Health Science, Associate of Science

The Health Science Degree option is designed for:

• Students contemplating a career in health care. Students who pursue this degree can (a) transition to an RN - Associate Degree in Nursing, upon achievement of selective admission requirements; or (b) transition to an Allied Health Joint Degree Program with Rutgers University, upon achievement of selective admission requirements.; or (c) transfer to a four-year institution to complete their Bachelor’s degree (please check with the intended institution for eligibility requirements). Please visit the Health Science Education website at www.raritanval.edu/healthscience for more information on these selective admission programs at RVCC.
   
• Students who have completed previous coursework from an accredited post-secondary program that has resulted in credits earned and/or licensure/certification in a health science-related discipline (e.g., Pre-Nursing/Nursing, Medical Assistant, Medical Coder/HIT, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technician, etc.), who are interested in the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Health Science. This degree will enable students to advance their current employment opportunities and will promote academic advancement into baccalaureate level programs in Allied Health or Health Education.

Graduates are able to:

• enhance education and career opportunities through the general and liberal arts education component of the program
• develop a foundation in the health sciences
• acquire competencies in organizational management, computer application, medical terminology and other areas relevant to the profession
• communicate effectively, think critically and problem solve across disciplines with consumers, providers, employees and other health care professionals with diverse cultural and/or educational backgrounds

This degree is offered through the Health Science Education Department. Students must obtain approval from the Coordinator of Allied Health or the Health Science Education Department Chair in order to apply previous and/or current coursework to the Health Science Specialization elective courses.

Raritan Valley Community College Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs are designed to comply with the New Jersey Community Colleges General Education Foundation which supports transfer of courses to NJ Public four-year colleges and universities.  Students who intend to transfer to a NJ college or university can further improve the transfer of courses by using the Recommended Transfer Program (RTP) feature in NJTransfer.org.

NOTE: Students considering transfer to Rutgers University should choose a Global & Cultural Awareness (GCA) General Education course not replicated elsewhere in their curriculum.  Students who have already fulfilled the GCA requirement for their Associates of Arts (AA) degree should select an additional Social Sciences or Humanities General Education course.   

NOTE: In addition to earning credit through the successful completion of RVCC courses, a student may be awarded credit toward an RVCC degree or certificate through alternative means.  For additional information please refer to our Alternative Academic Credit policies  .