Course Descriptions

Medical Terminology
HS 005 emphasizes etymology of disease terms, nomenclature of medical and surgical procedures, use of prefixes, roots, combining forms and plurality of medical terms and commn medical abbreviations.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

CSU

C-ID:

HIT 103X

Occupational Work Experience
Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) develops skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. It is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively through an educational plan that incorporates work experience. Through these structured experiences, the students enrich their college studies, which enhance their total development. Occupational Work Experience is supervised employment which is intended to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in the field of the student's major. Students may earn up to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 total units. Credits are awarded for paid or voluntary work. For every 75 hours of paid work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. For every 60 hours of volunteer work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. Occupational Work Experience credits are counted as electives toward an Associate's Degree at West Hills College Coalinga and are transferable to four year universities (for specific transfer eligibility, please contact a counselor or an advisor).

Class Hours:

Work Experience

Transfers to:

CSU

Introduction to Public Health
HS040 will provide an introduction to the discipline of Public Health. Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts and terminologies of public health, and the history and accomplishments of public health officials and agencies. An overview of the functions of various public health professions and institutions, and an in-depth examination for the core public heath disciplines are covered. Topics of the discipline include the epidemiology of infectious and chronic disease; prevention and control of diseases in the community including the analysis of the social determinants of health and strategies for eliminating disease, illness and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; environmental health and safety; global health; healthcare policy and management.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

PHS 101

Drugs, Health, and Society
HS 045 provides an overview of the epidemiology and toxicology of substance abuse and its relevance to personal and public health. Students will be introduced to the concept of substance abuse and dependence, the definition of licit and illicit drugs, and the pharmacologic, neurological and physiologic effects of selected substances on the human brain. Political, social and economic factors involved in the supply and demand for drugs will be discussed. Epidemiological data on the prevalence, incidence, and trends of smoking, alcohol, prescription and other drug dependencies in the U.S. will be covered, as well as risk factors associated with the use and abuse of these substances. Current options for recovery and a survey of local resources will be reviewed.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A and HE 035

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

PHS 103

Nurse Assistant Training
HS 061 is a nine-week course approved by the Department of Health Services. A combination of theory, skills laboratory, and in-hospital training prepares the student for the certification examination that grants the title of CNA in California.

Class Hours:

63 Lecture | 135 Laboratory

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A, students must be at least 17 years of age, physical exam clearance, negative TB screen, and negative criminal background

Introduction to Medical Professional
HS 080 will present prospective health care professionals with industry related principles and expectations for participation as a functional member of the interdisciplinary health care team.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture

P/NP

Medical Terminology for Health Careers
HS 088 will present prospective health care professionals with industry related language, abbreviations, and terminology. Students will learn to build common medical terms by using prefixes, suffixes, roots and stems. Students will apply medical terminology in written and verbal communication activities.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture