Start your Healthcare career here. Whether you are interested in entering a healthcare field at Quinsigamond Community College or transferring to a 4-year college, you will learn the basics in healthcare in this program.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

This program prepares you to successfully enter many of the healthcare programs offered at Quinsigamond Community College. This program provides you with the basic knowledge needed to be successful at the college through self-assessment, reflection, study-skills, medical terminology, pharmacology and biology. You will be equipped with the background needed for a rewarding career in healthcare.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

60 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed at QCC at the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester.
  • Some courses may be completed at QCC Southbridge.
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will introduce medical terminology, biology, English, healthcare, and psychology.
Become an Expert

Semester 2

This semester will focus on pharmacology, anatomy, English, sociology, and communication skills.
Electives

Semester 3

This semester will explore more advanced biology, mathematics and various electives.
healthcare

Semester 4

This semester will focus on more advanced electives for a well-rounded eduction.
See the full curriculum

Career Stats

Have more questions?

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: HLC).
  • Contact Career Services (www.QCC.edu/APexams) to receive credit for High School (HS) Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. QCC School Code: 3714.
  • Complete BIO 101; or AP Biology, with AP Exam grade of “3” or higher, to count as BIO 107, then petition for BIO 107 to count as BIO 101.
  • Complete ENG 101; or AP English/Language and Composition, with AP Exam grade of “3” or higher, to count as ENG 101.
  • Complete FYE 102.
  • Complete PSY 101; or AP Psychology, with AP Exam grade of “3” or higher, to count as PSY 101.
Introduction to Medical TerminologyALH 102F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
General Biology: Core ConceptsBIO 101F/S/SU4Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Healthcare First Year ExperienceFYE 102F/S/SU3 
Introduction to PsychologyPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total16 

Semester 2

  • Follow Academic Plan from FYE 102; adjust with Academic Advisor, as needed.
  • Meet with Program Coordinator of desired QCC healthcare field (e.g., Dental Hygiene, etc.); or if considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer. Attend Transfer Services events.
  • Complete ENG 102; or AP English/Literature and Composition, with AP Exam grade of “3” or higher, to count as ENG 102.
  • Complete prerequisite(s) for MAT 122.
Introduction to Pharmacology for Allied Health ProfessionalsALH 103F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Anatomy & Physiology IBIO 111F/S/SU4BIO 101 or BIO 107 or HS AP Biology or PNP 240 with a grade of “C” or higher, Coreq: ENG 101
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Introductory Sociology (Principles)SOC 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total16 

Semester 3

  • Follow Academic Plan from FYE 102; adjust with Academic Advisor, as needed.
  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process.
Anatomy & Physiology IIBIO 112F/S/SU4BIO 111
StatisticsMAT 122F/S/SU3College level math course or QMAT placement score > 21 or Coreq: MAT 052
Healthcare Elective---F/S/SU3 
Healthcare Elective---F/S/SU3 
Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16 

Semester 4

  • Follow Academic Plan from FYE 102; adjust with Academic Advisor, as needed.
  • Apply to desired QCC healthcare field associate degree; or continue with/complete the transfer application process.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Healthcare Elective---F/S/SU3 
Healthcare Elective---F/S/SU3 
History Elective---F/S/SU3 
Humanities Elective (200-level)---F/S/SU3 
  Total12 
Total Credits Required:  60 

Program Goals:

The Healthcare associate degree program offers students the opportunity to prepare for QCC’s healthcare programs. Students will also be well-prepared to transfer to a bachelor institution in science-based programs.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Employ effective communication skills within the context of the healthcare environment.
  • Apply the principles of biological sciences to a variety of healthcare professions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of medical terminology and pharmacology for health professions.
  • Explain the socio-economic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities.
  • Define a career goal and outline the academic process required to reach that goal.
  • Explain the factors that influence health and disease.
  • Explain social and psychological factors that influence human behavior.
  • Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills, particularly as they apply to the health care setting.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.0000.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.