Allied Health
Overview
Allied Health educational programs seek to prepare competent allied health professionals and leaders for practice across multiple health care settings.
Professions that are often listed as "allied health" include many of the well-known non-nurse, non-physician health care providers such as: physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists; nutritionists and dietitians, dental hygienists and dental assistants; EMTs, paramedics and health educators.
Career
Entry to mid-level
- Healthcare Office Assistant
- Health IT Specialist: $45,000
- Physician Assistant: $112,000
The Pre-Health Occupations Associate in Science degree offers an interdisciplinary approach of study for students interested in a variety of allied health careers. The degree will allow students to pursue a rigorous course of study before selecting the health occupation that best suits their career interests. With an emphasis on basic science and culturally competent patient care, the degree offered will prepare students to excel in a wide-range of health care fields. Students completing the degree will be prepared to enter programs for careers in nursing, dental hygiene or assisting, occupational therapy assisting, physical therapist assisting, and others. Students may also choose to complete this degree in preparation for transfer to a Health Sciences Baccalaureate degree program.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
Certificates
- Interim Dean Paulette Lopez, EdD
- Department Chair Ashpreet K. Singh
- Meta Major Health and Health Professions
- Phone (916) 558-2638
- Email SCC-HealthOccupations@scc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree
A.S. in Pre-Health Occupations
The Pre-Health Occupations Associate in Science degree offers an interdisciplinary approach of study for students interested in a variety of allied health careers. The degree will allow students to pursue a rigorous course of study before selecting the health occupation that best suits their career interests. With an emphasis on basic science and culturally competent patient care, the degree offered will prepare students to excel in a wide-range of health care fields. Students completing the degree will be prepared to enter programs for careers in nursing, dental hygiene or assisting, occupational therapy assisting, physical therapist assisting, and others. Students may also choose to complete this degree in preparation for transfer to a Health Sciences Baccalaureate degree program. Completion of the program does not guarantee enrollment in any health occupation program.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AH 108 | Introduction to Health Occupations (2) | 0.5 - 2 |
| or DAST 100 | Introduction to Dental Assisting (1) | |
| or DHYG 100 | Introduction to Dental Hygiene (0.5) | |
| or OTA 100 | Introduction to Occupational Therapy (1) | |
| or PTA 100 | Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant (1.5) | |
| AH 301 | Health Care in a Multicultural Society (3) | 3 |
| or ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or ANTH 481 | Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| or SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| or SOC 482 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3) | |
| AH 311 | Medical Language for Health-Care Providers | 3 |
| BIOL 100 | Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology (3) | 3 - 10 |
| or [ BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| and BIOL 430 ] | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM 309 | Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5) | 5 - 10 |
| or [ CHEM 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| and CHEM 306 ] | Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| COMM 301 | Introduction to Public Speaking (3) | 3 |
| or COMM 331 | Group Discussion (3) | |
| EDUC 300 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| ENGWR 300 | College Composition (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or ESLW 340 | Advanced Composition (4) | |
| or ENGWR 488 | Honors College Composition and Research (4) | |
| NUTRI 300 | Nutrition (3) | 3 |
| or NUTRI 480 | Nutrition Honors (3) | |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 480 | Honors General Principles (3) | |
| Total Units: | 33.5 - 48 |
The Pre-Health Occupations Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- adhere to safety protocols and proper lab techniques.
- demonstrate professionalism in a range of interactions and settings.
- articulate career options and necessary educational pathways.
- demonstrate ability to read and understand basic medical terminology.
- demonstrate self-responsibility as part of an academic community and a health care team.
- list all eleven body systems and describe the structure and function of each system.
- receive feedback as a tool for personal and professional growth.
- describe the role that culture and diversity play in patient care.
- distinguish between subjective viewpoints and objective data.
- use qualitative and quantitative methods to interpret data.
- use evidence as a foundation for critical thinking and decision-making.
- describe the principles of nutrition and their effect on health.
Career Information
Upon completion students are prepared to enter a range of Allied Health and Nursing training programs. This may include training programs for professions such as: nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapy assistant, respiratory therapy, and radiology technician.
Certificates of Achievement
Community Health Care Worker Certificate
The Community Health Care Worker Certificate of Achievement consists of multi-disciplinary coursework to prepare individuals to work within the social service, public health, or health care workforce as Community Health Workers. This certificate program is designed to provide training in front-line public health care with an understanding of and connection to the communities served. It also provides training in facilitating patient access to health and social services to improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Students will develop the skills to provide culturally appropriate health education and information, assist people in receiving the care they need, give informal counseling and guidance on health behaviors, and advocate for individuals and community health needs.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AH 106 | Communication for Allied Health Careers | 2 |
| AH 301 | Health Care in a Multicultural Society | 3 |
| CHW 101 | Introduction to Community Health Work | 1.5 |
| CHW 103 | U.S. Healthcare Systems and Third Party Payers | 2 |
| CHW 105 | Community Health Resources | 2 |
| CHW 121 | Social Determinants of Health | 2 |
| CHW 123 | Prevention and Management of Chronic Conditions | 2 |
| SOC 375 | Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) | 3 |
| or CSP 302 | Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) | |
| SOC 382 | Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) | 3 |
| or CSP 301 | Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) | |
| SOC 385 | Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 -4) | 2 - 4 |
| or CSP 305 | Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 -4) | |
| Total Units: | 22.5 - 24.5 |
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Complete the online application.
- In the event there are more applicants than spaces available, students who meet the enrollment eligibility requirements will be entered into a random selection pool.
- Through the random selection process, applicants are assigned a number. The first thirty applicants are offered enrollment into the program. The remaining applicants are alternates and will be notified in numerical order if and when seats become available.
- Students must reapply each year. Students who have submitted complete and qualified applications in prior sequential years will receive entries in the random selection equal to the number of years they have applied.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- clarify roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice of Community Health Workers.
- investigate complex service delivery systems within the U.S. healthcare system and key legal responsibilities within the context of health service delivery systems.
- use accepted terminology to describe findings, patterns, habits, and behaviors that prevent the development and progression of common physical, mental and behavioral conditions and recommend strategies that reduce high-utilization of unnecessary healthcare services.
- demonstrate the ability to accurately report and document client assessments, interventions, changes in status, and outcomes in the written and electronic medical record (EMR).
- utilize a variety of outreach methods with individuals, groups, organizations and the community to engage with and help them learn about and use resources to improve their health and well-being.
- identify conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.
- evaluate and inventory available community resources, including health and social services.
- demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with technology, including web-based applications, productivity software suite or package and electronic health record systems.
- communicate effectively and purposefully with clients, community members, colleagues and other professionals as demonstrated by listening carefully and communicating respectfully.
- demonstrate the ability to advocate and build capacity for individual and community health.
- incorporate professional and ethical boundaries, conflict resolution, self-care, time management, and skills for providing and receiving constructive feedback to assist in working within a professional setting.
- collect and synthesize information in order to understand the needs, strengths, and resources of the individuals and communities that Community Health Workers serve.
- utilize information collected to help plan and carry out effective programs, services and advocacy for individuals and communities.
- provide culturally competent care by applying knowledge of cultural beliefs, values, customs and social behavior shared by different groups of people with a common identity.
- educate and promote healthy behavior change by providing people with information, tools and encouragement.
- understand how to bridge cultural, linguistic, knowledge and literacy differences among individuals, families, communities and providers in order to tell them how to use the services of health providers and other service organizations.
- assess, analyze, and apply sociological and community development theory, research methods and practice.
Career Information
Common job titles for Community Health Care Workers include: patient/health navigator, case manager/case worker, health educator, community health educator, community outreach worker, and enrollment specialist. Community Health Care Workers (CHWs) serve as liaisons/intermediaries between health and social services and the community to promote, maintain and improve individual and community access to health care services; assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors; and improve the quality and cultural competence of services delivered. Common tasks/responsibilities include: facilitating access to health services (scheduling appointments, completing provider forms, scheduling transportation); conducting outreach to community members; and providing community and health education.
Healthcare Business Certificate
The Health Business Certificate program is designed to provide students the opportunity to achieve a certificate that combines health science with basic administrative skills. The program prepares students for work in a variety of settings by providing a combination of necessary skills such as computer applications, keyboarding, business communication, and operating systems with basic principles of medical terminology, health systems, insurance, and project management. This program will prepare students to work at a number of entry-level positions in the insurance industry and health organizations, and serve as a springboard to other health professions.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AH 106 | Communication for Allied Health Careers | 2 |
| AH 108 | Introduction to Health Occupations | 2 |
| AH 300 | Introduction to Project Management for Healthcare | 3 |
| AH 311 | Medical Language for Health-Care Providers | 3 |
| CISA 305 | Beginning Word Processing | 2 |
| CISA 315 | Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets | 2 |
| CISA 323 | Database Management using Microsoft Access | 2 |
| CISC 300 | Computer Familiarization | 1 |
| CHW 103 | U.S. Healthcare Systems and Third Party Payers | 2 |
| Total Units: | 19 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate the connection between all stakeholders using the fundamentals of project management in health systems.
- manage case files and insurance forms, including interpreting medical coding systems, medical documentation, and third-party payers.
- apply effective written and verbal communication methods using common business computer applications.
- evaluate various business circumstances and apply critical thinking and evidence-based research to formulate a resolution.
- identify and translate medical documents, reports, documentation, and legal considerations.
- compare and contrast the various US health care systems and third-party payers.
- identify and apply legal, ethical, and professional principles to common situations encountered in health care occupations.
- demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with technology, including web-based applications, Microsoft Office, and other systems.
- incorporate understanding and application of industry knowledge and theoretical concepts from work experience sites in the development and implementation of management projects.
Career Information
This program will train students in skills such as analysis of data, computer application processes, project management, and other health and business concepts. This will allow them to meet specific health insurance and other health industry needs.
Pre-Health Occupations Certificate
The Pre-Health Occupations Certificate of Achievement consists of general education and prerequisite coursework for students preparing to enter nursing and allied health programs. Opportunities for career exploration are provided, as well as skill development in professionalism and cultural competency. The certificate program is designed to help students develop self-advocacy skills and a strong academic foundation necessary to study in a health occupations program. Upon successful completion of this coursework, students achieve recognition in the form of a certificate. Completion of the certificate does not guarantee enrollment in any health occupation programs.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AH 108 | Introduction to Health Occupations (2) | 0.5 - 2 |
| or DAST 100 | Introduction to Dental Assisting (1) | |
| or DHYG 100 | Introduction to Dental Hygiene (0.5) | |
| or OTA 100 | Introduction to Occupational Therapy (1) | |
| or PTA 100 | Introduction to Physical Therapist Assistant (1.5) | |
| AH 301 | Health Care in a Multicultural Society (3) | 3 |
| or ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or ANTH 481 | Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| or SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| or SOC 482 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3) | |
| AH 311 | Medical Language for Health-Care Providers | 3 |
| BIOL 100 | Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology (3) | 3 - 10 |
| or [ BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| and BIOL 431 ] | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| ENGRD 315 | Reading Across the Disciplines for Content Courses | 0.5 -1 |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| EDUC 300 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| or PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | |
| or PSYC 480 | Honors General Principles (3) | |
| Total Units: | 13 - 22 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe career options in the healthcare field and their related educational pathways.
- demonstrate basic academic strategies for success in health programs.
- demonstrate ability to read and understand basic medical terminology.
- list all eleven body systems and describe the structure and function of each system.
- discuss the milestones in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of humans from conception through the lifespan and how these relate to healthcare practice.
- explain general principles of psychology and the psychological factors that influence health and illness in human conditions.
- examine cultural factors that influence communication, compliance, and outcomes in healthcare settings and develop strategies for cultural competency.
- recognize the professional behavior that is required of healthcare providers.
Career Information
The need for nursing and allied health providers has increased in the last several years. This program is designed for students contemplating a career in vocational or registered nursing, dental assisting, dental hygiene, occupational therapy assisting, or physical therapy assisting as well as other allied health careers.
Allied Health (AH) Courses
AH 100 Professional Ethics of Health Team Members
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to professional and ethical behaviors of health team members. Students utilize a problem-solving process for analysis of common ethical dilemmas in health care. Emphasis is on integration of personal values, ethical principles, and legal regulations in ethical decision making.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast the role and influence of morality, ethics, laws, and regulations on professional practice.
- describe personal values that influence ethical decision making.
- define the following principles related to professional ethics: nonmaleficence, beneficence, fidelity, autonomy, veracity, justice.
- cite common examples of ethical and legal problems or dilemmas in the health professions.
- list and apply the steps in the process of making sound ethical decisions.
- recognize the importance of patients' rights, including confidentiality of patient information (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
- recognize behavior that may result from stereotypes, biases, and prejudices.
- discuss the purpose and enforcement of laws such as those under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- recognize the responsibility to act as a patient advocate with respect to addressing patient needs resulting from cultural and/or individual differences.
- discuss common bioethical issues such as access to health care, end-of-life care, and physician assisted suicide.
- compare and contrast characteristics, and legal and ethical responsibilities, of professionals and para-professionals in the field of health care.
- recognize the ethical and legal responsibility to submit accurate documentation to substantiate billing.
- describe the role of judicial, disciplinary, and ethics committees.
- describe the health care provider's responsibility to protect the public and the profession by reporting unethical, incompetent, or illegal acts.
- recognize the ethical and professional responsibility to regularly engage in self-assessment and personal goal setting.
AH 101 Introduction to Community Health Work
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGRD 110 and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is designed to introduce students to the broad perspective of community health work by applying different concepts with emphasis on health promotion and primary health care. The course will examine different health promotion and disease prevention strategies that are used as primary health and population-based methods. Public health, home health care settings, and clinic/hospital-based services will be addressed. Emphasis is placed on family-wellness and illness in various community settings using examples of various communities and cultural settings throughout California. Aspects of community health are explored based on a demographic and epidemiological approach as well as building an environmental awareness and acquiring problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the role and practice of a community health worker.
- identify findings, patterns, habits, and behaviors that prevent the development and progression of common diseases/disorders and reduce utilization of unnecessary healthcare services.
- explain the different health concerns across a person’s lifespan.
- demonstrate how to conduct home visitations to monitor health needs and reinforce treatment regimens.
- identify accepted terminology to describe findings, patterns, habits, and behaviors of clients.
- identify self-care practices and self-improvement goals.
AH 102 Health Education of Patients and Family
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:LIBR 307 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the role of the health care professional as an educator of patients/clients and health care staff. Students will explore the major teaching and learning theories, and how they are applied to health care practice. This course covers characteristics of the learner including determinants of learning, adult literacy, compliance and motivation, cultural influences, and learning styles. Techniques and strategies for teaching and learning are presented.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the role of the health care provider as an educator.
- explain the major teaching and learning theories and their application to health care.
- recognize various sources of patient education materials and evaluate them for bias, language, and cost.
- select appropriate sources of patient education materials for a variety of patient populations.
- differentiate between goals and objectives and write effective behavioral objectives.
- prepare a lesson plan for teaching a patient and/or the patient's family; implement the plan and critically evaluate whether or not the objectives were fulfilled.
- prepare and deliver a lesson plan for teaching a group of patients who have similar problems.
- evaluate other students' lesson plan presentations and provide feedback regarding the attainment of objectives and style of presentation.
- accept feedback from instructors and other students regarding attainment of objectives and style of presentation to improve teaching style.
AH 103 U.S. Healthcare Systems and Third Party Payers
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGRD 110 and LTAT 300 with grades of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
The United States healthcare system is complex, organized by systems and programs by which health services are made available to the population and financed by government entities, private enterprises, or both. Various systems work on different aspects of providing care throughout the spectrum of health. This course provides an overview of the United States healthcare system as it has developed during the past century. Students are expected to achieve a basic understanding of the building blocks in anticipation of future careers and employment in the healthcare industry of the United States.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the major components of the current and potential healthcare delivery systems in the United States.
- describe the aspects of the “Triple Aim” of the U.S. healthcare system.
- compare and contrast aspects of the U.S. healthcare system to those of other countries.
- anticipate the interaction of healthcare providers and diverse patients and families with the various components of the U.S. healthcare system.
- describe the theories and models of leadership and management most effective in the current and potential U.S. healthcare systems.
- discuss the impact of selected cultures on the ability of healthcare providers and the U.S. healthcare system to meet the healthcare needs of patients, families and communities.
- describe the communication styles of the primary U.S. healthcare providers, e.g., administrators, financial officers, managers, physicians, nurses, and patients from low, moderate and high socioeconomic status.
- identify entry points into the various U.S. healthcare delivery systems.
AH 104 Aging and its Implications for Health Care
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces topics related to aging and their implication for health care providers. Emphasis is on socioeconomic and psychological aspects of aging, as well as normal age-related physiological changes. An overview of community resources that serve the older populations' health and dental needs is also included.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the major socioeconomic characteristics of the older population, including ethnic, economic, education, family, religious, cultural, and residential factors.
- discuss the influence of demographic and economic factors on health and dental care.
- demonstrate understanding of basic mental health and cognitive function of the older adult.
- describe key health promoting and disease prevention activities appropriate for older people.
- identify age-related physiological changes.
- interact with other health care professionals and community resources in order to provide coordinated care to older adults.
AH 105 Community Health Resources
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:CISC 300, LIBR 307, or LTAT 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is designed to introduce students to the broad perspective of community health resources in the Greater Sacramento service area. Through various lectures from representatives of area organizations, students will gather community resources to assist clients with addressing their health needs.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compile a database of community resources.
- identify the available community resources in the Greater Sacramento service area, including health and social services.
- apply accepted terminology to describe findings, patterns, habits, and behaviors of clients.
- communicate with community partners and medical personnel.
- demonstrate proficiency with technology, including web-based applications, MS Office, and electronic health record systems.
AH 106 Communication for Allied Health Careers
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to communication as a therapeutic intervention for health care team members. Aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication that affect interactions with patients, family members, and other health care providers are explored. Cultural differences and the need to adjust communication approaches with sensitivity to ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexuality, disability, and health status are included. The course requires both personal reflection and class participation in role-play activities.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe and demonstrate verbal and nonverbal communication skills intended to facilitate effective interactions with patients, families, health care providers, staff, and other team members.
- conduct an effective helping interview.
- demonstrate active listening skills that reveal understanding of content and feeling.
- utilize communication techniques for resolving conflict and increasing rapport.
- differentiate between non-assertive, assertive, and aggressive behaviors in interactions with others.
- identify communication strategies for interactions that are confused or emotion laden.
- discuss the impact of culture on the delivery of health care services.
- adjust communication approaches with sensitivity to differences in ethnicity, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, age, sexuality, disability, and health status.
- describe the negative effects of labeling people with disabilities.
- list and demonstrate principles of effective patient education for individuals and groups.
- demonstrate openness and responsiveness to constructive feedback.
- be able to communicate concepts of patient confidentiality and patient's rights including informed consent and right to refuse treatment.
- evaluate their personal strengths and areas needing improvement with respect to communication style as a health care provider.
AH 108 Introduction to Health Occupations
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:LIBR 307 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides an introduction to the health care field and to the core foundational skills needed by all health care workers. Topics include types of health care delivery systems and careers, history and trends of health care, law and ethics pertaining to health care, personal qualities of health care workers, confidentiality and reportable incidents, and infection control and safety procedures for health care settings. Students will be introduced to research tools in the campus library and on the Internet. Students will use these tools to research health care careers and relate them to their own interests, values, and abilities. This course is open to all students wishing to explore the health care industry. A field trip to a local health care agency may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess the importance of the history of medicine and evolution of the health care system.
- differentiate between the various health care agencies and facilities, their delivery systems, organizational structure, and major services provided.
- compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities, scope of practice, educational requirements, personal characteristics, and employment opportunities for different health care careers.
- evaluate their interests, values, and abilities and use occupational resources to match these to potential health care careers.
- demonstrate usage of reference materials in public and medical libraries (hard copy and Internet) to research health occupations.
- identify and apply legal, ethical, and professional principles to common situations encountered in the health occupations.
- identify the personal and professional characteristics, attitudes, and rules of appearance that apply to all health care professionals.
- recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and humility required of health care providers.
- understand the basic principles and procedures for controlling the spread of infections and promoting safety in the health care setting.
- accurately spell and pronounce common medical terms and abbreviations used in health occupations.
AH 121 Social Determinants of Health
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGRD 110 and LTAT 300 with grades of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors can all have an impact on health. This course will help students understand health inequalities and how they are socially driven. Students will look at how health is affected by wider determinants and how they can make a difference as health professionals to close the health inequality gap. Through a range of case studies from high to low income countries, the student will gain a better understanding of social determinants of health, why health inequalities exist, and the role of health professionals and systems in reducing health inequality.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the models of disease causation theories.
- describe conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems that shape the conditions of daily life and health.
- identify economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, and political systems that have an impact on social determinants of health.
- describe key policies and programs in the United States aimed at improving health.
- conduct community needs assessments using data collection methods.
AH 123 Prevention and Management of Chronic Conditions
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Community Health Worker program.
- Advisory:ENGRD 110 and LTAT 300 with grades of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Chronic diseases are on the rise in the United States, leaving healthcare payers with the challenge of covering care for patients with these expensive, long-term conditions. In this course, students will learn about the most common chronic diseases, their etiology, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment. Students will learn about community preventive services, programs, and other interventions aimed at supporting patients in the successful self-management of chronic conditions. Students will also be introduced to medical terminology with an overview of the structure of medical language and basic terms.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define chronic conditions and factors that contribute to chronic conditions.
- locate acceptable online resources for information on chronic conditions including causes, data, prevention and management.
- explain the structure of medical language and introductory terms.
- identify and describe the most common chronic conditions in the U.S. including the causes, symptoms, and treatments for each of them.
- compare and contrast the medical and the public health treatment models of chronic conditions, and ways to integrate medical and public health models.
- describe the concept of patient self-management of chronic conditions and the application of client-centered concepts and skills to patients.
AH 126 Sensation and Daily Life: Strategies for Success
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
The world is filled with sensory experiences that can have both positive and negative effects on how we function. This applies to those who are in good health as well as to those who have some type of illness or impairment. With knowledge of one's sensory preferences and dislikes, individuals are able to better adapt to or modify situations and environments for improved performance in daily life. This course will enable students to identify their sensory profile and develop strategies they can use to optimize their performance in academic and life situations. In addition, this course will provide an overview of how others with illness or impairment may react to certain sensory experiences.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe how individuals react differently to sensory stimuli common in daily life situations.
- describe how illness or impairment influences one's sensory reactions.
- state his or her personal reactions to a range of sensory experiences common in daily life.
- identify strategies for modifying or adapting to distracting stimuli and enhance or increase positive stimuli in academic and workplace settings.
- distinguish between calming and alerting sensory reactions and how these influence performance in daily life tasks.
- use calming and alerting reactions for positive outcomes in academic and workplace settings.
- discuss how differences in sensory reactions might affect interpersonal communication in academic and workplace settings.
AH 290 Allied Health Skills and Applications
- Units:0.5
- Hours:27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:Concurrent enrollment in an allied health, dental assisting or hygiene, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, or physical therapist assistant course.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course offers individualized instructional modules designed to provide or improve skills in the various allied health courses. A partial list of skills may include the following: textbook comprehension, principles of learning and retention, note taking, annotating, discipline-based vocabulary, paraphrasing, reading graphics, test taking, spatial ability, proportionality, and problem solving. Registration is open through the fifth week of the semester. This course is graded Pass/No Pass.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply the chapter outlining strategy to their own allied health text.
- construct paraphrases for concepts presented in allied health textbooks or in their class notes.
- prepare notes for their allied health class via a note-taking method such as the Cornell Method.
- interpret various types of graphs and diagrams from their allied health textbook.
- create concept maps in order to see relationships between ideas presented in their allied health textbook.
- assess various test taking strategies appropriate for their allied health class.
- demonstrate ability to read "actively" in their allied health textbook.
AH 295 Independent Studies in Allied Health
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regular offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among the college, faculty member, and student(s).
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study.
AH 299 Experimental Offering in Allied Health
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
AH 300 Introduction to Project Management for Healthcare
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:CISA 305, CISA 315, CISA 323, and CISC 300 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is an introductory course covering the following topics: fundamental project management terminology, skills, concepts and techniques, how the project management processes are linked together, and role of stakeholders and organizational influences on health care and other related projects.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and describe the responsibilities of a project manager in the healthcare industry.
- compare and contrast theories of leadership and motivation.
- examine and analyze case examples and justify solutions for healthcare systems.
- define and apply project management processes and work products.
- demonstrate using project control techniques during planning, and implement the techniques during the execution of a project.
- identify and integrate into a project plan the ten knowledge areas of project management: integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management.
- describe and incorporate the characteristics of a project life cycle and health system workflow process.
- develop a class project using project management software.
AH 301 Health Care in a Multicultural Society
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); AA/AS Area VI
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
In all health professions and settings, culture is a factor that affects communication, compliance, and outcome. For best practice, cultural competency is a clinical skill that improves the relationship between patient and provider and is a skill desired by health care organizations. This course is designed to establish fundamental elements of cultural competency. Topics include cultural self-awareness and sensitivity, exploration of cultural beliefs about health and illness, health traditions and rituals, folk medicine, communication strategies, the use of language interpreters, and the influence of family roles.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze how cultural background and worldview may influence their role as a health care provider.
- describe cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competency as related to health care service delivery.
- summarize multiple cultural factors influencing an individual's perception of health and illness.
- compare a variety of health traditions practiced within a specific culture.
- select strategies for culturally competent health care service delivery.
- state strategies to prevent the negative effects of cultural bias and discrimination as they relate to health care settings.
- demonstrate the use of resources that support culturally sensitive health care delivery.
AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an orientation to medical language. Topics addressed include: basic structure of medical terms and their word-part components, term building and translation, spelling, pronunciation, and medical documentation formats. The course builds a medical vocabulary applicable to the specialties of medicine, the systems of the body, names of major diseases, and terms used in physical examination, diagnosis, and treatment. This course was formerly known as AH 110.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of a fundamental medical vocabulary and related reference materials.
- analyze, build, and translate medical terms.
- spell and pronounce medical terms.
- apply and interpret medical terms, abbreviations, and symbols as applied to systems of the human body, disease, diagnosis, and treatment.
- identify medical documentation formats, related abbreviations, and legal considerations.
- translate health care reports into common English usage.
AH 312 Medical Terminology In Spanish
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This one-unit course for allied health students and practicing health care professionals will cover basic Spanish medical terminology and conversational skills normally used within a hospital or clinical setting. Videos, readings, everyday clinical situations, and activities such as role play and improvisation will be used to introduce the grammar structures, colloquial terms, and specialized medical vocabulary that health care professionals need to communicate effectively with the growing Spanish-speaking population. Cultural issues important to successful interactions with the Spanish-speaking patient will also be discussed. Knowledge of Spanish is not a prerequisite.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate the Spanish pronunciation of the five vowels and apply to common words in Spanish.
- demonstrate the ability to correctly pronounce el alfabeto.
- describe the use of and demonstrate pronunciation of common verbs and pronouns in Spanish.
- apply appropriate common expressions in Spanish during role play.
- correctly state colors, numbers, hours, and days of the week.
- correctly pronounce and label parts of the body in Spanish.
- correctly pronounce common medical terms.
- state phrases and questions commonly used in health care in Spanish.
- investigate the cultural norms and practices of the Hispanic culture and how these guide thinking, decisions, and actions related to health care.
AH 495 Independent Studies in Allied Health
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regular offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members, and students.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- produce work independently on allied health related topics.
AH 499 Experimental Offering in Allied Health
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Community Health Worker Program Details
Science and Allied Health Tutoring Center
Health and Health Professions
This program is part of the Health and Health Professions meta major.