Associate of Applied Science Degree
Description:
The AAS in Health Science is a fully online associate degree that gives students a broad foundation in health sciences while incorporating Salem’s ASN prerequisite coursework and creating a flexible pathway into healthcare employment or further study.
Highlights:
- A standalone credential that supports entry-level, non-clinical healthcare paths
- A strong option for exploratory healthcare students who want to keep moving
- Stackable into Salem bachelor’s pathways
- Salem’s ASN prerequisites are fully embedded
- Clear on-ramp, but not a guarantee of nursing admission
- Online, one-course-at-a-time, monthly start format built for flexibility
- Best for students seeking momentum, options, and healthcare relevance
Why This Program?
+4%
Occupational outlook for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants from 2024–2034
850,000
Individuals employed nationwide (2024)
$44,640
Median salary for those employed (2024)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm (visited March 17, 2026).
What Makes It Unique?
Versatile foundation
Coursework applies to multiple healthcare career paths, giving students flexibility as they explore their professional interests. Graduates are prepared for entry-level, non-clinical roles in healthcare settings.
Stackable credential
Credits earned in the AAS in Health Science can be applied toward future degrees at Salem University such as the BS in Biology and the BS in Business Administration including Healthcare Management specialization.
Associate Degree of Nursing Pre-requisites Aligned
All current pre-requisite courses for the associate’s degree in nursing are within the program.
Who Is This Program For?
| Student Profile | How the AAS in Health Science Serves Them |
|---|---|
| Exploratory health students | Allows students to complete foundational coursework while deciding on a specific health career path, without losing time or credit. |
| Pre-nursing students awaiting program admission | Provides a structured academic home and continued progress toward degree completion while waiting for acceptance into the nursing program. |
| Career changers | Offers an accessible entry point for adult learners transitioning into healthcare from other fields. |
| Current healthcare workers | Formalizes existing knowledge with an academic credential that supports career advancement and promotion of eligibility. |
| Students interested in health administration | Builds a foundation in Health Science that pairs well with business and management coursework for administrative roles. |
Curriculum Overview
Total Credits: 60
Maximum Transfer Credits: 45
Key Skills
- Healthcare specific, Biological, and scientific knowledge
- Healthcare and patient care foundations
- Critical thinking, data analysis, and problem solving
- Effective Communication
- Professionalism and Workplace Competencies
Program Level Outcomes
Key Knowledge
Apply knowledge of biological, social, and health sciences to support patient care and health management
Analitical Skills
Utilize analytical reasoning to address healthcare problems, analyze data, and optimize patient or client outcomes
Professionalism
Demonstrate ethical decisionmaking, legal compliance, and professional responsibility in varied healthcare settings
Communication
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interprofessional team members through oral, written, and digital means
Transfer Credit Friendly Design*
The AAS in Health Science is designed to support students entering with relevant prior coursework or licensure-based background. Based on Salem’s current mapping, students may be eligible for meaningful transfer credit through common healthcare entry pathways.
Potential Transfer Credit Opportunities
- ASN Transfer Pathway
- Up to 24 transfer credits recognized
- May reduce remaining degree requirements to 36 credits
- LPN-Aligned Pathway
- Up to 18 transfer credits recognized
- May reduce remaining degree requirements to 42 credits
- Commonly Aligned Coursework
- General education foundations
- Math and science requirements
- Anatomy & Physiology sequence
- Select health-related coursework
*Transfer credit is awarded based on official transcript review, course equivalency, institutional policy, and any applicable licensure documentation.
Undergraduate students must complete at least 25% of the credits for their program at Salem.
What Sets Us Apart
- No standardized testing for admission
- No application fee
- Transfer in up to 75% program credits
- Stackable credential with ample pathways at Salem
- Nursing – all Salem prerequisite courses are already embedded in the AAS curriculum.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Human Nutrition and Performance Specialization.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Physiology and Exercise Science Specialization.
- Bachelor of Science Business Administration – Healthcare Management specialization.
- One class per month pacing
- Complete in just 20 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program accredited?
Salem University has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1963 (when it was known as the North Central Association). There are no national accreditations for this program.
Are there prerequisite courses required?
No. Students are eligible to enroll with a high school diploma or GED.
Is this program eligible for financial aid?
Yes, this program is financial aid eligible.
Can students transfer credits from other institutions?
Yes, students may transfer up to 45 credits into this program. They will be required to complete at least 25% of the credits at Salem
What can I do with a degree in this?
The AAS in Health Science opens doors to a wide variety of entry-level non-clinical healthcare positions and serves as a springboard for further education.
How is this different from the Associates Degree in Biology?
The AAS in Health Science is specifically designed around healthcare. The curriculum includes health-focused courses that align with industry expectations and program prerequisites, rather than a more general biology scope.
Can a student be enrolled in this program and still apply to the nursing program?
Absolutely. The AAS in Health Science is designed to complement the nursing application process. Students remain active, aid-eligible, and on track while awaiting admission.
Will these credits transfer?
Many courses within the program are designed to be transferable. However, transfer applicability depends on the receiving institution. Advise students to work with both their advisor and the transfer institution to confirm credit acceptance
Does this program include clinical or hands-on experience?
This program will be offered 100% online.
