Dec 11, 2024  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025 
  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025

Health Science, A.A.


This program is designed for students who intend to apply for a health program at BHCC such Nursing , Medical Imaging , Surgical Technology , Medical Laboratory Tech , or Medical Laboratory Assistant  .  This program contains the science prerequisite courses required to apply for a health program at BHCC as well as satisfying all General Education requirements.  The required application prerequisite courses will be completed in the first two semesters of this program.  Students may then switch out of this program once they are admitted to a health program or they may continue and complete the entire program to receive their Associate in Arts Degree in Health Science.  Students completing this associate degree will also be qualified to apply for baccalaureate level health programs such as nursing or nutrition science.  This program also satisfies Mass Transfer requirements if a student decides to transfer into a program outside of health. 

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1


Total Credits: 13-14


Semester 1 Advising Note

  • It is advised that students do not take General Biology I (BIO-195 ) to satisfy the prerequisite for BIO-203 BIO-195  is a more advanced biology designed for biology and biotechnology majors.  BIO-195  also does not satisfy the General Education “Scientific Reasoning” requirement for AA degrees.  

  • If students cannot take MAT-194 MAT-181 , or a General Education Menu math course during their first semester because of their math placement then they should enroll in the appropriate developmental math course during their first semester.  This may delay the completion of this AA program.  

  • This program has five tracks to prepare students for applying to one of BHCC’s health programs: 1) Nursing; 2) Medical Laboratory Technician; 3) Sonography or Medical Radiography; 4) Surgical Technology; 5) Medical Laboratory Assistant.  Please note that the health programs have a competitive application process and students must attend a program advising session before they can apply. Students should attend an advising session before or during their first semester.  Certain courses in this program should be selected based on the specific allied health program the student desires to enter.

    • Nursing: Students should enroll in PSY-101  during their first semester as a prerequisite course for PSY-213 .  Students should also enroll in any math course listed on the General Education Quantitative Problem Solving menu during their first semester. MAT-181  is recommended.
    • Medical Laboratory Technician: Students should enroll in PSY-101  and MAT-181  during their first.
    • General Sonography, Cardiac Sonography, and Medical Radiography: Students should enroll in SOC-101  during their first.  Students should also enroll in either MAT-194  or MAT-181  during their first.
    • Surgical Technology: Students should enroll in PSY-101  during their first semester. Students should also enroll in any math course listed on the General Education Quantitative Problem Solving menu during their first semester.
    • Medical Laboratory Assistant: Students should enroll in BIO-108  their first semester.

Total Credits: 14


Semester 2 Advising Note

  • After completing their second semester, students will have the prerequisite courses required to apply to a BHCC health program. Please note that health programs have a competitive application process and students must attend a mandatory advising session before they can apply. 

  • Students should consider taking one or two courses during the summer session to lighten their course load in semesters three and four.

Semester 3


Total Credits: 17-18


Semester 3 Advising Note 

  • General Physics I (PHY-201 ) is an option of the Sonography programs to replace MIG-111  and can be taken as a general elective in this program as long as the student has completed MAT-197 . 

  • It is recommended that pre-Nursing students take PSY-213  for the Behavioral Science Elective.

  • For a general elective, it is highly recommended that a language course be taken.

Semester 4


Total Credits: 17-18


Semester 4 Advising Note

  • Students should consider taking one or two courses during the summer sessions to lighten their course load in semesters three and four.
  • Social Science, Humanities, and Fine Arts Electives are not required in the curriculum of any health programs at BHCC.  These electives only need to be taken if a student is not accepted into a health program and they wish to complete this AA degree for transfer. It is also highly recommended that a language course be taken if a general elective is needed.

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:


  • Express scientific ideas and results of investigations with appropriately written reports.
  • Apply mathematical tools to analyze scientific data.
  • Explain the major concepts of cell structure, function and cellular processes that are key to life.
  • Make connections between human anatomy, physiology, and disease.
  • Relate biological and chemical concepts to the development and use of drugs and medical procedures to treat medical conditions.
  • Use currently accepted biological, chemical, and physical concepts to investigate human issues concerning health and wellness.
  • Use laboratory technology, equipment, and techniques to investigate medically related problems critically and safely using a scientific approach.

Career Outlook


Although there are limited employment opportunities with only an Associate in Arts in Health Science, this program will prepare students to apply for admission to various Associate in Science health related programs or to transfer into a four-year health related program.

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