Health Studies AAS/
Pre-Nursing Path/
Pre-Radiologic Technology Path

Why study Health Studies AAS at FMCC

This program provides students with an opportunity to build a foundation and explore multiple career paths and employment in the growing healthcare field in the region and beyond. The innovative curriculum is designed to prepare students who intend to pursue entry-level healthcare positions and for those current healthcare employees who are looking to upgrade their skills.

This program also allows students to complete required prerequisite courses for the Nursing and Radiologic Technology Programs.

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Career Pathways

Our region boasts a wide variety of career opportunities in the healthcare field. The positions presented are potential career pathways FMCC graduates can take and are just a sample of the many career possibilities.

The labor market and employer information are specifically presented for the Amsterdam, Gloversville, Capital District, and the Mohawk Valley regions. Salary information is based on estimates within the Capital District.

Nursing Assistants

MEDIAN SALARY

$30,365*

SALARY RANGE $28,919 - $38,525

Assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. (bls.gov)

Nearly 6,000 expected jobs in the region in the next 10 years.

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,747*

SALARY RANGE $29,561 - $81,208

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests. (bls.gov)

Nearly 300 expected jobs in the region in the next 10 years.

Dietetic Technicians

MEDIAN SALARY

$45,656*

SALARY RANGE $35,048 - $46,821

Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals. (bls.gov)

Over 50 expected jobs in the region in the next 10 years.

Salary information presented are estimates and can be different for each individual based on education, experience, and the specific employer.
Labor market data is based on 2021 estimates derived from Lightcast (Career Coach | Lightcast)

Some of Our Regional Employers

Our commitment to your career path goes beyond the classroom with continued expansion of hands-on internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with over 50 regional business and organization exclusive partners, a career network of over 200 regional companies and organizations; plus Annual Job Fairs every Spring semester.

60 Credits

for Health Studies AAS/ Pre-Nursing Path/ Pre-Radiologic Technology Path Program

4 NEW

state-of-the arts science laboratories located in O’Connell Hall

6,000+ JOBS

are expected for entry-level healthcare positions in the region in the next 10 years.

Program Insight

Graduates of the Health Studies AAS/ Pre-Nursing Path/ Pre-Radiologic Technology Path Program have gone on to rewarding careers at local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The education at SUNY FMCC provides a strong foundation in preparing you for future career success.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Identify the breadth of career options, practices, and trends in the healthcare industry and related health fields.
Analyze and discuss the ethical and legal principles in healthcare and related health fields.
Demonstrate communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills pertinent in the healthcare industry and related health fields.

Program Features

Hands-on Experience
Students have the opportunity to intern at a local hospital, clinic, nursing home, or medical office.

Pre-Nursing or Pre- Radiologic Technology Paths
This program also allows students to complete required prerequisite courses before formally applying to either the Nursing and Radiologic Technology Programs.

Experienced Faculty
Learn from dedicated professors who have years of experience working in various areas of the science and healthcare fields.

Career Planning Support
Students have support from the Academic Advising Office to guide you through your program as well as a career search course imbedded in the program.

Internship Opportunities

Students have opportunities for an internship in their second year of the Health Studies program. Many students have subsequently been hired by local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or medical offices.

More Info

Course Highlights

Course Catalog

SUNY FMCC offers its catalog online in a downloadable PDF document that makes information on programs, courses and policies most current and accessible, while reducing impact on the environment. Additional information is available on the College’s website and portal. To read and search the FMCC Catalog, you’ll need Adobe Reader version 7.0 or later.

2024-2025 FMCC CATALOG

Program Course Layout

This program combines healthcare and science coursework with a hands-on internship experience to prepare you for a career in healthcare. Here are some of the courses you will take.

HLT 101 Introduction to Allied Health

This course will expose students to a diversity of potential careers in health care and related fields. Students will become familiar with healthcare delivery in the United States. Students will explore employment opportunities and current trends within the industry. Emphasis will be placed on the skills, personal attributes, and academic preparation required for various health related occupations.

HLT 134 Responding to Emergencies

This American Red Cross course provides a comprehensive set of skills that may enable students to save a life. This course offers certification in both First Aid and CPR/AED, and will prepare students to respond to a variety of emergencies involving infants, children and adults.

HLT 111 Introduction to Patient Care

This course is designed to provide the students with an overview of the basics of patient care in Allied Health and related careers such as vital signs, body mechanics, and patient interactions. Emphasis is placed on core traits of a healthcare provider, the interdisciplinary team approach to the delivery of patient care, professional accountability in the health care setting, communication and etiquette, consumer education, and cultural competence and diversity.

BIO 181 Anatomy and Physiology I

This course provides a systems approach to the study of human anatomy and the concepts of biology and chemistry that are necessary to the understanding of physiology. Emphasis is on the structure and function of the cell, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems as well as tissues, skin, joints and special senses. Laboratory classes reinforce the lectures and include dissections of vertebrate specimens and experiments on animal tissue and human subjects.