What is Health Science Technology?
The Health Science Technology (HST) program uses an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare education with a balance of academic and technical courses to prepare students to serve as practitioners in the healthcare industry. The curriculum serves three main purposes including 1) completion of prerequisite courses relevant to nearly all allied health and nursing programs; 2) completion of the AAS degree, as well as three or more certificates in health care disciplines; and 3) provides a multidisciplinary alternative to the current health program inventory. The HST program requires the completion of certificates within the healthcare field, which may be earned while completing the academic courses required. These certificates will allow the student to seek employment within the healthcare field while completing the HST degree. The certificates, which are chosen by the student from MCC's health care inventory based on personal interest, serve as career choice enhancements that may lead to entrance in a specific field of study, or give the student flexibility in choosing varying health care institutions in which to work.
Specific certificates will be available on a rotating basis at the Muhlenberg Campus, the Madisonville North Campus, and/or the Health Science Campus. Some certificate coursework is available online and varies based on the certificate. *Some of the certificates require outside testing and state and/or national certification.
What are my career choices?
Medical careers are very portable. Jobs may be found throughout the country. You can work in places like doctor's offices, assisted living facilities, clinics, the health department, hospitals, laboratories, or pharmacies. Students can come out of the program employable, or choose to complete additional education at the bachelor's or master's level, where more focused opportunities will become available.
Where can I work?
The certificates required for HST AAS degree completion prepare students for a variety of employment opportunities within the health care field and settings such as hospitals, physician's offices, long-term care residences, ambulance services, and most facilities delivering health care services.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Specific certificates will be available on a rotating basis at the Muhlenberg Campus, the Madisonville North Campus, and/or the Health Science Campus. Some certificate coursework is available online and varies based on the certificate. *Some of the certificates require outside testing and state and/or national certification.
Certificates for the HST AAS degree completion are:
- NAA 100 Nursing Assistant Skills I (required for HST AAS degree)*
- EMS 105 Emergency Medical Technician*
- Phlebotomy for the Health Care Worker
- Electrocardiogram Technology
- Foundations in Biomedical Technology Networking Systems
- Kentucky Medication Aide*
- Certified Medical Technician
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Coding
- Electronic Health Records Specialist
- Direct Support Work
- Aging Services
- Substance Abuse Recovery Coach
- Psychiatric Mental Health Technician
- Certificate(s) earned at another college may be approved.
Options Available
Associate in Applied Science
Degree Completion Requirements
The HST degree falls into a unique category of completion requirements due to meeting the general education criteria for associate degree programs as well as specific certificates earned. The college awards the AAS degree to qualified students who are recommended by the faculty and have completed the following:
- General education courses (25-29 credits).
- Technical Core courses (6-9 credits).
- Health Science Technical courses resulting in a minimum of three certificate credentials (29-30 credits).
- Digital Literacy requirement.
- GPA of 2.0 or better.
- Residency requirement (25% of degree at institution granting degree).
- Application for graduation.
- All exit exams and/or surveys.
- All payments and fees in full.
Quick Facts:
- 100% of Spring 2015 graduates indicated satisfaction on the Program Satisfaction Survey.
- 99% of Spring 2014 graduates indicated satisfaction on the Program Satisfaction Survey.
- 100% of Spring 2013 graduates indicated satisfaction on the Program Satisfaction Survey.
Length of Program
Most students may complete an AAS program in two years, provided they enroll in the recommended number of credit hours per semester and the availability of desired certificates within that timeframe. General education courses, except for any course prerequisite, may be taken while attaining the required certificates.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
