To complete an associates degree s student typically has to complete credit how many hours

The answer is:  "60 [semester] units" .

The is the general requirement for ANY associate degree—whether "academic" (Associate of Arts, or "A.A." degree);  or for "applied" (Associate of Science, or, "A.S." degree—which theoretically requires courss in specific occupational or trade/vocational skills (e.g. computer information systems/network engineering/welding, drafting);  or "ADN" {Associate Degree in Nursing); which is licensed by the State Board of Nursing at the particular community college; and upon completion—allows the student to take a certification exam to become a state-licensed registered nurse {R.N.}.  
      Regardless, all "Associate degrees", which are generally offered at accredited community colleges (a.k.a. city colleges/junior colleges); and may have mostly "online-only programs" require "60 units total" —even if the student does NOT plan to transfer to a 4-year university.  Among these 60 units, the units within classes required for a particular program of study count toward the "60 units" —and so do the "general education classes" taken at that college (which are required for any associate degree).  Beyond that, if there is still a deficit in units, electives in any approved course(s) may be taken to fulfill that deficit.