Allied Health and Health Sciences Programs In America

Credential

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Associate in/of Applied Science (AAS)

Associate of Science (AS)

Diploma/ Certificate

Program Length

4 years for bachelor's degree

2 years for associate's degree

1-3 years for diploma

12-52 weeks for certificate

Entry

Bachelor's degree - direct entry; entry after associate's degree or other college-level study

Associate's degree - direct entry

Diploma/ certificate - direct entry (some diplomas require prior education in the field)

Areas of Study

General health studies, public health, medical and clinical laboratory technology

Specialization areas include surgical technology, radiologic technology, biotechnology, cytotechnology, nuclear medicine technology, medical sonography, applied gerontology, respiratory care technology, emergency medical sciences, dental hygiene, phlebotomy, medical assisting, occupational and physical therapy aide, health sciences education, communication disorders, social work.

Special Features

industry internships

practicum

specialty simulation labs

The human body is a complicated system and there are many ways to take care of it. The range of educational options in allied health and health sciences reflects this complex and fascinating field.

When it comes to choosing an educational path, international students have lots of possibilities. You can take allied health and health sciences programs at 4-year colleges as well as 2-year community, technical, Christian, Catholic and career colleges. Universities and community/ technical colleges often have allied health and health sciences-related Schools or Divisions, but there are also specialized allied health and health sciences colleges. Even some colleges specializing in other fields, such as business, may offer allied health and health sciences programs. Available degrees include 4-year bachelor's degrees, such as the Bachelor of Science (BS) with major options such as health professions, applied health studies, dental hygiene, applied gerontology, social work and various medical technologies. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is another option. Within some of these you have even more choice of different concentrations. For example, within the BS in applied health studies you can take a concentration in emergency medical services, physical fitness specialist, occupational therapy assistant, radiography or surgical technology. Pre-professional programs such as pre-nursing or pre-med may also be available at some allied health and health sciences institutions.

There are also career colleges that specialize in a similar range of allied health and health sciences programs. While career colleges tend to be more career-oriented, technology-focused and often include business skills training. both community and career colleges offer similar credentials. 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees are available in a range of allied health care fields, such as emergency medical sciences, radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technology, dental hygiene, physical fitness specialist, occupational or physical therapy assistant, surgical technology, health arts and more. Diploma and certificate programs are usually 1-2 year programs in fields such as surgical technology, medical and clinical laboratory technology, emergency medical science, dental assisting, phlebotomy and paramedic technician.

With small classes, career college facilities are designed for maximum practical clinical experience so graduates are job ready. Completion of some programs means graduates are prepared to take certain national certification examinations, and credits may be transferable towards other college or university programs.

Human health--both physical and mental--isn't something you can treat after simply reading about in a textbook. At all levels, the curriculum for allied health and health sciences programs in the US generally involves problem-based learning , lecture, theoretical study, lab work, simulation-enhanced education and some kind of clinical placement or practicum.