May 20, 2024  
2024-2025 WNCC College Catalog 
    
2024-2025 WNCC College Catalog

Health Sciences, Dietetics Emphasis Area, AS

Location(s): Scottsbluff


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The health sciences emphasis areas focus on the mechanics of the human body and the application of this knowledge in a clinical setting. The tracks below provide the first two years of background necessary to successfully transfer to a four-year college or university or pre-professional program.

Program Outcomes

At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the mastery of course work considered fundamental to the training of a scientist. Required competencies may include the accumulation of knowledge in general biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, physiology, ecology, genetics, evolution, chemistry, and physics.
  • Research program requirements at transfer institutions and implement into the planning of their programs, courses and activities appropriate for transfer to four-year institutions to continue their chosen field of study.
  • Demonstrate the ability to transfer into equivalent program at a four-year institution specifically for continuation and study of a chosen field.
  • Use knowledge of basic scientific principles to summarize and support a critical analysis of current scientific advances (primary literature and popular accounts), legislative issues, environmental issues, biotechnological advances, and demonstrate knowledge of contemporary social and ethical issues related to science and the professional responsibilities of a scientist.
  • Understand the relationship between science and other subject areas, including interdisciplinary approaches to global issues and the relationship of core concepts from chemistry, mathematics, and other disciplines to scientific concepts.
  • Demonstrate the ability to find, read, and critically evaluate appropriate scientific literature and resources.
  • Be able to function successfully within laboratory and field settings, including use of basic equipment (microscopes, measurements devices, and computer technologies); developing and utilizing appropriate safety protocols; and putting into practice conceptual understandings of the research process illustrated by the scientific method.
  • Utilize a variety of skills to communicate scientific information effectively, including gathering of data/information; oral and written communication skills clarifying concepts and confirming understandings; and utilization of computer resources including computer presentation.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the College’s general education requirements for the AS degree.

Notes

  • Placement test scores dictate English and math course entry levels. It is important to note that MATH - 1010 Intermediate Algebra  is the prerequisite CHEM 1090 .
  • Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university should consult their faculty and transfer advisors early in their WNCC career to determine a curriculum best suited to their transfer goals.
  • Dependent upon the choice of electives, it is possible that the total credits earned for the AS degree will exceed 60 credit credits.
  • Students should understand that the courses included in the lists of core requirements and recommended electives will be required by receiving institutions at some point in their journey to the bachelor’s or professional degree.

Dietetics Emphasis Area

AS.1905 (63 credits)

  • The dietetics emphasis area allows students to complete two years of study at WNCC and then continue their studies leading toward a Bachelor of Science degree in human resources and family science with a major in dietetics at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL). The “Transfer with Ease” brochure is available from a WNCC counselor or advisor.

Notes

  • Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university should consult their faculty advisor and transfer advisor early in their WNCC career to determine a curriculum to best suit their transfer goals. Careful consideration should be given to the course requirements of the dietetics program at UNL.
  • Students who plan to transfer to UNL are encouraged to apply for admission early in their program. ACE elective classes can be taken through UNL during the students’ time at WNCC to lessen the credit load in the fourth semester and additionally guarantee maximum credit transfer.
  • UNL requires additional ACE electives. These can be taken through UNL as soon as students apply for and are accepted for admission to UNL. These courses can also be taken while at WNCC. Courses offered at WNCC that satisfy UNL’s nine ACE requirements are:
  • UNL prefers SPCH - 1110 Public Speaking  as the oral communication elective.
  • HLTH - 1060 Comprehensive Medical Terminology  is a recommended elective.

Program Requirements


In addition to the general education requirements for the AS degree, 33 credits of core courses and eight (8) credits of electives are required for the degree in pre-dental hygiene. A total of 63 credits are required for the Associate of Science degree in this emphasis area.

AS General Education Core: 33-34 Credits


View listing of General Education Courses. 

  • Written Communication Credits: 6
  • Oral Communication Credits: 3
  • Humanities Credits: 3
  • Math Credits: 3-4 *
  • Lab Sciences Credits: 4 *
  • Personal Development Credits: 3
  • Social Science Credits: 3

* A total of 15-16 combined math/science credits are the minimum requirement for an AS degree. This must include a minimum of three (3) credits of math and four (4) credits of science from BIOS, CHEM, or PHYS options.

Note: Some general education requirements may be satisfied by program requirements. Please consult with an advisor for details.

Recommended Electives or Courses for Transfer: 8 Credits


UNL recommends eight (8) social science credits in addition to WNCC’s three (3) hour general education requirement:

In addition, UNL recommends:


Total AS Requirements: 63 Credits


Recommended Plan of Study


Total Semester Credits: 17


2nd Semester


Total Semester Credits: 13


3rd Semester


Total Semester Credits: 16


4th Semester


Total Semester Credits: 17


Total AS Credits: 63


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