Is there a health degree that is more hands on?

[KittenMittens]

Would after completing any of the above mentioned program, the Health Studies Concentration at COSC open any doors down the road?

To some degree, but I don't think it's necessary for getting into any of the types of programs you mentioned. If this is what you're talking about: Health Studies - Charter Oak State College

It appears that it covers some important courses i.e. anatomy & physiology (2 semesters worth), & microbiology, but almost universally most programs tend to like courses in:

anatomy and physiology (probably 1 - 2 semesters for 3 - 8 credits without lab or with it), microbiology with lab, statistics (maybe do ALEKS Statistics), if you still have even more interest, then look into biochemistry (no lab), and then maybe genetics (no lab) imho. And also the general pre-req science courses Chem I & II w/ lab, Bio I & II w/ lab

In this order, it would probably get harder with microbiology, biochemistry and genetics being "hard" for "different reasons." Microbiology is a lot of memorizing of stuff like bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc., plus labs take a lot of time for only one credit, biochemistry is a lot of technical molecular pathways i.e. krebs cycle, glycolysis, etc. and genetics is technical because of the concepts of DNA replication and the different protein transcription factors you'd have to memorize.

Here's a good thread on this matter: http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...post184216

And here's a sample outline of courses you can take: https://www.amc.edu/academic/PhysicianAs...sions.html

The important thing is that you don't need to complete a degree in science as long as you fulfill your program requirements which are typically the same for both undergraduate and graduate level programs. Focus on maintaining a high GPA (above 3.7), and getting As on all the science courses, as GPA is extremely important for getting in and doing well. If anything do a degree that you find easy, and can do well on.

From what you've described, occupational therapy is a very attractive and well paying job as well and it's typically in very high demand (around $76,000 salary). Also check out PA school (linked above), it's basically mini-med school, over 1.5 - 2 years or so, and you'll make about $100 - $120,000 out of the program. Both of these can/are very hands on if you go into the right specialty i.e. sports medicine/orthopedic surgery kinda stuff. For PA programs, they do typically need about 1000 hours of volunteer/clinical experience before getting in but it's a very attractive option if motivated enough. Also check out the SDN forums regarding health programs. Keep in mind though that PA school (Physician Assistant) is not a "low level" thing by any means. It's not like a medical assistant by any means, you're essentially have the same clinical skills as a doctor except with less theory. You can say that it's medical school + residency on crack, but I think it's a better option for many than going into family practice/internal medicine for financial/time reasons.