Associate in Applied Science in Health Studies Degree Pathway to B.S.N.

Area of Study Overview

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The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Health Studies Pathway to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree is designed for adults who are interested in fulfilling the prerequisites for the Accelerated BSN Program at Thomas Edison State University (TESU).

As an Accelerated B.S.N. Program applicant with some or no college credits, students can enroll in this option of the A.A.S. in the Health Studies pathway. This track enables Accelerated B.S.N. Program applicants to complete the general education and nursing prerequisite requirements necessary to finalize their application for the Accelerated B.S.N. Program. Students enrolled in the program have access to a wide variety of university services while completing the Accelerated B.S.N. Program requirements; and, if they choose to, earn the A.A.S. degree at the same time. Students will also be assigned to an academic advisor in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions who will help guide them through the requirements. To learn more about enrollment and program requirements, students can email: [e-mail].

Program Highlights:

• Flexibility: Complete general education and nursing prerequisite requirements for Accelerated B.S.N. Program and earn an A.A.S. degree at the same time completely online and at the student's own pace.
• Liberal transfer policy: TESU will evaluate the course credits students may have earned elsewhere and apply those credits toward the degree. Students who have passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's NCLEX-PN exam may be able to obtain up to 10 credits for their license. 
• Versatility: Once students complete the admission requirements, they will be considered for admission to TESU’s Accelerated B.S.N. Program. Alternatively, once the students complete the general education requirements, they can complete the A.A.S. program and advance to a bachelor’s degree program in another area of study.

Credit Distribution

I. General Education Featured Courses (21 Credits)

TESU Featured Courses are listed as a guide. Other courses may satisfy the areas and can be viewed on our website under General Education Courses.  For more information see About Our General Education Program.  To plan your program please contact a nursing advisor.

A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (12 Credits)

ENC-1010	Writing for Success	3
ENC-1020	Writing for Success II	3
HPS-2000	Statistics for the Health Professions	3
SOS-1100	Fact, Fiction, or Fake? Information Literacy Today	3

For all TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Intellectual and Practical Skills.

B. Civic and Global Leadership (3 Credits)

SOC-1010

Our Changing World: An Introduction to Sociology

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Diversity Intercultural Literacy.

C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (3 Credits)

SOC-2100

Marriage and the Family

3

D. Scientific Knowledge (3 Credits) Select one:

CHE-1110	General Chemistry I	3
-	OR
HEA-3071	Pathophysiology for Health Professionals	4

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Scientific Knowledge.

II. Applied Health Studies (15 Credits)

BIO-2110	Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab	4
BIO-2120	Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab	4
BIO-2510	Introduction to Microbiology with Lab	4
BIO-2080	The Science of Nutrition	3

 For health elective course options, please contact a nursing academic advisor.

III. Associate Capstone (3 Credits)

APS-2950

Associate Capstone

3

*Students who are not graduating from the AAS in Health Studies program, and are entering the BSNA program, are exempt from completing the Capstone.

IV. Electives (21 Credits)

-	Oral Communication	3
-	Ethical Leadership	3
-	Civic Engagement and Awareness	3
-	Math	3
-	History	3
-	Humanities	3
PSY-2110	Developmental Psychology	3

For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.

TESU accepts credits in transfer from accredited institutions as well as non-collegiate providers. Please click here for information and resources on where you may find additional learning experiences.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Admissions Process

1. Apply

Students should submit their application through the TESU Online Application. If students have attended any other higher education institution(s), they should send all official transcripts. Learn how to submit official transcripts.

2. Application Review

Once the student’s application materials and transcripts have been reviewed, the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services will review the application and the Office of the Registrar will officially evaluate all transcripts. After submitted transcripts have been reviewed, students can make an appointment with an advisor at the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions to develop a degree completion plan.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in using a computer, browsing the internet, and sending and receiving email (including attachments).

• For students from foreign universities, all transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency. An official course-by-course evaluation must be submitted with the student's application.

• The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions has the discretion to require an applicant to take the TOEFL Exam regardless of the applicant's native language.

Program Progression

• Option 1: Once accepted into the A.A.S. program, students can earn up to 60 credits and graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Studies. (*completion of the A.A.S. in Health Studies degree is not required to apply for the Accelerated B.S.N. program)
• Option 2: Toward the end of the program, if the student elects, they can work with their nursing advisor to complete their application to the School's Accelerated B.S.N. Program. This program is designed for students who have at least 60 college credits and are interested in obtaining their B.S.N. and RN license.  Learn more about the program.
• Option 3: Alternatively, students can continue and earn a bachelor's degree in another area of study if they do not wish to apply for the Accelerated B.S.N. or are not accepted into the Accelerated B.S.N.