Online Degree in Allied Science: Program Information

Students looking to study allied science should consider online degree programs in the related field of allied health. Although associate-level options are available, online bachelor's degrees in allied health are the most common. At the graduate level, online 'allied health' degrees are rare; individuals usually choose a specialized field of study within the allied sciences that correlates with their career goals, such as health technology.

Overview of Online Associate of Science in Allied Health

The allied health field encompasses a multitude of services regarding medicine, nutrition and holistic well being. Although an online associate's degree does not qualify individuals for advanced careers relating to dentistry, primary or emergency care, completing a 2-year program at this level provides a foundation for further study. Credits are often transferable to a bachelor's degree in a program related to health care or the allied sciences. Programs titled 'allied health' are less common than programs specifying a target area, such as medical billing, health care management or nursing programs.

Program Information and Requirements

At the associate's degree level, students may be able to choose a concentration, such as health information, health sciences or medical technology. These may directly correlate to certain career goals, such as becoming a Registered Health Information Technician, so students should consider fields of specialty and ultimate career goals prior to starting any program. Applicants may need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Lessons are often communicated via video files and other media, such as PowerPoint presentation. For this reason, media viewing software, sufficient computer memory and the correct add-ons for seeing and hearing streamed and downloaded files are necessary.

Common Coursework

This program comprises general education courses and classes specific to allied health. Some programs offer electives; in the event of concentration options, specialty and core courses may jointly balance math, science, business and humanities units.

Anatomy and Physiology Course

This class provides a basis for all following applied care courses. Lessons cover the human body, including skeletal, muscular, nervous and organ systems. They also touch upon such processes as metabolism and hormone secretion, as well as growth and development. Classes may be broken into a series for introductory and advanced topics.

Pathophysiology Course

Students expand their understanding of physiology by taking a closer look at how the body reacts to illness. They examine the spread of diseases, the body's defense system and how diagnostics and medicine affect sick body systems.

Clinical Practice Course

Many associate-level allied health programs prepare students to work in a clinical setting. This course surveys research methods, laboratory procedures, statistics and basic lab procedures, including safety and ethics.

Popular Career Options

Although most graduates go on to complete bachelor's degree programs, those who wish to seek direct work may find entry-level employment in hospitals, clinics and private practices. Potential titles include:

• Health data analyst
• Health care administrative aide
• Coding specialist
• Research assistant

Overview of Online Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Program

Completion of an online bachelor's degree in the field prepares individuals to work in supervisory, management and educational positions. These programs can be completed in approximately 3-4 years, with some flexibility due to the nature of online schooling as well as the potential for transferring credits from previously completed programs.

Program Information and Requirements

Most online bachelor's degree programs in allied health are degree-completion programs. This means that applicants must have already completed an associate's degree program in an allied health discipline. Online courses are typically completed through a dedicated content management website that also hosts all resources, ranging from textbooks and prerecorded lectures to technical assistance and message boards. Some courses may require lab work, which must be completed on campus or at an approved site.

Common Coursework

Bachelor of Science allied health courses provide an overview of skills and techniques needed to work in the health industry; students may wish to specialize through electives and advanced studies. Common subjects include:

Health Promotion Course

This class assesses current means of conveying good health to various publics. Specifically targeted are community and school health.

Ethics in Health Care Course

Students learn about morality in health care practices. They study philosophical techniques and common issues that may arise in the field.

Health Services Administration Course

This course covers the organizational aspects of health services. Lessons explore the roles of international, federal, state and local health organizations.

Career Information for Graduates

Those with a bachelor's degree in allied health can pursue entry-level work as medical and health services managers, especially in small or private medical facilities. As of May 2009, the average annual income for medical and health services managers was $80,240, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported that between 2008 and 2018, job opportunities in the field are expected to increase by 16% (www.bls.gov).