Health Science

Program
Degree Type
Associate in Science

The Associate in Science degree in Health Science, has been designed for students who have a desire to work in the healthcare industry. Students have options to follow a Pre-Nursing or Public Health Informatics Technology pathway as well as the general Health Science pathway. The Public Health Informatics Technology pathway is new and requires three specific courses in addition to the health science curriculum. These are: Introduction to Public Health, U.S. Healthcare and Public Health Informatics Technology. Contact the program coordinator for specific course sequencing information on the pathways.

The first year includes courses that would be required for general education as well as varied careers in the healthcare field. At the end of the first year, students will have the option of transferring to another associate degree program to complete their course work in a specific field or continue on to receive their associate degree with a focus on coursework pertaining to their health-related interest. The second year is flexible for students to choose courses that could then potentially transfer to a 4- year college in the field of their choice. 

With careful planning, the student will be able to earn credits that will fit their intended field of study.

Acceptance into the Health Science program does not guarantee acceptance in or give preferential treatment to an applicant to a specific health program at a later date.

Upon the completion of the degree in Health Science, graduates will be able to:

  1. The student will communicate effectively and fluently; read with comprehension; listen, speak and write competently.
  2. The student will develop skills in reflection, analysis, logical reasoning, and evaluation to formulate judgments, reach conclusions, and solve problems.
  3. The student will evaluate and utilize quantitative and qualitative data and apply mathematical and scientific principles and methods.
  4. The student will utilize technology to locate, evaluate, organize, and utilize information accurately and responsibly.
  5. The student will acquire knowledge and skills to function effectively as informed and responsible citizens.
  6. The student will acquire knowledge and skills that will enable respect for diversity as well as an awareness of global interdependency.
  7. The student will formulate a plan for personal and professional growth in a health -related career.
  8. The student will articulate the importance and necessity of lifelong learning in particular as it applies to health-related fields.

In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in the general education outcomes.

Residency Requirements

At least 15 semester credits must be taken at Nashua Community College not including transfer credits. A minimum of 8 credits of coursework in the program must be completed at the “200” level.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be high school graduates or have the GED equivalent.
  • Submit an application for admission and have official transcripts forwarded to Nashua Community College by secondary and post-secondary institutions previously attended.
  • Participate in the ACCUPLACER® Placement Assessment test when appropriate.
Total Credits
60
Course Sequencing
Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
ANTH105N or Behavioral Social Science General Education Core Requirement  +
3
Sub-Total Credits
14
Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Humanities/Fine Arts/Philosophy or Global Awareness  +
3
English/Communications Core and Elective Requirements  +
3
Sub-Total Credits
17
Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Specialty and Support Courses: (As appropriate to student’s career plans)  +
11
Sub-Total Credits
15
Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Specialty and Support Courses: (As appropriate to student’s career plans)  +
14
Sub-Total Credits
14

Public Health Informatics Technology

The field of Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) focuses on collecting, storing, managing, analyzing, using, and sharing public health data to more efficiently and effectively impact population health. Experts in PHIT, often referred to as public health informatics specialists or public health informaticians, use data analytics, visualization skills, and technology to innovatively solve public health problems.

This Health Science degree with a pathway in PHIT, is designed to be transferable to University of Massachusetts/Lowell where students can complete their Baccalaureate degree in Public Health/ Public Health Informatics and Technology. You will then be prepared to enter this emerging field of public health and make a difference through work in health departments, nonprofits, community health centers and other health care settings. 

Speak with the program advisor for specialty & support course recommendations.  3 credits of specialty and support for this semester.

Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Humanities/Fine Arts/Philosophy or Global Awareness  +
3
Behavioral Social Science Core Requirement  +
3
Specialty and Support Courses: (As appropriate to student’s career plans)  +
3
Sub-Total Credits
16

Speak with the program advisor for specialty & support course recommendations.  13 credits of specialty and support for this semester.

Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Specialty and Support Courses: (As appropriate to student’s career plans)  +
13
Sub-Total Credits
13

Pre-Nursing Pathway

Health Science students that successfully complete the sequence of courses below, maintain at least a 2.8 CGPA, earn acceptable TEAS scores, provide references, submit their application for the nursing program and complete all nursing admission requirements by the February 1, 2024 deadline, will be eligible for priority acceptance to the nursing program.

See link below:

https://nashuacc.edu/admissions/online-application/

*Minimum grades of C+ are required for Science and Psychology courses.

Students may take more classes in a semester as the goal is to complete all the general education courses within one academic year. 

This is a recommended sequence:

*Minimum grades of C+ are required for Science and Psychology courses.

Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
11
Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
English/Communications Core and Elective Requirements  +
3
Sub-Total Credits
3

*Minimum grades of C+ are required for Science and Psychology courses.

Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
11
Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Humanities/Fine Arts Core Requirement  +
3
Sub-Total Credits
3

*Minimum grades of C+ are required for Science and Psychology courses.

Item #
Title
Class Hours
Lab Hours
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
4