Program Overview
With the Associate Degree in General Studies: Health Specialization, you can earn various certificates to enter the workforce while continuing your health path to complete your associate degree. You can choose from various health program electives to meet the requirements of your specific health specialization. This program will provide you with focused advising as you pursue your degree and/or simultaneously earn a certificate to enter the workforce.
Students who attend the General Studies: Health Specialization program through iHealth&@NECC can complete their course work in hybrid/blended learning courses. Hybrid or blended learning courses combine on-line work with in-class meetings and laboratory sessions.
Career Opportunities
Depending on the specialization chosen, you may be eligible to earn credentials as licensed or certified phlebotomist, EKG technician, dental assistants, medical billers, medical coders, medical laboratory technicians, nurses, sleep technologists, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, paramedics (EMT), ophthalmic assistants or medical assistants. You will also be prepared to transfer to earn your bachelor's degree if you choose.
Program Requirements
Program science courses must be completed within five (5) years prior to the anticipated start date of the program to count towards completing the certificate or associate degree. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all career and science courses in order to graduate. A minimum of 62 credit hours are required to graduate with the Associate in Science in General Studies: Health Specialization. The actual number of credits will vary depending on the health specialization chosen.
Drug screening: Students enrolled in their academic program may be required to pass a drug screening analysis.
CPR: Students are required to be CPR certified at the Healthcare Provider/Professional Rescuer level for specific Associate Degree and/or Certificate health specializations selected.
Health: Students must meet both the college and the Division of Health Professions immunization requirements prior to entering specific Associate Degree and/or Certificate health specializations and/or prior to the start of any semester that has a clinical/externship component.
Student Professional Liability Insurance: Students are required to carry professional liability insurance if a course requires it. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.
CORI/SORI/CHRI
Students interested in participating in this program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check, and a Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit www.necc.mass.edu/cori-sori
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/SORI/CHRI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 | |
| ENG102 | English Composition II | 3 | Prerequisite |
| HES102 | Learning Strategies for Success in Healthcare Careers | 3 | Offered in iHealth only |
| HES103 | RICCS: Preparing for Success in a Healthcare Career | 1 | |
| HES108 | Introduction to Healthcare Services | 3 | |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 | Prerequisite |
| HES201 | Healthcare Law & Ethics | 3 |
| Required Electives | Credits | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Program Electives (4) | 12/16 | Choose 4 courses at the level listed or higher: CTA201, CLS101, CVT101, DAS101, EMT101, HES103, MAS100, MRT103, NUR110, OPT101, PNS105, PSG101, RSC100, RTA110 |
| Science Electives (2) | 7/8 | Choose 2 courses at the level listed or higher: BIO101, CHM111, PHS111 Students cannot use any of the following courses: BIO108, BIO111, BIO112, BIO117, BIO215, BIO230, BIO280, SCI100, SCI101, SCI102, SCI103, SCI104, SCI105, SCI106, SCI111, SCI112, SCI200, SCI281, SCI291, SCI292, ERS110, ERS125, ERS130, ERS135, ERS140, ERS280 |
| Behavioral Science Electives (2) | 6 | |
| Literature Elective | 3 | |
| Math Elective | 3/4 | MAT120 or higher |
| History & Government Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Electives (2) | 6 | |
| Free Elective | 3/4 | CIS110 or higher is recommended |
Program Notes | Print the General Studies: Health Specialization Associate Degree brochure
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Flexible scheduling to fit your needs and balance the demands of your busy life.
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