Online Associates Degree in Health Science (AHS) - Best of 2025

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Overview of an Associate's in Health Science

The healthcare industry is booming. Our aging population and the current uptick in insured patients have resulted in a tremendous surge in revenue for health system corporations. Such growth extends throughout the industry and has resulted in high demand for workers at all levels. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows incredible growth rates for nearly every occupation related to healthcare.

If you are attracted to the idea of helping patients recover from illness, an online or traditional associate in health science could be exactly what you need to get started. The degree will introduce students to medical terminology, clinical approaches, and more with general education courses and core classes in allied health and wellness services, community health and public health, healthcare informatics, and more. While it might require hands-on science courses, there are online degree programs available from several colleges and universities.

An online or on-campus associate in health science is a two-year degree from a college or university that will provide students a solid foundation for their first, entry-level job in the field. These may be positions as healthcare professionals or in healthcare support jobs such as administrative assistants in physician offices, health information technicians, and more. Depending on your program, you are likely to learn about health insurance, medical terminology, the fundamentals of medical science, legal issues related to healthcare, information systems, etc. However, some health professions, such as medical assistants, require further education such as a bachelor's degree or even a master's degree.

Online associate degrees will prepare students to enter a hospital or doctor's office in either an administrative or clinical function. This type of program tends to feature a healthy curriculum focused on administrative healthcare issues, but some also prepare students for further education so that they may work as a medical assistant on the clinical side. Try to decide whether you prefer one aspect of healthcare or the other. Do you see your long-term career focus including hands-on patient work or managing operations and records in an office environment? No matter whether you focus on clinical or administrative work, an online associate degree can launch a fulfilling career.

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PROS

There are many benefits to earning an online or traditional associate degree in health science. One of the chief benefits is that you will receive an education that you can apply towards helping patients get better. The degree is multi-faceted and you can choose whether you want to focus more on clinical work or the administrative aspects of healthcare.

Your degree will also open opportunities for you to build a career. Physician offices and hospitals are looking for knowledgeable candidates for their many job openings who have graduated from a reputable school program. Since you will walk in with knowledge and skills focused on healthcare support jobs, prospective employers know that they won't have to spend much time training you.

Finally, once you have a degree from an on-campus or online associate in a health science program and accrue some experience, you can build on your credentials and complete a baccalaureate, master's degree, or even pursue another avenue such as nursing, community health, public health, a degree for medical assistants, and more. Your associate degree plus your practical knowledge will combine to enable you to make the very best decision for your future.

CONS

While an associate degree does have upsides, there can also be downsides. One of the biggest downsides is the risk. That is, you might delve into this health science program and then decide that you’re not really interested in working in a hospital or a doctor's office. You might also find that the salary and opportunities aren't what you'd expected. You'll have your general education courses to fall back on if this happens, but all of the credit hours earned in your core classes would be wasted time.

However, if you do end up loving your job, you might find that you are still limited. An online associate degree only qualifies you for certain jobs and certain certifications. Though this is not necessarily a fault of the degree, it can be frustrating. However, you can always return to school for a bachelor's degree.

Yet another negative impact of an associate degree is the expense. Education is not cheap and it's likely that you will need to take out loans to finance your degree, even if you receive financial aid and attend a less expensive school online.

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Certificate Vs. Associates in Health Science

When you seek out an online or on-campus associate degree in health science, you might see that the school also offers a certificate program. Certificates are often alluring because they typically take half the time to complete and cost less. However, you will find that taking the extra time and effort to complete an online associate degree is well worth it. That's because employers will see a degree as evidence of more dedication and hard work than a simple certificate. Thus, you will have a distinct edge over your peers whom only earned a certificate. You will get better jobs and receive higher pay. Plus, your credentials will help you attain professional certificates and get ahead faster. However, students attending degree programs online may also be able to add an online certificate without adding much time to their education.

What Health Science Associates Degrees are Available Online?

Associate of Science in Health Science
An AS is a degree that typically indicates that your coursework is focused on analytical, scientific topics. For instance, if your degree courses were focused on clinical or medical subjects you would probably graduate with an AS.
Associate of Arts in Health Science
An AA degree generally means that your coursework was concerned with non-scientific subjects. Programs that focus on management or topics related to health policy, for instance, might come under the rubric of an AA program. That said, AA degrees can also focus on scientific subjects just as much as AS degrees.
Associate of Applied Science in Health Science
An applied science degree is one that focuses on STEM topics, but which is more concerned with occupational outcomes than academic research. These programs can train you for a job in healthcare, but you might find it hard to apply to a baccalaureate program without taking or retaking more classes.
Associate of Applied Arts in Health Science
Degrees in applied arts are terrific ways to gain practical knowledge of a subject. With an AAA in Health Science you should easily find a job. However, your job prospects are likely to be limited over the long run. Even if you decide to return to school for a bachelor’s degree, you will probably need to retake some courses, and perhaps take new courses that were not part of your AAA curriculum.

Admission Requirements

To gain admission to an online associate program in health science, you typically need a high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and perhaps an admissions essay that details your goals. Some programs may also require SAT or ACT scores. Each program will have individual requirements, however, so be sure to investigate admissions requirements as part of your research.

Prior to applying, you might consider gaining some experience in healthcare. This will both help solidify your decision to study health science and bolster your standing as an applicant. If you have already worked in the industry, you will likely have more insight into what appeals to you and what you can visualize as a career path.

How long does it take to earn a Health Science Associates Degree Online?

An online associate degree in health science is typically crafted to take two years to complete. Some online programs are accelerated to both keep students engaged and to help them get to work faster. However, the time it takes to graduate mostly depends on you and your approach to education. Attending an online program part-time will obviously take more time than attending an accelerated online degree program.

Since you are pursuing a professional degree, it might behoove you to make plans prior to enrolling in your first class. Decide how many courses you can take per term and then create a schedule that will keep you on track for your projected graduation date. Your academic adviser can also be helpful in this regard.

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Potential Careers in Health Science with an Associates

Medical Assistant
Medical assistants can do it all. Your degree will help you work, both in the office part of a health system and in the clinical side. You might assist the doctors and nurses with minor procedures or take samples from patients. Since you may be the first person a patient encounters, your professional demeanor can set the tone for a successful examination.
Medical assistants make an average salary of - $34,300
Ultrasound Technician
This position is chiefly known for its role in pregnancy. Specifically, ultrasound techs work with mothers to take images of their child while still in utero. However, if you decide to take this path in the health sciences, you could choose to work with internists and take images of organs. Some even work with cardiologists or neurologists.
The average salary for this position is – $59,200
Radiography
Radiography technologists use x-ray machines to create the images that can determine a doctor's diagnosis of a condition. You will thus need to endeavor to make the best images possible. You'll need to have a soothing demeanor so that patients are at ease and able to remain still for the imaging process.
The average salary for this position is – $49,700
Medical Office Manager
While the doctors and nurses might receive all of the attention, no medical practice could survive two days without a top-notch, educated medical office manager. You will help train new receptionists and records clerks, while also managing the office budget, and more.
Medical office managers earn an average salary of – $49,100
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians are often the professionals you meet when you pick up a prescription from the pharmacy. In this job you will fill prescriptions and consult with patients; some pharmacy techs are even trained to work in compounding pharmacies, meaning that you could mix up specialty prescriptions for patients who cannot take the standard medications.
The average salary for pharmacy technicians is – $34,600

Options to Advance

If you want to advance in your health science career, you will first need to work hard in your position. There is never a good substitute for a strong track record of excellence. Then you can start studying for a new certificate or even a health science bachelor's degree. The good news is that if you already have an associate degree in health science, you are set to build on that knowledge and advance to your dream job.

Depending on your area of specialty, you might need a state license, which will certainly impact your ability to earn your peak potential salary. Other occupations are less regulated and thus have avenues available for you to advance without more academic work or legal hoops. For instance, if you wish to advance into healthcare informatics, you might find a reputable certificate program online that will help you acquire the skills and credentials that most professionals acknowledge.

It can also happen that professionals with non-health science degrees work in healthcare. If that is you, you could consider advancing to a baccalaureate degree in health science or you might start with a certificate that will help you on the road to success.

Top 20 Best Online Associate in Health Science Programs

Rush University

Score: 77.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,957
- Out-of-State: $30,957
Net Price: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Retention Rate: 96%

Graduation Rate: 77%
Total Enrollment: 2,870
Undergrad Students: 115
Graduate Students: 2,755
Grads Salary: $87,500
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

American Public University System

Score: 58.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
Net Price: $11,172
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462
Grads Salary: $53,700
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

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Parker University

Score: 56.84

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,457
- Out-of-State: $17,457
Net Price: $24,116
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 88%
Total Enrollment: 2,063
Undergrad Students: 415
Graduate Students: 1,648
Grads Salary: $38,200
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

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University of Alaska Southeast

Score: 50.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State: $21,096
Net Price: $9,823
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 1,923
Undergrad Students: 1,724
Graduate Students: 199
Grads Salary: $45,700
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

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St. Petersburg College

Score: 48.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State: $9,286
Net Price: $2,132
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 23,501
Undergrad Students: 23,501
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,400
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

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Northland Community and Technical College

Score: 47.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,262
- Out-of-State: $6,262
Net Price: $13,100
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 2,495
Undergrad Students: 2,495
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $42,300
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Casper College

Score: 47.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,410
- Out-of-State: $10,710
Net Price: $8,451
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 3,354
Undergrad Students: 3,354
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $35,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Score: 47.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,900
- Out-of-State: $5,900
Net Price: $10,596
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 5,282
Undergrad Students: 5,282
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,100
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Wilmington University

Score: 46.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,330
- Out-of-State: $12,330
Net Price: $14,089
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 20%
Total Enrollment: 14,020
Undergrad Students: 9,091
Graduate Students: 4,929
Grads Salary: $52,500
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

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Northern Virginia Community College

Score: 45.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,703
- Out-of-State: $11,786
Net Price: $10,109
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 51,896
Undergrad Students: 51,896
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,000
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

South College

Score: 45.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,935
- Out-of-State: $17,935
Net Price: $14,831
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 6,182
Undergrad Students: 4,906
Graduate Students: 1,276
Grads Salary: $41,500
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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Southern Regional Technical College

Score: 45.34

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,122
- Out-of-State: $5,522
Net Price: $315
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 48%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 4,657
Undergrad Students: 4,657
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,700
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

American College of Healthcare Sciences

Score: 45.18

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,656
- Out-of-State: $12,656
Net Price: $24,605
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 33%

Graduation Rate: 100%
Total Enrollment: 987
Undergrad Students: 751
Graduate Students: 236
Grads Salary: $23,500
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

National University

Score: 45.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,064
- Out-of-State: $11,064
Net Price: $30,527
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 11,578
Undergrad Students: 106
Graduate Students: 11,472
Grads Salary: $60,500
Student-to-faculty: 1:1

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Northwest Technical College

Score: 44.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,246
- Out-of-State: $6,246
Net Price: $13,132
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 721
Undergrad Students: 721
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,800
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Laramie County Community College

Score: 44.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,613
- Out-of-State: $10,913
Net Price: $7,227
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 28%
Total Enrollment: 3,770
Undergrad Students: 3,770
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,600
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Brightpoint Community College

Score: 44.41

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,938
- Out-of-State: $10,941
Net Price: $6,048
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 8,792
Undergrad Students: 8,792
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,800
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Central New Mexico Community College

Score: 44.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,934
- Out-of-State: $8,366
Net Price: $4,742
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 28%
Total Enrollment: 19,095
Undergrad Students: 19,095
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,500
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Berkeley College-Woodland Park

Score: 43.84

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,600
- Out-of-State: $28,600
Net Price: $17,068
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 2,078
Undergrad Students: 1,944
Graduate Students: 134
Grads Salary: $35,900
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

CUNY Kingsborough Community College

Score: 42.2

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,252
- Out-of-State: $8,132
Net Price: $8,073
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 15,042
Undergrad Students: 15,042
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,400
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a health science degree worth it?

Whether your goal is to move into nursing, medical or pharmaceutical sales, healthcare administration, or other healthcare services such as dentistry or veterinary science, you’ll definitely get a return from earning an associate health science degree. Not only is healthcare a growing industry that is likely to continue to need workers for the next decade at least, but an associate degree in this field can give you an overview of all available careers and help you decide which direction to go. Many positions in the healthcare field offer a very good income, so the return on investment is also likely to be quite high, even if you decide that you must earn a bachelor’s degree before jumping into your career.

Is health science difficult?

As with most science-heavy degrees, health science is often considered quite difficult. This is because it not only requires many science classes in order to complete the health science programs, but the field itself is complex, requiring different solutions for each problem you run across. In the same way that patients all have individual and complex needs, healthcare programs or services all have individual and complex needs that require complex solutions, whether these are achieved by means of different marketing or the adoption of new technology.

How do I get financial aid for school?

For many students, attending college is a dream that can quickly become an intimidating reality when the inevitable question of how to pay for it comes up. With the cost of tuition continuing to rise, many are unaware of the available avenues for financial aid. Whether you’re a high school student looking ahead or already in college and needing help paying your bills, there are resources that can provide assistance with college costs.

The first step in getting started on your path to securing financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will determine whether or not you qualify for federal grants and loans along with other forms of aid such as work-study programs and scholarships. After submitting your application, you can monitor its status online and receive information about any awards you may be eligible for.

Best Online Associate in Health Science Degrees for 2025

Get Matched With Health Science Colleges

Overview of an Associate's in Health Science

Compare Popular Online Health Science Programs

PROS

CONS

Search Programs

Certificate Vs. Associates in Health Science

What Health Science Associates Degrees are Available Online?

Admission Requirements

How long does it take to earn a Health Science Associates Degree Online?

Find Your Online Associate Health Science Program

Potential Careers in Health Science with an Associates

Options to Advance

Top 20 Best Online Associate in Health Science Programs

Rush University

American Public University System

Parker University

University of Alaska Southeast

St. Petersburg College

Northland Community and Technical College

Casper College

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Wilmington University

Northern Virginia Community College

South College

Southern Regional Technical College

American College of Healthcare Sciences

National University

Northwest Technical College

Laramie County Community College

Brightpoint Community College

Central New Mexico Community College

Berkeley College-Woodland Park

CUNY Kingsborough Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a health science degree worth it?

Is health science difficult?

How do I get financial aid for school?

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