Health Science and Public Health

Build the Foundation for a Successful Career in the Healthcare Industry

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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

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

2

YEARS

AS

Available Fully Online

Degree Requirements
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Career 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)*

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*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).
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News

The Riegleman Award for Guided Learning Pathways awarded to two of the College’s Health programs.

Read more about CWI Health Programs Nationally Recognized

Anne L., a 2018-19 scholarship recipient, is currently pursuing a degree in Health Science with hopes of becoming a radiology technician. 

Read more about Scholarship Spotlight— Anne L.

Melissa D., a 2018/19 scholarship recipient, is currently pursuing a degree in Health Science with hopes of becoming a nurse someday. 

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. 

Read more about Scholarship Spotlight—Kim L.
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