Associate of Science in Allied Health Science

Associate of Science in Allied Health Science Overview

The field of healthcare is rapidly growing and constantly in need of skilled healthcare professionals. For those considering a career in healthcare, our Health Science programs may be an option. Our Associate of Science in Allied Health Science program online can enable you to get started in the right direction. Focusing on the important role of professionalism in healthcare, curriculum blends the teaching of theory with industry-related technical information.

Our Health Science courses are designed to expose students to a broad education in general studies combined with an emphasis on life science subjects such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, and pathophysiology. The Associate of Science in Allied Health Science degree program online offers students interested in healthcare careers a knowledge base from which they may pursue their professional goals. After successful completion of the Health Science classes and all other graduation requirements, you would receive an Associate of Science in Allied Health Science. Alternatively, completion of the first two years provides you with the required prerequisite courses to apply for South University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. However, admission to the nursing program is competitive and requires a separate application.

Graduates are prepared to pursue a number of entry-level careers within the broad field of allied health.

Employment Opportunities

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Wage and salary employment in the health care industry is projected to increase 22 percent through 2016." "Health care will generate 3 million new wage and salary jobs between 2006 and 2016, more than any other industry. Seven of the twenty fastest growing occupations are health care related. Job opportunities should be good in all employment settings."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-09 Edition, Health Care, on the internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs035.htm.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to the Associate of Science in Health Sciences program online at South University, the prospective student must be a high school graduate OR have the equivalent GED (General Education Development certificate).

After meeting this qualification, applicants must:

1. Achieve a satisfactory score on either the SAT I, the ACT, or the CPTs Or
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a transfer student.

Getting Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in our Health Sciences program online. Click here to get started.

Associate of Science in Allied Health Science - 90 Total Hours

Students are required to take 24 courses as follows:

• 13 foundation courses - 52 credits
• 11 major courses - 38 credits

Foundation Curriculum - 52 Credits
Students are required to take 13 foundation courses as follows:

ENG0099 - Principles of Composition

Principles of Composition provides students with a brief review of grammar and mechanics, and an in-depth introduction to writing. The focus is on writing as a process, finding and organizing ideas, composing a first draft, and rewriting subsequent drafts and proofreading.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

ENG1001 - Composition I

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on writing procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

ENG1002 - Composition II / Literature

This course is designed to introduce the student to fiction, poetry, and drama and, through literary analysis and interpretation, to develop the life skills of critical thinking and written expression.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2001 - Composition III

The goal of this course is to refine the student's reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By analyzing ineffective arguments and constructing effective ones, the student will discover how ambiguity, evasiveness, vagueness, and obscurity weaken his or her credibility as a writer.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2002 - World Literature

This course focuses on world literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: story, poetry and drama.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002

Credits: 4

ITS1000 - Computer and Internet Literacy

This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MAT0099 - Principles of Algebra

This course introduces those principles of algebra that are needed for intermediate and college algebra. Students must earn the grade of C to pass this course. Note: This course is offered for institutional credit only.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MAT1001 - Intermediate Algebra

Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

MAT1500 - College Mathematics

College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics.

Prerequisite(s): MAT0099

Credits: 4

MAT2058 - Statistics

This course introduces the student to fundamental laws of probability, levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and variance, random variables, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, small sample techniques and non-parametric methods.

Prerequisite(s): MAT1001 OR MAT1002

Credits: 4

PHI2301 - Introduction to Philosophy

This course introduces students to critical philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their daily lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world. As a methodology, this course will use the specifics of current events in the world to give a concrete context for the philosophic topics covered in the study materials.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001

Credits: 4

PSY1001 - General Psychology

The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values—how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

PSY2022 - Human Growth and Development

In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual, and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001

Credits: 4

SOC1001 - Introduction to Sociology

This course, a scientific study of human social activity, will provide the student with a new way of looking at the world. In learning about the sociological perspective, the student will be challenged to see the general in the particular, the strange in the familiar, and the importance of the global perspective.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

SPC1026 - Public Speaking

Students will develop and refine presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material in preparation for the assignments.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

UVC1000 - Strategies for Success

Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting, and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum - 38 Credits
Students are required to take 11 major courses as follows:

AHS1001 - Medical Terminology

This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. This course is designed for health profession students who require study in the fundamentals of medical terminology as part of their professional curriculum.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099

Credits: 4

BIO1011 - Anatomy and Physiology 1 (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology I is an introduction to the structures and functions of the human body including the characteristics of life, homeostasis, organizational levels, basic metabolism, the cell, tissues, organs, organ systems, the organism, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and the special senses.

Prerequisite(s): AHS1001 with a ?C?or better Co-requisite: BIO1012 ENG0099 MAT0099

Credits: 4

BIO1012 - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (11- week course)

BIO1012, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO1011 through demonstration and exercises utilizing charts, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely.

Prerequisite(s): ENG099 MAT0099

Credits: 2

BIO1013 - Anatomy and Physiology II (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology II is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. BIO1013 is an introduction to the structure and functions of the human body with emphasis on the endocrine system, circulatory system, respiratory system, gastro intestinal system, urinary system, reproductive system, and genetics.

Prerequisite(s): ENG099 MAT0099

Credits: 4

BIO1014 - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology II Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO1013 through demonstration and exercises utilizing chart, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. The second part of the term will include a whole specimen dissection, which will assist the comprehensive review of both BIO1011 and BIO1013. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1011 ENG099 MAT0099

Credits: 2

BIO1015 - Pathophysiology (11- week course)

Pathophysiology is an introductory study of disease processes in humans. Etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, common treatments, and diagnostic findings are reviewed by body systems and developmental stages.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 AND BIO1014 with grades of "C" or better

Credits: 4

BIO2070 - Microbiology (11- week course)

Microbiology introduces the student to microorganisms with particular emphasis on their role in health, wellness and disease. Economic, social and cultural issues related to utilization, control, and research of the monera, protista, fungi, bacteria and viruses are also considered. BIO2070 must be taken concurrently with BIO2071.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 BIO1014

Credits: 4

BIO2071 - Microbiology Lab (11- week course)

Microbiology introduces the student to microorganisms with particular emphasis on their role in health, wellness and disease. In this course students perform laboratory exercises, experiments and tests that correlate with the lecture material of BIO2070. Emphasis is placed on aseptic technique, proper handling of lab specimens, universal precautions and proper waste disposal. BIO2071 must be taken concurrently with BIO2070.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 BIO1014

Credits: 2

CHM1010_S - Chemistry (11- week course)

CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Prerequisite(s): MAT 1001 or MAT1002 with a C or better

Credits: 4

NTR2050 - Nutrition (11-week course)

This course surveys the principles necessary to promote optimum nutrition throughout the life cycle. Consideration is given to informed evaluation of areas of controversy, as well as influence of socioeconomic and culture on nutritional practices.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

PSY2022 - Human Growth and Development

In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual, and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001

Credits: 4

Computer

As a general guideline students should not have computer specifications less than a Pentium III CPU, Windows 2000 or XP, and 256 MB RAM or MAC G3 with 256 MB RAM. Actual hardware requirements are dependent on the software titles and versions required for class. The requirements for running the software vary and are subject to change. Hardware requirements for the software can be found on the JourneyEd website.

Internet Connection

56K or faster Internet connection is required for online courses, however broadband is strongly encouraged.

Browser

Courses offered online are best viewed using Microsoft Internet Explorer v5.5/6.0 (PC), Safari 2.0 (MAC), or Firefox.

Software

PC:

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Adobe Flash Player 10
• Apple QuickTime 7.0
• Microsoft Office Standard 2007 (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Norton Antivirus 9.0 corporate edition
• Windows Media Player 11

Mac:

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Adobe Flash Player 10
• Apple QuickTime 7.0
• Microsoft Office Standard 2008 (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Norton Antivirus 10.0 corporate edition
• Windows Media Player 9.0

Software may be purchased through JourneyEd.

Ms. Carmen Carpenter

Ms. Carpenter's academic preparation includes a Master of Science in Biology and Physiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with licensure in the State of Florida as a Registered Nurse. Prior to her position with South University, Carmen practiced as a critical care nurse and later as a sales representative for a pacemaker firm, developing expertise in the clinical and business arenas of healthcare.

As an educator, she has worked over twenty years with a variety of students at different levels in the sciences and healthcare professions. At South University, she developed curricula for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management program and the associate degrees in Physical Therapy Assisting, Allied Health Sciences and Medical Assisting. Currently, she is involved in online curriculum development for the Bachelor of Science in Health Science program and served as the subject matter expert for the development of the anatomy & physiology lecture and laboratory courses online.

Throughout Carmen's teaching career she has been excited to be in the classroom, both on ground and online, and feels fortunate to have the opportunity to exchange knowledge with an ever-changing group of students. She believes that online education is the new frontier of learning and is thrilled to be working with South University Online.

Dr. Robert J. Frye

Dr. Robert J. Frye earned his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona. He has worked as a private consultant in statistics and ecology; a statistician for the University of California, San Diego; and Senior Research Scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Arizona. His teaching experience includes biology, ecology, environmental science, field methods and statistics.

Dr. Frye's research experience covers most areas of ecology and biology. He worked on the Biosphere II project for six years. This work involved development of biogeochemical models, population models and research related to various 'Green' technologies. His current research focuses on the population dynamics of rare species.

Ms. Kristin Dodge Narjes

Ms. Dodge Narjes earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, both from the University of Minnesota, Mankato. She has been teaching through online or distance formats for nearly ten years. As a result, she has presented her experiences at several conferences, from "Your Mom is on Facebook" to "Sweet Talking and Tap Dancing: Engaging Distance Learners." Ms. Dodge Narjes' career in public relations continues to help her when teaching argumentative and persuasive writing techniques, as well as when promoting her creative writing work. The author of Power Plays, she most recently contributed to the film, The Warrior Queen, with Mel Gibson's Icon Productions.

Prior to coming to South University, Ms. Dodge Narjes taught at numerous Minnesota colleges and universities. She hopes to bring her expertise in distance learning to the English department and continue the commitment to excellence that South University exemplifies.