Pre-Health Careers
Your First step toward a Healthcare Career
Program Options
The Pre-Health Careers AAS is a structured two-year degree that organizes the prerequisite and foundational coursework needed for entry into CCC’s Nursing AAS and other health sciences programs. It is not a transfer degree and is not designed for university admission. Its purpose is to prepare you academically and professionally for a competitive health sciences program.
Pre-Health Careers Certificate
The Pre-Health Careers Certificate provides a shorter, focused credential for students building foundational health sciences coursework. It is designed for students who want to begin working in healthcare support roles while continuing to work toward a professional health sciences program.
Looking to gain healthcare experience while continuing your education? Many students combine their academic preparation with workforce-focused healthcare training such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
What Can I Do in PRe-Health Careers?
The Pre-Health Careers AAS is designed to help you prepare for admission to a professional healthcare program. Rather than training for a specific career on its own, this degree provides the foundation coursework needed for programs such as:
- Nursing AAS
- Paramedic Studies AAS
- Medical Assisting Certificate
- Medical Office Management AAS
What Will I Learn?
Pre-Health Careers coursework builds the academic and clinical foundation needed for entry into professional health sciences programs. Depending on your courses, you may develop knowledge and skills in:
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Human anatomy and physiology
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Microbiology and human pathophysiology
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Chemistry fundamentals
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Human nutrition
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Developmental psychology
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College composition and communication
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Medical terminology
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Basic patient care skills through CNA coursework
Program at a glance
Pre-Health Careers Certificate
Credential: Certificate
Length: Approximately 1 year
Time to Completion: 2 semesters (full-time)
Course Delivery: In person and online, depending on course availability|
Course Schedule: Day, evening, and online courses may be available
Financial Aid Eligible Yes, for eligible students
Campus: Fourth Street
Transfer Pathway: Provides foundational coursework that may support future healthcare education.
Pre-Health Careers AAS Degree
Credential: Associate Degree
Length Approximately 2 years
Time to Completion 4 semesters (full-time)
Course Delivery In person and online, depending on course availability
Course Schedule Day, evening, and online courses may be available
Financial Aid Eligible Yes, for eligible students
Campus: Fourth Street
Transfer Pathway: This degree is designed primarily to prepare students for admission to healthcare programs rather than direct university transfer.
Program Standards & Recognition
The Pre-Health Careers program is part of CCC’s broader institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). All credit hours are eligible for federal financial aid.
Your pathway to nursing
The Pre-Health Careers AAS is organized around the prerequisite and co-requisite coursework required for admission to CCC’s Nursing AAS program. Completing this degree puts you in a strong position to apply to the Nursing program because you will have finished the academic requirements, and many students also complete the CNA program and earn their LNA license during this time.
Many Pre-Health Careers students follow this pathway:
- Enroll in Pre-Health Careers at CCC
- Complete foundational science, math, and English coursework
- Complete the CNA program and earn your LNA license
- Meet the GPA and ATI TEAS requirements for Nursing admission
- Apply to the CCC Nursing AAS program
An academic advisor can help you plan a course sequence that efficiently moves you toward your nursing goals.
Career Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Pre-Health Careers designed for?
This program is designed for students who want to enter a health sciences profession but need time and structure to complete prerequisite coursework, earn their CNA license, and meet the academic requirements for a competitive program like the Nursing AAS.
- Can this lead directly to a job?
The Pre-Health Careers AAS is primarily a preparatory degree. Most students use it as a structured pathway toward a professional health sciences program rather than as a terminal workforce credential. Students who complete the CNA program as part of their coursework may work as nursing assistants while continuing their education.
- Do I need to know which health sciences program I want to enter before I start?
Not necessarily but having a goal in mind helps. If you are working toward the Nursing AAS, an advisor can help you select courses that satisfy both Pre-Health Careers requirements and Nursing prerequisites at the same time, saving you time and money.
- Is this program designed for transfer to a university?
No. The Pre-Health Careers AAS is a workforce-focused degree, not a transfer degree. If university transfer is your goal, speak with an advisor about CCC’s transfer degree options before enrolling.
- How is Pre-Health Careers different from just taking the nursing prerequisites on my own?
The Pre-Health Careers AAS organizes your coursework into a structured two-year plan with advising support built in. It also leads to a credential you can show employers and future programs. If you complete it alongside the CNA program, you will graduate with both a degree and an LNA license, which puts you in a strong position to apply to the Nursing AAS.
- Is financial aid available?
Yes. Both the Pre-Health Careers AAS and Certificate are credit-bearing credentials eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and CCC Foundation scholarships. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information
Meet your Faculty:
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
Related Programs
Pre-Health Careers Certificate
Credential: Certificate
Length: Approximately 1 year
Time to Completion: 2 semesters (full-time)
Course Delivery: In person and online, depending on course availability|
Course Schedule: Day, evening, and online courses may be available
Financial Aid Eligible Yes, for eligible students
Campus: Fourth Street
Transfer Pathway: Provides foundational coursework that may support future healthcare education
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