A health advocate holding a patients hand.

The Associate of Science Degree in Health is a rewarding field for individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of others through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, healthy family functioning, and improving conditions that make it possible to live healthy lives. It is a vitally important field that is experiencing rapid growth and demand. This AS degree prepares students for a wide range of occupations in the health field, relating to stress techniques, nutrition and wellness, drugs and alcohol awareness, healthy sexuality and global implications in health. Students will be prepared to transfer to a 4 year institution upon completion as well as work in a variety of career settings including, but not limited to, family planning agencies, nonprofit agencies, state and federal health agencies, schools and community health agencies.

This degree has an articulation agreement to Minnesota State University Mankato for their Community Health Program.

 

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2021 - 2022

  • Curriculum

    Program Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1030
    Course Title:Personal and Community Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:Personal and Community Health addresses itself to the needs and issues of the individual as related to current health matters in today's society.  Our life style and modern society both contribute and detract from the holistic health concept.  This  class will assist the student in developing a plan for achieving and maintaining his/her personal health.
    		Personal and Community HealthView-HLTH 1030n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1050
    Course Title:Stress Management      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:Stress is one of the most commonly referred to, but least understood, of all health problems. This class is designed to examine the differences between stress and personal challenges with an emphasis on the importance of the role of perception in distinguishing between the two. This course will also examine the many common sources of stress for most people and practice strategies for managing these stressors. The students will also discover how to control their stress instead of letting their stress control them.
    		Stress ManagementView-HLTH 1050n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1070
    Course Title:Nutrition      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental truths of nutrition principles, health promotion and disease prevention throughout life.   Topics include, in part, the study of carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals and their function and role in healthy living.  It will provide introductory nutritional information for career paths in nursing and other similar fields of study.
    		NutritionView-HLTH 1070n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1080
    Course Title:Consumer Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course examines current consumer health issues in society. Class content will include the examination of health care products, the food and drug industry, and our ability to create a safe living environment. This course will also include plans of action that we, as a society, can take to become better health consumers.
    		Consumer HealthView-HLTH 1080n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:2020
    Course Title:Introduction to Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course will introduce students to various public and community health services, the history of community and public health and the role and functions of health programs and their relationships between holistic health aspects. This course will explore the knowledge, skills and competencies of health educators in various community settings, occupations and careers.
    		Introduction to HealthView-HLTH 2020n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:2040
    Course Title:Foundations and Theory in Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:Foundations and theory in Health is a course which will examine how biological, psychological, and social factors work together to explain health and illness. This course will focus on current health behavior theories and models which are used to change human behavior and how they relate to health.
    		Foundations and Theory in HealthView-HLTH 2040n/a3
     
    Program Electives
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Choose 3 of the 5 following classes:
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1010
    Course Title:Health Terminology      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This is a course for all health professionals to become familiar with, and knowledgeable in, the workings of the human body. They will learn correct terms and terminology as it applies to each human body system.
    		Health Terminology orView-HLTH 1010n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1060
    Course Title:Drugs and Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course examines how drugs will relate with and affect holistic health, with a focus on the physiological, sociological and psychological effects these drugs may have on an individual and their relationships. The emphasis of this course is on the basic tools and information needed to understand and interact with individuals who may have problems with chemicals. It is designed to provide current information regarding the various drugs in society today.
    		Drugs and Health orView-HLTH 1060n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1900
    Course Title:Healthy Sexuality      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:Healthy Sexuality will examine how the dimensions of wellness--physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental and occupational-- influence our sexual health. It is also the intention of this class to show how healthy expressions of sexuality can improve one's overall wellness.
    		Healthy Sexuality orView-HLTH 1900n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:2030
    Course Title:Global Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course examines the historical context of global health and emerging global health priorities, including infectious diseases, poverty, health inequity, health care systems and major global initiatives for disease prevention and health promotion.
    		Global Health orView-HLTH 2030n/a3
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:2080
    Course Title:Environmental Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:The purpose of this class is to inform the student about the key areas of environmental health and instill awareness about the crucial role of the environment in the health of the planet and all living organisms. It is designed to promote awareness of the environmental influences on health.
    		Environmental HealthView-HLTH 2080n/a3
     
    General Education Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    College Writing I
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1200
    Course Title:Gateway College Writing      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		Gateway College Writing orView-ENGL 1200n/a4
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1201
    Course Title:College Writing I      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		College Writing IView-ENGL 1201n/a4
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1202
    Course Title:College Writing II      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:2

    Course Description:This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content, as noted on the class registration site.
    		College Writing IIView-ENGL 1202n/a2
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:1001
    Course Title:Biology I      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:4

    Course Description:This course focuses on the concepts of biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics and heredity reproduction and development. The course is intended for allied health majors and others not requiring a majors-level introductory biology. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab). Prerequisite: ADEV 0952 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension.
    		Biology IView-BIOL 1001n/a4
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:2111
    Course Title:Human Anatomy and Physiology I      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is the first course of a two-course sequence. The course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include anatomical terminology, homeostasis, cell structure and function, histology, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems; integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, nervous, special senses and endocrine. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Prerequisite: Biol 1001 or 1101 with grade of C or better. Recommendations for student success in this class include: a prior course in medical terminology, college level reading and basic algebra skills
    		Human Anatomy and Physiology IView-BIOL 2111n/a4
    Course Subject: BIOL         Course Number:2112
    Course Title:Human Anatomy and Physiology II      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:4

    Course Description:This course is the second course of a two-course sequence. This course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems: circulatory, non-specific and specific defenses, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and early development. Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: Biol 2111 with a grade of C or better.
    		Human Anatomy and Physiology IIView-BIOL 2112n/a4
    Course Subject: COMM         Course Number:1310
    Course Title:Intercultural Communication      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:The influence of culture is an especially important and sensitive issue facing us today. A person's culture strongly influences his/her identity, beliefs, expectations, and communication style. This course explores communication across culture as defined by nationality, gender, and ethnicity while concentrating on effective use of communication in all of these areas.
    		Intercultural CommunicationView-COMM 1310n/a3
    Course Subject: COMM         Course Number:1010
    Course Title:Fundamentals of Public Speaking      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course provides instruction and practical experience in the basics of public speaking. This course has a performance component: students are expected to create and deliver informative, persuasive and other types of speeches.
    		Fundamentals of Public SpeakingView-COMM 1010n/a3
    Course Subject: MATH         Course Number:1150
    Course Title:College Algebra      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This college-level course continues the study of algebra conducted in the developmental algebra courses. Topics include polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their applications. Additional topics include systems of non-linear equations, systems of linear equations, and matrices. Prerequisites: College math placement level or successful completion of Math 0970 or 0980 with grade of C or better
    		College AlgebraView-MATH 1150n/a3
    Course Subject: PHIL         Course Number:1220
    Course Title:Health Care Ethics      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course looks at the underlying assumptions that affect beliefs, practices, and policies in contemporary health care.Emphasis will be placed on understanding of the ethical principles and theories related to health care. A wide variety of health care issues and the challenges they present will be studied. Critical thinking skills will be emphasized in determining the best course of action for making ethical decisions in the health care field.
    		Health Care EthicsView-PHIL 1220n/a3
    Course Subject: PSYC         Course Number:1150
    Course Title:General Psychology      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course provides an overview of topics in psychology. Topics may include history of psychology, research methods, physiological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, personality, stress and coping, abnormal behavior, therapy, and social psychology. Students are strongly encouraged to check with an advisor to determine if this is the appropriate course for their degree/program. You must meet perquisites or obtain instructor permission to take this course.
    		General PsychologyView-PSYC 1150n/a3
     
    NHCC Residency and GPA
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    15 Credits must be earned at NHCC
     
                                   Total Credits Required60

  • Program Outcomes

    Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World:

    • Identify and develop a background of knowledge to address the major healthrelated, cultural and social needs of the communities we live and work in.

    Intellectual and Practical Skills:

    • Inquiry and analysis.
    • Critical and creative thinking.
    • Written and oral communication.
    • Quantitative literacy.
    • Information literacy.
    • Teamwork and problem solving.
    • Examine the importance of ethnic and cultural factors for health practices in the community. promote holistic health care standards.

    Personal and Social Responsibility and Engagement:

    • Promote healthy behaviors through evidencebased data and apply these findings to strategies in the classroom to promote holistic health care standards.
    • Identify the socioeconomic, behavioral, biological, environmental, and other factors that impact human health and contribute to health disparities.
    • Ethical reasoning and action.
    • Foundations and skills for lifelong learning.

    Integrative and Applied Learning:

    • Apply the data presented in these classes to analyze and synthesize pertinent and current information which will help educate students and their future clients.

  • Career Opportunities

    Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available on the iseek and Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: www.iseek.org and www.bls.gov.

  • Transfer Information

    ​If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information

  • Degree Information

    The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelorandrsquo;s degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.

    A student shall:

    • Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.
    • Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.
    • Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.
    • Earn 30 professional/technical credits.
    • Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the fouryear period preceding their graduation.

    Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).

    Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.

    Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.

  • Accreditation

    North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the:
    Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
    30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
    Chicago, IL 60602-2504
    1-800-621-7440