Sailors Now Eligible to Earn Health Science Degree through U.S. Naval Community College

Sailors who are passionate about health science now have the chance to apply for admission at the U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC). The USNCC, which launched last fall after being established in 2019, is part of a broader effort to improve enlisted education within the Navy. The college has partnered with Western Governors University to offer sailors an associate degree in health science that covers topics such as health science management, planning, coordination, processes, and protocols.

According to Randi Cosentino, president of the USNCC, medical roles are critical within the fleet and this knowledge is vital for various military specialties and humanitarian missions. The degree program is designed to be completed entirely online, allowing sailors to further their education while potentially pursuing careers as Hospital Corpsmen or Health Services Technicians.

Once sailors earn their associate degree through the USNCC, they have the option to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain their bachelor’s degree using their tuition assistance or GI Bill credits. Julia Gage, director of military engagement at Western Governors University, highlighted the flexibility and speed at which students can progress through the program.

The USNCC was founded as part of former Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer’s “Education for Seapower” campaign aimed at enhancing the Navy’s intellectual advancement. In January 2021, the community college launched its first pilot program offering courses in subjects like nuclear field, cybersecurity, data analytics, English math and naval ethics. By 2028, the USNCC plans to be fully operational and offer associate degrees in up to 25 different areas of study.