BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Students interested in healthcare careers now have a new degree option at Whatcom Community College, which has launched an Associate of Science in Allied Health program designed to help students prepare for a range of health professions.

College officials said the new degree is intended to address challenges students often face when pursuing healthcare careers, including completing prerequisite courses, maintaining financial aid eligibility and navigating complex advising requirements.

The degree is designed to help students prepare for careers in nursing, dental hygiene, medical assisting, radiologic technology, physical therapy, social work, substance use treatment and veterinary care.

“This is truly a guided pathways embodiment of how we educate future health profession students,” said Liz Johnson, dean of Health Professions and STEM at WCC.

Johnson said the degree allows students to complete common foundational coursework before branching into a specialty. Students also take introductory courses covering healthcare careers and basic certifications such as CPR and first aid.

The degree is designed to accommodate students at different stages of their education, including those exploring health careers, changing majors, pursuing bachelor’s degrees or returning to school after earning healthcare certificates or licenses.

Eligible healthcare professionals may receive up to 15 credits for prior learning and credentials, while some licensed professionals may qualify for up to 45 additional transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree, according to WCC.

The program was developed in partnership with Bellingham Technical College and the University of Washington Bothell. Under a transfer agreement, students who complete the allied health associate degree can transfer to UW Bothell’s Bachelor of Health Studies program with junior standing.