Dec 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Sciences Associate of Applied Science Degrees


The John B. Wallace Health Sciences Division offers degree programs which are designed to prepare students for a career in specific health care occupations.

Students interested in applying to one of Volunteer State Community College’s Health Sciences programs listed below should first apply to and follow the A.S. in Health Sciences curriculum. Because the electives, and order in which you should take certain classes, will vary slightly depending on what program you plan to pursue, you must speak with the program advisor in your preferred area of emphasis prior to registering for classes. For more information about specific program deadlines and requirements, please visit the Health Sciences website.

The programs are:

  • Health Information Management
  • Health Sciences​
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Ophthalmic Technician
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Respiratory Care Technology
     

Admissions Requirements
A strong high school academic preparation is very important. High school students interested in a Health Sciences Career should take at least three years of math, including algebra I, II, one year of biology, and one year of chemistry. Other physical and natural sciences would also be very helpful to the Health Sciences applicant.

The number of students admitted to each of the Health Sciences Programs is limited. Admission to each of the programs is based on several factors including: successful completion of the admission requirements and interviews with an admissions committee of professionals in the appropriate field. The number of applicants admitted to each Health Sciences program is limited by several factors including: the number of spaces available for clinical training, the predicted number of positions available in the health care industry for graduates, and enrollment limitations imposed by accreditation agencies.

Students wishing to enter any Health Sciences Degree/Certificate program must:

• Meet admission requirements for the College based on the admission or readmission status the applicant is seeking.
• Provide VSCC Medical History Report, if required by program/certificate
• Once admitted to the college, apply to the desired Health Sciences program
• Have appropriate Placement Test results (if applicable), and other requested documents, records, and tests

Application deadlines for the Health Sciences programs vary. For information about a specific program’s application process and deadline contact the appropriate Program Director.

Time and Financial Requirements
Health Sciences Career programs include course work in the clinical setting which requires that students be available during clinical hours often totaling up to 40 hours per week. It is usually not possible to participate in the professional portion of most of the Health Sciences Career programs on a part-time basis. Clinical assignments are during periods appropriate to the professions and may include day, evening, and weekend hours.  Expenses related to assigned clinical courses such as medical exams, liability insurance, medical insurance, uniforms, meals, travel and other items specific to each career area should be expected. All of these expenses are the student’s responsibility.

Only students who have been screened and admitted into the programs of study in Health Sciences will be permitted to register for professional level courses in each discipline.

Frequently, the College’s clinical or practicum site partners require students to undergo a criminal background check, drug screen, or to provide proof regarding vaccination history and/or provide other information in order to participate in clinical or practicum experiences at their sites.  The specific requirements and processes may vary between partner sites and can be found in program handbooks or by contacting the relevant program director.  Required elements for student participation in a clinical or practicum at a partner site are determined by the clinical/practicum site partner.  If a student cannot resolve these matters to the partner site’s satisfaction, the student will be notified of the impact that the inability to participate at a particular clinical/practicum site may have on their ability to successfully complete the academic program. 

Health Sciences Certificate programs also have similar admission requirements as specified above.