Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health Professions (AFA3)  Degree


Campus Locations: Americus

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Allied Health Professions (AHP) offers flexibility in tailoring the curriculum to suit the individual academic and career objectives of each student. This program entails the completion of a range between 61-64 semester credit hours, comprising 15 hours of general education requirements and 49 hours allocated to healthcarerelated occupation courses. These areas of concentration encompass comprehensive healthcare programs that underscore both the theoretical foundations and practical applications crucial for successful entry into the healthcare workforce. Upon graduation, students will possess a solid foundation and relevant skills to excel in various healthcare roles. By working closely with a faculty advisor, students can strategically select courses from specific areas of concentration that align with their desired career trajectory in the healthcare field.

Entrance date: Each semester

Program Admission Requirements: A High School diploma or equivalent is required plus achievement of appropriate scores on the college's placement test or submission of acceptable SAT or ACT scores.

Applicant must be at least 16 years of age.

Credits required for graduation: 61

Curriculum Outline (62 hours)
General Education Core 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communications 3
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences 3
XXXX xxxxSocial/Behavioral Science Course 3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics (select one mathematics course below) 3
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
MATH 1103

This course focuses on quantitative skills and reasoning in the context of experiences that students will be likely to encounter. The course emphasizes processing information in context from a variety of representations, understanding of both the information and the processing, and understanding which conclusions can be reasonably determined. Students will use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding. Topics covered in this course include: sets and set operations, logic, basic probability, data analysis, linear models, quadratic models, exponential and logarithmic models, geometry, and financial management.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts 3
XXXX xxxxHumanities/Fine Arts Course 3
And one additional course from Area I, II, III, or IV (3 Hours)(as approved by program advisor) 3
Choose One Occupational Track 47
Practical Nursing Track (49 credits) 49
PNSG 1600

Applies fundamental mathematical concepts and includes basic drug administration. Emphasizes critical thinking skills and introduces pharmacological classes. Topics include systems of measurement, calculating drug problems, resource materials usage, fundamental pharmacology, administering medications in a simulated clinical environment, principles of IV therapy techniques, and client education. After this pharmacology course, students will have completed a minimum of 85 lecture/lab (4250/50min) hours.

3
PNSG 1605

An introduction to the nursing process and clinical practice, normal body system function, and terminology related to healthcare. Topics include: nursing as a profession; scope of practice; ethics and law; client care which is defined as using the nursing process, using critical thinking, and providing client education and includes principles and skills of nursing practice, documentation, history taking, and an introduction to structure, function, terminology associated with healthcare, and physical assessment of body systems; customer/client relationships; standard precautions; activities of daily living; infection control/ blood-borne/ airborne pathogens; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; and perioperative care. At the end of the course, students will have completed a minimum of 66 lecture/lab (3300/50min) hours and 75 clinical (4500/60min) hours.

6
PNSG 1610

Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include terminology associated with healthcare, structure and function of body systems, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders, and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions concerning the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematological and immunological systems. Clinical topics include but are not limited to hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions about cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours.

6
PNSG 1615

Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the endocrine, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions concerning cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours.

6
PNSG 1620

Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the neurological and sensory systems, disaster preparedness, emergency response, triage, and bioterrorism. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions concerning cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours.

6
PNSG 1625

Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems and oncology. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. After, this adult health course students will have completed a minimum of 4125/50= 82.5 lecture/lab contact hours and 3750/60=62.5 clinical hour.

6
PNSG 1630

Presents concepts within the field of mental health nursing and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking, emotion, and communication. Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the mental health patient as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. Emphasis is placed on students understanding mental health principles and their application within the context of family, work and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychological disorders and their treatments; terminology associated with health care, stress and health; health management and maintenance and prevention of illness; care of the mental health patient as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health in the mental health client; client care, pharmacology, and diet therapy of the mental health client; and standard precautions. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, and providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At completion of this mental health course, students will have completed a minimum of 75 (3750/50) lecture contact hours and 25 (1500/60) clock hours of mental health-related clinical experience.

4
PNSG 1635

Focuses on maternal and newborn patient care aspects of health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span, and with attention to special populations. Topics include the function of the human body systems, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance and prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; and deviations from the normal state of health in the reproductive system, pathological and nonpathological concerns in obstetric clients, and the newborn; client care, treatment, pharmacology, medication administration, and diet therapy related to the reproductive system, obstetric clients, and the newborn, and standard precautions. After this maternity course, students will have completed a minimum of 1500/50 (30) lecture and lab contact hours and 3000/60 (50) clock hours of reproductive, maternity, and newborn-related clinical experience.

4
PNSG 1640

Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the child as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, and providing client education. Topics include health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the child as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health in the pediatric client; client, care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy of the pediatric client; growth and development; functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, and standard precautions. After this pediatric course, students will have completed a minimum of 45 (2250/50) lecture/lab contact hours and 25 (1500/60) clock hours of pediatric-related clinical experience.

3
PNSG 1645

Builds on the concepts presented in prior nursing courses and develops the skills necessary for successful performance in the job market. Topics include application of the nursing process, critical thinking, supervisory skills, client education methods, group dynamics, professional oral and written communication, and conflict resolution. At completion of this nursing leadership course, students will have completed a minimum of 54 lecture/lab (2700/50 min) hours and 60 clock (3600/60 min) hours of leadership-related clinical experience.

5
Medical Assisting Tack (47 credits) 47
ALHS 1090

Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
BIOL 2113
Corequisite: BIOL 2113L

Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L
Corequisite: BIOL 2113

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems. Please Note: Transferability of online lab courses to your prospective institution may vary. We recommend verifying with your institution's admissions or academic department whether they accept online lab courses for credit

1
BIOL 2114
Prerequisites: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L

Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L
Prerequisites: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. Please Note: Transferability of online lab courses to your prospective institution may vary. We recommend verifying with your institution's admissions or academic department whether they accept online lab courses for credit

1
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer and digital terminology and usage,operating systems, internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.

3
MAST 1120
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L

Provides fundamental information concerning common diseases and disorders of each body system. For each system, the disease or disorder is highlighted including: description, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, management, prognosis, and prevention. Topics include: introduction to disease and diseases of body systems.

3
MAST 1061

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of medical assisting and its role within the broader healthcare field, emphasizing the importance of medical ethics, legal aspects of medicine, and the medical assistant's function as an agent of the physician. Students will gain knowledge of medical jurisprudence, professional behavior, and essential skills required for medical practice. Topics include an introduction to medical assisting, medical law, the physician/patient/assistant relationship, medical office litigation, ethics, bioethical issues, HIPAA, office protocol, time management, appointment scheduling, medical records, electronic records, medical office equipment, medical references, mail services, and professional communication.

6
MAST 1112

This course emphasizes the essential skills required for managing insurance claims and administrative tasks within a medical practice. It provides comprehensive information on filing insurance claims, understanding types of third-party plans, managed care policies and procedures, insurance coding conventions, and the application of computer skills in medical settings. Topics include managed care, reimbursement, coding, accounting procedures, electronic health records, and practice management software.

5
MAST 1080
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, ALHS 1090 Corequisite: ALHS 1040

Introduces the skills necessary for assisting the physician with a complete history and physical in all types of medical practices. The course includes skills necessary for sterilizing instruments and equipment and setting up sterile trays. The student also explores the theory and practice of electrocardiography. Topics include: infection control and related OSHA guidelines; prepare patients/assist physician with age and gender-specific examinations and diagnostic procedures; vital signs/mensuration; medical office surgical procedures and electrocardiography.

4
MAST 1090
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1040, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, ALHS 1090, MAST 1080, MAST 1030, MAST 1120

Furthers student knowledge of the more complex activities in a physician's office. Topics include: collection/examination of specimens and CLIA regulations/risk management; urinalysis; venipuncture; hematology and chemistry evaluations; advanced reagent testing (Strep Test, HcG etc); administration of medications; medical office emergency procedures and emergency preparedness; respiratory evaluations; principles of IV administration; rehabilitative therapy procedures; principles of radiology safety and maintenance of medication and immunization records.

4
MAST 1030
Prerequisites: MATH 1012, MATH 1111

Introduces medication therapy with emphasis on safety; classification of medications; their actions; side effects; medication and food interactions and adverse reactions. Also introduces basic methods of arithmetic used in the administration of medications. Topics include: introductory pharmacology; dosage calculation; sources and forms of medications; medication classification; and medication effects on the body systems.

4
MAST 1130

This course provides students with an in-depth clinical practicum experience in a medical office setting, allowing for hands-on application and reinforcement of professional skills. Students will engage in real-world tasks that require concentration, practice, and technical proficiency while integrating classroom knowledge into workplace functions. Additionally, the course includes a seminar component focused on job preparation, employment maintenance, and certification exam review. Topics covered include resume writing, job applications, interview techniques, professional correspondence, workplace expectations, and a comprehensive review of program competencies to support employment readiness and certification success.

8
Faculty
Click to view profile for Candie Walters
Advisor

Admissions Director
Main Campus

Click to view profile for Katrice Martin
Advisor

Institutional Effectvness Dir and Grants Coordinator
Main Campus

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