Successful completion of a technical program in a health occupation provides entry into the chosen profession. In the rapidly changing world of health care, employees in health professions need a broad awareness and understanding of the world around them, along with strong technical skills to maximize their potential in the workplace. The Health Care associate of applied science (AAS) degree program incorporates the coursework of the Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant or Surgical Technology technical certificate program as the first year of the AAS degree program. The remaining courses for this degree provide a foundation in general education to expand students’ awareness of the world around them. The advanced technical courses provide an overview of federal and state regulations, industry practices and legal and ethical issues that impact the health-care industry and challenges facing the industry as a whole. Today’s competent health professionals are required to access and evaluate data and communicate this data through oral and written communications. The Health Care AAS degree program also includes development of some advanced technical skills consistent with learners’ chosen professions. While completion of the Health Care AAS degree does not lead to immediate salary increases within these professions, it can contribute to preferential selection from among equally qualified applicants, and the additional preparation can contribute to more rapid career advancement and increases in salary.

• Health Care–Dental Assistant Information Card
• Health Care–Medical Assistant Information Card
• Health Care–Surgical Technology Information Card