Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog Archived

Associate in Science - Pre-Health Science


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Program Start Date: Any term
Minimum Program Length: 64 academic weeks; 4 terms day or online, 6 terms evening, 60-66 credits
Curriculum Code: 55600

Program Description

The associate in science, pre-health science degree is the program of choice for students who are preparing for a career in nursing, radiologic technology, medical lab technology or respiratory-related health care fields`. The associate of science, pre-health science program provides students with a broad liberal arts and sciences background that is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Courses within the program provide students with the flexibility to tailor their degree program to individual career goals.

Professional Opportunities

The associate in science, pre-health science degree requirements parallel the courses completed during the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in fields such as biology, chemistry, dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and similar health related fields. This program is the ideal choice for students who plan to complete a bachelor degree in nursing, radiologic technology, medical lab technology or the respiratory field.

Unique Aspects

Most associate in science - pre-health science courses are accepted at all South Carolina public colleges and universities and many private institutions. Course requirements for specific majors vary among four-year institutions; therefore, students should check degree requirements at their intended transfer institution before selecting courses at SCC. Students should meet with an SCC academic advisor to plan an academic schedule for their four-year degree goal.

Requirements for Associate in Science - Pre-Respiratory

Students are responsible for checking with the specific college or university to which they plan to transfer (including their target program within that institution) to determine the transferability of any course. Students interested in the AAS- Nursing, Radiological Technology, Medical Lab Technology or Respiratory Care degrees at SCC should consult the SCC catalog for complete information on admission requirements and consult with an SCC advisor. Students should visit the financial aid office to discuss their educational plans.

EEDA Career Cluster:

All 16 career clusters may apply.

Total Credit Range: 60-66


Notes: Courses may only be used to fulfill one requirement. Refer to Course Descriptions for prerequisites.

Semester Display


First Semester


  • Credits: 3
  • Credits: 1
  • or

  • Credits: 3
  •  

  • Mathematics General Education Course for AS Credits: 3-4
    (Choose 1 course from the Mathematics General Education Course Section above). 
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences General Education Course for AS Credits: 3
    (Choose 1 course from the Social/Behavioral Sciences General Education Course for AS Section above). 
  • Lab Science General Education Course for AS Credits: 3|
    (Choose 1 course from the Lab Science General Education Course for AS Section above). 

Second Semester


  • Credits: 3
  • Humanities/Fine Arts General Education Course for AA/AS Credits: 3-4
    (Select 1 course from the Humanities/Fine Arts General Education Course for AA/AS Section above). 
  • Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Credits: 4
    (Select 1 course from the Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Section above). 
  • Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, or Fine Arts for AS Credits: 3-4
    (Select 1 course from the Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, or Fine Arts for AS Section above).
  • Elective Course for AS Credits: 3
    (Select 1 course from the Elective Courses for AS Section above). 

Third Semester


  • Credits: 3
  • Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Credits: 4
    (Select 1 course from the Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Section above). 
  • Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Credits: 4
    (Select 1 course from the Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Section above)
  • Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, or Fine Arts for AS Credits: 3
    (Select 1 course from the Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, or Fine Arts for AS Section above). 
  • Elective Course for AS Credits: 3-4
    (Select 1 course from the Elective Courses for AS Section above). 

Fourth Semester


  • Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Credits: 4
    (Select 1 course from the Mathematics and/or Science Courses for AS Section above). 
  • Elective Course for AS Credits: 3-4
    (Select 1 course from the Elective Courses for AS Section above).
  • Elective Course for AS Credits: 3-4
    (Select 1 course from the Elective Courses for AS Section above).
  • Elective Course for AS Credits: 3-4
    (Select 1 course from the Elective Courses for AS Section above).
  • Elective Course for AS Credits: 3-4
    (Select 1 course from the Elective Courses for AS Section above).

Total Credit Range: 60-66


Students must select courses that total 60-66 credits

Advisor Information

Students will be assigned an advisor from the Advising Center or from the Health and Human Services Division. Please share your career and transfer goals with your advisor. It is especially important for students in the associate of science, pre-nursing program to customize their educational program to meet the requirements of their intended transfer institution or program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  1. Write professionally/academically in response to a variety of texts and different audiences.
  2. Speak publicly, listen actively, and respond effectively.
  3. Access, retrieve, synthesize, and evaluate information.
  4. Apply quantitative, qualitative, and/or scientific reasoning to solve problems.
  5. Explain social concepts and behaviors using fundamental theories and methods of analysis.
  6. Apply analytical methodologies and diverse perspectives to interpret key works in various disciplines.

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