Health sciences is a multifaceted discipline dedicated to the branches of study that underpin modern healthcare and human development. The Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences from American Military University (AMU) may be ideal for learners with previous medical training. AMU offers transfer credit for military service and education.
Coursework is designed to complement the experience of those trained in the medical and healthcare fields. Lectures, assignments, and virtual labs familiarize students with the foundational science behind patient care. Students enrolled in our online program will explore biology and evolution at the molecular level to gain a better understanding of the human body.
Coursework also provides varying perspectives on current trends and historical concepts related to:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Genetics
In addition, our associate degree program introduces students to the principles of both Mendelian and modern molecular genetics. Learners discuss the relationship between genes and disease.
This associate degree is stackable, creating a seamless transition into AMU’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Sciences. The program also prepares students to continue their education in other healthcare disciplines of their choosing.
Discover How This Associate Degree in Health Sciences Can Help You Pursue Your Goals
AMU’s online health sciences program provides a foundation for continuing education within healthcare-related disciplines. Students also gain real-world skills to help prepare them for military and civilian career opportunities.
Graduates may consider pursuing various allied health professions, including roles as:
- Combat or field medics, who deliver emergency care in war zones, stabilize injuries, administer medications, and transport wounded personnel using similar skills to EMT and paramedic professionals
- Medical assistants, who support military and civilian medical teams with patient intake and perform administrative tasks in addition to monitoring vital signs and providing basic care
- Medical laboratory technicians, who perform diagnostic testing on blood, tissue, and other specimens and may work in hospitals or private labs
- Health information technicians/medical records technicians, who work in military hospitals and civilian healthcare systems to manage patient records and healthcare data and ensure compliance with data security regulations
- Physical therapy specialists, who work under the supervision of physical therapists to help injured servicemembers and civilians recover mobility and function
- Healthcare administrators/medical office administrators, who coordinate military and civilian medical facility operations, scheduling, and supply chain management
NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.
AMU’s online program emphasizes career-relevant education. Students who earn this associate degree will develop technical, analytical, and leadership skills suitable for military and civilian healthcare roles.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Apply evidence-based practices, including tactical casualty care, across military and civilian medical roles
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills for briefings and patient handoffs, as well as the ability to prepare documentation that follows military protocols
- Advance academically and develop new skills that may help them qualify for increased responsibilities across garrison and deployed healthcare environments
- Engage in professional development
This associate degree program provides students with an educational background that serves as a foundation for further study in healthcare and related fields. Graduates may seamlessly transition to AMU’s health sciences bachelor’s degree program without repeating any courses.
Health sciences and general education courses may also align with prerequisites for degrees in specialized fields, such as physical therapy, nursing, and other health professions. Many courses include virtual labs modeled on real-world healthcare practices, offering practical insights into a wide range of settings.
You will:
- Undertake foundational coursework that serves as a springboard to higher learning in the health science field
- Become an effective communicator
- Apply skills learned on the job or in the healthcare services field to college-level study related to the health sciences
- Understand how military training integrates with general education learning
Browse Required Courses for This Associate’s in Health Sciences
The lessons and laboratory exercises focus on the organization of the human body; homeostasis; basic chemistry; cell biology; genetics and heredity; and the integumentary, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. It also includes a virtual laboratory component.
This is a time- and resource-intensive course. Students intending to pursue a career in the health sciences should verify that the BIOL250 and BIOL251 course sequence meets the requirements of their intended program prior to enrollment.
NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy and physiology. (Prerequisites: CHEM133 or SCIN131, and MATH110, MATH111, or MATH225)
Topics covered in this course include an introduction to the molecular basis of life; the biology of the cell; genetic and molecular biology; evolution; and the variety of life on Earth. This course includes virtual laboratories that complement the topics and concepts covered in the lectures.
This course includes virtual laboratories that complement the topics and concepts covered in the lectures. NOTE: This course requires students to purchase additional materials that are not covered by the undergraduate book grant. Please refer to the Course Materials section for additional details. (Prerequisite: BIOL133)
Build Lasting Connections While You Pursue Your Associate Degree in Health Sciences
Community is an important aspect of every academic journey. While this AAS in Health Sciences program consists of online courses, AMU brings learners together through numerous student activities and clubs. Students can network and discover additional educational opportunities through various organizations, such as:
- Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
- Pre-Health Student Society (PHSS)
- Public Health Club (PHC)
- Women in STEM (wSTEM)
Learn more about student activities and other ways to enrich your online learning experience at AMU.
Welcome to your Online Learning Environment.
[Cut to eCampus homepage screen]
Your eCampus homepage is the hub where you can view important information and access MyClassroom — an intuitive course platform designed for the modern learner.
[View of MyClassroom on laptop, tablet, and phone]
You have the flexibility to access your classes on any device — anytime, anywhere.
[Transition to Course Homepage view]
The Course Homepage features a dynamic layout with integrated tools, seamless navigation, and helpful resources to support your educational goals.
[Highlight Microsoft 365 login screen]
You’ll also find integrated access to Microsoft Office 365, allowing you to log directly into your account and use multiple Microsoft applications.
[Show Navigation Bar close-up]
Everything you need is right on the Navigation Bar, giving you quick access to every part of your online class — including:
[Highlight Course Tools navigation]
Course Tools – easily access helpful tools for success.
[Highlight Discussion Thread]
Discussion Threads – connect in meaningful conversations with peers and faculty, and share insights on what you’re learning.
[Cut to Library interface]
You’ll also have access to the Richard G. Trefry Library, which provides students, faculty, and staff with thousands of licensed materials to support your success.
[Closing frame: MyClassroom URL and logo]
Myclassroom.apus.edu.
APU is here to support your student journey
We understand that student well-being is essential to your success. That's why we offer access to confidential mental health programs and resources to support you throughout your academic journey.
- Career Coaching
- 24/7 Mental Health Support
- Admissions & Advising Support
- Student Life & CareerLink
Career Coaching
Get individualized guidance to help you explore career options, strengthen professional skills, and prepare for the next step in your journey. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, changing fields, or advancing your professional knowledge, our career services team is here to help you translate your goals into action.
Learn More24/7 Mental Health Support
Your well-being is essential to your success. That’s why APU offers access to confidential, flexible, and around-the-clock mental health support. Through our partnerships with TalkCampus and Uwill(r), you can connect with peers and professionals anytime you need to manage stress, maintain balance, or find motivation.
Learn MoreAdmissions & Advising Support
From your first course to the day you graduate, our admissions and advising teams are here to guide you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalized assistance with enrollment, program selection, and degree planning from professionals who understand the needs of adult learners.
Learn MoreStudent Life
At APU, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Enrich your college experience and expand your network by getting involved in any of our student organizations. From cultural and social organizations to program-specific honor societies, you’ll find a group to help you thrive during and after your studies.
Learn MorePursuing a Health Sciences Associate Degree is Affordable at AMU
- $0 Application Fee
- $0 Textbooks & eBooks
- $0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
- $0 Optional Label Goes Here
Ways to pay and save on your APU degree!
Quality education should be affordable so you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about how you can save and pay:
- Transfer Credit
- Federal Aid
- Military Tuition Assistance
- Veterans Benefits
- Scholarships
- Private Loans
Career Coaching
Get individualized guidance to help you explore career options, strengthen professional skills, and prepare for the next step in your journey. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, changing fields, or advancing your professional knowledge, our career services team is here to help you translate your goals into action.
Learn More24/7 Mental Health Support
Your well-being is essential to your success. That’s why APU offers access to confidential, flexible, and around-the-clock mental health support. Through our partnerships with TalkCampus and Uwill(r), you can connect with peers and professionals anytime you need to manage stress, maintain balance, or find motivation.
Learn MoreAdmissions & Advising Support
From your first course to the day you graduate, our admissions and advising teams are here to guide you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalized assistance with enrollment, program selection, and degree planning from professionals who understand the needs of adult learners.
Learn MoreStudent Life
At APU, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Enrich your college experience and expand your network by getting involved in any of our student organizations. From cultural and social organizations to program-specific honor societies, you’ll find a group to help you thrive during and after your studies.
Learn MoreApply to AMU’s Health Sciences Program Today
AMU is proud to provide students with high-quality online programs designed for flexibility. Classes in this associate degree program start monthly and have no set login times, allowing learners to balance school with work and personal commitments. Students can participate in class discussions and complete weekly assignments from virtually anywhere with internet access.
Ready to get started? Review our admission requirements and submit your application today.
- No Entrance Exams Label goes here
- No Application Fee Label goes here
- Courses Start Monthly Label goes here
- Fourth Stat Text Here Label goes here
- All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
Learn More About Health Sciences Degree Programs
An online health science associate degree program may combine weekly lectures with discussion forums. AMU’s AAS in Health Sciences also incorporates virtual lab assignments to engage students learning remotely. Online learning offers flexibility while maintaining academic quality, accommodating students with different schedules and responsibilities.
This program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours.
A health science degree program provides a comprehensive overview of the branches of science that foster advancements in medical care, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology
Alternatively, healthcare administration degree programs focus on leadership and management principles as they relate to healthcare facilities. Students pursuing these degrees discuss a broad range of topics, such as:
- Legal and ethical guidelines for handling patient information
- Finance and budgeting for healthcare facilities
- Health service delivery
- Healthcare data management
- Administrative tasks that support daily operations
AMU students have the unwavering support of a community that genuinely cares. We provide a variety of resources in over two dozen languages to support your mental and emotional well-being. Through partnerships with UWill and TalkCampus, students have round-the-clock access to mental health support and suicide prevention services.
Additionally, our University chaplains provide special assistance to active-duty servicemembers experiencing stress and PTSD.
Request More Information
Interested in a specific program or wondering about the application process? Fill out the quick form below, and we’ll follow up with details tailored to your goals.
