A new degree program commences with a new year at Ohio University Lancaster Campus. The Associate of Applied Science in Health Technology (AASHT) degree was created as a completion opportunity for health care workers who have certificates – but not degrees – in an allied health occupation. Students with certifications in many areas, such as paramedic, dialysis technician, phlebotomist, nursing assistant, and others, may receive up to 36 hours of assigned credit for their current health care certifications.

The first course, HTCH 100, will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:20 p.m., beginning January 8. This course, taught by Debra Smith, introduces health technology students to a wide range of health care careers and the professional responsibilities and requirements. Discussions will focus on how various health care professions are integrated into the health care delivery system, health care concepts, and the historical and future implications of health care professionals and their relationships to patients.

Smith brings 15 years of experience in health care, higher education and information technology and has lectured nationally on wrist and elbow rehabilitation. She served on the faculty of Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College and as the program director and coordinator of instructional design. As a physical therapist, Smith worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. Smith attended the Lancaster Campus and earned undergraduate degrees in psychology ( Ohio University), and physical therapy
( University of Minnesota), and a graduate degree in education and instructional design from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Ohio University’s Health Technology degree does not duplicate other programs, but offers a generic program with flexibility for course selection. The coursework focuses on University requirements, as well as courses in law and ethics, medical terminology, first aid, nutrition, environmental health and safety, and supervision.

Health Technology majors attending the Lancaster Campus may complete the degree requirements in as few as 60 credit hours, depending upon the student’s current certification.

Many of the courses also are required for the bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration, available on the Lancaster Campus. Associate’s degree graduates also may pursue the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies.