HEALTH SCIENCES
Health science is a growing field within healthcare, and increasingly popular among college students because of its countless career opportunities. Those who graduate in these programs are prepared to work in health administration, medical labs, and other medical fields.
We have a pathway to get you to your desired career. Advisors can help get you on that path and closer to your dreams.
Pick your pathway & get started!
Get Your Start: Associate in Arts (A.A.)
The Associate in Arts transfer degree equals the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. By earning your A.A. degree at PBSC, you are guaranteed admission to one of Florida's public universities to complete your bachelor’s degree. You also may transfer to certain private institutions or PBSC bachelor's programs. Our A.A. degree advising track will help guide you in selecting general education and elective courses that fit your desired upper-division major and the requirements of your chosen transfer school. Always work with your PBSC academic advisor in making your final choices.
View the 15 to Finish course sequence map for each track below:
A.A. Degree - Health Science Tracks
Health Degrees & Certificates
At PBSC, you can choose from many business career pathways. Each certificate and degree is a stepping-stone, either to the job market or to the next level in your education.
Degrees:
- AS: Associate in Science degrees prepare you for skilled employment or transfer to PBSC’s bachelor's programs and possibly other institutions.
- BS: Bachelor of Science degrees give associate degree graduates the option to earn a career-focused bachelor’s degree.
- BSN: BSN degree prepares licensed Registered Nurses (RN) for advancement into administrative and supervisory positions in the nursing and health care fields.
Certificates:
- ATC: Advanced Technical Certificates offer specialty training in technical fields for people with degrees (associate and above).
- ATD: The Applied Technology Diploma provides training for high-demand careers. Courses usually can be applied toward an A.S. degree.
- CCC: College Credit Certificates give you marketable skills as well as college credits that can transfer to an associate degree.
- CCP: Career Certificate Programs prepare you for high-skill, high-demand jobs.
Dental Health
Overview
Dental assistants are essential to the delivery of oral health care. They assist during patient procedures and handle key aspects of the dental office, such as patient education, exposing dental radiographs and maintaining electronic health records. In fact, 94% of U.S. dental offices employ dental assistants.
In addition to dental offices, dental assistants work in public health agencies, schools, hospitals and other health care facilities, as well as in oral health sales, education and research.
Dental Assisting - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
Dental Hygienists are licensed oral health care professionals who focus on preventing oral diseases and protecting teeth and gums by treating patients directly. They perform varied responsibilities, ranging from dental cleanings to x-rays administration to patient education. However, there are other jobs performed by dental hygienists, including working as researchers, educators, consultants and administrators. Dental hygienists enjoy being in high demand, creating their own schedules, and earning a good income.
Dental Hygiene - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Health Information
Overview
Health informatics is a subfield within the information technology industry that leverages patient records and related data to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. The Health Informatics Specialist certificate is offered in person or 100% online.
A health informatics specialist is a professional who works with different forms of data in a variety of healthcare settings. This data can include patient records as well as other types of health information. Health informatics specialists collect and analyze data to answer organizational questions or challenges.
Health Informatics Specialist - College Credit Certificates (CCC)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
Health information professionals maintain medical records ensuring records are complete, accurate, accessible, and secure. The Health Information Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is offered in person or 100% online.
Health information professionals are experts in managing health information, overseeing health care computer systems, analyzing patient data for improving patient care, and translating medical records into alphanumeric codes for billing and reimbursement purposes.
They work in settings like hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies, as well as in industries using patient data—such as insurance, law, and pharma. Health information professionals may specialize in coding or cancer registry.
Health Information Technology - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Program Overview
The Health Services Management Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program provides students with knowledge and skills focused on the management of the financial aspects of health care delivery. This degree is offered in person or 100% online.
The emphasis of the program is on middle management skills requiring complex health care knowledge, business skills and legal proficiency.
This program prepares students to manage health data collection, analysis, and reporting in line with legal, ethical, and professional standards. Courses cover technical skills, IT, biomedical sciences, medical coding, data literacy, reimbursement, risk assessment, and leadership.
Health Services Management - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
Medical coders and billers are specialists who manage patient records, assigning diagnosis and procedure codes for billing and health data. The Medical Information Coder/Biller certificate is offered in person or 100% online.
Medical coders use classification systems to assign clinical codes for patients’ diagnoses,
procedures, medical services, and related information. Medical coders and billers
maintain and retrieve records for insurance reimbursement and data analysis, and work
as the liaison between healthcare providers and billing offices.
Medical Information Coder/Biller - College Credit Certificates (CCC)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Massage Therapy
Overview
Massage therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who help people feel better through the healing power of touch. They use their hands, fingers, forearms, and elbows to work on muscles, joints, and other soft tissues to relieve pain, reduce stress, improve mobility, and support overall wellness.
Every client is different, so massage therapists create personalized treatment plans based on individual needs and goals. They may use a variety of techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage, while also providing guidance on posture, stretching, and self-care to help clients feel their best between appointments.
Massage Therapy - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Medical Assisting
Overview
Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The practice of medical assisting directly influences the public’s health and well-being, and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.
Medical Assisting Advanced - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Medical Assisting Specialist - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
This College Credit Certificate prepares students for employment as vital members of a physician's health care team. This program is taught in a medical office-like setting, allowing students to learn the necessary skills to work in both the administrative and clinical areas of a physician's practice, as well as outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, medical and diagnostic laboratories, kidney dialysis centers and offices of other health care practitioners.
Medical Imaging
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging degree is designed for graduates of Associate in Science degree programs in radiography, sonography, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy, as well as working radiographers.
Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging
Take your imaging career to the next level with this bachelor’s degree that you can tailor to your career goals. Choose from six concentration areas: Adult Echocardiography, Computed Tomography (CT), Interventional Radiology (IR), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, and Leadership.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Medical Imaging enables students to develop management and leadership skills, gain a broader-based knowledge of advanced medical imaging theory and acquire skills in research and education.
While the modality concentrations feature a clinical component, most of the coursework can be completed fully online, and the Leadership concentration may be completed 100% online.
Depending on their degree concentration, program graduates may seek positions as a CT, MRI or IR technologist, echocardiographer or mammographer. Most importantly, this program prepares students for the advanced modality credential examinations offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Graduates of the Leadership concentration may seek to advance to key roles such as imaging department manager, radiology supervisor, center director, sales representative, educator, and applications specialist.
After completion of this program, graduates may also choose to apply for graduate
study at a private or public university.
Six Concentration Areas:
Click on Program Information links to learn about the entry requirements, program details and course sequence for each concentration.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Program Code: S801A
Adult Echocardiography
Program Code: S801B
Interventional Radiology (IR)
Program Code: S801C
Leadership
Program Code: S801D
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Program Code: S801E
Mammography
Program Code: S801F
Apply - Controlled Access Program
Some programs at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) require an additional program application to be submitted after you've been accepted to Palm Beach State College. These programs are known as limited or controlled access programs.
Contact Information
Bachelor’s Academic Advising Team
In-person or virtual walk-in appointment:
palmbeachstate.edu/Bachelors
Program Administration
Dr. Vicki Shaver
Department Chair, Medical Imaging
Office: Palm Beach Gardens campus, LC 123
Phone Number: 561-207-5067
Email: shaverv@pbsc.edu
Overview
Advance your career in medical imaging with Palm Beach State College's Advanced Technical Certificate in Computed Tomography (CT). Designed for radiologic professionals who already hold an associate degree, this one-semester program equips you with the advanced skills and specialized training needed to succeed in one of healthcare's fastest-growing imaging specialties.
Through hands-on learning and expert instruction, you'll master advanced CT imaging techniques, scan protocols and radiation safety while developing a deeper understanding of cross-sectional anatomy, pharmacology for medical imaging, clinical education and advanced pathophysiology. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to produce high-quality diagnostic images that support accurate patient care.
Computed Tomography - Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
Sonography, also known as ultrasonography, uses high frequency sound waves to create images of inside the human body.
You will learn the art and science of becoming an excellent diagnostic medical sonographer and gain practical experience in local hospitals. The program is a great opportunity for registered radiographers and other health care professionals who want to take their skills to a new level, or for bachelor’s degree graduates who are looking for a new career.
Using sophisticated, high-tech equipment in direct contact with patients, sonographers need an exceptional knowledge of anatomy, superior eye-hand coordination, analytic skills and independent, interpretive judgment to locate and capture internal images, which physicians rely on to make medical diagnoses.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
An Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging is awarded to the student who holds a two-year degree from an accredited college or university and completes a minimum of 12 credit hours from the courses listed below. The program is designed to meet the needs of the radiologic technology professional for formalized, specialized training.
These courses are available to any applicant with an active, current RT license in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The Advanced Technical Certificates in Medical Imaging (MRI, CT, or CVIT) are accepted on a space available basis. Meeting the criteria for selection does not guarantee admission to the MRI or CT program(s).
Apply - Controlled Access Program
Some programs at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) require an additional program application to be submitted after you've been accepted to Palm Beach State College. These programs are known as limited or controlled access programs.
Overview
Radiographers combine the high technology of diagnostic medical imaging with their skills of patient care to create an x-ray or radiographic image. This profession requires a dependable personality with a mature and caring nature.
Radiography - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Nursing
Overview
The registered nursing program at Palm Beach State College focuses on nursing as a caring and humanistic discipline. Nursing encompasses evidenced based practice, the use of critical thinking and commitment to life-long learning. The goals are to improve the overall health and wellness, to enhance the quality of life, and to meet the needs of our diverse community.
Nursing - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Program Overview
The Registered Nursing (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program seeks
to prepare the registered nurse intellectually, professionally and culturally for
the health care field and further education. This program is offered predominantly
online.
The program is designed to provide the registered nurse (RN) with the necessary education
that allows progression in their careers, such as gaining entry into management positions
or admission to graduate nursing programs. The RN-BSN program prepares students with
the necessary research skills to engage in evidence -based nursing care.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
Patient Care Assistants or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide nursing support for RN/LPN staff in the hospital/or skilled nursing facility. They may also assist with the care of children, new mothers, infants and the elderly. The Certified Nursing Assistant(CNAs) works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a nursing facility, or as a private Home Health Aid.
Patient Care Assistant - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
This program prepares graduates for employment as licensed practical nurses. The program includes but is not limited to theoretical instruction and clinical experience in: medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology and medication administration, geriatric and long term care nursing, and obstetrical and pediatric nursing.
Clinical experiences are included as an integral part of this program.
Practical Nursing - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Program Entrance Requirements: This is a limited access program with a wait list for Transition students. Transition students are defined as an actively Licensed Practical Nurse or Paramedic. Transition students are required to complete all pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” or higher and pass the HESI Math section with a minimum score of 80%. Admission into the LPN-RN or Paramedic-RN Transition begins each semester: January and August. Students applying for the Transition Program must hold a current Florida LPN or Paramedic License without restrictions, complaints and/or obligations from a Florida based program. After acceptance into the Nursing Program, students are required to complete a Medical History and Physical Examination. Acceptance is provisional based upon the approved health, background and drug screenings. Students must take an Accelerated Challenge Exam (ACE) which determines the semester a transition student will bridge into the Registered Nurse Program. Students must meet Performance Standards in order to enter the Fulltime, Evening/Weekend or Accelerated RN Program.
For more information, contact Health Science Program Specialist, Rhonda Boles, at bolesr@pbsc.edu or nursing@pbsc.edu
Information Sessions
An Electronic Information Session is held every month. To register, view upcoming sessions in Engage. Select the time and date you wish to attend and register.
Respiratory Care
Program Overview
An aging population is increasing demand for respiratory therapists. The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Sciences prepares you for this vital role.
Through this degree, Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) build on their associate-level
education and earn a bachelor’s degree.
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are healthcare professionals who help people breathe easier and improve their quality of life. They care for patients of all ages with breathing and heart-lung conditions, including asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory illnesses.
RRTs use specialized equipment to administer oxygen, manage ventilators, perform breathing treatments, and monitor lung function. They play a vital role in emergency care, intensive care units, rehabilitation, and long-term patient care, helping patients recover, manage chronic conditions, and breathe with confidence.
Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Sciences (B.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
Respiratory Care is a health care specialty offering unique challenges in the areas of disease prevention, education, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disease.
You can live without water for a few days and food for a few weeks, but without oxygen, you will suffer brain damage within a few minutes and can die after about 9 minutes. Become a Respiratory Therapist and make a difference in peoples lives!
Respiratory Care - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Surgical Services
Overview
Surgical technologists provide direct patient care under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel during surgery.
In a simulated surgical environment at PBSC, students will practice preparing, setting up and maintaining a sterile field; preparation of supplies and equipment for surgery; and patient preparation. Course content includes surgical technology concepts, surgical techniques, and procedures. Students in the surgical technology program learn through classroom, laboratory instruction, and clinical experiences in the operating room and related areas.
Graduates of the program are eligible for employment in hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgical centers, labor and delivery units, physician’s offices, and medical sales positions.
Surgical Services - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Explore everything this program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Undecided?
You want a career, but you don’t know yet what you want to do. No worries! PBSC Find Your Path will help start you on the right track. View Map
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