Upcoming Health Sciences Program Start Dates:
January 11, 2027
(Application Deadline – November 5, 2026)
August 23, 2027
(Application Deadline – May 20, 2027)
The Health Sciences program (ASHS) is designed to provide an educational and career bridge to diploma prepared, licensed or certified health practitioners. Practical or vocational nurses, radiologic technologists, surgical technologists, medical assistants, med-techs and military medical corpsman have historically earned diplomas or certificates at the completion of their programs. These healthcare professionals may seek additional education to progress their careers in supervisory or academic roles.
Applicants are required hold a current, unencumbered license (Virginia or compact state) or certification in their healthcare discipline (LPN, LVN, RT(R), CST, CMA, RMA, etc.) and provide transcripts from their formal discipline education. Accepted students earn 40 credits towards their ASHS program with evidence of at least 40 semester credits (or equivalent) of previous healthcare program education and the attainment of the associated license or certification. Graduates of the ASHS program will achieve all prerequisite courses and be eligible to apply for transfer into the RCHS Professional Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSN) program*. Licensed Practical Nurses (or LVNs) graduating from the Associate of Science in Health Sciences program may apply to the Advanced Placement (AP) option within the BSN program*.
*All remaining BSN or LPN-to-BSN Advanced Placement option program-specific Admission Criteria must be met.
Riverside is proud to offer:
• Associate of Science in Health Sciences
• 73 Total Semester Credits (600 Core Clock Hours)
• Full- or Part-time, Distance Education Program. The program includes two 16-week semesters (two sessions/semester) and one 8-week summer semester per year. (40 weeks – 1 academic year full-time and 2 academic years part-time) in addition to specific college level prerequisite or co-requisite courses.
• Two courses have integrated independent practicum experiences which may be completed in the college’s simulation laboratory and discipline-specific work setting.
• Financial Aid for students who qualify
• Career Planning
Learning Outcomes:
Upon program completion, the graduate will:
• Apply knowledge and skills to provide competent discipline-specific care to patients, families, and groups.
• Integrate concepts of critical thinking and practice to make independent clinical decisions for safe, effective care.
• Apply principles and concepts of safety in the provision of care.
• Advocate for patients and families with respect for their inherent worth and dignity.
• Apply principles of communication to collaborate with members of the multidisciplinary team to provide safe, high-quality care.
• Provide comprehensive healthcare education for patients, families, and groups to meet healthcare needs.
• Apply principles of management to provide, manage, and direct care in diverse healthcare settings.
• Engage in leadership behaviors to effectively use resources to enhance the practice environment and improve patient care outcomes.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
- None
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- None
Other Requirements
- Must hold a current, unencumbered license (Virginia or compact state) or certification in their healthcare discipline (LPN, LVN, RT(R), CST, CMA, RMA, etc.) and provide transcripts from formal discipline education demonstrating the completion of at least 40 semester credits or equivalent.
- Accepted students earn 40 credits towards their ASHS program with evidence of at least 40 semester credits (or equivalent) of previous healthcare program education and the attainment of the associated license or certification.
- The applicant must graduate from an accredited U.S. high school with a GPA of 2.0 or higher or have earned a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.
INSTITUTIONAL CERTIFICATION:
- Certified by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) to operate in Virginia.
SCHEV
101 N. 14th Street James Monroe Building
Richmond, VA 23219
804-225-2600, www.schev.edu
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION:
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
6116 Executive Blvd, Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852
703-917-9503, www.abhes.org
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS ACCREDITED BY:
- DNV GL - Healthcare
400 Techne Center Drive Suite 100
Milford, OH 45150
dnv.us/assurance/healthcare
Associate of Science in Health Sciences
Total Core Program Tuition: $11,600
Total Fees (post enrollment): $400
Other associated costs:
• Application & Pre-Enrollment Fees
• External Service Provider Fees (i.e. CastleBranch, CPR)
• Book estimate $750
See the College Catalog for a full description of all Fees & Expenses per program.