordinator
- Pharmacy Technician (with certification)
This degree also lays the groundwork for advanced education in nursing, physical therapy, or health services administration.
Program Variations and Pathways
Some colleges offer transfer pathways into bachelor’s degrees. For example:
- St. Petersburg College (SPC) allows students to move into their BS in Health Services Administration.
- Valencia College and PHSC structure their AA tracks for university transfer.
Others, like Excelsior University, target working professionals seeking academic advancement or a transition into bachelor’s programs.
Top Schools
If you’re considering a career in the healthcare field but want a flexible, affordable, and efficient path to get started, an associate degree in health science could be the right choice. Whether you’re transitioning from military service, working full time, or preparing for a more advanced healthcare role, the following schools offer diverse, accessible programs tailored to meet different needs.
From faith-based institutions to military-friendly campuses and fully online, transfer-ready options, these programs provide the academic foundation and career support to help you succeed in the growing healthcare industry.
| School | Location | Program Name | Format | Estimated Tuition | Unique/Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the People | Pasadena, CA | Associate of Science in Health Science | 100% Online | $2,860 total | Ultra-low cost, no live lectures, pay-per-course model, flexible for working adults. |
| Purdue Global | West Lafayette, IN | Associate of Science in Health Science | Online | Varies (military discount) | Designed for military students; credits for military training; capstone integrates real-world experience. |
| American Military University | Charles Town, WV | AAS in Health Sciences | Online | $15,000–$21,000 (est.) | Military-friendly, up to 45 credits transfer, free undergrad eBooks, monthly start dates. |
| Excelsior University | Albany, NY | AS in Health Sciences | Online | $510/credit (est.) | Veteran-focused, 8-week sessions, access to large global alumni network, strong student support. |
| South University | Savannah, GA | AS in Allied Health Science | Online | $25,000 (full program) | Accepts low GPA for admission, flexible course transfer, conditional enrollment available. |
| Los Angeles Pacific University | San Dimas, CA | AS in Health Sciences | Online | $15,000–$18,000 (est.) | Faith-based approach, Christian values integrated into healthcare education. |
| Weber State University | Ogden, UT | AS in Health Sciences | Online/In-person | $4,000–$6,000 in-state | Offers multiple entry points, independent study, and real-world career pathways. |
| AdventHealth University | Orlando, FL | AS in Health Sciences (General & MA Track) | Online | $25,000+ | Two track options: General or Medical Assistant, focus on whole-person, faith-based care. |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville, PA | AS in Health Science | On-campus/Hybrid | $10,000–$13,000 (est.) | Strong transfer agreements, solid science foundation, supports both workforce and bachelor’s pathways. |
| South College | Knoxville, TN | AS in Health Science | Online/Hybrid | $25,000 (varies) | Science-heavy curriculum, supports various allied health certifications, financial aid and scholarships. |
University of the People
https://www.uopeople.edu/programs/online-associates/health-science/
Pasadena, CA
Flexible, Low-Cost Health Science Education
University of the People offers a 100% online Associate of Science in Health Science (AHS) degree designed to provide a solid foundation for students seeking careers in the healthcare industry or planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The program consists of 20 courses and is designed to be completed in under a year and a half. With no live lectures and a flexible, asynchronous format, it’s ideal for working adults and other non-traditional students. The pay-as-you-go model ensures affordability, with a $60 application fee and a $140 assessment fee per course, totaling around $2,860 for the entire degree—substantially lower than traditional U.S. public colleges.
Career-Focused Curriculum with Practical Outcomes
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including disease prevention, biology, psychology, and global health. Students develop key skills such as interpreting health data, addressing public health challenges, and understanding psychological and societal health impacts. Open to anyone over 16 with a high school diploma, the program does not require prior healthcare experience. Graduates are well-positioned for roles like Community Health Educator, Patient Service Representative, or Wellness Coordinator, and receive support from the school’s Career Service Center, including resume and interview coaching.
Purdue Global
https://catalog.purdueglobal.edu/undergraduate/health-sciences/health-science-as/
West Lafayette, IN
Military-Focused Curriculum and Credit Recognition
Purdue Global’s Associate of Science in Health Science is uniquely structured for active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and military reservists with prior medical training. The program recognizes and applies military occupational experience toward degree requirements, offering a fast-tracked, military-friendly path to a healthcare credential. This associate degree consists of 90 quarter credit hours and includes a capstone course that integrates academic learning with real-world military experience, preparing students for advancement in military careers or entry-level roles in allied health fields.
Career Readiness and Academic Advancement
Graduates of the program gain a strong foundation in health science concepts and general education, positioning them well for continued education in bachelor’s or graduate-level healthcare programs. Emphasis is placed on biological and behavioral sciences, healthcare technology, ethical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is also designed to meet discipline-specific competencies, helping students prepare for a wide range of roles in health services or further licensure or certification, depending on state requirements.
American Military University (AMU)
https://www.amu.apus.edu/online-associate-degrees/associate-of-applied-science-in-health-sciences/
Charles Town, WV
Applied Health Sciences for Civilian and Military Learners
American Military University’s Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences offers a well-rounded, flexible curriculum tailored for learners with prior medical or military training. With up to 45 credits eligible for transfer, the 60-credit program blends major coursework and general education to explore biology, anatomy, physiology, and genetics. Courses run online in 8–16 week formats and integrate virtual labs, helping students connect theory with practical healthcare applications.
Affordable, Accessible Online Education
Designed for both military and civilian students, this online program offers cost-effective learning with no application fees and complimentary eBooks for undergraduates. Tuition is $350 per credit ($250 with the military rate), and courses begin monthly, enabling continuous progress. Graduates are equipped with the scientific and critical thinking skills needed to pursue further education in nursing, public health, or physical therapy, or enter various allied health roles.
Excelsior University
https://www.excelsior.edu/program/associate-in-health-sciences-degree/
Albany, NY
Gateway to Health Careers for Veterans and Professionals
Excelsior University’s Associate in Science in Health Sciences is a 60-credit, fully online program geared toward veterans, allied health professionals, and medical coders seeking a career shift or educational advancement. The curriculum emphasizes professional communication, U.S. healthcare systems, and medical terminology, providing a strong base for both immediate employment and bachelor’s-level study.
Supportive Learning and Career Development
Courses are offered in 8-week sessions with multiple start dates throughout the year. Students benefit from dedicated academic support and a global alumni network of over 200,000. With its career-focused approach and flexibility, Excelsior’s program prepares graduates for roles such as health support staff or administrative positions, or continued studies in public health, nursing, and health administration.
South University
https://www.southuniversity.edu/online/degrees-programs/healthcare/allied-health-science-as
Savannah, GA
Comprehensive Online Curriculum in Allied Health Science
South University offers an Associate of Science in Allied Health Science that provides a multidisciplinary education across natural, behavioral, and health sciences. This fully online program equips students with a solid academic foundation and interpersonal communication skills for healthcare environments. The curriculum is tailored to prepare students for entry-level roles such as medical administrative assistants or healthcare support personnel.
Admissions and Academic Flexibility
The program admits students with a minimum high school GPA of 1.5 or equivalent GED scores and supports conditional admission for those awaiting official documentation. Students can transfer prior college credits, and the university offers multiple U.S. campus and online options. Although licensure is not guaranteed, the degree offers a pathway for further study in bachelor’s-level healthcare programs and enhances employment prospects in administrative or clinical support roles.
Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU)
https://www.lapu.edu/programs/health-sciences-aa
San Dimas, CA
Holistic, Faith-Informed Health Science Education
Los Angeles Pacific University’s Associate of Science in Health Sciences blends academic rigor with a Christian worldview to train students for careers in healthcare, health promotion, and disease prevention. The program integrates ethical decision-making and practical experience to prepare graduates for a range of interactive roles in clinical and community settings.
Flexible, Online Learning with a Mission
Delivered entirely online, the program emphasizes values-based education and practical skill-building. Students gain core knowledge in biology, healthcare systems, and human wellness while fostering compassion and integrity in healthcare practice. LAPU’s curriculum is ideal for learners looking to make a meaningful impact in patient care or progress toward advanced degrees in health-related disciplines.
Weber State University
https://www.weber.edu/health-sciences/associate-health-sciences.html
Ogden, UT
Flexible and Multi-Pathway Health Science Education
Weber State University’s Associate of Science in Health Sciences offers students multiple pathways depending on their intended healthcare field. The program emphasizes flexibility with a variety of course delivery formats, including independent study options and instruction from experienced faculty. Students begin with general education coursework, which may be completed concurrently with the Health Sciences core. Skills gained include anatomy, pathophysiology, medical terminology, laboratory techniques, understanding of the healthcare system, and evidence-based research application.
Broad Career and Academic Outcomes
This AS degree prepares students for immediate entry into healthcare environments or for further academic pursuits such as bachelor’s degrees or healthcare certifications. Graduates often transition into careers across various healthcare settings or use the degree as a stepping stone toward professional programs. The curriculum is structured to build critical thinking, clinical knowledge, and adaptability, equipping students for dynamic roles in the health industry.
AdventHealth University
https://www.ahu.edu/programs/as-health-sciences
Orlando, FL
Foundational Program with Track Options
AdventHealth University’s Associate of Science in Health Sciences provides a versatile, two-year degree designed to launch students into advanced health sciences education or healthcare careers. Students may select between two tracks: the General Track (focused on completing general education and preparing for a bachelor’s degree) or the Medical Assistant to AS Track, which allows medical assistants to elevate their credentials. The curriculum supports paths into physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, and physician assistant programs.
Career Preparation with a Holistic Approach
With a focus on whole-person care, AHU’s program integrates academic preparation with a mission-driven philosophy. Students gain a broad scientific foundation while learning to view patients holistically, helping to prepare them for compassionate, patient-centered healthcare roles. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue bachelor’s-level study or clinical practice in various allied health specialties.
Lehigh Carbon Community College
https://www.lccc.edu/academics/programs/health-science-a-s-hscs/
Schnecksville, PA
Transfer-Focused Foundation in Health Sciences
The Health Science A.S. degree at Lehigh Carbon Community College is designed as a flexible, transfer-ready program that equips students with a strong foundation in the social and biological sciences. The 60-credit curriculum includes courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Mathematics for Allied Health, Human Growth and Development, and Psychology. Students receive a well-rounded general education that supports a variety of future academic and career goals.
Seamless Pathways to Healthcare Careers
Graduates of this program are prepared to transfer into bachelor’s degrees in fields like nursing, nutrition, health information management, public health, and more. The A.S. degree helps students meet prerequisites for competitive health programs while also providing qualifications for support roles in healthcare. The program’s design supports both immediate workforce entry and long-term educational mobility.
South College
https://www.south.edu/program/associate-of-science-in-health-science-as/
Knoxville, TN
Science-Based Curriculum for Allied Health Careers
South College’s Associate of Science in Health Science is available in online and hybrid formats and builds a comprehensive base in the biological and physical sciences. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and physics, preparing students for multiple healthcare roles. It is particularly beneficial for current allied health professionals—such as paramedics, pharmacy technicians, or surgical techs—seeking to formalize their education and advance their careers.
Flexible Tuition and Learning Outcomes
Program tuition is based on credit load per quarter, with financial aid, scholarships, and grants available to those who qualify. South College supports students who want to move directly into allied health employment or continue on to bachelor’s and professional programs. Graduates leave with a strong grasp of scientific principles and communication skills applicable in various healthcare environments, aligning with diverse career goals across the health sector.
How Long to Pay Off Your Degree
Choosing an affordable Associate Degree in Health Science can make a significant difference when it comes to long-term financial stability. Based on the programs reviewed, the average estimated tuition is approximately $16,000. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting salary for graduates entering allied health roles—such as medical assistants, health educators, or patient service representatives—is around $40,000 per year.
Here’s how long it would take to pay off a $16,000 student loan if you committed different percentages of your salary annually:
- 5% of salary ($2,000/year): 8 years
- 10% of salary ($4,000/year): 4 years
- 15% of salary ($6,000/year): 2 years and 8 months
- 20% of salary ($8,000/year): 2 years
These estimates assume no interest for simplicity, but in reality, interest may slightly extend the repayment period. Nonetheless, these figures show that with a modest salary and disciplined budgeting, it’s possible to repay student loans for these programs within just a few years—making them a financially smart step toward a career in healthcare.