Pre-Professional Health Sciences
Associate of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences
The Associate of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences is designed for students planning to pursue further education in health-related fields such as nursing, dental hygiene, exercise science, medical laboratory science, and other allied health professions. Many of these professions require a 4-year degree; this program allows students to complete the first two years of requirements before transferring to another institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. It also provides many prerequisites for advanced degree programs, such as Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Dentistry.
This rigorous two-year program emphasizes core coursework in biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology, while also integrating essential studies in psychology, communication, and the humanities to prepare well-rounded healthcare professionals. Students will develop critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and hand on laboratory skills necessary for success in upper-division coursework and competitive health science programs.
The curriculum is designed to fulfill general education requirements while meeting the prerequisites for transferring to bachelor’s degree programs at four-year colleges or universities. Students must meet with UNM-Los Alamos academic advisors for help in choosing the best sequence of courses that will fulfill the program requirements and align with each students professional career goals.
Whether you're aiming to become a physician, pharmacist, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional, the A.S. in Pre-Professional Health Sciences sets the stage for your next academic and career steps.
Experiential Learning Outcomes
The core science classes for this degree include several Biology and Chemistry classes with laboratories. Hands-on learning in the science labs is a fun way to make science concepts come to life, increasing your understanding of the scientific basis of our medical knowledge. Experience in science labs directly builds your understanding of the chemistry, the structures, and the processes that determine the function of the human body.
Specific activities include:
- Use microscopes to observe bacteria, living microbes, human cells and tissues
- Dissect preserved organ specimens: heart, kidney, brain, eye
- Test your own reflexes, vision, blood pressure, and urine composition
- Isolate DNA from living cells and use gel electrophoresis
- Test foods for the presence of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
- Test the effects of antibiotics and other factors on bacterial growth
- Analyze the chemical composition of an unknown substance
- Use titrations to study acid/base neutralizations
Faculty Expertise
Your instructors in the Pre-professional Health Sciences program have Master’s degrees and PhD’s in their subject areas. Most have years of work experience in their field and are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. They are knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to student success.
Career Opportunities & Outcomes
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing job sectors in New Mexico and the U.S., and salaries are very competitive. For example, median annual salaries for registered nurses and dental hygienists are about $87,000 in 2023. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are many career opportunities in health care that require an associates or bachelor’s degree. You may work in a small clinic or large hospital, surgery center, or long-term care facility. Find job descriptions, educational requirements, salaries and more here:
Occupational Outlook: Healthcare
Many healthcare workers are part of a team of specialists that provides patient care. Nurses provide direct care and coordinate care for their patients. There are many different career specializations available to healthcare workers, for example, nurses have many specialties, from nurse anesthetist, to nurse midwife, to cardiac care nurse.
Types of Nursing Careers & Specialities
See the job duties and responsibilities of a Registered Nurse:
Program Highlights & Special Features
For many students, laboratory experiences are the highlight of their academic studies. Opportunities to apply new learning to real-life experiences and scenarios are engaging and highly motivating for students in this program.
Program Details
Please visit the catalog for more information on this program:
Program Cost
Information on tuition and fees can be found here:
Typical additional costs include textbooks and lab fees.
Contact Information
Coordinator, Department of Sciences
Dr. Robin Kelly
Lecturer III, Chemistry
robinkelly@unm.edu