Health Sciences Broad Field

A.S.

The Health Sciences Broad Field A.S. program gives you an expansive base of coursework relevant to the field of health sciences. You can use this degree to transfer to a variety of majors at the upper-division level. This degree is also helpful if you’re undecided about your future career in healthcare.

A statewide transfer agreement for the Health Sciences Broad Field A.S. exists with 26 programs at six universities in the Minnesota State system. A transfer agreement is a formal agreement between two or more educational entities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program.

As a student in this A.S. degree program, you’ll complete the Required Health Sciences Curriculum (53 credits) and General Electives (7 credits) for a credit total of 60.

Minnesota State universities

Bemidji State University
Minnesota State University Mankato
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Southwest Minnesota State University
St. Cloud State University
Winona State University

Health Sciences Broad Field Program Planning Guide

2024-2025 Required Courses

Required Health Sciences Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
ENG 1108	Writing And Research Skills	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
COMM 1100 COMM 1110 COMM 2230	Interpersonal Communication OR Public Speaking OR Small Group Communication	3
Interpersonal Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07 Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Public Speaking Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Small Group Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025
BIOL 1120 BIOL 1154	Exploring Biology OR Principles of Biology I	4
Exploring Biology Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces non-majors to important biological concepts and serves as a pre-requisite for Nursing and other allied-health programs. There is an emphasis on the molecular and cellular levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include chemistry of cells, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution and ecology. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry which includes learning how to propose testable hypotheses and carry out experiments to test them. Students learn the proper use of microscopes and safe handling of lab chemicals and other lab equipment while conducting hands-on experiments. This course serves as a prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BIOL 2201) and Microbiology (BIOL 2205 & 2305). It also aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Principles of Biology I Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces important biological principles and is intended for biology and biology-related majors. This course is the first of a 2-semester course series and, also serves as a prerequisite for other biology courses that are part of the Biology Transfer Pathway. There is an emphasis on molecular and cellular levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include chemistry of cells, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and evolution. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry where students learn to propose and test hypotheses, as well as analyze, synthesize and communicate results. Students also learn the proper use of microscopes and the safe handling of chemicals, tools and other lab equipment while conducting hands-on experiments. Prereq: Requires one year HS chemistry or a college chemistry course. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025
BIOL 2201	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include anatomical terminology, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, and endocrine systems. Lab component will hands-on experience with tissue specimens, as well as dissections of organs and a representative mammal. This course meets Human Anatomy and Physiology Society learning outcomes and aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams. Prerequisites: BIOL 1120 Exploring Biology BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
BIOL 2202	Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Covers anatomy and physiology of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Systems and topics covered include cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, acid-base and electrolyte balance, reproductive systems, and development. The lab component will include hands-on experience with models, histology slides and one or more representative animal specimens. This course meets Human Anatomy and Physiology Society learning outcomes and aligns with content for common healthcare admissions exams. Prerequisites: BIOL 2201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
BIOL 2205 BIOL 2305	Microbiology OR Principles of Microbiology	4-5
Microbiology Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Surveys microbial groups, microbial cell structure, nutrition, growth, control of growth, metabolism, genetics, evolution, epidemiology, infection, transmission and pathogenesis, and interactions with host organisms. Through hand-on experience, students will develop competence in in microscopy, aseptic technique, as well as in culturing, staining, enumeration, identification, isolation, safe handling and biochemical testing of microorganisms. Intended for students pursuing careers in nursing or similar health professions. This course aligns with American Microbiology Society curriculum guidelines as well as the test plan for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Prerequisites: BIOL 1120 Exploring Biology BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I BIOL 1154 General Biology: From Cell to Organism Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Principles of Microbiology Course Outline Credits: 5 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces the fundamental principles of microbiology with a survey of prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral microorganisms. Lecture covers microbial cell structure, nutrition, growth, control of growth, metabolism, genetics, evolution, epidemiology, infection, transmission and pathogenesis, and interactions with host organisms. Antimicrobial resistance and other relevant current issues will be discussed, as well as real-world applications, including food and beverage production. Experiments in lab will develop student competence in in microscopy, aseptic technique, as well as in culturing, staining, enumeration, identification, isolation, safe handling and biochemical testing of microorganisms. This course is intended for students majoring in biology & the sciences, including professional (pre-med, pre-pharm, pre-vet, pre-grad, etc). This course aligns with American Microbiology Society curriculum guidelines. Prerequisites: BIOL 1120 Exploring Biology BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I BIOL 1154 General Biology: From Cell to Organism Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
CHEM 1010 CHEM 1061	Introductory Chemistry OR Principles of Chemistry I	4-5
Introductory Chemistry Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces basic principles and concepts of chemistry to students who previously have had no chemistry or who desire a basic review of chemistry. This course is a lab science course designed for non-science majors and for students who need a basic chemistry course before enrolling in college chemistry. Approved safety goggles and a lab apron are required. Prerequisites: MATH 0840 with a grade of "C" or higher OR higher level math placement, either within the last 2 years. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Principles of Chemistry I Course Outline Credits: 5 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Includes study of basic chemical theory and application with emphasis upon atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, inorganic chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, reaction stoichiometry, periodic relationships, molecular structure, properties of gases and the kinetic molecular theory. The lab component of this course provides the student with the opportunity to apply chemical concepts through observation, data collection, quantitative measurement, problem analysis, and mathematical applications to chemistry. Approved safety goggles and a lab apron are required. Prerequisites: MATH 0940 with a grade of "C" or higher OR higher level placement, either within the last 2 years. Recommended: CHEM 1010 or a full year of advanced high school chemistry within the last 2 years and with a grade of "C" or higher. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
MATH 1103	Introduction to Statistics	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 04 Presents basic statistics which includes descriptive and graphical statistics, basic probability, probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals and hypotheses testing for one or two populations, linear regression, chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Professional statistical software, such as Minitab, will be integrated throughout the class. Graphing calculator required for the course. Recommendation based on the results of the Inver Hills Assessment Test or grade of "C" or higher in MATH 0820 or 0840 within the last 2 years. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: MATH 0103 Statistics Support Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
MATH 1118	College Algebra I	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 04 Prepares students for Calculus I (MATH 1133) when taken in sequence with MATH 1119 or for Survey of Calculus (MATH 1120). Topics include the study of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; graphing functions using transformations; inverse functions; polynomial, exponential, logarithmic equations; systems of linear and non-linear equations; applied problems; building models from data. Use of technology will be embedded throughout the course. Recommendation based on the results of the Inver Hills Assessment Test or grade of C or higher in MATH 0940 within the last 2 years. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: MATH 0118 College Algebra Support Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
PSYC 1101	Introduction to Psychology	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 05 Presents a survey of the science of psychology including theoretical and experimental findings and applications. Topics include research methodology, the nervous system, perception, cognition, learning, memory, human development, emotions, motivation, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, attitudes, social influence and growth processes. This course may not be taken for credit if you have already earned credit for Introduction to Psychology with Lab (PSYC 1201). Prereq: Placement into ENG 1108 or successful completion (grade of C or above) of ENG 99/Read 93 Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
PSYC 1210	Lifespan Development	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 07 Presents an introduction to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development across the lifespan. Explores the research and theories relevant to the psychological study of human development from conception to death. Applies these issues to general and clinical populations. PSYC 1101 or PSYC 1201 recommended. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
SOC 1100	Introduction to Sociology	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09 Emphasizes methods, basic concepts, terminology, and perspectives used by sociologists in analysis of social relationships. Sociological analysis will focus on American government, family, education, religion, and the economy. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
PHIL 1112 PHIL 1130	Ethics OR Biomedical Ethics	3
Ethics Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 06, 09 Examine major classical and contemporary ethical theories, and in light of these theories, addresses some current contentious topics. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Biomedical Ethics Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 06, 09 Introduces students to philosophical reflection on ethical issues that arise in the practice of medicine and health care. We will examine several major ethical theories, critiques of these theories, and alternative approaches to ethical decision-making. We will investigate a range of specific ethical issues/topics through the lens of these theories and approaches. Applied topics may include enhancement technologies, euthanasia and physician assisted death, end of life care, abortion, systemic injustice in healthcare, distribution of scarce resources, healthcare consumerism, research ethics, patient rights and consent, and reproductive technologies. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
HLTH 1110	Nutrition	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Introduces basic nutrition as it relates to total health. Personal nutritional health analysis as well as the relationship between diet and disease will be presented. The course includes current and controversial topics dealing with nutrition. The main focus centers on the basic nutrients and how the body uses, stores, and eliminates them. Nutrition and its relationship to exercise and weight control throughout a lifetime are discussed. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
Total Credits in Required Health Sciences Curriculum		53-55

General Electives

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
	Link Electives may be courses numbered 1000 level or higher from any discipline. It is recommended to consult with a counselor or advisor on the best choices for your intended goals. Some of the following courses may be chosen to complement the degree or satisfy transfer requirements for your intended career or major choice.
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	Link Courses that fulfill additional MnTC requirements (Goal 1b, 6, 8, 10)
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
BIOL 1111 HCM 1111	Medical Terminology OR Medical Terminology	2
Medical Terminology Course Outline Credits: 2 Introduces students to medical terminology, including word elements (roots, combining forms, prefixes and suffixes) and how they are used to build words. Emphasis will be on understanding definitions, correct spelling, proper usage and pronunciation. Students will be able to use terms correctly in medical reports and health care settings. This course provides a foundation for coursework in science and health. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Medical Terminology Course Outline Credits: 2 Introduces students to medical terminology, including word elements (roots, combining forms, prefixes and suffixes) and how they are used to build words. Emphasis will be on understanding definitions, correct spelling, proper usage and pronunciation. Students will be able to use terms correctly in medical reports and health care settings. This course provides a foundation for coursework in science and health. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
COMM 2240	Intercultural Communication	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08 Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
NURA 1001	Nursing Assistant	5
Course Outline Credits: 5 Introduces concepts of basic human needs, health/illness continuum, and basic nursing skills in long-term care and/or home care environments. Skills are taught in a simulated laboratory setting utilizing demonstration and role-playing. Upon successful completion of classroom studies, the student will participate in 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care facility or lab setting. This course meets the objectives of the Federal OBRA and Minnesota Department of Health requirements as detailed for educating the nursing assistant. Course includes a malpractice insurance fee. Students must also have a criminal background clearance. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2025 Summer 2025
ANTH 2130	Introduction to Medical Anthropology	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 08, 09 Growing specialization within anthropology, medical anthropology draws upon socio-cultural, linguistic and biological anthropology to understand those factors that affect human health and illness. This course introduces students to this field of study and the cross-cultural, political and ethical considerations involved in solving real-world problems related to human health and illness. Through the examination of case studies students will learn ways to apply principles of medical anthropology to solve contemporary issues facing our communities. Prerequisites: None, but ANTH 1110 or ANTH 1130 recommended, but not required. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
Total Credits in General Electives		5-7

Total Credits: