Healthcare Studies, AAS (Online)

Go to Division of Professional Studies  for more information.

Department Contact: 

Division of Professional Studies Dean: Dr. Tricia McFadden 

Division of Professional Studies Director: Mrs. Sherri Link, Academic & Student Affairs 

Healthcare Studies Chair: Dr. Theresa Horner 

Program Description:

The AAS, Health Care Studies program is an online degree program that may be completed by students seeking an AAS or students who are dual enrolled with an affiliate health care institution. The program offers liberal arts courses in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. Educational opportunities are available for students to prepare for careers in healthcare as well as future educational pursuits toward a BS, Interdisciplinary Health Care Studies.  

 

Students will be prepared to enter the workforce in such areas as x-ray technicians, and other clinical health specialties, in hospitals, clinics and physician offices, serving patients from across the lifespan. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes  

• Students will appreciate the values of an interdisciplinary approach to health care.   

• Students will think critically as they address health related issues.   

• Students will communicate effectively in verbal and written formats.  

• Students will employ moral and ethical decision making as a health professional.   

  

Student Learning Assessment will be based on the gathering of outcome data including student final grades for courses within the core curriculum. Benchmarks that support the educational value of the program will be at the grade of “B” or higher which is the standard for progression into professional programs in health care. 

Admission Requirements: 

See Division of Professional Studies  for admission criteria and information.

Progression and/or Retention Criteria:

Students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Care Studies are eligible to enter the workforce at entry-level positions. After obtaining the associate degree, many adult learners will continue their studies at Saint Francis University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Care Studies or Public Health degree.

Graduation Requirements:

Undergraduate:

A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements: 

• Complete all requirements for an approved program of study; 

• Complete the minimum number of credits (128 for a bachelor’s degree; 64 for an associate’s degree); 

• Repeat for an acceptable passing grade any course required for the major in which the grade of “F” has been received; 

• Complete the last 30 credits for the degree at SFU; 

• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all courses taken at SFU; 

• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all major or collateral requirements; 

• Satisfy the requirements of the General Education core curriculum; 

• Satisfy the capstone requirement as specified by the major department(s); 

• Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and 

• Satisfy financial obligations to the University. 

Graduate:

A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements: 

• Complete all requirements for an approved program of study; 

• Complete the minimum number of credits as specified in this publication; 

• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of  3.0 or better  

• Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and 

• Satisfy financial obligations to the University. 

Estimated Completion Time:

Associate degree programs take anywhere between 2-3 years for completion 

Total Credits Required:

63 Credits