The Healthcare - Pre-Dental Hygiene Option prepares its graduates with a strong science background and is a good choice if the ultimate goal is to transfer into the Dental Hygiene program or into a bachelor’s degree program. This program does not require Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) status. Pre-Dental Hygiene is not a requirement for admission into the Dental Hygiene program.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

This program will allow you to meet the requirements to apply for the Dental Hygiene program with the goal of transferring to a bachelor’s degree program in the health field.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

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

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

62 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 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 explore pharmacology, anatomy, chemistry, and English.

Electives

Semester 3

This semester will cover anatomy, communication skills, and multiple electives.

Microbiology

Semester 4

This semester will focus on microbiology, sociology, and multiple electives.

See the full curriculum

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Fall)

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: HCDH).
  • 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 (Spring)

  • Follow Academic Plan from FYE 102; adjust with Academic Advisor, as needed.
  • 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.
  • For students pursuing a Dental Hygiene major:
    • Meet with Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator to discuss associate degree (Program Code: DH).
    • Plan to take the TEAS test.
    • Plan to complete the “Four-hour dental office observation”.
    • Students who have not taken FYE 102 should plan to attend the Health Information Session.
    • If all admissions criteria for acceptance into the Dental Hygiene major is complete, submit a “Change of Major” form to Advising Center.
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
Introduction to the Chemistry of Living SystemsCHM 101F/S/SU4MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
  Total14 

Semester 3 (Fall)

  • 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
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Healthcare Elective---F/S/SU3 
Healthcare Elective---F/S/SU3 
Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16 

Semester 4 (Spring)

  • Follow Academic Plan from FYE 102; adjust with Academic Advisor, as needed.
  • Consider taking Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Science Electives to complete MassTransfer block.
  • Apply to associate degree (Program Code: DH); or continue with/complete the transfer application process.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Medical MicrobiologyBIO 232F/S/SU4BIO 112 or CHM 105 or CHM 123
Introductory Sociology (Principles)SOC 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Healthcare Elective or Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
Healthcare Elective or Mathematics Elective---F/S/SU3 
Healthcare Elective or Social Science Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16 
Total Credits Required:  62 

Program Goals:

The Healthcare - Pre-Dental Hygiene Option prepares its graduates with a strong science background and is a good choice if the ultimate goal is to transfer into the Dental Hygiene program or into a bachelor’s degree program. This program does not require Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) status. Pre-Dental Hygiene is not a requirement for admission into the Dental Hygiene program.

Student Learning Outcomes:

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

  • Meet the requirements to apply for the Dental Hygiene program.
  • Transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in the health field.

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) 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 51.0699.

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.