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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Allied Health

Allied Health

Overview

Allied Health educational programs seek to prepare competent allied health professionals and leaders for practice across both nursing and non-nursing disciplines.

Allied health programs prepare students to directly provide services to patients or serve in roles that support healthcare providers in a variety of health fields such as: physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and dietitians, dental hygienists, licensed vocational nursing, registered nursing and many more.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.S. in Pre-Health Occupations
  • Community Health Care Worker Certificate
  • Healthcare Business Certificate
  • Pre-Health Occupations Certificate

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, 2026

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 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers 3
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3) 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)
BIOL 302 Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology (3) 3 - 101
or [ BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
and BIOL 431 ] 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 C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
   or COMM 481 Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (3)
EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span (3) 3
   or PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (3) 3 - 4
   or ESLW 340 Advanced Composition (4)
   or ENGL 488 Honors College Composition and Research (4)
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies 3
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 480 Nutrition Honors (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3) 3
Total Units: 36.5 - 51

1BIOL 302 was formerly BIOL 100.

The Pre-Health Occupations Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. 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 the 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, 2026

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)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
SOC 385 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
   or CSP 305 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
Total Units: 23.5

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 Healthcare 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 prepares students to work at a number of entry-level positions in the insurance industry and health organizations, and serves as a springboard to other health professions.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
AH 106 Communication for Allied Health Careers 2
AH 108 Introduction to Health Occupations 2
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: 16

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 trains students in skills such as analysis of data, computer application processes, project management, and other health and business concepts. This allows 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, 2026

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 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers 3
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3) 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)
BIOL 302 Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology (3) 3 - 101
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
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies 3
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 C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Total Units: 16 - 25

1BIOL 302 was formerly BIOL 100.

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 the 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, 2026

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.

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, 2026

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.

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, 2026

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.

AH 103 U.S. Healthcare Systems and Third Party Payers

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGRD 110, LTAT 300, and TELA 300 with grades of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 104 Aging and its Implications for Health Care

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:9 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 105 Community Health Resources

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:CISC 300, LIBR 307, LTAT 300, or TELA 300 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 106 Communication for Allied Health Careers

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

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, 2026

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.

AH 121 Social Determinants of Health

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGRD 110, LTAT 300, and TELA 300 with grades of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

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, LTAT 300, and TELA 300 with grades of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 126 Sensation and Daily Life: Strategies for Success

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

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, 2026

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.

AH 295 Independent Studies in Allied Health

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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).

AH 299 Experimental Offering in Allied Health

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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, 2026

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.

AH 301 Health Care in a Multicultural Society

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 312 Medical Terminology In Spanish

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 495 Independent Studies in Allied Health

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

AH 499 Experimental Offering in Allied Health

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog