The Associate of Science in Health Science (A.S.) Partnership Programs are available to employees of Dartmouth Health who are trained through the Dartmouth Health Workforce Readiness Institute (WRI). Students in these programs supplement their coursework and apprenticeships at Dartmouth Health with online coursework through Colby-Sawyer College (CSC).
Three pathways to the Associate of Science in Health Science are available: medical assistant, pharmacy technician and surgical technologist.
Medical Assistant Certification
Dartmouth Health WRI Medical Assistant trainees are enrolled in an 11-week intensive training program, which leads to national certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and a credential of Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). Upon successful completion, medical assistant trainees begin work in the ambulatory clinic and are enrolled in a 2,000-hour Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship.
A total of 60 credits is required to earn the Associate of Health Science. Dartmouth Health WRI Medical Assistant trainees earn 25 credits through Colby-Sawyer for the MA training coursework, followed by 21 credits for elective courses taken during the student’s registered apprenticeship. The final 20 credits of the pathway are derived from 8-week online Liberal Education courses taught by CSC. Please note: the additional credits students earn can be rolled into a Bachelor’s degree program.
Pharmacy Technician Certification
Dartmouth Health WRI Pharmacy Technician trainees are enrolled in a 9-week intensive training program which leads to national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam and the credential of a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Upon successful completion, pharmacy technician trainees begin work in the pharmacy and are enrolled in a 2,000-hour Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship.
A total of 60 credits is required to earn the Associate of Health Science. Dartmouth Health WRI Pharmacy Technician trainees earn 19 credits through Colby-Sawyer for the PT training coursework, followed by 21 credits for elective courses taken during the student’s apprenticeship. An additional 8 credits are taken through the WRI following certification. The final 20 credits of the pathway are derived from 8-week online Liberal Education courses taught by CSC. Please note: the additional credits students earn can be rolled into a Bachelor’s degree program.
Surgical Technologist Certification
The surgical technology program is an intensive 11-month training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam to become Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs). Upon successful completion, Surgical Technologist Trainees begin work in the operating room and are enrolled in a 2,000-hour Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship. Beginning in Fall 2021, students admitted to the Surgical Technology (ST) program at Dartmouth Health who do not hold an associate degree or higher may be considered for sponsorship by Dartmouth Health and begin taking courses at CSC prior to matriculation into the 11-month training program to obtain their Associate of Health Science prior to certification.
A total of 60 credits is required to earn the Associate of Health Science. Dartmouth Health WRI Surgical Technologist trainees earn 24 credits from 8-week online Liberal Education courses taught by CSC. Please note: the additional credits students earn can be rolled into a Bachelor’s degree program.
Professional Learning Credits
Professional learning credits can be evaluated and considered in place of the Dartmouth Health campus courses.
- Identify common terminology, tool and practices used in health and wellness systems.
- Synthesize various theories of human behavior among societal cohorts.
- Discover and assess community resources for patients of health and wellness providers.
- Describe potential risks to wellness stemming from behavioral, environmental and social factors.
- Practice appropriate scientific inquiry, mathematical fluency and lab techniques for problem solving.
Health Science (A.S.) Medical Assistant Progress to Completion Requirements:
Courses taken at Dartmouth Health location:
Courses taken at CSC:
One additional Liberal Education course
Courses taken through the WRI can be evaluated for professional learning credits that may count toward the degree as free electives.
Health Science (A.S.) Pharmacy Technician Progress to completion Requirements:
Courses taken at Dartmouth Health location:
Courses taken at CSC:
One additional Liberal Education course
Courses taken through the WRI can be evaluated for professional learning credits that may count toward a degree as free electives.
Health Science (A.S.) Surgical Technologist Progress to completion Requirements:
Courses taken at Dartmouth Health location:
Courses taken at CSC:
One additional Liberal Education course
Courses taken through the WRI can be evaluated for professional learning credits that may count toward a degree as free electives.
A.S. in Health Science – Medical Assistant
*A maximum of two courses may double count for credit within the Liberal Education requirement and the program requirements.
**Students take the CCMA certification exam on the final day of the medical assistant training program, prior to beginning their apprenticeship; all coursework must earn a 75% or higher to be eligible for the certification exam.
+Students will enroll at CSC and be oriented to pathways to completion at the beginning of their training program.
Please contact the Director of Graduate and Professional Studies for individual advising.
A.S. in Health Science – Pharmacy Technician
ALH 102, ALH 103, ALH 104: These courses are taken after students earn certification
*A maximum of two courses may double count for credit within the Liberal Education requirement and the program requirements.
**Students take the CPhT certification exam on the final day of the pharmacy technician training program, prior to beginning their apprenticeship; all coursework must earn a 75% or higher to be eligible for the certification exam.
+Students will enroll at CSC and be oriented to pathways to completion at the beginning of their training program.
Please contact the Director of Graduate and Professional Studies for individual advising.
A.S. in Health Science – Surgical Technologist
AHS 101, BIO 205: These courses are prerequisites for the surgical technologist program
*A maximum of two courses may double count for credit within the Liberal Education requirement and the program requirements.
**Students take the NBSTSA certification exam on the final day of the surgical technologist training program; all coursework must earn a 75% or higher to be eligible for the certification exam.
+Students will enroll at CSC and be oriented to pathways to completion at the beginning of their training program.
Please contact the Director of Graduate and Professional Studies for individual advising.