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HEALTH SCIENCES

PROGRAMS

HEALTH SCIENCES

The Health Sciences programs at Santa Fe College offer a variety of degrees and certificates in healthcare that lead to high wage, high demand careers with outstanding opportunities for professional development. Programs include certificates, advanced technical certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. These programs are designed to be accessible to non-traditional students and are offered in response to the current healthcare needs of our community. Program length indicates the number of semesters required to complete the program after a student has finished their prerequisite courses. Salary statistics are cited on page 17. Accreditation information for Health Sciences programs is located on page 18.

CERTIFICATES AND DEGREES DEFINED CERTIFICATE Certificate programs offer career and technical courses to prepare you for entry directly into employment. A certificate typically takes four months to two years to complete. Students may need to meet specific basic skills requirements in English, mathematics, and writing. Advanced Technical Certificates require completion of an A.A. or A.S. degree prior to admission to the program.

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program is designed to get you ready for a career, but in some cases it may transfer to a bachelor’s program. A.S. programs are a good balance of general education coursework and hands-on training with the end goal of preparing you to enter the workforce with a competitive skill set. The A.S. degree typically takes two years to complete.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE A bachelor’s degree is the highest degree you can achieve in undergraduate education. Santa Fe College offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degrees in certain program areas. For most, a bachelor’s degree at SF is the next step after obtaining an A.A. or an A.S. degree. It allows students to continue to build skills and advance in a career field. A bachelor’s degree typically requires two additional years after completing an A.A. or A.S. degree.

PROGRAMS OFFERED • Cardiovascular Sonography • Central Sterile Processing Technology • Computed Tomography • Dental Programs • Diagnostic Medical Sonography • Invasive Cardiovascular Technology • Nuclear Medicine Technology • Nursing Programs • Physical Therapist Assistant • Polysomnography • Radiography • Respiratory Care • Surgical Services

INVASIVE CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) Interventional Cardiovascular Technologists are vital members of the cardiac catheterization laboratory team, working alongside doctors and nurses. They assist in invasive diagnostic or corrective procedures of the heart and/or arteries. They are responsible for obtaining all necessary equipment, positioning and imaging patients, resolving equipment issues, and demonstrating knowledge of human anatomy, radiation safety, interventional supplies and equipment operation. Many cardiac catheterization labs require technologists to be on call or work flexible schedules.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $67,260*

CARDIOVASCULAR SONOGRAPHY ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) Cardiovascular Ultrasound Technologists are often referred to as echocardiographers or vascular technologists. These technologists use ultrasound to create images of the cardiovascular system and Doppler technology to collect vital hemodynamic information from the heart and peripheral vascular system. Their work typically involves them working largely in a one-on-one capacity with patients, from neonates to the geriatric population. Knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, equipment optimization and patient care skills are essential in this line of work. Some imaging labs require technologists to be on call or work flexible schedules.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $89,340* Graduates of both of these programs are eligible to earn a nationally recognized credential in the field which is typically required for employment.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) The nuclear medicine technologist is a highly specialized health care professional who administers radiopharmaceuticals as well as other medications to patients for both diagnosis and therapy treatment. Nuclear Medicine Technology includes several subspecialties such as general nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, and positron emission tomography (PET/ CT). Using specialized imaging equipment, the nuclear medicine technologist monitors the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs in which the radiopharmaceuticals localize. Nuclear medicine technologists may also operate computed tomography (CT) scanners that are used in conjunction with nuclear medicine scanners.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $97,020*

RADIOGRAPHY ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) Radiographers operate an array of computerized imaging equipment in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices and imaging centers to assist in diagnosing disease and injury. Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Radiographers certified by ARRT are eligible for state of Florida licensure as certified radiologic technologists without additional testing.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $78,980*

RESPIRATORY CARE ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) Respiratory therapists work as part of the medical team under the supervision of a physician. They exercise considerable independent judgment in providing therapies and life support to patients with breathing disorders. Patients include those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and emphysema to acute trauma and cardiopulmonary failure. Graduates of the program are qualified to become Registered Respiratory Therapists through credentialing exams offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. This program runs in a part time format, holding classes, labs and clinics on nights and weekends.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 semesters, daytime classes or 6 semesters, evening and weekend classes MEDIAN SALARY: $80,450*

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) Diagnostic medical sonographers help answer life-changing medical questions with the aid of ultrasound technology. Sonograms are used to diagnose medical conditions by creating noninvasive images of organs, vessels and tissue. The job requires social and technical skills as a sonographer’s main priority is patient care and optimization of ultrasound images.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $89,340*

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE This hybrid program is designed for certified radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists, offering you the opportunity to qualify to take the CT certification examination. As a certified CT technologist, you will use computer-based imaging systems to construct three-dimensional images of organs to aid in the diagnosis of disease or injury.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 2 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $78,980*

POLYSOMNOGRAPHY ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE Polysomnographic technologists perform and score exams conducted to study sleep and to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national exam offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 3 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $55,071**

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE The sterile processing technician plays a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness, functionality and inventory of health care equipment. Their work ensures that patients avoid infections and that doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are able to access the instrumentation and equipment they need immediately.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 2 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $45,280

NURSING ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE The Nursing Assistant certificate program prepares you for employment in a hospital, nursing home, long-term care or extended care facility. You will study both in the classroom, in the lab, and in clinical facilities. You will be eligible to sit for the State Certified Nursing Assistant examination.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 2 months | MEDIAN SALARY: $39,430*

PRACTICAL NURSING CERTIFICATE The Practical Nursing certificate program has no prerequisites and prepares you to take the national licensure exam to become a licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.) through the Florida Board of Nursing. As an L.P.N., you can work in a variety of health care settings such as a nursing home, physician’s office or hospital, providing direct patient acute care and working jointly with registered nurses.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 3 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $62,340*

NURSING ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) The Associate in Science in Nursing program prepares you to take the national licensure exam to become a registered nurse (R.N.), licensed through the Florida Board of Nursing. As a registered nurse, you can work in a variety of health care settings, assessing patients and planning and providing patient care. Or, you may choose to continue your education to earn nursing degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 3.5 semesters, daytime classes or 5 semesters, evening and weekend classes MEDIAN SALARY: $93,600*

L.P.N. TO R.N. BRIDGE ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) If you have completed a Practical Nursing certificate program approved by the State of Florida within the past five years and are licensed as an L.P.N., you will receive 10 credits toward your A.S.N. degree through the Associate in Science in Nursing Bridge program. This program prepares you to take the Florida licensure examination to become an R.N. As a registered nurse, you can work in a variety of health care settings or you may choose to continue your education to a higher level.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 3.5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $93,600*

NURSING / R.N. TO B.S.N. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) If you already have an A.S. degree in nursing, the R.N. to B.S.N. completion program will prepare you to continue your nursing career and advance to a higher level with a bachelor’s degree. This program is designed for the working nurse, offering online courses.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 mini-semesters†, full time or 10 mini-semesters†, part time MEDIAN SALARY: $93,600*

Mini-semesters are 7 weeks each.

†

DENTAL ASSISTING CERTIFICATE The Dental Assisting certificate program prepares you to take the Dental Assisting National Board’s certification exam. As a dental assistant, you will perform supportive tasks in a dental office such as performing chairside functions along with the dentist, completing medical histories, lab work and taking X-rays.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 2.5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $47,300*

DENTAL HYGIENE ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) The Dental Hygiene A.S. degree program prepares you for national certification and state licensure as a dental hygienist. As a dental hygienist, you will work in a dental office performing functions such as scaling and polishing patients’ teeth, taking X-rays, administering local anesthesia and providing other dental treatments. Career research opportunities exist in private dental practice, public health and teaching.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $94,260*

DENTAL ASSISTING TO DENTAL HYGIENE BRIDGE ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) If you have already completed an accredited dental assisting program, are certified by the Dental Assisting National Board and have one year of chairside dental assisting experience after graduation, you qualify for the Dental Hygiene Bridge program. In this program, you will earn your A.S. degree and be prepared for national certification and state licensure as a dental hygienist.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 3.5 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $94,260*

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (PTA) ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) If you enjoy helping others and have a background in science, you might enjoy a rewarding career as a PTA. PTA’s work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to help rehabilitate patients with illnesses, injuries or disabilities that limit movement and ability to perform daily activities. This program meets the requirements of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and will prepare you to work in various settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, sports, wellness, schools, homes and other settings.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $60,050*

SURGICAL SERVICES ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) The A.S. program in Surgical Services prepares you to become a qualified surgical technologist - a key member of the surgical team responsible for passing sterile instruments, supplies and other equipment to the surgeon. Job opportunities exist in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, labor and delivery departments, organ procurement labs and implant sales.

PROGRAM LENGTH: 4 semesters | MEDIAN SALARY: $62,480* 14

DID YOU SEE A PROGRAM THAT INTERESTS YOU? TAKE THE FIRST STEP: The first important step in exploring an exciting career in Health Sciences is to meet with a Health Sciences Advisor. Current students may make appointments through eSantaFe and anyone can use our drop-in services. In person and Zoom drop in are available. You can find the Zoom link at https://www.sfcollege.edu/academics/cte/health/contact. Students may call 352-395-5650, email HealthSciences.Advising@sfcollege.edu or visit sfcollege.edu/cte/health for more information and Advising Office location.

TOPICS TO DISCUSS: Topics to discuss with an advisor include: • Differences in Health Sciences programs and professions • Career and educational opportunities after graduation • Application requirements for limited enrollment programs • Selection process for admission

DIRECTORY INFORMATION sfcollege.edu/health 352-395-5650 healthsciences.advising@sfcollege.edu

LOCATION 3000 NW 83rd Street Building W, Room 002 Gainesville, FL 32606

SALARY STATISTICS

*Salary statistics from Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 national annual median pay **Polysomnography data from payscale.com (Mar 2025) – no info on Bureau of Labor Statistics website Invasive Cardiovascular Technology A.S. $67,260 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/cardiovascular-technologists-and-technicians.htm Cardiovascular Sonography A.S. $89,340 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm Nuclear Medicine Technology A.S. $97,020 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nuclear-medicine-technologists.htm Radiography A.S. $78,980 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm Respiratory Care A.S. $80,450 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. $89,340 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm Computed Tomography A.T.C. $78,980 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm Polysomnography A.T.C. $55,071 https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Polysomnographic_Technologist Sterile Processing Technology C.C.C. $47,410 (2023) https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes319093.htm Nursing Assistant C.C. $39,430 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm Practical Nursing (L.P.N.) C.C. $62,340 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm Nursing A.S. $93,600 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm Nursing L.P.N. to A.S.N. Bridge A.S. $93,600 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm Nursing B.S.N. $93,600 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm Dental Assisting C.C. $47,300 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm Dental Hygiene A.S. $94,260 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm Dental Assisting to Dental Hygiene Bridge A.S. $94,260 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm Physical Therapist Assistant A.S. $60,050 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm Surgical Services A.S. $62,480 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm

ACCREDITATION INFORMATION The B.S.N. program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001. The A.S.N. and A.S.N. Bridge programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326. The Nursing Assistant and Practical Nursing programs are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, 42052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02, Tallahassee, FL, 32399. The Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene and Dental Hygiene Bridge programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611. The Surgical Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Polysomnography programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 113th St. N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA), 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite #339, Parker, CO 80138. The Nuclear Medicine Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), 820 W Danforth Rd, #B1, Edmond, OK 73003. The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606. The Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoArc), 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690. The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

EA/EO and ACCREDITATION COMMITMENT TO EQUAL ACCESS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to SF’s Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, 3000 NW 83rd Street, R-Annex, Room 113, Gainesville, Florida 32606, 352-395-5950, equity.officer@sfcollege.edu. ACCREDITATION STATEMENT For college and program accreditation information, visit sfcollege.edu/about/accreditation.

Paid for by funds granted under the federal Carl D. Perkins Act. Produced by SF Marketing & Communications 12-2025