New health science degree at WNC opens more healthcare career opportunities

Courtesy Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College

Helping others and making a difference are two of the obvious rewards of entering the healthcare field.

Now that healthcare workers and first responders are desperately needed worldwide, the timing might be right for individuals to further their education for such a rewarding career.

“Western Nevada College continues to build programs that meet the needs of our communities and due to recent events, healthcare programs are in demand even more,” said J. Kyle Dalpe, Ph.D., WNC Vice President of Instruction. 

In addition to its highly acclaimed nursing program, and newly formed paramedicine program, WNC is now offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Science.

Not only is this area of study a pathway to WNC’s nursing program, it provides the foundation for potential transfer degrees in community health, public health, health education and other related areas. It also prepares students for health-related careers in emergency medical services, laboratory technician, nursing assistant and other related careers.

“The new degree is designed to assist students at all levels to achieve everything from a certificate in a healthcare field such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in professional nursing, and serve as pathway to a variety of careers in health care,” said Nursing & Allied Health Director Dr. Judith Cordia.

For those on a shorter education path, WNC provides certifications for those desiring to become a CNA and phlebotomist.

Individuals who are pursuing an associate degree in nursing may decide after earning the Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Science that they desire to pursue one of many transfer degrees options in healthcare.

WNC has already excelled in healthcare education.

The college’s nursing program is among the best in the state and regionally recognized, and every year our students pass the N-CLEX exam at high rates and go to work in our local hospitals or medical facilities. In February, Nursing Process selected WNC’s program as No. 1 in the West Region, which encompasses 426 nursing schools, thereby making it one of the nation’s top programs.

Two different organizations ranked WNC’s nursing program among the top 3 in Nevada for 2019. RNCareers.org ranked WNC’s program No. 2 in Nevada and among the best nursing schools in the nation with a grade of 94.3 percent. Earlier in the year, WNC’s nursing program was recognized by Registered Nursing as one of the top 3 programs in Nevada.

For more information, go to https://www.wnc.edu/degree/aas/health-science/.