Allied Health
Allied Health (AH) Courses
AH 108 Introduction to Health Occupations
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides an introduction to the healthcare field and to the core foundational skills needed by all healthcare workers. Topics include types of healthcare delivery systems and careers, history and trends of healthcare, law and ethics pertaining to healthcare, personal qualities of healthcare workers, confidentiality and reportable incidents, and infection control and safety policies for healthcare settings. Students will research healthcare careers and relate them to their own interests, values, and abilities. This course is open to all students wishing to explore the healthcare industry. A field trip to a local healthcare facility may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- differentiate between the various healthcare agencies and facilities, their delivery systems, organizational structure, and major services provided.
- compare and contrast the roles, responsibilities, and educational requirements of different healthcare careers.
- identify and apply legal and ethical principles to common situations encountered in the healthcare setting.
- describe the basic principles and procedures for controlling the spread of infections and promoting safety in the healthcare setting.
- recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and humility required of healthcare providers.
AH 109 Direct Caregiver Training: Adult and Elderly
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 6 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides direct caregivers the initial 20-hour component (of 40 hours total) required prior to working independently with residents in residential care communities for elderly (RCFE) settings. Topics include those required by state law: personal care services; physical limitations and psychosocial needs of the elderly; residents’ rights; medication management; emergency management; dementia care; postural supports, and cultural competency. California law, specifically Health and Safety Code section 1569.625, dictates the initial 40 hours of direct caregivers training. *RCFE employees must meet specific requirements prior to hire. Students should consider these requirements prior to registering for the course. All employees must pass a criminal background check, and possess the physical and mental ability to perform direct caregiver work. Please reference California Assisted Living Association: http://caassistedliving.org/provider-resources/laws-regulations/staff-training/
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe protocols relevant to care of residents with postural supports, restricted conditions, or in hospice care.
- give examples of psychosocial needs of the elderly.
- demonstrate understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias including communication challenges and behaviors.
- demonstrate understanding of cultural influences and how lack of awareness may lead to poor resident outcomes.
AH 119 Careers in Direct Caregiving: Assisted Living and Memory Care
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides an overview of California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and the population served in assisted living and memory care facilities. The eight hours of didactic medication technician training as required in California Health and Safety Code 1569.69, is incorporated into this course. The role of activity coordinator in assisted living is also covered. Other topics include aspects of aging; techniques to better communicate with the elderly including socialization; differences between various long term care settings and career opportunities in RCFE.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the roles and responsibilities of a medication technician in an RCFE setting according to Title 22, division 6, chapter 8.
- evaluate the psychosocial needs of the elderly in a long term care setting and create five sample activities to meet the needs of an RCFE resident.
- differentiate between various long term care settings and the career opportunities offered at RCFE setting.
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 provides an orientation to medical language including basic structure of medical term prefixes, suffixes, and roots, and combining forms with emphasis on analysis, spelling, and pronunciation. 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. The purchase of a standard medical dictionary is required. This course was formerly known as AH 110.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the structural design of medical terms and understand the meaning of combinations of word elements.
- spell and pronounce medical terms.
- utilize medical terms correctly as they apply to the systems of the body - anatomy, physiology, disease, diagnosis, and treatment.
- interpret medical abbreviations and descriptive terms.
- translate healthcare reports and records into plain English words.
AH 498 Work Experience in Allied Health
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Allied Health. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 27 hours of related paid or unpaid work experience for .5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in a field of study or career as written in the minimum 3 learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- manage personal career plans and decision making using industry & workforce information and online resources.
- behave professionally and ethically, exhibit adaptability, initiative, self-awareness and self-management as needed.
- exhibit effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills at work with consideration to workplace dynamics and social and diversity awareness.
- demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the workplace.
Public Service, Health, and Education
This program is part of the Public Service, Health, and Education meta-major.