Best Online Associate In Health Science Of 2024 – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

Now that you know whether online learning is right for you, let’s evaluate your program options.

Consider Your Future Goals

An associate degree in health science is a broad and wide-ranging degree that can lead to a variety of allied health and nursing careers. Degree holders can also pursue four-year degrees in various healthcare fields. However, before you enroll, you should articulate your future goals to ensure this degree will help you get where you want to go.

For example, if you want to become a doctor or a dentist, you’ll probably want a four-year degree on a pre-medical track to help you get into medical or dental school. An associate in health sciences can provide a foundation for that four-year degree.

On the other hand, if you want to become a radiology tech or pursue a similar practice-focused field, you should likely earn a more specialized associate degree to qualify for licensure.

However, if you know you want to work in healthcare but aren’t quite sure of which specific field, an associate in health science can provide a strong, broad foundation in healthcare.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Total tuition for the degrees ranked on this page average approximately $18,280. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as of the 2022—23 academic year, the average two-year school charged $3,885 in annual tuition and fees, translating to around $7,770 for a two-year associate degree.

Comparatively, health science programs can be expensive. Keep in mind, however, that many of the schools on our top-10 list are private and four-year colleges, which tend to charge higher tuition rates than public universities and community colleges.

Your first step to reducing the cost of your education is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The FAFSA is the portal to financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants and loans. You must submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal student aid, and other aid providers may use FAFSA data to determine their awards as well. You can also pursue aid through your future school and third-party organizations.