Health Studies, A.S. - SUNY Niagara

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Health Studies, A.S.

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Program Overview

The Health Studies degree program begins the professional preparation of health educators working in communities, schools, and work sites. Students who are best equipped for the future job market are the ones who have the flexibility to adapt to various career opportunities.

Millions of people are employed in the healthcare sector and there is no end in sight as demand for new talent continues. The Health Studies program at SUNY Niagara has been designed to give you a background and understanding of the latest health trends in America that are shaping the future and driving the national discussion.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • Academic Advisement targeted on developing educational and career goals that will facilitate appropriate certifications in the field and transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program.
  • Comprehend the contribution of multiple fields of knowledge such as, sociology, psychology, math and biology to the development of the field of health education.
  • Develop a professional electronic portfolio displaying a personal philosophy, a command of health literacy and the Health Educators Code of Ethics.
Catalog Information
Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Health Studies, A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Health Studies A.S. is the first step toward becoming a health educator in communities, schools and workplaces. You’ll study current health trends and build a professional portfolio, then transfer to a bachelor’s program.

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What careers does a Health Studies A.S. lead to?

  • Community health education specialist
  • Public health education specialist
  • Health education specialist at agencies and foundations
  • Wellness coordinator

Some of these careers need a bachelor’s degree or a professional certification. This A.S. is your first step.

What will I learn to do?

  • Understand current health trends
  • Teach nutrition and healthy living
  • Address community and consumer health
  • Apply psychology, sociology and biology to health
  • Build health literacy skills
  • Create a professional e-portfolio
Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job Starting pay Median pay
Medical and health services managers (usually needs experience)$90,780$133,970
Social and community service managers$61,410$77,920
Community health workers$43,340$54,380
Health education specialists$40,290$53,620

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

  • Medical and health services managers: Jobs are expected to grow about 46% from 2022 to 2032, with about 180 openings each year.
  • Community health workers: Jobs are expected to grow about 30%, with about 100 openings each year.
  • Health education specialists: Jobs are expected to grow about 18%, with about 25 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Health jobs are expected to grow much faster than that.

Sources

Where do health educators work?

  • Public health departments
  • Hospitals and health systems
  • Community agencies and foundations
  • Schools and colleges
  • Workplace wellness programs
  • Nonprofit health organizations

Health educators help people in communities, schools and workplaces make healthier choices.

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How do I get there?

  1. Learn the foundations of health education and healthy living.
  2. Add psychology, sociology, biology and math.
  3. Build your e-portfolio and finish the 64-credit A.S.
  4. Transfer to a bachelor’s program in health education or a related field.

The A.S. is designed for transfer. Advisors help you plan around your career goals, transfer school and field certifications.

Which courses prepare me?

  • HPE 130 Foundations of Health Education
  • HED 201 Healthful Living
  • HED 202 Understanding Sexuality
  • HED 204 Drugs and Society
  • HED 205 Nutrition & Health
  • HED 206/207 Consumer or Community Health
  • PSY 210 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
  • REC 250 Leadership
Sources
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Student Spotlight

A young woman with long, wavy blonde hair sits on outdoor stone steps, smiling at the camera. She wears a black long-sleeved top and black ripped jeans. The background includes autumn leaves and stone walls.

Piper Vanhoff

Class of Spring 2024

“When I decided to join the SUNY Niagara Health Studies Program I expected to grow not only as a student but also as an individual. With my time in the program, I found myself enriched with courses that help me achieve the future I aspire to have. Not only will these endeavors enhance my own health, but they will also grant me a bachelor’s degree as well.

Transferring to UB in the Fall of 2024 shall lead me into the dermatology field where I look forward to helping enhance people’s well-being. The Health Studies program has given me a multitude of opportunities and I am so glad I made the choice of joining this community.”