The Riegleman Award for Guided Learning Pathways awarded to two of the College’s Health programs.
Read more about CWI Health Programs Nationally RecognizedHealth Science and Public Health
Build the Foundation for a Successful Career in the Healthcare Industry
Program Overview
Are you aspiring to a career in health sciences or public health? The Health Science and Public Health Associate of Science degree at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your pathway to success in these vital fields. Designed for students targeting professional programs like surgical technology, nursing, or respiratory therapy, or who are planning to transfer to a four-year program in public health, medicine, dentistry, and more — this program ensures a solid academic foundation. By completing this degree, you meet the general education requirements of all Idaho public universities, setting you up for seamless transfer and success in rigorous health-related programs.
With the option to complete the program entirely online or in-person, the curriculum offers flexibility to suit your learning preferences. You will gain a foundational understanding of key concepts, historical perspectives, and philosophical underpinnings essential to health science and public health. The program is enriched by experienced faculty with real-world expertise in diverse health science careers, providing you with insights and practical knowledge for your future career.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Science
Fully Online
Time to Complete
2 years
Primary Locations
Learning Opportunities
- Flexibility of Online & On-Campus Learning: Choose between fully online or in-person classes to best fit your schedule and learning style.
- Expert Faculty with Real-World Experience: Learn from educators who bring diverse public health and health science expertise to the classroom.
- Foundational Knowledge in Health Science: Gain essential understanding needed to excel in four-year health science programs or health-related careers.
- Hands-On Experience: Utilize CWI’s Health and Human Performance Lab for practical learning and skill development.
- Preparation for Diverse Health Careers: This program prepares you for a broad range of health-related fields, including surgical technology, nursing, and public health.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Health Science and Public Health – Associate of Science Degree
Available Fully Online
Degree RequirementsCareer Opportunities
Medical and Health Services Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
140
Annual Openings*
$46.32
Hourly Median Wage*
$96,346
Annual Median Salary
42.48%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care. Excludes “Rehabilitation Counselors” (21-1015), “Psychiatric Technicians” (29-2053), “Personal Care Aides” (31-1122), and “Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs” (43-4061).
117
Annual Openings*
$17.65
Hourly Median Wage*
$36,712
Annual Median Salary
18.83%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
106
Annual Openings*
$21.35
Hourly Median Wage*
$44,408
Annual Median Salary
20.37%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
100
Annual Openings*
$17.87
Hourly Median Wage*
$37,170
Annual Median Salary
47.04%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Medical Records Specialists
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system. Includes medical coders. Excludes “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021) and “File Clerks” (43-4071).
58
Annual Openings*
$22.33
Hourly Median Wage*
$46,446
Annual Median Salary
15.56%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Community Health Workers
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs. Excludes “Health Education Specialists” (21-1091).
27
Annual Openings*
$18.97
Hourly Median Wage*
$39,458
Annual Median Salary
22.2%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.
27
Annual Openings*
$18.70
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,896
Annual Median Salary
31.23%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Health Science and Public Health as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Lab Spaces
View the College’s state-of-the art lab spaces where you will receive hands-on, comprehensive career training.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
News
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Read more about Scholarship Spotlight - Melissa D.Kim L., a 2018/19 scholarship recipient, is currently pursuing a degree in Health Science with hopes of becoming a surgical nurse someday.
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