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 common 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
HS 040 welcomes students into the vibrant world of Public Health. Throughout the course, participants will explore fundamental concepts and terminology, alongside the inspiring history and achievements of public health leaders and organizations. We'll provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse roles within the field, coupled with an engaging examination of its core disciplines. Together, we'll delve into a variety of essential topics, including the epidemiology of infectious and chronic diseases. We'll discuss strategies for disease prevention and control, emphasizing the analysis of social determinants of health and inclusive approaches to address disparities among diverse populations. Additionally, we'll explore the importance of community organizing and health promotion initiatives, environmental health and safety measures, global health challenges, and the intricacies of healthcare policy and management. Throughout our exploration, we'll foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, recognizing the richness of diversity and perspectives within public health.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 001A (ENGL C1000)

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

PH 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 001A (ENGL C1000) or HE 035

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

PH 103

Social Determinants of Health, Disparities and Equities
HS 048 examines personal and social determinants of health through examination of the role individuals play in their own health and well-being, along with the impact of environmental, social, structural, and cultural factors that also affect individual, community, and public health. Emphasis will be placed on the preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by populations that have been disadvantaged by their social or economic status, geographic location, environment, racial and ethnic minority status, disabilities status, gender, people who are LGBTQI+, people with limited English proficiency, and other groups. Learners will develop culturally competent ideas to bridge health equity gaps and improve population health.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 001A (ENGL C1000)

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

C-ID:

PH 113

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

Prerequisite(s):

Students must be at least 17 years of age, pass a physical examination, and submit fingerprints for FBI and DOJ clearance; Students must possess an "American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider" certificate.

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 Assisting Administrative
HS 082 focuses on the essential front-office/administrative and basic computer skills necessary to support doctors and other medical personnel in front-office and clinical settings as administrative medical assistants. To prepare for a career in the field, you will participate in classroom activities, paced technology activities, and skills lab learning

Class Hours:

117 Lecture | 81 Laboratory

Prerequisite(s):

BUS-028 and HS-080 or HS-005

Entrance Skills:

1) College-level reading and writing in English, 2) Computer literacy skills including Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Outlook, and 3) Certification- CPR for Health Care Provider - American Heart Association

Medical Assisting Clinical
HS 084 focuses on the essential back-office clinical skills necessary to support doctors and other medical personnel in a variety of office and clinical settings as a back-office medical assistant. You will participate in the classroom, skills lab, and community learning activities as a part of this course. This course meets the standards and guidelines adopted by the American Association of Medical Assistants Medical Assisting Review Board and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Class Hours:

117 Lecture | 81 Laboratory

Prerequisite(s):

HS-082

Entrance Skills:

Certification- CPR for Health Care Provider - American Heart Association

Medical Assisting Externship
HS 086X is a practical application of the theory and skills learned in the classroom and lab. In this variable unit course, you will participate in the physician's office or clinic providing services under the direct supervision of the clinic manager or physician and the indirect supervision of the internship instructor. In this course you will apply the principles and skills you have learned in class and skills lab to a real-world medical office. Students completing Medical Assisting Administrative will complete 54 hours (1 unit) and students completing Medical Assisting Clinical will complete 108 hours (2 units). To earn the Medical Assisting Certificate of Completion you will complete a total of 162 hours of Medical Assisting Externship.

Class Hours:

Work Experience

Prerequisite(s):

HS 082 or HS 084

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