Health Science — A.S.

Health Science is an area of research, study, and practice that focuses on the health and well-being of humans and animals. Improving overall health and intervening in instances of ill-health and disease are the ultimate goals of researchers, professors, and clinicians in this discipline. People committed to helping improve the health of communities and individuals through discovery and/or practice might find health science to be an interesting and fulfilling career. 

The program

The Associate of Science (AS) in Health Sciences degree at Loma Linda University is a two-year college degree designed to prepare students for entry into various of the baccalaureate-level educational programs offered by Loma Linda University, training students for careers as healthcare professionals. For students subsequently accepted into one of the career-track programs, the curriculum for the AS degree prepares them with prerequisite coursework, including both program prerequisite courses and many of the general education (GE) courses required to complete a Bachelor of Science degree.  For students who have yet to decide on a specific area of interest, knowledgeable career advisors are available to help weigh available options.

Because Loma Linda University is a health sciences university, its students are educated in an environment enriched by the practice of healthcare disciplines.  This carries the potential to provide opportunities and experiences not always available to students enrolled in health sciences degree programs. 

In addition to those opportunities, the university is committed to the concept of whole person care, which it describes as an approach that ”…compels us to go beyond the physical disease. By supporting the emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of being, we can better understand each patient as a whole person — and, in turn, provide better care.”

If you think you might be interested in a career in health sciences, and in receiving an education within a philosophical environment dedicated to treating the whole person, this program is for you.

PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The AS in Health Sciences program is committed to cultivating compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals. With a Christ-centered dedication and a holistic approach to care, we equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge, evidence-based practices, and ethical leadership. Through rigorous academic inquiry, we prepare students to meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities. Our focus on integrity, empathy, and lifelong learning empowers students to excel as ethical practitioners, effective communicators, and collaborative team members in the health professions. 

PROGRAM GOALS

1. Provide a quality general education foundational experience to prepare students for success in future academic endeavors. 
2. Cultivate a comprehensive understanding of health sciences informed by interdisciplinary perspectives and the teachings of Christ’s ministry, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare delivery.  
3. Foster critical thinking skills among students to analyze and evaluate health-related information and interventions through the lens of whole person care.  
4. Develop effective communication skills grounded in compassion, empathy, and cultural competence, enabling students to interact with diverse populations. 
5. Promote ethical and reflective practice among students, guiding them to navigate moral dilemmas and ethical challenges in healthcare with integrity, humility, and a commitment to service, while striving for personal and professional growth.

By the end of the program, graduates should be able to:

1. Interpret and apply interdisciplinary knowledge from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand and solve health-related problems.
2. Apply critical thinking skills.
3. Use quantitative reasoning and information literacy skills.
4. Communicate effectively in written and oral formats, using discipline-appropriate language and conventions.
5. Demonstrate ethical reasoning and self-reflection applying principles from Christ-centered values to personal, academic, and professional situations in health. care.
6. Participate in collaborative learning and leadership opportunities, d demonstrating initiative and preparedness for future health science careers or further education.

In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must complete the following requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 
• Three letters of recommendation that indicate your level of academic and/or professional background
  • For recent high school graduates of within the past 2 years, recommendations from high school teachers and administrators are preferred.

Applications to the AS degree in Health Science are accepted between January 1 and August 31. Early submission of application is recommended.

NORMAL TIME TO COMPLETION

Normal time to completion is 2 years (6 quarters).