Health Sciences

HS 013  General Nutrition   Units: 3

This course is a study of the chemical composition of foods and their utilization by the body. Students study the roles, functions, and interactions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Practical problems of nutrition and relationship of adequate diet to fitness, energy balance, disease risk, and lifespan. C-ID: NUTR 110
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Student Option
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: None
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: D                 IGETC: E

HS 014  Principles of Food   Units: 3

Application of food science principles with emphasis on ingredient function and interaction, food preparation techniques, sensory evaluation standards, food safety and sanitation, and nutrient composition of food. (C-ID NUTR 120)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 015  Advanced Nutrition: Modified Diets   Units: 3

This course covers principles of nutrition care for acute and chronic illnesses in order to provide modified diets and menu development for individuals with a variety of health care conditions and needs. The focus is on how dietary modifications improve a person's food intake and health.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HS 013.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 016  Certified Dietary Manager   Units: 3

Techniques and procedures of management roles are explored and developed as they relate to food handling and preparation within commercial and institutional facilities. Topics include: functions of management, marketing, menu development, effective cost controls in purchasing, as well as food labor and service techniques.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HS 013 HS 015.
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 017  Certified Dietary Manager: Clinical Lab,Experience   Units: 3

Application of techniques and procedures of management roles are explored and developed as they relate to food preparation, food handling, food safety and sanitation, and nutrient composition of food within the following types of facilities: general acute-care hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and residential-care facilities.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HS 013 HS 015 and HS 016.
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 061  Medical Terminology   Units: 3

This course introduces medical terminology as used by all health service personnel, including medical doctors, dentists, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, EMTs, medical secretaries and doctors' office assistants.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 062  Your Living Body   Units: 3

This course provides a basic overview of body structures and functions, correlated with discussion of the major diseases affecting each of the major systems. This course is required for Vocational Nursing Program.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: HS 061 & ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 064  Nurse Assistant   Units: 6

This course includes basic nursing principles used in the care of clients in long-term care facilities. The content addresses the basic needs of clients; concepts of ethics and confidentiality; techniques of communication; reporting and recording of observations and basic assessments; performance of special treatments, procedures and skills required for client care. Successful completion of the course results in eligibility to take the state-approved test that leads to certification as a nursing assistant. Malpractice Fee of $15.00.
Lecture Hours: 63         Lab Hours: 135          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 065  Basic Pharmacology   Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to basic pharmacology. Content covers major categories and classes of pharmacological agents. The actions, untoward actions, and desired and undesired effects of commonly used drugs in the major classifications are presented.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: BI 004.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 066  Home Health Aide   Units: 2

This course expands on the content taught in the nursing assistant course to provide preparation for care of residents in home care settings. The content emphasizes personal care, basic communications, safety, meal planning, and maintaining a healthful environment. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, students will be well-equipped to provide high-quality care in home health settings, and ready to meet the demands of the contemporary health care landscape.
Lecture Hours: 27         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NAA
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 067  Introduction to Med/Dosage Calculations   Units: 1

This course provides a basic foundation for the study of pharmacology and covers the general principles of drug administration with a review of arithmetic and the calculation of math dosages. It utilizes a nursing process approach which focuses on the understanding of pharmacological principles, medication administration, and the evaluation of the client's responses in the health care setting. This course is designed for the beginning vocational nursing student and other allied health care disciplines.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: MATH 060 & ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 068  Pharmacy Technician   Units: 4

This course provides technical and practical training to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam and to function as a competent entry-level assistant to the pharmacist. Topics covered include pharmacy law and regulations, sterile and non-sterile compounding, pharmacy billing and reimbursement, pharmacy inventory management, and pharmacy system usage and application.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: HS 065, HS 067, HS 074, ENG 061 & MATH 060.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 069  Optical Dispensing Technician   Units: 4

This course provides technical and practical training to prepare students for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). Topics covered include optical principles and lens technology, frame materials and measurements, contact lens fitting and evaluation, ocular anatomy and physiology, and optical laws and regulations.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: HS 061, HS 067, HS 074, ENG 061 and MATH 060.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 070  Introduction to Health Sciences   Units: 1

This course is strongly recommended for all students entering the VN or ADN programs offered at College of the Desert. It is designed to provide students interested in Health Sciences programs with detailed information about program requirements and career objectives.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 071  Strategies for Success/Nursing Program   Units: 2

This course is designed to prepare students for the successful completion of any undergraduate nursing program. Students will be given an overview of nursing program requirements and expectations and they will acquire information and skills that facilitate student success once admitted into a program. Students will also explore nursing career options, which will guide the development of their educational plan.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NAA
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 073  Introduction to Public Health   Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to public health. Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts and terminologies of public health, and the history and accomplishments of public health officals and agencies. Topics 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 diverse populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; environmental health and safety; global health; and, healthcare policy and management. (C-ID PHS 101)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 001A.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: E                 IGETC: None

HS 074  Informatics for Health Science   Units: 3

This course provides an overview of the computer software used by members of the Health Science profession. It will introduce students to the software in: assessment, planning,education, program implementation and management currently used in health science and allied health. It will introduce students to programs such as statistical packages, Project management, GIS, and Electronic Health Records. The course will also cover the legal and ethical use of software linked to client care.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 080  Electrocardiogram (ECG) Interpretation   Units: 3

This course is designed for persons interested in working with patients who require cardiac monitoring. It provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and the conduction system. Students apply analytical thinking to interpret graphic representations of normal and abnormal electrical activity of the heart. The emphasis of this course is on the interpretation of heart rhythms, lead placement, obtaining a 12 lead electrocardiogram and interpretation of cardiac rhythms that require immediate intervention.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 083A  Basic Phlebotomy   Units: 1.5

The course will prepare students to perform basic blood collection methods using appropriate techniques. Through lecture and lab experiences, students will receive training in basic infection prevention, proper patient identification, proper labeling of specimens, and quality assurance. Students will be taught specimen handling, and processing.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HS 064.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 083B  Advanced Phlebotomy   Units: 1.5

The course will prepare students to perform advanced blood collection methods using appropriate techniques. Through lecture and lab experiences, students will receive training in infection prevention, proper labeling of specimens, and quality assurance. Students will be taught advanced specimen handling,arterial puncture blood cultures and special processing. The course will be educated in the agencies that regulate phlebotomy.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: HS 083A.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 095A  Health Sciences Work Experience   Units: 1-5

This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Health Science.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 270          Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

HS 300  Nursing Skills Lab   Units: 0

This course provides an opportunity for practice and mastery of nursing skills necessary for safe patient care. It uses multimedia materials, computers and instructor assistance to improve the skills needed and is directed to students needing a review of nursing procedures. Students must complete at least 1 hour and a maximum of 54 hours to pass the course.
Noncredit Hours: 54                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance/enrollment in a nursing or HS program,(HHA, CNA, LVN, RN)
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

N 001  Basic Concepts in Nursing Practice   Units: 8

This course introduces students to the organizing framework of the program and to the nursing process. The focus is on optimum wellness. Basic care concepts and skills common to promoting, maintaining or restoring health are presented in the classroom and practiced in college and clinical laboratories. Care is focused on the needs of medical, surgical and geriatric clients. A materials fee of $80.00 - $120.00 is required for this course to cover lab learning activities.
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: 216          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Registered Nursing Program
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

N 003A  Concepts of Nursing Practice - Complex,Alterations in Health   Units: 9

Previously learned principles of medical surgical nursing will be built upon in this course. Nursing 3A focuses on promoting, maintaining or restoring health of clients with alterations in psychological and/or physiological functioning. Specific topics covered in this course include men's and women's health, health alterations in respiratory and cardiac systems, conditions of immune response, and psychosocial alterations impacting individuals and families. Clinical experiences will include both inpatient and community-based settings. A materials fee of $80.00 - $175.00 is required for this course to cover lab learning activities.
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: 270          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: N 002.
Corequisite: N 003B.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

N 003B  Issues in Nursing   Units: 0.5

This course introduces the student to the non-clinical aspects of nursing and discusses professional, credentialing, collective bargaining, nursing organizations, and legal, ethical and bioethical issues frequently encountered by the new graduate. This course may be used for continuing education credit.
Lecture Hours: 9         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: N 002.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

N 004  Concepts of Nursing Practice-Acute,Complex Alterations in Health   Units: 9.5

In this course students gain knowledge and experience with clients whose optimum level of wellness is altered by acute and complex conditions. Students will gain experience as direct care providers in the acute/critical/emergent and home health care settings utilizing concepts of care management. A materials fee of $20.00 - $50.00 is required for this course to cover lab learning activities.
Lecture Hours: 81         Lab Hours: 270          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: N 003A.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

N 057  Transition to Registered Nursing   Units: 2.5

This course is designed for licensed vocational nurses (LVN) seeking to transition into the role of a registered nurse (RN). It provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the second year of the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) program. Students will gain a deeper understanding of nursing concepts and refine their clinical skills through both theoretical and hands-on-laboratory experiences. This course is required for application to the LVN to RN program and must occur within 2 years of successful completion of the course. A materials fee of $90.00-$135.00 is required for this course to cover lab learning activities skills kit.
Lecture Hours: 27         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: BI 013, BI 014, BI 015, ENG 001A.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

VN 010  Vocational Nursing I   Units: 9

This course introduces concepts related to the role of the vocational nurse, basic skills, legal and ethical issues, critical thinking, culturally congruent care, pharmacology, fluid/electrolytes, communication and confidentiality. A foundation in normal growth and development including the gerontologic client and end of life care is presented. Using a nursing process format, care of clients with alterations in various body systems is covered.
Lecture Hours: 162         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 061 & HS 013 & HS 062 & HS 067 & PSY 001;.
Corequisite: VN 010L.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Vocational Nursing Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

VN 010L  Vocational Nursing I Lab   Units: 7

This course provides an opportunity for the practice and application of skills needed to meet the clients' basic needs and the maintenance of optimum wellness. Students care for clients with common alterations in the function various body systems. Learning experiences are provided in the on-campus lab and various clinical sites. A materials fee of $50.00 - $90.00 is required for this course to cover lab learning activities.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 378          Repeatable: No
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: HS 013 & HS 062 & HS 067;.
Corequisite: VN 010.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance to the Vocational Nursing Program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

VN 020  Vocational Nursing II   Units: 9

Building on the concepts presented in VN 010, this course discusses content related to care of the surgical client and alterations in function of gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, neurologic, and spinal cord. Students are also introduced to leadership, supervision of the VN. Introduction to maternity nursing, clients ante, intra and postpartum. Healthy newborn and alterations related to the newborn.
Lecture Hours: 162         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: VN 010 & VN 010L;.
Corequisite: VN 020L.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

VN 020L  Vocational Nursing II Lab   Units: 7

This course provides opportunity to care for clients with alterations in various body systems and across the life span including the pregnant woman and family. Students will practice in a variety of health care settings.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 378          Repeatable: No
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: VN 010 & VN 010L;.
Corequisite: VN 020.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

VN 030  Vocational Nursing III   Units: 5

This course builds on all concepts from previous semesters. Students will focus on the care of children with various health care needs. The course concludes with concepts to aid the student transition to the role of professional vocational nurse.
Lecture Hours: 90         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: VN 020 & VN 020L;.
Corequisite: VN 030L.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

VN 030L  Vocational Nursing III Lab   Units: 4

This course is a continuation of skills that were acquired in VN 010 and VN 020. Students apply concepts of team leading and management skills to care for clients of all ages. Students meet the needs for the hospitalized child and clients experiencing labor, delivery, and postpartum.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 216          Repeatable: No
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: VN 020 & VN 020L;.
Corequisite: VN 030.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None