Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Certificate in Health Science

Certificate
Laurel Ridge Community College

The Health Science Certificate is a pathway for health related professions. Students are able to earn an entry level credential in their chosen profession.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree This certificate will create a pathway into a health-related profession and will strengthen the academic record of students applying for nursing, dental hygiene, surgical technology, and practical nursing programs, as well as future health related programs.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Course recommendations exist for students preparing to apply for selective enrollment healthcare programs at Laurel Ridge, including Nursing, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Technician, Dental Hygiene, Sugical Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technology.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Students must speak with a Laurel Ridge advisor or check the catalog for specfic program admissions requirements.
Doing More With Your Degree Students in this program can complete introductory courses in preparation for further studies in the health sciences field.
Program Successes & Highlights
Related Programs & Certifications
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On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
Link
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Link
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
Link
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene - Partnership Agreement with Virginia Western Community College
Link
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant - Partnership Agreement with Germanna Community College
Link
Credential That Prepares You For This Program
Credential
Career Studies Certificate in Pre-Allied Health
Link
Certifications You Can Now Complete
Certified Nurse Aide
Certifications You Can Now Complete
Medication Aide
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Certificate in Health Science
30
Certificate in Health Science
30
Course Grad Req 190 (2024-25 Catalog)
30
Course Requirements
30
Student Development Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
BIO Elective(s)
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to visit the Laurel Ridge website or speak with a Laurel Ridge advisor to select the best electives for your academic goals.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Psychology Requirement
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to visit the Laurel Ridge website or speak with a Laurel Ridge advisor to select the best electives for your academic goals.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Social Science or Humanities Requirements
8
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to visit the Laurel Ridge website or speak with a Laurel Ridge advisor to select the best electives for your academic goals.
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Program electives
11
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to visit the Laurel Ridge website or speak with a Laurel Ridge advisor to select the best electives for your academic goals.
Earn 11 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
30
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 22 credits may be applied to this program.
GPA
30
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Health Science - Practical Nursing SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1071.00Health Specialties Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-2099.00Health Technologists and Technicians, All OtherAll health technologists and technicians not listed separately.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.01Neurodiagnostic TechnologistsConduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.05Ophthalmic Medical TechnologistsAssist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.08Patient RepresentativesAssist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 30 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Certificate in Health Science at Laurel Ridge Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 2 semesters or 1 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $163 Per Credit $4,890 $0 $4,890
Fees
Student Activity Fee $2 Per Credit $60 0 $60
Auxiliary Fee $4 Per Credit $120 0 $120
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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