Launch your healthcare career with versatile, job-ready training for a variety of medical fields.
What is Health Science Technology?
Health Science Technology (HST) prepares students for entry‑level healthcare careers by building a strong foundation in medical knowledge, patient care, and clinical skills. At Somerset Community College, the HST program also provides the pathway to Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) training, allowing eligible students to gain the skills needed to safely administer medications in long‑term care and healthcare settings. This program is ideal for individuals seeking careers as nurse aides, medication aides, or other allied health professionals while preparing for further healthcare education.
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Approved Certificate | ≥ 9 |
| CPR 100 - CPR for Healthcare Professionals | 0-1 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| AHS 115 - Medical Terminology from Greek and Latin OR CLA 131 - Medical Terminology from Greek and Latin OR MIT 103 - Medical Office Terminology | 3 |
| BIO 135 - Basic Aspects of Anatomy and Physiology OR BIO 137 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| CIT 105 - Introduction to Computers OR Digital Literacy | 3 OR 0-3 |
| ENG 101 - Writing I | 3 |
| FYE 105 (Technical Elective) | 3 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MAT 110 or Higher | 3 |
| Oral Communications | 3 |
| PSY 110 - General Psychology | 3 |
| Technical Elective or Approved Certificate | ≥ 4 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Approved Certificate | ≥ 9 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Heritage/Humanities | 3 |
| Approved Certificate | 3 |
| Technical Elective or Approved Certificate | 3 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Technical Electives or Approved Certificates | 12-14 |
Certificates
Students are required to complete three or more certificates from among the following:
- Electrocardiograph Technician (17-22 credit hours)
- Electronic Health Records Specialist (28-30 credit hours)
- Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic (48 credit hours)
- Emergency Medical Technician (6-7 credit hours)
- Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology (21-24 credit hours)
- Hospital Admissions Specialist (30 credit hours)
- Kentucky Medication Aide (5 credit hours)
- Medical Coding (22 credit hours)
- Medical Office Administrative Assistant (15-19 credit hours)
- Medical Office Insurance Billing & Coding (12-16 credit hours)
- Medical Receptionist (15 credit hours)
- Medical Scribe/Transcriptionist (28 credit hours)
- Medical Unit Coordinator (31 credit hours)
- Nursing Assistant/Medicaid Nurse Aide (3-6 credit hours)
- Phlebotomy for the Healthcare Worker (4-5 credit hours)
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, we have you covered. We'll help you reach your goals at a price that won't break the bank.
How Do I Apply?
The Health Science Technology Program does not employ a selective admissions process. However, admission to approved certificate courses (nurse aide, phlebotomy, EMT, pharmacy, etc.) requires students to meet the minimum requirement for enrollment and admission by the program coordinator.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
