The health sciences field offers a diverse range of careers, but they all have a shared goal—to help people. Whether you see yourself as a nurse providing patient care, or a radiographer taking X-rays of injured patients, Valencia College can help you develop the skills and expertise you need to be successful in this high-demand career field.
While Valencia College does not require a Covid-19 vaccination at this time, Health Sciences programs are required by the state of Florida and national accrediting bodies to deliver instruction and validate skills in clinical healthcare settings. These clinical facilities set the compliance rules (i.e., immunizations, drug screenings, background checks, and fitness for duty) that students must meet to be eligible for instruction at these sites. At this time, If you decide not to receive a Covid-19 vaccination (or any other required immunization or screening), you may not be able to complete a Health Science Program. If you have any questions about these requirements, please request to speak to our Compliance Manager at Health Science Compliance.
The A.S. degree prepares you to enter a specialized career field in about two years. It also transfers to the Bachelor of Applied Science program offered at some universities. If the program is 'articulated,' it will also transfer to a B.A. or B.S. degree program at a designated university.
A certificate prepares you to enter a specialized career field or upgrade your skills for job advancement. Most can be completed in one year or less. Credits earned can be applied toward a related A.S. degree program.
The B.S. degree prepares you to enter an advanced position within a specialized career field. The upper-division courses build on an associate degree and take about two years to complete.
The Advanced Technical Certificate, an extension of a specific Associate degree program, consists of at least nine (9), but less than 45, credits of college-level course work. Students who have already received an eligible Associate degree and are seeking a specialized program of study to supplement their associate degree may seek an Advanced Technical Certificate.