Health Sciences Associates
Associate's Degree
Next program start date
August 11, 2021
Finish in as few as
18 months1
Learning includes
- On Campus
- Online
- Campus Support and Resources
- Field Experience
Broaden your knowledge and experience as an allied health professional with an Associate’s degree in Health Sciences. Specifically designed for Illinois students, this blended on-campus and online Health Sciences degree allows you to choose among three specializations: Medical Administrative Assistant, Pharmacy Technician or Medical Assisting. You pick your specialization, and we’ll take care of you from there.
For non-Illinois residents, please visit our Healthcare Associate’s degree page. If you are just entering the healthcare field, you can also check out our Healthcare Certificate.
Take me to:
What Will I Be Prepared to Do When I’m Done?
Launch a Healthcare Career
Begin your exciting and fulfilling career in the healthcare industry utilizing skills learned in your Health Sciences courses, from healthcare support or medical secretaries to pharmacy technicians or medical assisting.2
Advance Your Education
If you want to continue your education with Rasmussen University, you can smoothly transfer your Health Sciences degree credits into our Health and Wellness Bachelor’s degree-completion program.
Pursue Potential Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth potential between 2018 and 2028 for medical secretaries is 16%, pharmacy technicians is 8% and medical assistants is 23%.3 A Health Sciences degree from Rasmussen University can help set you up for success in this growing field.
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What Skills Will I Gain?
Critical Thinking
Effectively gather data in order to think and act quickly in the interest of your patients’ health.
Written and Interpersonal Communication
Hone written and verbal communication skills to advocate for patients, ensure confidentiality and improve patient care.
Customer and Patient Service
Develop and enhance the customer service and communication skills you need to fill key direct patient care roles and indirect patient care roles on any healthcare team.
Diversity Awareness
Learn how to deliver care effectively and respectfully to patients from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
What Types of Classes Will I Take?
- HSA1050
- Online
- 1 Credit
- HSA 2117
- Online
- 4 Credits
- HSC 2641
- Online
- 4 Credits
Customer Service in Healthcare
Prepares students to deliver outstanding customer service in a healthcare setting. Provides an understanding of the factors that influence the perceptions of external and internal customers. Topics covered include the psychology of patients, customer service in a diverse world, listening skills and effective communication techniques.
U.S. Healthcare Systems
Provides an overview of the United States healthcare system. Explores the influence of reimbursement methodologies and finance on healthcare delivery, as well as the role of local, state and federal government in healthcare delivery. Introduces a variety of provider models and service delivery systems found in both private and public healthcare facilities, including different types of healthcare facilities.
Medical Law and Ethics
Studies the United States legal system and court process with emphasis on legal and ethical issues within the healthcare environment. Covers fraud and abuse, patient privacy and confidentiality and professional practice law and ethics. Includes a project that is specific to the student's program of study.
22–25 Courses to Complete (Varies by Specialization)
91 Credit Hours
Estimate Your Tuition
Rasmussen University is committed to making education more affordable for all students. Our tuition estimating tool can help you visualize the cost of your degree and see what savings opportunities are available to help you achieve it.
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements for the School of Health Sciences vary by program. To learn more and receive help planning your healthcare career path, contact an admissions advisor who will speak to you about immunizations, background checks and TEAS scores.
Transfer Student
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. You can get an estimate of your transfer credits without an official transcript in one business day (on average). Talk to an admissions advisor today, or explore our Transfer Policy page for our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
Help Paying for College
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with Flex Choice® learning options, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, and corporate and military discounts for those who qualify.
Where Can I Find a Health Sciences Program Near Me?
At Rasmussen University, we want our courses to be available on your schedule, not the other way around. Select programs are available for enrollment through a specific campus and nationally online, but students complete the courses online and are able to utilize online and on-campus support and resources. See below to find out where you can find a Health Sciences program near you.
- Online
-
Illinois
Illinois Campuses
- Non-Illinois Residents*
- Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
- Graduates of the Health Sciences Associate’s degree program with a specialization in Pharmacy Technician meet the education requirements needed to apply for a Pharmacy Technician license or registration from the board or pharmacy or equivalent agency in the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WI, WY. Other eligibility requirements may apply, please check with the board of pharmacy or equivalent agency in your state of residence. This program may not meet the educational requirements needed to apply for a Pharmacy Technician license or registration in states not listed above, please check with the board of pharmacy or equivalent agency in your state of residence for further information.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed May 1, 2020] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Employment conditions in your area may vary.