Why Study Biology for Pre-Professionals at OCC?
An AS in Pre-Health Studies builds the scientific foundation and clinical readiness needed to pursue nursing, allied health, or other healthcare bachelor’s programs. This concentration is specifically engineered to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application, providing the rigorous academic framework required to transition into competitive professional schools.
What You Will Learn
Students in an Associate in Pre‑Health Studies program learn foundational concepts in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology while developing strong scientific reasoning and laboratory skills. They also gain exposure to healthcare systems, patient care principles, and professional communication to prepare for advanced study in nursing, allied health, or other medical fields.
Core skills and competencies include:
- Biology fundamentals
- Chemistry fundamentals
- Anatomy and physiology
- Scientific reasoning
- Laboratory skills
- Healthcare communication
- Problem‑solving
- Professional readiness for health fields
Where Passion Becomes a Career
Biology pre-professional majors typically pursue healthcare and biomedical careers, including physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, dentist, pharmacist, or other allied health roles after completing graduate or professional training. Many also enter biomedical research, public health, or clinical laboratory fields, with the major serving as preparation for advanced study in the health professions.
Transfer Opportunities
Credits earned at Ocean County College transfer to four-year colleges and universities, giving students the flexibility to continue their education at accredited institutions.
Connect with our Transfer Services team to ensure a smooth path to your bachelor’s degree.
At A Glance
The Biology for Pre-Health Studies Concentration offers three tracks based on your starting level in mathematics. Review the options below and choose the pathway that best fits your current preparation.
Algebra Track: For students who are earlier in their math sequence. This track ensures you are fully prepared before advancing into the biology, chemistry, and laboratory coursework at the core of this concentration.
Precalculus Track: For students who are approaching calculus. This track keeps you progressing through your science coursework in biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry while completing the remaining math prerequisites.
Calculus Track: For students ready to begin calculus immediately. This is the most direct pathway through the biology, chemistry, and advanced laboratory coursework required for transfer to a four-year pre-health program.
Cost
For Ocean County Residents
Summer – $206 per credit
Effective Fall – $216.00 per credit
Modality
In Person
Academic Pathways
This program is designed to transfer. Where you go next is up to you! After earning your degree at OCC, seamlessly transfer your credits to a four-year college or university, setting the stage for continued academic and career success.
Associate
Master the foundational laboratory techniques and core scientific principles of human biology and chemistry while developing the disciplined analytical skills required for clinical environments.
Bachelors
Transfer to a four-year institution to specialize in nursing, physical therapy, or health administration, completing the advanced clinical rotations and research necessary for professional certification.
Career
Enter a high-growth field to provide essential care as a registered nurse, physician assistant, or diagnostic specialist in an industry projected to see nearly two million annual openings.
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