Health Studies (SHD)
Type: Career, Degree (AS)
Open Admissions
Division: Health
The Health Studies degree addresses the core requirements of both academic and professional health-related fields by providing a solid foundation on which students may build a successful career. It provides students with a pathway for pursuing a health-related career opportunities and is a first step in the advancement towards pursing an academic pathway in health programs.
Designed for students striving to work in the health industry the degree meets the needs for those who may not be able, interested, or eligible to enroll in one of the established health- related programs. With a large number of student interested in a health-related career attending North Shore Community College, the Health Studies degree provides opportunities for students to focus on core requirements for other health concentrations of study, or enter the health field with a refined trajectory. At the same time, the coursework with help to prepare students who are interested in enrolling in a health-related academic concentration in the future.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
First Year
Fall
| FFL100 | First Year Experience | 3 |
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| PSY102 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| ALH186 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
MATH ELECTIVE
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| OR | |
BIO-ELECTIVE
| Biology Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
| CMP102 | Composition 2 | 3 |
| BIO211 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4 |
| PSY204 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| MAT143 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
HUM-ELECTIVE
| Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Second Year
Fall
| BIO212 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4 |
| DTC102 | The Science of Nutrition | 3 |
| CHE101 | Introductory Chemistry 1 | 4 |
ALH-ELECTIVE
| Allied Health Elective | 3 |
SS-ELECTIVE
| Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Spring
| BIO214 | Microbiology | 4 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
LS-Elective
| Laboratory Science Elective | 4 |
| PHI120 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Requirement Notes
FFL100 must be a Health Studies section.
Electives leading to employable skills include (see ALH-ELECTIVE requirement above): ALH120, ALH132, ALH134, ALH136, ALH186, EMS104 or OFT142. Students planning to transfer should select the elective/s consistent with
their desired four-year program.
Mathematics Elective: A mathematics sequence is strongly recommended. MAT140 or above is generally required for transfer; however, most health professions programs at the four-year level require MAT151 or above. Students enrolled in credit courses prior to Fall 1999 may have alternative means to satisfy this requirement and should speak to their Advisor or the Student Support Center.
Program Notes
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 62
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Foundational Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and other health sciences.
- Communication Skills: Effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare professionals, using both verbal and written forms of communication tailored to the audience and setting.
- Professionalism: Demonstrate professional behavior and effective communication skills by adhering to healthcare industry standards, respecting confidentiality, and collaborating effectively with diverse teams to ensure high-quality patient care.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate scientific data and implement evidence-based decisions that prioritize patient and optimize outcomes.
- Ethics: Apply key principles of medical ethics to make well-informed, culturally sensitive decisions that promote patient welfare and uphold professional standards.
Occupational Skills Required
- Cultural and linguistic fluency.
- Effective oral and written communication.
- Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet.
- Salem State University
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Regis College of Nursing