Healthcare Science (HCS)

This course is designed as an introductory exploration of the healthcare sciences for entry-level students who are interested in pursuing a career in various health-related professions. This course will serve as a solid foundation for students entering a variety of health occupation programs. Core competencies shared by all health professionals such as communication, infection control, and professionalism are provided as an exposure to the reality of practice. This course assists students in acquiring the basic knowledge and professional behaviors required to work and interact with patients in a healthcare setting.

This course aims to equip students with the ability to decipher, pronounce and accurately use terminology common in the healthcare field. Medical terminology is essential for healthcare professionals, to allow for effective communication, documentation, and understanding of medical conditions, treatments, and procedures. The course will begin with principles of word construction in medical terminology, including combining forms, word roots, and combining vowels, and then systematically work through the body systems exploring medical terms that identify the anatomy, physiology, diagnostic testing, pathology, surgical and therapeutic interventions.

This seminar empowers students to develop and enhance essential employment preparations skills, including effective resume writing and interview techniques. Students will engage in practical exercises that reinforce best practices in professional communication and workplace professionalism. Additionally, the seminar introduces various career pathways available to graduates equipping students with the knowledge and strategies needed to confidently navigate their job search and career planning.

Students will be introduced to the professions of Medical Assisting (CCMA), Phlebotomy (CPT), and Patient Care Technician (CPCT) by studying the theory and skills necessary to function in a medical lab setting. Theoretical applications will focus on the entire life span, including health, health promotion, wellness, and illness. Students will apply these concepts in the college lab, including phlebotomy, preparing for, and assisting with procedures, performing point of care testing and microscopy, and following laboratory safety standards. Students are required to practice selected skills with each other during the laboratory portion of this course.

The Phlebotomy Practicum is a 60-hour hands-on clinical training course designed for students who have already completed the theoretical and practical aspects of phlebotomy training in HCS 110. The course offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience by working under the direct supervision of a certified phlebotomist in a clinical setting. The course requires a minimum of 10 successful capillary punctures and 30 successful venipunctures under the direct supervision of the phlebotomist. Students gain experience performing phlebotomy skills, demonstrating proper patient identification, choosing the correct equipment for the tests that are ordered, ensuring that the necessary preanalytical requirements have been met, using the appropriate technique, and labeling and transporting specimens according to facility protocol.

Students will be introduced to the professions of Medical Assisting (CCMA) and Patient Care Technician (CPCT) by studying the theory and skills necessary to function in a medical office setting. Theoretical applications will focus on the entire life span, including health, health promotion, wellness, and illness. Students will apply these concepts in the college lab, performing procedures such as vital signs, electrocardiograms, medication preparation and administration, assisting in physical exams, and setting up for and assisting with minor office surgeries.

Students enrolled in this course will learn the necessary skills to professionally perform the duties of a Sterile Processing Technician. Students learn to decontaminate, inspect, assemble, disassemble, package, and sterilize reusable surgical instruments and devices for healthcare facilities. In addition, students learn how to maintain and organize inventory of surgical instruments and devices.

This 400-hour practicum is designed to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and practice in Central Sterile Processing in a hospital environment. This clinical experience provides students with a setting in which they gain experience working in the sterile processing field under the supervision of a preceptor. Students will practice what they have learned about aseptic and sterile technique and how to clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, disassemble, package, and sterilize reusable surgical instruments or devices for healthcare facilities. Students will also have the opportunity to practice and hone their skills in inventory management and organization of surgical instruments and devices. Students are required to complete 400 hours of hands-on sterile processing in a hospital setting to be fully certified.

This is a concluding course for the CCMA and CPCT certificates. This course provides practical experience in local healthcare facilities through the completion of 180 hours of supervised, unpaid field experience, with conferences covering administrative office roles and responsibilities. Students will enhance their knowledge and reflect on their clinical experience by creating a portfolio of their work during their clinical health sciences education experience.