Flexible Pathways in Health Sciences

APU’s Health Sciences programs offer flexible pathways at the certificate, associate, and bachelor’s levels, preparing students for careers in health-related fields or continued graduate study. Across all levels, students build a strong foundation in population health, disease prevention, health promotion, and health systems while developing real-world skills valued in clinical, community, nonprofit, and government settings. The program emphasizes cultural safety and prepares students to understand and respond to community health needs with cultural awareness, competence, and responsiveness.

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Health Sciences

Community health Certificate
Health Occupations Certificate

Students employed by Tribal Health Organizations as Community Health Aides, or those participating in registered apprenticeships endorsed by the Alaska Primary Care Association or the Alaska Department of Labor, may be eligible to earn academic certificates at Alaska Pacific University.

The Health Sciences Certificates are designed to support students who are completing professional training programs as part of their work in the healthcare field. Students are encouraged to check with their employer or an APU Admissions representative to determine whether this program aligns with their career goals.

The Community Health Certificate provides foundational healthcare knowledge and medical terminology. It includes four onsite training sessions delivered at a regional Community Health Aide Training Center, followed by a clinical field component where students reinforce and demonstrate their skills through supervised practice.

The Health Occupations Certificate offers foundational training and hands on experience in a chosen health field through a registered apprenticeship model. It prepares students to pursue national certification exams and is designed to strengthen workforce capacity, particularly within Alaskan and Tribal healthcare organizations. Available concentration areas include Billing and Coding Specialist, Electronic Health Records Specialist, Medical Administrative Assistant, Community Health Worker, Clinical Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Direct Support Professional.

Students who complete a certificate program may continue on to pursue an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and may also apply for admission to bachelor’s level programs at Alaska Pacific University. Coursework completed at the certificate level may be applied toward both associate and bachelor’s degree requirements, supporting a seamless pathway for continued academic and professional advancement.

Certificate Completion

Students complete from 22 to 41 credits based upon the specific certificate requirements.

Undergraduate Certificates are offered in:

Community Health (34 total credits)

Health Occupations (22 to 41 total credits) in the following areas of concentration:

Billing and Coding Specialist (24 credits)
Electronic Health Records Specialist (24 credits)
Medical Administrative Assistant (24 credits)
Community Health Worker (24 credits)
Clinical Medical Assistant (41 credits)
Pharmacy Technician (22 credits)
Direct Support Professional (24 credits)

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)
Applicants must provide documentation of current employment as a Community Health Aide or current enrollment in a APCA apprenticeship program.

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

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Pre-Nursing

HEALTH SCIENCES

The program is uniquely grounded in cultural safety
Cultural safety centers a patient’s cultural identity, values, and lived experiences, and requires providers to recognize power imbalances, address bias, and work to dismantle systemic racism in order to ensure respectful, equitable care
Students gain foundational knowledge and skills needed to continue into APU’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
The program utilizes a state-of-the-art nursing lab, unique in Alaska, to provide students with hands-on, practical training in a realistic clinical learning environment
Pre-Nursing students can anticipate approximately one year of full-time prerequisite nursing coursework. Upon successful completion of this coursework, students are encouraged to apply to the ADN program to continue their path toward becoming a Registered Nurse.

Pre-Nursing students can anticipate approximately one year of full-time prerequisite nursing coursework. Upon successful completion of this coursework, students are encouraged to apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to continue their path toward becoming a Registered Nurse. Through the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained in the program, graduates are prepared to provide holistic care to communities across Alaska.

With the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through the program, graduates are prepared to provide holistic care for communities across Alaska. Students who begin in Pre-Nursing also pursue a range of other degree options at Alaska Pacific University, including Environmental Public Health, Liberal Studies, Health Care Management, and Counseling Psychology.

APU Pre-Nursing students who successfully complete all prerequisite coursework with a minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA and a 2.5 cumulative GPA are eligible to apply for the Associate Degree in Nursing program.

Transfer credits may be used to meet prerequisites; however Culturally Safe Health Care is a prerequisite for all APU nursing students and must be completed at APU. Prerequisite coursework completed more than ten (10) years ago is not eligible for consideration for admissions into APU nursing programs. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher and be eligible for transfer to APU if completed at another university. Nursing Major courses are not eligible for transfer.

Pre-Nursing courses are primarily offered on campus

Estimated time to completion: Two semesters (varies based on math and writing placement and full-time enrollment). Studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Pre-Nursing Coursework

Principles of Biology I
Principles of Chemistry I
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
Algebra for Health Sciences
Lifespan Human Development
Writing & Research I: Argumentation
Culturally Safe Healthcare: Inquiry &
Practice

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
** If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher
If you have a lower GPA, we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

Upon successfully completing the prerequisites, students are eligible to apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. The Pre-Nursing program serves as a pathway to prepare students for the ADN curriculum, and applicants must meet minimum admission requirements and submit all required documentation to be considered; however, admission to the ADN program is not guaranteed. Students who are not admitted may choose to pursue another concentration within Health Sciences or elect to change their major.

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Health Sciences

Associate of Applied Science in Community Health
Associate of Applied Science IN Health Occupations

The program is uniquely grounded in cultural safety. Cultural safety centers a patient’s cultural identity, values, and lived experiences, and requires providers to recognize power imbalances, address bias, and work to dismantle systemic racism in order to ensure respectful, equitable care
Creates a strong liberal arts foundation that builds critical thinking and effective communication skills
Offers advanced simulation technology and real-world clinical learning experiences to prepare students as nursing generalists
Provides a strong foundation in nursing theory and essential clinical skills

Students who are interested in advancing their careers in health occupations may complete the Associate of Applied Science degree. Additional education is often rewarded in the workplace with promotion to supervisory and decision-making roles. Those who complete the AAS degree may move on to enroll in Bachelor level coursework.

Career Opportunities

Specialized Floor Nurse
Registered Nurse
Travel Nursing
Clinical Leadership

Foundational Studies (24-28 credits)

EC Written Communication (WRIT 10100)
EC Presentation & Media Literacy (from 10000-20000 level COMM)
CT Critical Thinking (from 10000-20000 level CRIT)
CT Computation (MT 10100, BA 10500, or higher placement)
CH Cultural & Historical Perspective (Various)
SI Scientific Inquiry (Various)
EE Social Responsibility (LS 10200)
EE Personal Responsibility (various)

Major Studies (22-41 credits)

Undergraduate Certificate in Community Health or Health Occupations

Degree Completion

64 credits minimum are required to complete the degree program. Core competencies, foundational, major, and self-determined studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Sample Foundational Studies

Business Math
Communication for Health Professionals
Critical Thinking for Management
Culturally Safe Healthcare: Inquiry & Practice
Contemporary Issues in Healthcare
Ethics Colloquium
Lifespan Human Development
Writing and Research I: Augmentation

Major Studies

Community Health (34 total credits)

Health Occupations (22 to 41 total credits) in the following areas of concentration:

Billing and Coding Specialist (24 credits)
Electronic Health Records Specialist (24 credits)
Medical Administrative Assistant (24 credits)
Community Health Worker (24 credits)
Clinical Medical Assistant (41 credits)
Pharmacy Technician (22 credits)
Direct Support Professional (24 credits)

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)
Students must have completed a certificate in Community Health or Health Occupations, or must document current employment as a Community Health Aide or current enrollment in an APCA apprenticeship program.

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

APPLY FLYER FLYER

Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science

The program is uniquely grounded in cultural safety. Cultural safety centers a patient’s cultural identity, values, and lived experiences, and requires providers to recognize power imbalances, address bias, and work to dismantle systemic racism in order to ensure respectful, equitable care
Creates a strong liberal arts foundation that builds critical thinking and effective communication skills. Covers key healthcare topics including community care, population health, and clinical research
Asynchronous hybrid learning model and multiple entry points throughout the year
The program utilizes a state-of-the-art nursing lab, unique in Alaska, to provide students with hands-on, practical training in a realistic clinical learning environment
Health Sciences majors may choose a concentration in Behavioral Health, Healthcare Management, Pre-Health, Sport Science, or Pre-Nursing

With flexible delivery methods and multiple entry points throughout the academic year, the Health Sciences program at APU is designed to support first time freshmen, transfer students, and working professionals. Students may choose to pursue a general degree in Health Sciences to build upon an Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences or select a concentration in Behavioral Health, Healthcare Management, Pre-Health, Sport Science, or Pre-Nursing. Depending on the concentration, courses may be offered on campus, through distance delivery, or in a hybrid format, with both daytime and evening options available based on program needs. A first time freshman enrolled full time can typically complete the degree in eight semesters over four years.

Career Opportunities

Critical Care/ICU Nurse
Operating Room (OR) Nurse
Clinical Nurse Manager
Physician Assistant
Medical Doctor
Public Health Nurse
Behavioral Health Practitioner
Healthcare Administrator

Core Competencies

Effective Communication
Critical Thinking
Cultural & Historical Perspective
Scientific Inquiry
Ethical Engagement

Contemporary Issues in Healthcare is a seminar course that provides an integrated orientation to healthcare professions. Coursework and discussion explore topics such as labor trends, healthcare costs, access to care, holistic care, and the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems.

Culturally Safe Healthcare: Inquiry & Practice focuses on developing self-awareness by examining personal cultural identities, beliefs, and attitudes, as well as building openness and flexibility in working with individuals from cultures different from one’s own.

Research Methods in Health & Behavioral Science provides an overview of research design and methods of inquiry used in the health and behavioral sciences.

Degree Completion

128 credits minimum are required to complete the degree program. Core competencies, foundational, major, and self-determined studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Behavioral Health (32)

Students who hold Alaska credentials as Behavioral Health Aides, Behavioral Counselors, or Chemical Dependency Counselors may apply their prior coursework and training toward this degree track. Coursework at Alaska Pacific University provides additional education in the ethics and science of the profession, supporting continued professional development.

Healthcare Management (33)

Students will pursue topics related to the healthcare industry, finance and accounting, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, and healthcare information systems, management, licensing, and accreditation. This concentration prepares students for healthcare careers in areas such as healthcare administration, hospital and clinic management, health services management, medical office management, compliance and quality improvement, and other leadership and operational roles within healthcare organizations.

Pre-Health/Pre-Med Interdisciplinary (52)

Coursework includes Human Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry. This concentration prepares students to enter a variety of health professions, including medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, and other allied health fields.

Sport Science (48)

Students with an interest in developing careers in competitive and recreational sports and exercise professions, and those who wish to positively contribute to the fields of wellness and physical fitness, often complete this concentration. This pathway can lead to health-related professions such as exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, personal training, coaching, recreation management, and other wellness and fitness careers.

Pre-Nursing (32)

Pre-Nursing students complete a series of required courses to become eligible to apply for the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Alaska Pacific University. For more information, students are encouraged to review the Pre-Nursing pathway.

Foundational Studies

Written Communication
Presentation & Media Literacy
Critical Thinking
Computation
Intercultural Traditions
Creative Endeavors
Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings
Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry
Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry
Social Responsibility
Personal Responsibility

Major Studies

Communication for Health Professionals
Culturally Safe Healthcare: Inquiry & Practice
Contemporary Issues in Healthcare
Research Methods in the Health and Behavioral Sciences
Introduction to Psychology OR
Lifespan Human Development
Strategic Leadership
Senior Project I
Senior Project II

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

APPLY FLYER