Health Science — A.S.

The A.S. degree in Health Science at Loma Linda University is an on-campus, two-year college degree designed to prepare first-year, first-time freshman students as well as individuals who are ready for a career change for entry into various healthcare related baccalaureate-level educational programs offered by LLU. For students subsequently accepted into one of the career-track programs, the curriculum for the A.S. degree prepares them with prerequisite coursework, including both program prerequisite courses and the general education (GE) courses required to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in the healthcare careers listed below. For students who are undecided on a specific area of interest, knowledgeable career advisors are available to help weigh available options.  Minimum 90 units are required for graduation.

HEALTH SCIENCE

Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program includes a balanced mix of general education and core healthcare science courses. You will study English, history, psychology, and humanities, along with essential healthcare subjects like anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and microbiology.

Time-Saving Program Pathway: Complete your degree in just 20 months with our in-person classes, designed for full-time freshmen eager to jump-start their education.

Preferred Admission Status: Select programs will offer preferential admission consideration to graduates of this program who meet minimum requirements.

THE LOMA LINDA DIFFERENCE

Faith-based academic experience that creates a safe learning environment for students to grow in their faith and spirituality.

Professional networking opportunities with your program of choice’s faculty and healthcare professionals' institution-wide.

Mission and service opportunities that are local and international to enhance learning and serve others.

FEEDER PROGRAMS

While an A.S. degree in Health Science is a beneficial start to achieving your educational and career goals in any healthcare specialty, our program’s curriculum design feeds directly into the following Loma Linda University programs upon completion:

School of Nursing - RN

Ultrasound (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)

Dental Hygiene- School of Dentistry

Medical Radiography

Communication Sciences & Disorders

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Nutrition and Dietetics

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 by 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.

ADMISSIONS

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 

·         Minimum of two letters of recommendation that indicate your level of academic and/or professional background

o    For recent high school graduates within the past 2 years, we advise obtaining recommendations from high school teachers and administrators, former or current employers, pastors or other spiritual mentors, etc.

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

NORMAL TIME TO COMPLETION

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

Program Director

Gurinder Singh Bains

Director, General Education

Erin Banks-Kirkham

Chair

Debra Hamada

Administrative Assistant

Rosa McNally

Faculty

Qais Alemi

Gurinder Bains

Erin Banks-Kirkham

Dilys Brooks

Pauline Calla Cabanada

Shalini Carter

Mike DeLeon

Will Edmunds

Joseph Feiler

Debra Hamada

James Rippetoe

Ernie Schwab

Ryan Stephan

Kyndra Woosley