Physical and Health Sciences - Programs

Biological Science

Application Code: 
1554
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department: 
Physical and Health Sciences
Description: 

Biological science prepares graduates to function in various scientific laboratories. This on-campus program provides a foundation in biology, chemistry and mathematics as well as a common core of general education courses required by SUNY.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 
  • Required: Math A & B (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), biology, chemistry.

Technical Standards:

  • Students must be able to physically lift 50 lbs. and possess fine motor skills which allow them to focus a microscope with fine adjustment and use forceps.
Graduation Requirements: 

A minimum of 63 credit hours is required for graduation, with an overall cumulative index of 2.0. In addition, the student must complete one credit hour of physical education. A grade of "C" or better is required in the core science courses (those which have BIOL or CHEM prefixes).

Coding & Reimbursement Specialist

Application Code: 
1671
Degree Received: 
Certificate (Cert)
Academic Department: 
Physical and Health Sciences
Description: 

Coding and reimbursement processing is performed by specialists employed in health care settings. Coding & reimbursement specialists (C&RS) assign ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes to diagnoses and procedures/services provided to patients in a variety of healthcare environments. Alfred State's comprehensive online coding certificate program offers individuals the opportunity to pursue a business-related career that is an essential part of the health care industry.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 
  • High school biology required
  • Recommended: keyboarding, MS Office Professional

Technical Standards:

  • Must be able to visually read computer monitor
  • Must be able to use computer keyboard and mouse

Forensic Science Technology

Application Code: 
2023
Degree Received: 
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Academic Department: 
Physical and Health Sciences
Description: 

The forensic science technology program is a technically rigorous four-year program culminating in a bachelor of science in forensic science. Students in this on-campus program will have the choice of focusing on biological applications within forensics, e.g., DNA fingerprinting, genetic analysis and microbiology, or can specialize in the chemical practicalities, notably: physicochemical analysis and identification of drugs, fibers, soils, glass, and other types of physical evidence.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 
  • Required: math A & B (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), biology, chemistry, SAT and/or ACT scores with a recommended combined SAT score of 1000 (critical reading and math) or a composite ACT score of 21.
  • Recommended: physics

Technical Standards:

  • Students must be able to physically lift 50 lbs. and possess fine motor skills which allow them to focus a microscope with fine adjustment and use forceps.
Graduation Requirements: 
  • Completion of courses listed below
  • Minimum of 124 total credit hours, a minimum of 45 which must be from upper division course work
  • Completion of either a minimum 45 hour-long internship in a working forensic laboratory setting OR a semester-long directed research/independent study project
  • Grade of "C" or higher in all chemistry, biology, and forensic science courses
  • Completion of a "mock trial" capstone experience

Health Information Technology

Application Code: 
1969
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department: 
Physical and Health Sciences
Description: 

Health information technology (HIT) combines a profession in health care with information technology. Health information technicians maintain, collect, and analyze data crucial to the delivery of quality patient care. HIT is an online program that offers individuals the opportunity to pursue a business-related career that is an essential part of the health care industry.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 
  • Required: high school biology
  • Recommended: keyboarding, MS Office Professional

Technical Standards:

  • Must be able to visually read computer monitor
  • Must be able to use computer keyboard and mouse

Nursing

Application Code: 
0622
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department: 
Physical and Health Sciences
Description: 

The nursing program prepares individuals to become registered professional nurses. Courses are sequential and progress from simple to more complex situations with specialized content in obstetrics, psychiatric, and pediatric nursing integrated throughout. Learning is enhanced through the use of well-equipped skill practice and computer laboratories. Students benefit from intense hands-on practice with up-to-date equipment and supplies and gain technical expertise in approximately 100 skills prior to completion of the program.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 

It is essential that students are able to fully participate in clinical, caring for clients as assigned. Established entrance requirements for nursing students include being able to:

  • ambulate (walk) without assistive devices
  • lift at least 30 pounds
  • function in a safe manner, not placing clients in jeopardy
  • maintain confidentiality in regard to professional practice
  • perform effectively under stress, adjusting to changing situations
  • communicate effectively orally and in writing

Required: math A (algebra), biology, chemistry at high school level; if not taken in high school, then college course with "C" or better is required. Biology: BIOL 2303 human biology or BIOL 1104 general biology I. chemistry: CHEM 1013 introductory chemistry I. algebra: MATH 1004 mathematical concepts.

Recommended: Combined SAT score of 900 (critical reading and math)

Graduation Requirements: 
  • 40 credits of nursing (nursing I, II, III, IV)
  • 12 credits of natural science (anatomy & physiology I and II, microbiology)
  • 9 credits of social science (general psychology, general sociology, human development)
  • 6 credits of English/humanities (freshman composition and literature)
  • 1 credit of physical education