Area of Study Overview
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The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Studies Pathway to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is designed for adults who are interested in fulfilling the prerequisites for the Accelerated BSN Program at Thomas Edison State University (TESU).
As an Accelerated BSN Program applicant with some or no college credits, students can enroll in this option of the AAS in the Health Studies Pathway. This track enables Accelerated BSN Program applicants to complete the general education and nursing prerequisite requirements necessary to finalize their application for the Accelerated BSN Program. Students enrolled in the program have access to a wide variety of University services while completing the Accelerated BSN Program requirements; and, if they choose to, earn the AAS degree at the same time. Students will also be assigned to an academic advisor in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions who will help guide them through the requirements. To learn more about enrollment and program requirements, students can email: nursing@tesu.edu.
Program Highlights:
- Flexibility: Complete general education and nursing prerequisite requirements for Accelerated BSN Program and earn an AAS degree at the same time completely online and at the student's own pace.
- Liberal transfer policy: TESU will evaluate the course credits students may have earned elsewhere and apply those credits toward the degree. Students who have passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's NCLEX-PN exam may be able to obtain up to 10 credits for their license.
- Versatility: Once students complete the general education and nursing prerequisite courses, they will be considered for admission to TESU’s Accelerated BSN Program (or) can complete the AAS program and advance to a bachelor’s degree program in another area of study.
Credit Distribution
I. General Education Featured Courses (21 Credits)
A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (12 Credits)
| ENC-1010 | Writing for Success | 3 |
| ENC-1020 | Writing for Success II | 3 |
| HPS-2000 | Statistics for the Health Professions | 3 |
| SOS-1100 | Fact, Fiction, or Fake? Information Literacy Today | 3 |
B. Civic and Global Leadership (3 Credits)
| SOC-1010 | Our Changing World: An Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (3 Credits)
D. Scientific Knowledge (3 Credits)
For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to
Scientific Knowledge.
II. Applied Health Studies (15 Credits)
| BIO-2110 | Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab | 4 |
| BIO-2120 | Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab | 4 |
| BIO-2510 | Introduction to Microbiology with Lab | 4 |
| BIO-2080 | The Science of Nutrition | 3 |
III. Associate Capstone (3 Credits)
IV. Electives (21 Credits)
| - | Oral Communication | 3 |
| - | Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| - | Civic Engagement and Awareness | 3 |
| - | Math | 3 |
| - | History | 3 |
| - | Humanities | 3 |
| PSY-2110 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
For TESU course options, go to
Elective Courses.
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TESU accepts credits in transfer from accredited institutions as well as non-collegiate providers. Please click here for information and resources on where you may find additional learning experiences.
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Total Credit Hours: 60
Admissions Process
1. Apply
Students should submit their application through the TESU Online Application. If students have previously attended any other higher education institution(s), they should make sure to send all official transcripts. Learn how to submit official transcripts.
2. Application Review
Once the student’s application materials and transcripts have been reviewed, the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services will review the application and the Office of the Registrar will officially evaluate all transcripts. After submitted transcripts have been reviewed, students can make an appointment with an advisor at the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions to develop a degree completion plan.
Additional Requirements
- Proficiency in using a computer, browsing the internet, and sending and receiving email (including attachments).
- For students from foreign universities, all transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency. An official course-by-course evaluation must be submitted with the student's application.
- The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions has the discretion to require an applicant to take the TOEFL Exam regardless of the applicant's native language.
Program Progression
- Option 1: Once accepted into the AAS program, students can earn up to 60 credits and graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Health Studies.
- Option 2: Toward the end of the program, students can work with their advisor to complete their application to the School's Accelerated BSN Program. This program is designed for students who have at least 60 college credits and are interested in obtaining their BSN and RN license. Learn more about the program.
- Option 3: Toward the end of the program, students can continue and earn a bachelor's degree in another area of study.